20 MPG combined is not the main reason someone buys a 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. It’s a performance icon with a folding roof, all-wheel drive, and a license to thrill, not a Prius. This figure is simply the price to enter that world a compromise accepted by drivers who prioritize exhilarating open-air driving over maximizing fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet at 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects the stop-and-go conditions that force the engine to work harder, negating any potential efficiency gains from the programming of the automatic transmission. On the open road, the 24 MPG highway number becomes more attainable, though spirited driving a near-guarantee in a 911 will quickly pull that down. The all-wheel-drive system also contributes to a slight reduction in fuel economy compared to the rear-wheel drive Carrera models, due to increased drivetrain losses.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet will be $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will depend on how many miles you drive, your driving style, and the price of fuel in your area. Heavier acceleration, frequent short trips, and aggressive braking will all increase your fuel consumption and ultimately affect your fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy will vary widely. Owners who frequently indulge in the 911’s performance capabilities, especially in Sport or Sport Plus modes, will likely see numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower. Those who prioritize efficiency with a more relaxed driving style on longer trips might achieve or slightly exceed the highway estimate. The 911 rewards drivers who can strike a balance between enjoying its performance and being mindful of fuel consumption. Assume somewhere in the high teens is a reasonable expectation for combined MPG.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance convertibles, the 911’s fuel economy lands somewhere in the middle. For example, the BMW M4 Competition Convertible, with its similarly potent inline-six, achieves a combined 18 MPG, which is very close to the 911. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet, with its V8 engine, comes in lower at a combined 19 MPG. These differences are fairly negligible to the target demographic, who prioritize performance and luxury over marginal fuel savings. Someone cross-shopping these cars is more concerned with brand reputation, subjective styling, and dynamic handling characteristics than 1 or 2 MPG.

Comparing it to other 911 variants provides further context. The rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera Cabriolet achieves a slightly better 21 MPG combined. For anyone interested in 911 MPG across all years, it is clear that the Carrera 4 carries a small penalty. Those prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else within the Porsche ecosystem might want to explore the all electric Taycan. If you wish to view all Porsche fuel economy data, you will find that Porsche does have more efficient vehicles, they just aren’t designed for the same mission.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Engage the “Normal” driving mode when not actively seeking an adrenaline rush. This softens throttle response and encourages the transmission to upshift sooner, keeping the engine in its most efficient range. Avoid heavy acceleration and prolonged high-speed cruising whenever possible.

Ensure your 911’s tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended settings, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Removing items from the trunk reduces the amount of effort required by the engine to propel the car. While this won’t result in dramatic gains, every little bit helps over the long run. This is about maximizing every possible advantage.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed helps to optimize fuel consumption by reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Just stay alert and be ready to disengage it when necessary.