Orlando Sentinel's view

Sports cars come and go. Few endure the test of time.

But one model, the Porsche 911, just keeps getting better as the years roll on.

It seems hard to believe, but Porsche has been building the rear-engined 911 since 1964.

Of course, the 911 has been updated and revised, overhauled and rebuilt many times over the last 32 years.

But its basic shape and mechanical layout remain true to the original.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

As with all 911s, the 1996 Carrera 4 has a rear-mounted air-cooled engine. It’s a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that has a number of mechanical improvements over last year’s model.

Power is up, and maintenance is down.

A new ”varioram” induction system has increased horsepower from 270 to 282. The system delivers fuel to the engine more precisely based on the engine’s speed. Porsche says the 911 Carrera 4 goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

Porsche’s 3.6-liter engine is very potent, delivering plenty of power all the way to the engine’s 6,700 rpm limit. When the engine revs to about 6,000 rpm, it makes a high-pitched whine like a jet engine.

This year’s 911 will require fewer trips to the dealer for expensive tuneups, because the engine has self-adjusting valves.

Our test car came with all-wheel drive. When the rear tires lose traction, a computer sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is a nice feature if you drive in snow, and it might be useful in wet weather, but most Central Floridians probably could get by without it. The standard 911 sells for about $5,000 less than the Carrera 4.

All Carrera4 models come with a six-speed manual transmission. The clutch takes a bit more effort than a regular car, and the shifter is fairly stiff. But because the 911 accelerates so quickly, you don’t have to shift fast to build speed.

The 911 Carrera 4 has a very stiff four-wheel independent suspension system. I’m convinced there is very little that this low-slung car can’t do when it comes to high-performance driving. For instance, the 911 will accelerate as quickly as you want, and it will go around a corner as fast you dare without the slightest bit of bad behavior.

What a tremendous feeling to have such power. There will be few cars ahead of the 911 unless you want them there.

However, with that power comes the responsibility to use it wisely. If you are not careful, you could quickly rack up speeding tickets.

Our test car – despite some very hard driving – performed flawlessly. The power-assisted four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes can stop the car in a heartbeat. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering feels a bit heavy at first, but you get used to it.

FIT AND FINISH

Porsche makes high quality cars. All the materials in the 911, from the thick carpet to the nicely padded cloth convertible top, are expensive-looking.

The power convertible top automatically latches to the windshield frame, and it go es up and down with a touch of a button. Rear visibility is good with the top up.

Even though the suspension system is very firm, you always are comfortable. The thickly padded seats conform nicely to your body. I suspect larger adults would have a hard time getting comfortable, because the seats are fairly narrow. My 165-pound frame was held snugly.

The 911 has two rear seats, but they are of little use. There isn’t enough leg or head room for human passengers. However, my 24-pound dachshund had just enough room to be comfortable.

Our test car came loaded with a full menu of power accessories, including cruise control, power windows, door locks, mirrors and seats. All the test car needed was a CD player, which, on a car that costs more than $81,000, should be standard equipment.

I have some minor gripes:

– When turned at certain angles, the steering wheel blocks the view of some of the gauges.

– The alarm system is very finicky. Sometimes I had to res t it in order to start the engine.

If you would love a fast, handsome car, and if money is no object, take a close look at the 911.

Truett’s tip: Fast, safe and powerful, the 1996 911 Carrera 4 is the best model yet of this timeless German classic.