What to buy: 2003 C4S or 40th anniversary?

I'm hoping that I can get some advice as to which p-car is more desirable now and in the long term. I have an opportunity to buy either a 40th anniversary or a very well equiped C4S. X51 power option is an attractive feature on the 40th, but AWD and the wide butt of the C4S is also tempting. I intend to keep the car 3-4 years before upgrading ( used 997 or 996 TT maybe), so future resale is important, and I will use it as a daily driver as well. Any help in making this decision is greatly appreciated.

I like both but prefer the lighter fee of 2 w drive...i lke to rear bumper of the C4s better but thats it...the Anniv. interior is awesome , paint color is awesome and it is prettty damn fast! I'de say get a kick *** deal on the anniv. and oh yeh, love that front turbo bumper too!

makes me wonder why they didn't make the 40th with the widebody.. if it had every available 996 option, it only seems logical... that would have been the perfect combination... regardless, that's a decision for you to make.. but i think the wide body will retain most of it's value in the future due to the rarity compared to the narrowbody 996s..

Seeing that you live in Ontario, and you plan on using the car as a daily driver, I would say you'll appreciate the AWD of the C4S. I don't think either car will have a major advantage over the other when it comes to resale value.

Down the road the 40th should become a desireable collector model but in the short term (3-4 yrs.) I think the C4S will do better. They're both great cars, I'm sure you'll be happy in either one. Cheers, Stan

Riad, I just noticed the background of your pic. Way to capture the moment! Hopefully it wasn't too expensive. Cheers, Stan

Tagged for talking on my cell phone... so just a $100 fine. Cop was funny, he said "In that car I saw you a mile away, you have to make me work harder for these".

LOL Maybe it's time for Bluetooth.

C4S

You really need to drive both cars as the AWD and 2WD Porsches feel and handle very differently. They both look great and attract their fair share of attention. With snow tires and prudent driving the 40th can be a fine winter car. The AWD of the C4S will give you an advantage and some reassurance when the road is covered in snow. Nice dilemma. You can't go wrong. Post some pictures of what you end up with.

Don't mean to highjack thkis thread...... Jon your car is looking great! Stan

I work in Toronto and drive my 40th year-round. Just put some winter tire and go for it. I've driven rear-wheel drive all my life and use to drive btw Mt-Tremblant and Montreal every week-end with a rear-wheel drive without a problem. You do have to take it easy on the gas pedal with the 40th, but the narrower winter tire make a world of difference. As mentioned, the only thing that would make the 40th more desirable is a big butt. Drive to drive both car to see which you prefer. You really can't go wrong with either. I too was undecided, by the lady who sold me the car told me that I could always find a regular model if I wanted to, but there is a limit on the number of 40th...a too big limit, but a limit nonetheless. Just check how many 40th there are in TO Vs regular 996 !!!!!

I'd say 40th. It has significantly more power with the X51 and it's lighter and will probably have a better resale. Good luck.

C4S is great but I would pick the 40th for sure. Less weight, more power! That's what it's all about!

Either would be good, a C4S with x51 would be ideal. Think I'll do an x51 conversion next, what the hell, it's only money.

40th is fun to drive. X51 makes all the difference. Can't beat the interior. The only thing I would add if I could would be the wide-body and rear valance from the C4S. C4S was my first choice before I found this one.

C4S

Try and drive them both and then decide. Buy which one you like more. I do agree with Riad about the C4S in winter. Is talking on cell phones illegal state-wide in NY or just certain counties? I did not know this. Is it legal to use the bluetooth module or is all use of the cell phone prohibited?

C4S - Visually, it's in another world. Wow, what a car. Besides, you can have it in Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, whatever floats your boat.

You have to use a hands free device in nys, but they can't pull you over for just the phone, has to be something else too. Rick, just got a factory aerokit, will post some pics soon, you're gonna love it!

Wow...thanks guys! Lots of opinions out there. I agree it is too bad that the 40th didn't come with the wide butt. I've driven both a C4S and a C2 but I haven't yet had the chance to try something with X51. I'll keep you posted on what I end up with...and will post pics too. Making the move soon.

Okay, I'll show my ignorance - what is the X51? Obviously some sort of performance enhancement.

I'm a little biased towards the C4S.....either way enjoy...

Chris, In NYS they don't need a reason to pull you over for speaking on your cell phone. Rob

If you get the 40th, I hope you pay less than you would for a 2004 C4S. 40th's were discounted $17k-$20k off the $90k sticker when new and they didn't sell fast at those prices. A $90k C4S was typically discounted like $5k. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/245032-prices-for-40th-anniversary-models.html

I have been looking for a very low mileage original 993 for some time now and thought I found one. After a local Porsche dealer checked it out and confirmed "100% original" I drove 1000km's to get it. As it turned out it was not original (rear fender replaced) so I returned without the car. Long story short , I have decided to buy a 996 as there is much more choice in low mileage original cars. I have been hesitating between the 40th and C4S as well. I have decided today to go for the C4S as I think it is the prettier car with the wide body. Also it is the last Porsche with the red reflector in the back which will makes it unique in the future. A wide body has always kept good value so I have no worries in that department. Also do not forget they made 1963 40th which is a lot. I think however that in the next decades the 40th will become a collectors item but so will the C4S. This is the car I found and have confirmed buying , a 2003 C4S with 10.000km's , first owner , black on black completely original. Will try to pick it up next week.

congrats! Stunning car...love those wheels. I can't wait to finally get a p-car too. My first instinct has been to go for the C4S, but a couple of opportunities came up with the 40th. It's a big investment either way and I want to make sure I'm happy for a long time with the decision.

I had the same decision to make a few months ago. Ending up getting the 40th as I normally do 10-20 track days per year and it's a better car for that (IMHO). I live in Montreal and do drive it year round. A good set of snows and I haven't had a problem. Either car would be great though. The C4S is an awfully good looking car.

Yes, it is a "power upgrade" installed at the Porsche factory. It adds approximately 26 HP to the base engine. 2004 C2 = 320 HP 2004 40th Anniversary Edition = 345 HP 997 S = 355 HP 997 S with X51 package = 381 HP. X51 package on 997 S = $16,900. Hope this helps!

How much is an X51 kit for a 2004 C4S??

...both are extremely desirable: maybe the C4S every single degree (on a 360 degrees view), the 40th just a little less...(IMHO) the number of track days could make the difference (C2 + LSD /vs C4 and a lot of kilogramms), or the attraction of the X51 between 5000 and 7000 revs...