996 C4s Whats your opinion

Good morning all, Am going to have a look at a 2004 july 996 C4S, was told full option. What are your opinions about the 4S, what are the pro's what are the con's. Am currently driving a Boxster 2.5 What are the things to look out for? On pistonheads I read comments that people find the 4S a bit of a dull car, not very inspiring. Just give me your experiences please Thanks Ronny

Although I don't own a C4S, I've had the pleasure of driving one on several occassions. The biggest advantage of the C4S is that it provides you with a great deal of stability. Maybe some want to turn that characteristic into a liability, but to me it's certainly a plus. It just so happens that most of the time I had behind the wheel of a C4S was in the rain, and the feeling of control it provides in those conditions is remarkable. Although I've never driven the car in the snow, I have to believe that it would handle those conditions quite well, especially when equipped with snow tires. Another advantage of the C4S is that it holds its value extremely well. In my area these cars sell for at least $10K - $15K more than similarly equipped C2s. The only disadvantage of the C4S is that it's a lot harer to make the tail swing out in hard cornering. Compared to the 993 that I use to own, it takes a lot of work to make the car slide. Personally I consider that a plus for the C4 but I can understand how some may dislike it. Although you can't go wrong with any 996, the C4S is an especially good choice if you want a car that can be driven year round in any kind of conditions. It will cost you more, but IMO it's worth the premium.

I'm a little biased but, all pros no cons. Maybe the smallest negative is that it is a tiny bit heavier than a C2 but still faster and better handling than most of us can us everyday; and you wouldn't really notice the extra weight. The turbo nose, wide hips, suspension and brakes make it a great value and it looks fantastic! The interior with the full leather and memory seats is something that is hard to find in many C2's. All p-cars are fantastic, but if you live where it snows and you want to use it year round, you won't regret getting a C4S.

Once I drove a C4S, I was hooked. By comparison, the C2 handles way too lightly for me. The only real thing I'd change is its range-at the avg 17mpg I get, you dont get as far as you do with a C2, which burns a little less gas and I think has a larger tank. Oh, the front space is a bit more limited because of the AWD.

Thanks for your comments gentlemen, So bottom line it sticks better to the road, some like this others don't. Keep in mind I'll use it as mu everyday car hence rain and the occasional snow. Hot backside which I like, I ''d better go an d have a look at the car. Will let you guys know Thanks Ronny

Great year round street/track car, just needs more power.

How much of a difference in cost is a 04 C4S from a 01 turbo? I'd seriously look into a turbo if it is not substantial

Not much. The only problem is that I would at least want an 02 Turbo, and the price difference would be greater.

Agree with Rob, a '02 or later TT won't be cheap or even close to the C4S, '01 is a different story.

Was something wrong with the '01 Turbo?

No, just didn't have the updated interior - which was significantly improved over the previous model years.

The only difference in flat black vs. gloss black buttons, & 02 has a glove box. I have an 02 my buddy has an 01. Not much of a difference to me. Also the real early 01's had the ugly front bumpers with solid wheels. For the price I would go with an 01 turbo.

I forgot about those hideous front bumperetts on the 01 Turbos... oh man. However, I have to say something isn't right, I've never seen an 01 with the glove box. Also, I believe the instrument cluster is different as well. Rob

Only the early 01's had the ugly bumperettes. There was also a option for 01 for bumperette delete. I did mention the glove box - none for 01. Not really much of a difference. The A/C unit was moved down and the whole radio - A/C unit was moved but it depends on your options and if you had NAV. The only 01 I would not take would be one with the front bumperettes. Although for the right price it would give you a great reason the upgrade to a GT2 nose. No reason to pay a pretty big premium for an 02 IMO unless it still had the factory warranty.

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification.

I know there were significant improvements in suspension and chassis rigidity between '01 and '02 996's. Things not readily evident. I can't say for sure that these involved the TT as well, but I can only assume that they did.

Ronny, It is impossible to give a really good answer to your question without a little additional information. For example, how do you intend to use the car (e.g., daily driver, track car, both, etc . . .)? Where do you live (sunny climate, snowy climate, etc. . .)? What are you looking for in a car primarily (e.g., looks, bling, performance, etc . . .)? IMHO, the answers to these questions are very important in determining whether a C4S, or some other Porsche, would best suit your uses. TD

I pick up my 2002 C4S on Friday and delighted to read what I've heard before. Can't wait. Spoke to previous owner who said car was great EXCEPT if you go in snow-snow tires on all corners are imperative. My baby will see snow from the garage window, from the inside looking out, so that's not an issue.

I drive my C4S cab all year round, don't sweat it really. But he's right, snow tires are a MUST. ENJOY!!! Rob

C4S - what can I say, it's spectacular. So much more visual punch than a standard Carrera, fast and handles like God's own chariot. It's a badass car.

I'm considering a 2nd P-car and have driven all of the 996's except the GT3. The C4S is perfect for winter up here in the NorthEast. Take away our winters and the C4S would be my 2nd to last choice. IMHO the C4S had too much understeer for me coming from a BoxsterS. I think this could be greatly reworked with suspension changes but you know how that goes. If you aren't dealing with the right people it can get exepnsive fast and you still have that understeer. I hear the 997 C4S is much better stock. But for the price I'd take the 02 Turbo. Waiting for that Cayman4S...

Hey Guys, I appreciate it you want to sell me on the Turbo. But thats not my question, my question was the C4S. Actually I have two options a nice 02 996 Cab and the 04 C4S Coupe, I know big difference. The C4s is above my budget but then its an S with a 4-drive (safer right?) If I really stretch my budget and forget to the tell the wife I might make it. But then is a C4s really worth the money, am talking here about 69500 euro's that a bit more in $ 84.000 Come on guys tell me how different to a C2 is the C4S Thanks Ronny

You still haven't said anything about how you intend to use this car. Street Track Both Summer only All year round Throw me a bone here. Any answer given to your question has posed will be, essentially, meaningless. The cars are different, and they have different strengths.

i kind of thought the last 30 or so posts did tell you - it handles better in the daily less than perfect weather; it is usually suggested as being the best looking rendition of the whole 996 model cycle; it holds a better value model. take the difference, spread it over 5 years and i suspect it won't be that significant.

Sorry Gents, What will I use the car for, well its my everyday car, year in year out. I live in Belgium (Europe) plenty of rain, and even snow in the wintermonths. SO far I am not planning on using this car as a trackday car, not many track opportunities here in Belgium I understand the 4S is in general the better car, looks better, better roadholding (on rails). I must humbly admit I have never driven a 4S, plenty of km's in a Boxster but very very little in a 911. Am a little "scared" about the reputation of the 911 shaking its butt and more. Mind you I consider myself a relaxed, carefull driver, but once in a while I love to push the car a bit, and since I live close to Germany the opportunitie arises to overtake a police cruiser doing +200 km/h. Thanks for the comment s very much appreciated (Still don't know what to buy, will drive a 4S soon) Ronny

The 911 isn't as dangerous as its reputation tells (if you drive it appropriate to road conditions). I drive a 911 SC on all road conditions except snow because of the salt. On wet roads I drive more carefully because it hasn't got any electronic stability program at all. You just have to drive it like a 50 HP car beeing careful with the throttle if a dangerous situations is upcoming (sharp bends...). Even on dry roads it's were difficul to let the butt get out off line. The drivers fear arrives first. Regarding the 996 I'm not sure too which model to choose - I'd like to use a modern 911 as a daily driver as well. My issues would be design and the way I'd like to drive regardless of the weather conditions. The 996 C2 and C4 are smaller in the back compared to the C4S. The C4S looks more powerful in my opinion. With bad weather conditions driving is always more secure with a 4-wheel drive car having a stability program (PSM) compared to a 2-wheel drive car with PSM. If the weather is really bad I feel secure driving my Audi ... Quattro but as stated above I wouldn't mind driving a 911 as well. The 911 has got the motor above the driving axle so you've got a very good traction. If you intend to visit Switzerland in winter and drive over passes covered with snow higher than 2000m I'd choose in any case the C4s. Why don't you go for a ride in one of these days. Isn't there still any snow on the roads at the moment? Driving on the Autobahn with more than 200km/h isn't secure with any car. Wet roads with aquaplaning. Slower drivers blocking your lane without looking back... Sure you've got a better traction in a C4S on wet roads, but... Regards, Christian