2004 C4S vs. 40th anniversary edition

ok guys, which one would you pick and why? I'm in a delimma....

40th anniversary, if it was a 6-speed, instantly. ESPECIALLY in San Diego. More horsepower, less weight, every option. But that's just me. =)

40th. More HP, Less weight.

totally agreed...but just can't get over the bootyliciousness of C4S!

40th without even having to think about it. It's the best N/A 996 made short of the GT3. The C4S is the best looking N/A 996 (short of a GT3), but it's also heavier and slower (slightly) than a regular Mk II C2.

c4s is the best looking 996 period. sure the 40th is limited, but limited isn't always a good thing esp if the limited stands alone.

For me, it's a 40th. Love the looks and the increased poser. Plus, weather is pretty good here so I don't need that awd that much. I think could reel in a 40th for under 60k but a c4s is more like about 70 (same years).

40th by far...nimbler/lighter & faster with X51, same great look in front (turbo bumper), limited slip. And you get all the interior bits...full leather, alcantara headliner, painted console. Also, GT Siver rocks! And you'll save $$ in the bargain.

40th..

Ben, it seems like you have a thing against 40th. I read your comments on a different thread regarding its indistinct appearance, average interior, and unimpressive power. How much would you pay for a 40th to justify its value? And how much for a same year c4s (996 model)....?

nothing against it... i question its value however in light of the $65K asking price. given the condition, i think asking $57K is fair but who knows you may well get 59K or maybe even 60K, but given used 997 Ss are out there... it may overlap a bit the closer u get to 65K asking. a c4s would obviously be more.

For me, it's not a hypothetical question. When confronted with that exact same decision 3 years ago, I picked the 40th and haven't regretted the decision once.

Is there any mechanical issues i should be aware of for a 40th? i'm thinking to get a ppi first...

Not much unique to the 40th.... just make sure the original owner maintained the luggage with high quality leather maintenance products. Other than that, it's just the usual 996 C2 stuff.

40th...

If C2 v. 40th, no doubt go for the 40th If C4S v. the 40th, tougher decision, but I pick the C4S. I'll shut up now.

Which is more rare?

yugos

There's a C4S buying guide in the April issue of GT Porsche (UK mag). A couple of quotes from page 75: "While it'll never have the cult following of the 993 S models (because supply isn't so limited) it looks set (apart from GTs and Turbo) to be the most collectable 996 - even taking into consideration the 40th anniversary model." and... "They have really held their money well - better even than the Turbo." I went through the same debate over a year ago and for me the C4S was a better fit.

luggage?? i keep hearing this term? what the heck is it

The 40th anniversary cars came with 2 pieces of leather luggage that are sized to optimize the space in the 996 C2 trunk. The leather is nice but not durable or secure enough to check on a plane. The cars also came with a leather wallet and key fob.

I have a 40th and I love it. I have drive C4S, and it feels more bulky and is slower. I purchased it on 9-11-04. I was looking all summer, almost bought an 04C2 but got my wife a cayenne s instead. Dealer called me around labor day, and they knocked off 20k from the sticker (96.5). It only had 50 miles on it when I picked it up, and 23 of those miles I put on during the extended test drive (they gave it to me over the weekend). I am at 22k miles right now. Had an RMS under warranty and a problem with the intermittent (sp) wipers. Other than that, it has been solid. For the past few months it has been my DD. I even picked up 2 bags of mulch, and they fit in the luggage compartment. Luggage is really nice, but not very practical. I would not check it in, and no rollers or shoulder strap. Wallet and key ring are not my style. In 2004 if you priced out all the options separately, the car would have been over 110k, so the package saved you about 12k. Currently worth around 60, about what I owe, so it is holding its value well. I have yet to see another one on the road.

If you want to enjoy the rear traction , (for me more Porsche purist sense) get the 40 th. The normal equipment of a C4S is quite good: - Big red brakes (from turbo) - Bixenon - Full leather - Electric seats - 4WD - Turbo look II 18" rims - Metallic paint - 60 mm widebody - turbo front bumper - M030 suspension I suposse that the car will bring you more optional equipment besides this. The 40 th has lots of details: - 18" polished rims model Carrera - PSM + LSD (very nice to drive in sharp road) - Full special dark-grey leather - M030 suspension - Bixenon - Silver GT exclusive paint - turbo/4S front bumper - Power kit 345 HP - Rear center console silver painted - Rear emblem " 911 40 Jahre " - Sound digital pack - Artic silver dials - Backrest seat in silver painted - etc

40th anniversary, and don't look back.

Ok, so how about comparing a low mileage older C4s from 2002? Once can buy a very clean 02 C4s with under 20K miles for about $48K. From looking at kbb value and asking prices, a 40th with comparable mileage is more like $60K. Would you pay this premium for it? Yes the 40th is newer, but similar mileage/condition cars should be somewhat comparable in terms of wear and tear and service life left. I love the 40th, but wonder whether or not it's worth the premium it will cost now over a C4s. Might be better waiting for them to get further down the depreciation curve no?

40th looks awkward with the turbo front with narrow rear - just bad proportions - that's a huge X for me. i've driven the 997S extensively, but given how vain i am i still picked the porky C4s over it

C4S has PSM standard also.

Yes all 4WD had it. Carrera and Targa models had PSM as an optional, but only the Carrera model had the choice to get LSD at the same time of PSM, but it must included mounting M030 and 18" rims

Having the LSD alone would make me buy the 40th.