20 MPG combined won’t win any awards, but for the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, it’s almost beside the point. Buyers want open-air thrills, exhilarating performance, and the unmistakable prestige of a modern 911. Fuel economy is simply a footnote in a larger story of driving passion.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet with the 3.0L turbocharged flat-six and eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) are 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The trade-off of a high-performance sports car is evident in the city numbers. The stop-and-go driving, frequent bursts of acceleration, and the engine working harder at lower speeds all contribute to lower efficiency compared to highway cruising. On the open road, however, the 911 settles into a more efficient stride, even delivering respectable fuel economy when driven with restraint.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet to be $2,900. This is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average price for premium fuel (which this car requires). Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific blend of city versus highway miles driven. This $2,900 provides a useful benchmark for potential owners to consider.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy for the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet can vary. Drivers who often use the car’s performance can expect to see numbers closer to the low end of the EPA range, or even slightly below. Those who want fuel efficiency and drive more conservatively might nudge the numbers closer to the EPA estimates, especially on longer highway trips. A heavy foot will always result in a larger fuel bill.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance convertibles, the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet’s fuel economy is normal. A BMW M4 Competition Convertible, for example, delivers an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet, while no longer available for 2023 but a relevant competitor, was similarly thirsty, also achieving around 18-19 MPG combined. A Ferrari or Lamborghini convertible has even lower fuel economy numbers, making the 911 comparatively responsible in terms of fuel consumption. Those considering the 911 likely aren’t cross-shopping with a Toyota Prius, and accept the fuel costs associated with this level of performance and luxury. See 911 MPG across all years for comparisons to previous generations. For a broader view, check out all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay close attention to tire pressure. The 911’s performance is sensitive to proper tire inflation, ensuring your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure helps handling and reduces rolling resistance, this improves fuel economy. This is an easy adjustment to make that can have a tangible effect.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The turbocharged flat-six is eager to respond, but a gentle touch on the accelerator will reduce fuel consumption, especially in city driving. Anticipate traffic flow and brake smoothly, rather than slamming on the brakes at the last moment.

Use the car’s driving modes effectively. The 911’s “Normal” mode optimizes fuel efficiency by relaxing throttle response and shifting at lower RPMs. It might not be as thrilling as “Sport” or “Sport Plus,” but it’s a practical choice for everyday commuting and can improve your MPG.

Keep the top up at higher speeds. The open-air experience is a major draw, but driving with the top down creates increased aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel efficiency, particularly at highway speeds. Save the top-down cruising for slower, more scenic routes.