997 C4S advice please

[HUGE]

I am Porsche virgin...maybe thinking about taking the plunge this year though.Couple of mates have had 996 c4s and were very happy and I was very impressed.
The press went nuts for the 996 model but cant seem to find much feedback for the 997 version
Any experience or views on the new model versus the old would be most welcome
thanks in advance

[PorkScratching]

My advice is to go for a 997C2S.

When looking at the 996 models the C4S looked totally different to the C2S as it was basically based on the TT body. With the 'red stripe' etc it stood out as something special and commanded a premium.

On the 997s the only real difference is the increased width at the back. Yes its there but only a true Porsche fan can spot it. I've heard that as part of the facelift coming soon the 'red stripe' will reappear to make the C4S stand out.

The 997C2S is a stunning and capable car (love mine). Drive mine every day in rain, etc and have even taken it to the alps in the snow. I personally would not pay the premium for the 4WD version when the 2WD is so good.

A decent spec 997C2S with under 20k miles can now be picked up for ~£55k with full OPC warranty. That's a £20k saving on a new C4S.

If your new to Porsche ownership and want the newest model then that's what I'd go for.

Any specific questions let me know, otherwise good luck.

Cheers - Erik

[gmk666]

What he said. Just bought my second 2S and they're great. Test drove a 4S and didn't notice the difference other than slightly heavier steering. (Although saying that, I was in Central London and never got out of third.) Wider rear does look cooler, but smaller front boot doesn't.

[nbetts]

PorkScratching said:

My advice is to go for a 997C2S.

When looking at the 996 models the C4S looked totally different to the C2S as it was basically based on the TT body. With the 'red stripe' etc it stood out as something special and commanded a premium.

On the 997s the only real difference is the increased width at the back. Yes its there but only a true Porsche fan can spot it. I've heard that as part of the facelift coming soon the 'red stripe' will reappear to make the C4S stand out.

Whilst the 997C2/C2S do have a wider rear than the 996 C2/C4/GT3 the width only gets extended on the 997 C4/C4S/Targa models.



It goes without saying that the 997 Turbo and 997 GT3 RS are also wide-bodied cars.

The only Narrow Bodied 997's now are 997 C2/C2S and 997 GT3

My pick would also be for the 997 C2S out of the 'normal' 911's.

Edited by nbetts on Wednesday 17th January 14:48

Edited by nbetts on Wednesday 17th January 14:51

[Try5t]

I have driven both - My dad has the 4S and I have the 2S - both 2006 model years. There is very little to separate them other than the price. I love my 2S, if I sold it I would buy another one - only because I can`t afford the GT3 or Turbo yet!
You may pay a more for a 4s but you do get the wider body and 4 wheel drive system - and even on the road without the old 996 4S stripe, it looks wide. Its horses for courses - but you won`t regret buying either.

[PorkScratching]

nbetts said:

PorkScratching said:

My advice is to go for a 997C2S.

When looking at the 996 models the C4S looked totally different to the C2S as it was basically based on the TT body. With the 'red stripe' etc it stood out as something special and commanded a premium.

On the 997s the only real difference is the increased width at the back. Yes its there but only a true Porsche fan can spot it. I've heard that as part of the facelift coming soon the 'red stripe' will reappear to make the C4S stand out.

Whilst the 997C2/C2S do have a wider rear than the 996 C2/C4/GT3 the width only gets extended on the 997 C4/C4S/Targa models.

I meant to imply that the only real difference between a 997C2S and a 997C4S is the width at the back. Wasn't comparing a 997C2S to a 996C2S.

[funkydunk]

I also test drove both but unlike most here, fell for the 997 C4S.

No need for the weather to stop the fun i thought.

But in saying that, if you can save £20k on a C2S then that could be a sensible option..

I didnt get to chuck a C2S into each & every corner & so I cant give a real world opinion on the C2S.
I use the 997 C4S every day & the roads can be bone dry or flooded out like this morning & ill still be throwing it into the bends like a politically incorrect, carbon spunking motorist with zero respect for our elected liars in Downing Street.

If your going to drive like a bat out hell & not have any moaning women in the car then go for a C4S. Otherwise stay on the safe side, save a bit of dosh & jump into a sedate C2S....

[Dr S]

Test drive them both. I found the 4S to be less crisp - especially on the limit - than the 2S. I'm just not made for 4wd...

PS: If you like the back end a bit wider. Invest into some spacing plates. I got about 1 inch each side. It pushes the wheels out enough to make it look real tasty...

[nbetts]

PorkScratching said:

I meant to imply that the only real difference between a 997C2S and a 997C4S is the width at the back. Wasn't comparing a 997C2S to a 996C2S.

It was not clear to me what you meant - hence the qualification. Thanks

[sidicks]

funkydunk said:

I also test drove both but unlike most here, fell for the 997 C4S.

Likewise !!

If you are planning lots of track days, then I would see the advantage of the 2S as you'd probably have more fund, although that said, turn off the traction control and the 4S is great fun as well!

The vast majority of my driving is early morning on the way to work or coming home, often late in the evening when I'm tired. In all weathers, the 4S is a dream to drive, and I'm never wary of it catching me out when I'm not fully concentrating. Fflooring it part way round a roundabout is stress free, but great fun.

I've no doubt that the 2S is better for the purist, but on a practical basis I can't imagine anything better than my 4S.

Obviously the higher price is an issue, as although the wider rear looks good, I'm not really sure it justifies the cash on its own - However, I think there is some extra brake assist feature on the C4S which doesn't appear on the C2S ?? Hopefully the rarity will also help residuals............

Sidicks

[thorny]

I've owned two C2Ss and am now on a C4S - to be honest I would buy a 2S if I were to get another as they are better value for money. In terms of driving experience, the steering is slightly heavier and not quite as delicate as on a C2S on my C4S but I like the extra security that goes with 4wd, it drives 99% of the time like a 2wd car which is a good thing imo.