24 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling competitions, but for the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, it’s a reasonable compromise. This car isn’t bought for maximizing fuel savings; it’s a performance icon, a status symbol, and offers an open-air driving experience. The buyer is choosing intoxicating acceleration and the visceral thrill of a flat-six engine over saving money on gas. They want the badge, top-down motoring, and the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive; fuel consumption is a secondary consideration.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet put city driving at 21 MPG and highway cruising at 28 MPG. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six works harder to maintain momentum. The all-wheel-drive system also adds mechanical drag compared to a rear-wheel-drive model. The 28 MPG highway figure is better, showing that the 911 can be efficient when covering distance at a steady pace. The seven-speed PDK automatic transmission is key, keeping the engine in its optimal rev range and allowing relaxed highway performance despite the car’s sporting nature.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. This figure provides a useful benchmark, but actual costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices (premium fuel is required, adding to the expense), and time spent driving in demanding conditions. Those who frequently push the engine to its limits can easily exceed this figure.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized rating, but real-world fuel economy often differs, sometimes significantly. Aggressive acceleration, extended idling, and continuous use of the air conditioning will negatively impact fuel consumption. On the other hand, careful driving, using cruise control on long journeys, and proper tire inflation can help achieve or slightly exceed the EPA estimates. Many owners report figures slightly below the combined 24 MPG rating, but confirm that the driving experience compensates for the economy.

How it compares

The 2019 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is reasonably efficient compared to other sports cars. The BMW M4 Convertible, with its high-revving engine, gets around 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet gets around 20 MPG combined. The Jaguar F-Type Convertible, also focused on performance, only achieves around 22 MPG combined. The 911 offers similar or better fuel economy while being a usable daily driver. For those wanting to compare 911 MPG across all years, this is a good point of comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 911 has a turbocharged engine, so avoid quick acceleration from a stop. Gradual and smooth increases in throttle pressure allow the turbocharger to spool up efficiently, minimizing wasted fuel. Flooring the accelerator quickly adds fuel to the engine to speed up the turbo, resulting in inefficient combustion.

Take advantage of the PDK transmission’s efficiency. Let the transmission shift automatically when possible, as it’s programmed to select the most fuel-efficient gear for the given speed and load. Don’t manually downshift for every passing opportunity to improve gas mileage. Using “Normal” mode when possible also improves economy compared with “Sport” or “Sport Plus” driving modes. This also applies to more performance-oriented models. To look at all Porsche fuel economy data, this is a good point of comparison.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check tire pressures regularly, especially before long trips. The proper tire pressure is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Modern engines are designed to operate efficiently when running, but excessive idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate waiting for more than a minute, turn off the engine to conserve fuel. Modern stop/start systems do this automatically, and manually shutting off the engine in similar situations can save fuel.

Consider using cruise control on long, flat highway stretches. Maintaining a consistent speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, improving fuel economy. Cruise control minimizes speed variations, optimizing engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption on the highway.