22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but that’s not the main point of a 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. This car exists for open-air thrills and the unmistakable howl of a flat-six engine. Fuel economy is a secondary consideration, a necessary evil, for the driver who prioritizes performance and pedigree. This is a weekend canyon carver that also presents a stylish valet profile, not a commuter appliance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 911 Carrera S Cabriolet with the 3.8L engine and automatic (AM-S7) transmission are 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures show the tension between performance and efficiency. Stop-and-go city driving forces the engine to work harder, negating some of the advanced engineering designed to optimize fuel burn. On the open highway, the 911 can stretch its legs, benefiting from more consistent speeds and the transmission’s ability to settle into higher, more efficient gears. That 27 MPG figure is achievable, even while enjoying the car’s strong power, provided you resist the urge to constantly dip into the throttle.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,650 for this 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Remember that this is an estimate. Your individual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended for optimal performance), and fluctuations in gasoline prices. The $2,650 figure serves as a benchmark for comparing the running costs of this 911 to other sports cars and convertibles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs, especially in a car like the 911. How you drive will have the biggest impact. Frequent hard acceleration, spirited backroad drives, and extended idling will significantly reduce your MPG. However, adopting a smoother, more deliberate driving style, anticipating traffic, and using cruise control on the highway can help you approach, or even exceed, the EPA estimates. Factors like tire pressure, the condition of your air filter, and even the weight you carry in the car can also subtly influence fuel consumption. The owner of a 911 is likely paying for a driving experience, and the costs usually associated with it are acceptable.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2016 911 Carrera S Cabriolet’s fuel economy is within a reasonable range. For example, the Jaguar F-TYPE R Convertible with its supercharged V8 achieves around 16 MPG combined, emphasizing its raw power over efficiency. The BMW M4 Convertible, with its turbocharged inline-six, manages a slightly better 19 MPG combined. Even the Audi R8 Spyder, with its V10, lands at similar 16 MPG Combined. The 911’s advantage rests on the balance of performance and driveability that Porsche has engineered into their flat-six engines. A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible can deliver around 19 MPG combined, but for a Porsche buyer, the Corvette might be seen as less refined. For drivers who truly prioritize fuel efficiency from Porsche, they can review all Porsche fuel economy data, or specifically 911 MPG across all years. The comparison matters because it contextualizes the 911’s fuel consumption within its segment. Buyers are considering a mix of performance, luxury, and image, not just pure MPG figures.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 911 Carrera S responds well to smooth driving. Avoid abrupt acceleration and braking. The more smoothly you drive, the less fuel you’ll burn. Even small adjustments to your driving style can accumulate into noticeable savings over time.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door. Consistent tire pressure management is a simple and effective way to optimize fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling. Modern engines consume fuel even when the car is stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially relevant in city driving, where traffic lights and congestion can lead to prolonged idling periods.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible. Cruise control maintains a constant speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This not only improves fuel economy but also reduces driver fatigue on longer journeys.

Keep your car well-maintained. Regular servicing, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that your engine is running efficiently. A poorly maintained engine will burn more fuel and produce more emissions.