2005 Porsche 911 Cabriolet (997) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (997) weighs between 1480 kg and 1655 kg (3263 to 3647 pounds) when curb weight is considered, depending on the variant and equipment. Its maximum permissible weight ranges from 1875 kg to 2000 kg (4132 to 4409 pounds). The weight difference is influenced by options, tire sizes, and engine configurations that impact performance and handling characteristics.

The luggage capacity of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet (997) is between 105 liters and 135 liters (approximately 3.7 to 4.8 cubic feet). This capacity remains the same whether the rear seats are folded or upright, as the 911's rear seat area is quite limited and folding them does not significantly expand the trunk space. The luggage space is primarily designed for small to medium bags, suitable for weekend trips or daily essentials.

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (997) can be equipped with a variety of rim sizes including 8J x 18, 10J x 18, 8J x 19, 11J x 19, 8.5J x 19, and 11J x 18. Corresponding tire sizes include 235/40 ZR18, 265/40 ZR18, 235/35 ZR19, 295/30 ZR19, 305/30 ZR19, and 295/35 ZR18. These options allow owners to tailor the vehicle's grip, handling performance, and road aesthetics according to preference or driving conditions.

The width difference from 1808 mm (71.2 inches) to 1852 mm (72.9 inches) is mostly due to different mirror sizes or wider wheel and tire setups on some trims. Despite this variation, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet remains relatively compact for a sports car, which aids in maneuverability and parking in urban environments. However, drivers should be aware of the increased width with certain wheel options to avoid tight parking spaces where clearance may be minimal.

Yes, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet (997) fits comfortably inside a standard home garage. Typical residential garages have a width of about 2.4 to 3 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) and a length around 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet). Since the 911 Cabriolet is 4427 mm (4.43 m) long and maxes out at approximately 1852 mm (1.85 m) wide, it leaves sufficient clearance on all sides. However, with the top down or when handling mirrors, it's advisable to be cautious to prevent any potential scrape or contact with garage walls.

Compared to the 996 generation, the 997 Porsche 911 Cabriolet introduced in 2005 is generally slightly larger with an overall length of 4427 mm versus about 4450 mm in some 996 models, but with improved width and stance contributing to a more aggressive and refined look. The 997 also benefited from enhanced chassis rigidity and revised suspension setups, leading to superior handling dynamics. Performance-wise, the 997's engines were upgraded to provide more power and better efficiency, making it a more engaging and responsive sports car than the 996, while maintaining the classic 911 driving experience.

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (997) is compact relative to many contemporaries such as the BMW Z4 or Audi TT Roadster, yet it offers a more focused sports car experience. With its length of 4427 mm and width up to 1852 mm, it is narrower but longer than many competitors, balancing everyday usability with performance. While smaller in luggage capacity, its low height (around 1300 mm) and aerodynamic shape provide a dynamic driving stance. The 997's mix of dimensions gives it an edge in handling precision and iconic styling compared to similarly sized sports cabrios from the mid-2000s.

With a curb weight ranging from 1480 kg to 1655 kg (approximately 3263 to 3647 lbs), the 997 Cabriolet sits within a moderate weight class for sports convertibles of its time. While not the lightest, Porsche compensates for this mass with a highly balanced chassis, rear-engine layout, and precise suspension tuning. The weight contributes to solid road grip and stability, especially at higher speeds, and the car's weight distribution optimizes traction without compromising agility. This balance helps maintain thrilling yet controllable handling characteristics distinctive to Porsche's 911 lineup.

When comparing the Porsche 911 Cabriolet (997) to other sports cars, important dimension-related factors include its compact length of 4427 mm and adjustable width due to different wheel sizes (1808 - 1852 mm), plus a low height around 1300 mm which affects headroom and ease of entry/exit. The limited luggage capacity of 105-135 liters might restrict longer trips with more cargo. Despite slightly bulkier curb weight, the 997’s footprint makes it practical enough for daily city driving with manageable parking ease. However, it excels most in driving dynamics rather than in maximizing interior spaciousness or cargo space.