20 MPG combined is an acceptable figure for the 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. A buyer of this car is likely more interested in performance than how much gas it saves. They’re buying a 540-horsepower, all-wheel-drive convertible that accelerates to 60 mph in under three seconds. Fuel economy is secondary, a price paid for performance and a unique driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the engine accelerates and decelerates. The highway MPG is achieved when cruising at a steady speed, with the seven-speed PDK transmission in higher gears. While 24 MPG may not sound impressive compared to a hybrid, the Turbo Cabriolet makes efficient of its fuel. The performance delivered per gallon is staggering, pointing to Porsche’s engineering.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which this car requires. This is an estimate. Your costs will vary based on your driving, the type of gasoline, and fuel prices. However, $2,900 provides a benchmark for potential owners who expect expenses related to high-end sports cars.

Real-world expectations

What you can expect in real-world fuel economy depends on your driving. Someone who frequently explores the car’s power will likely see figures below the EPA estimates, especially in city driving. On the other hand, a driver who mostly uses the car for longer highway trips and drives conservatively can potentially match or even exceed the 24 MPG highway rating.

Most drivers will experience a blend of both, with the actual combined MPG likely around 20 MPG. Resisting the urge to unleash the Turbo’s potential is a challenge.

How it compares

The 911 Turbo Cabriolet’s fuel economy is comparable to other high-performance convertibles. The Mercedes-AMG SL63, with its V8, delivers only 16 MPG combined, and the Audi R8 Spyder V10 achieves around 16 MPG combined. The Porsche manages 20 MPG while performing as well or better, showing its engineering. A base 911 Carrera Cabriolet achieves a slightly better 22 MPG combined, highlighting the fuel cost with the Turbo’s extra horsepower and all-wheel drive. You can view 911 MPG across all years to compare different models and powertrains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

There are steps to improve the 911 Turbo Cabriolet’s efficiency even if it’s not your main concern. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The car’s performance can be addictive, but smooth driving will reduce fuel consumption.

Also, use the car’s automatic start/stop system in city driving. This feature shuts off the engine at red lights, saving fuel when idling. It can be momentarily disruptive but becomes second nature and helps city fuel economy.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated, and Porsche specifies precise tire pressures to optimize handling and fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the correct PSI. Regular maintenance is important as a well-maintained engine runs better. Follow Porsche’s service schedule and use high-quality synthetic oil to minimize friction. Explore all Porsche fuel economy data to learn more about the brand’s gas mileage figures.