Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet
20.5 MPG The 2009 Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet is EPA-rated at 20.5 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 732 gallons, $2341 a year in fuel, or $0.156 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2004–2009 run it averages 18.7 MPG, improving by 3 MPG over 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.122 | $1220 | $1829 | $2439 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.146 | $1463 | $2195 | $2927 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.156 | $1561 | $2341 | $3122 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.171 | $1707 | $2561 | $3415 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.195 | $1951 | $2927 | $3902 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.220 | $2195 | $3293 | $4390 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.244 | $2439 | $3659 | $4878 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 26 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 2008 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 23.5 | $4050 | 468 | 2 |
| 2007 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 23 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2006 | 18.5 MPG | 15.5 | 23 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2005 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2004 | 17.5 MPG | 15 | 21.5 | $4425 | 508 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet ranks 28 on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (21), Porsche 911 Carrera (21), Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (21), Porsche Carrera 4 Cabriolet (21), Nissan 240SX (21.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 434 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet get?
The 2009 Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet is rated at 20.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 26 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 18.7 MPG, ranging from 17 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet cost in fuel per year?
At 20.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 732 gallons — roughly $2341 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.156 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $3750.
Has the Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 17.5 MPG in 2004 to 20.5 in 2009 — an improvement of 3 MPG, or 17% across 6 model years.
Is the Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet efficient for its class?
It ranks 28 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG. That is 2.0 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.