The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS manages 22 MPG combined, a figure that’s almost entirely irrelevant to its target demographic. Buyers in the market for a high-performance, all-wheel-drive Porsche coupe aren’t prioritizing thrift; they’re chasing the visceral experience of a finely tuned sports car, and they’re willing to pay for it at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for this particular 911 configuration. While these numbers provide a standardized benchmark, they should be viewed with skepticism. The 3.0L turbocharged flat-six is a responsive and eager engine, and it’s easy to dip deeply into the throttle, especially when exiting corners or merging onto the freeway. Consistent highway cruising at a steady speed will yield results closer to the EPA estimate, but spirited driving, which this car actively encourages, will negatively impact those numbers.

City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic and opportunities to exploit the engine’s low-end torque, is also likely to fall short of 20 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

Factoring in the EPA’s estimates of 15,000 miles of driving per year and national average fuel prices, the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS tallies up an annual fuel cost of $2,650. This figure provides a tangible representation of the financial commitment involved in owning and operating such a performance-oriented vehicle. It’s derived from the EPA’s combined MPG figure, making it a good baseline for comparison with other vehicles. However, factors such as individual driving style, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway driving will significantly impact the actual amount spent on fuel each year.

Real-world expectations

Forget the window sticker. Real-world fuel economy for the 2017 911 Carrera 4 GTS leans heavily on driving style. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of Sport or Sport Plus modes, and a general disregard for economical driving habits will drag the MPG figure down considerably. Expect to see numbers closer to the high teens in mixed driving if you frequently tap into the engine’s potential. Conversely, a conscious effort to drive conservatively, using the automatic transmission’s higher gears and avoiding abrupt acceleration, could potentially yield figures slightly better than the EPA estimates, particularly on long highway journeys. Owners prioritizing fuel economy should explore all Porsche fuel economy data and consider how their driving style will impact overall mileage.

How it compares

Compared to other sports cars, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS sits in a middle ground. A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with the automatic transmission might achieve closer to 24 MPG combined, while a Jaguar F-Type R, with its supercharged V8, will likely struggle to reach 20 MPG. The Audi R8, with its naturally aspirated V10, typically falls below the 911 in terms of fuel efficiency. The comparison matters because while 911 buyers aren’t solely focused on fuel economy, they appreciate some level of reasonable efficiency alongside performance. A significantly worse MPG figure might push a potential buyer towards a different, albeit less engaging, option. Review 911 MPG across all years for further perspective on model year variation.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the standard drive mode in everyday situations. The Sport and Sport Plus modes sharpen throttle response and hold gears longer, which is fantastic for spirited driving, but detrimental to fuel economy. The standard mode offers a good balance of performance and efficiency for daily commutes and errands.

Pay attention to tire pressures. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which in turn improves fuel economy. Check the recommended tire pressures on the driver’s side door jamb and maintain them accordingly. Regular tire pressure checks are especially important with the 911’s wide, high-performance tires.

Anticipate traffic flow to minimize braking. Smooth, consistent driving reduces the need for sudden acceleration and braking, conserving fuel. By anticipating traffic patterns and maintaining a safe following distance, you can minimize fuel wasted during acceleration to regain lost speed.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine, even with the slight increased wear on the starter. Many modern cars, including the 911, feature automatic start/stop systems to mitigate this.

Stick to the recommended octane fuel. Using a higher octane fuel than recommended won’t provide any additional performance benefits and is simply wasting money. The 911’s engine is optimized for premium fuel, but using a higher octane rating than specified in the owner’s manual is unnecessary.