mwillyb

I am considering buying a 3000 mile old C4 as my first Porsche. Everyone seems to think I'm nuts and that the S is much more worth it than the 4. I feel like the 4 would be a better cornering sportscar, which is what I am attracted to and the S gives me power in a range that I will rarely use. The color and options are great and its about $20k off the new price so I am excited about it. Please let me know whether I'm looking at this the wrong way or if I'll be happy with my purchase. Thanks.

PogueMoHone

If you are already asking the question.....?

Alan Smithee

With a slightly higher ride height and AWD, the only reason I could see getting a C4 over a C2S is if you plan to drive in the snow a lot.

blk on blk

I would go S no 4 in your case. The S corners so well I see no reason you'd want the 4 unless you daily in snow. Not even a question to me the power differntial and other amenities make the S well worth it. I know 30hp does not seem that big a deal, but it "feel" like quite a bit IMO. I went from a C2 to a C2S 3 weeks ago so the difference is very fresh in my mind.

mal28

I drove both, noticeable difference, get the S
why 4 in florida?

The B

Hurricanes, daily rain, poor roads....

Seriously, you can do a search for "S vs. Non-S" to get a lot opinions, you'll just need to add the '4' aspect.

aashish84

when we were deciding on ordering a car, originally we wanted a C4 coupe but our salesman told us there is very little alotment for those cars and he could not get one for a while, so we ended up ordering a C4S coupe... much happier with that decision!

rfedele

I went from an 05 C2S to an 07 C2 and don't notice any power difference and I prefer the 18 inch wheels over the 19s. I have also driven the 4wd and prefer the rear drive.

I would recommend a third option, get a new/newer C2. I had a world of trouble with my C2S (bought used with 13K miles) and have excellent piece of mind that I properly broke in the engine and driveline on the new C2 including a DIY oil change at 2K miles after break-in.

The piece if mind is worth way more than the extra 30 horsepower.

RonCT

Best option if not tracking the car? C2 hands down. Great car for a great price. No reason for C4 or C4S unless you live in the Klondike and will be driving in deep snow daily.

Vitamin_J

Does the S have the same wider hips that the 4 holds? Might be rethinking my purchase.

rfedele

NO

rfedele

+1

dstrimbu

Guys,

I have two AWD cars - the 997 and a Volvo S80. As a fairly "analytical" driver and a general car nut, I have to say that AWD _is not_ a "snow only" feature...

I agree that the C2/C2S has more steering feel than the C4/C4S, but that's all that I'll agree to - AWD has benefits in all regimes, all climates, on all roads.

OK, I'm done. Flame on! <g>

-don

RonCT

No flames Don, just wondering how you came to that conclusion... Heavier, slower, less fuel efficient, more expensive... The only time I've read or could imagine AWD being faster and / or more sure footed is in the snow or perhaps flooding rain conditions. RWD in rain is extremely effective as has been proven time and time again (this I know for myself having been on the track so many times with PS2s and RWD). My lap times at Watkins Glen in the rain were not that different from the dry and I'm not a novice (been in Black for a couple of years and run sub 2:15 in the dry in my bone stock 997S, which I'm still learning as it's new to me).

What are the fastest / purest Porsches? CGT, GT3 and race variants, GT2, RS Spyder. Do the ultimate Porsches have AWD?

Bob Rouleau

AWD is a plus in snow. AWD does not improve cornering or braking. In the rain, the biggest hazard is aquaplaning and AWD does nothing for you. Prior to PSM, AWD cars did offer some benefit since they tend not to spin as easily as RWD on slippery corners. Since PSM, the benefit of AWD has been mitigated. In Europe the AWD cars are seen and used as a luxury "business man's express". Most are driven year-round and encountering snow is not unusual in winter. HAving owned both, I would not buy the AWD version unless I planned to drive it in snow, and then with 4 winter tires.

Best,