Debate about the pros and cons of C2 v C4s please

I have decided I have to change away from my current manual as I spend too big a piece of my life every day on the elevated section of the M4 into London largely in first (previous Boxster tiptronic coped very well with this). I started a search a couple of weeks ago for an 03/04 tiptronic. I am thinking of including a C4S in the brief. There have been debates before about this but I am keen to here opinions from all of you regular users on C2 versus C4 versus C4S. The C4S conversation seems to centre on better looking wide body rather than any particular dynamic advantages. Are there any disadvantages perhaps (weight being a significant one, but depreciation, petrol consumption, servicing as well)? Look forward to hearing from you all. All the best Des

I'm sure others will have their view, but as the engine / bhp is the same, then the 4wd models will be slower and less economical due to more weight and drag in the transmission chain. The C4S has a wider body, so presumably fractionally more aero drag too (although I doubt that is significant). For me, the C2 offered a nicer driving feel and of course it has significantly more boot space than the 4wd versions have.

Do a search. This crops up regularly. IMO the nicest 911s are rwd/coupe/manual/normally aspirated. Not keen on turbos, but they need 4wd for traction, as the power is delivered quite abruptly through a narrow range.

in day to day driving i find no disdvantages of the 2wd option.on windy slippy italian alps roads the 4wd c4 i had was good but that was a fraction of the ownership.the rest of the time the laughable boot space outweighed any advantage many times overfuel consumption not a major issue compared to that but nowadays may be more relevant[ ].TBH more important to find the best car whether its c2 c4 or c4s then enjoy!

I agree with dylan. Find the car you like the most and enjoy it. I suspect that real world fuel economy difference between C4 and C2 is not that great (it's how you drive them that makes the big difference). The greatest drawback with a C4 for me is the reduced boot space. The plus is a feeling of huge confidence in grip, particularly in the wet. With PSM fitted as standard to the C4 you would have to be driving very "enthusiastically" on public roads to get into trouble.

What he said.

I currently run a '03 C4S and I previously had a '99 C4. Whilst the 4wd does give an extra measure of security, it still doesn't allow you to break the laws of physics when going around corners in the wet (as I nearly proved today myself). As you are probably aware, the C4S has the suspension, brakes and wheels of the Turbo and whilst the grip and handling of the C4S is definitely better than a standard C4, the ride is definitely worse which might be a factor if you use your car for commuting. I've found little or no difference in fuel consumption (about 22-23 mpg overall) and other running costs are similar. IMHO, a C4S will depreciate less than a standard C4 because the C4S is the more sought after model in the used market

Pedant's corner... the 4s doesn't have proper hollow spoke turbo wheels, but turbo-look wheels. Meh. The styling of the 4S does it for me. Also, the occasional extra security (like yesterday when I hit a lake on the M40) of the 4wd is nice. C2 has a purity though, and more about, so you'll get a better car for less cash.

Yup, banged to rights, they are indeed turbo look wheels but I've never quite understood how 4WD is safer in standing water. Surely if the front tyres start to aquaplane, no amount of 4WD will help. One thing I do know for sure is that even with 4WD, a C4S is a bloody scary thing in the wet if the tyres are close to the legal limit on tread depth

Then the moral of the story is.. Do not drive a supercar with near minimum tread depth![:-]

What's the safe minimum tread depth for this supercar then? Anyway I thought this supercar was supposed to be everyday practical which means doing everyday practical things like not replacing the tyres until they're close to the legal limit

If you notice a difference from near legal tyres as you say "a C4S is bloody scary thing in the wet if the tyres are close to the legal limit" then there is the answer.

Hi. Having owned many Porsche Models over the years, I have owned a 996 4s manual for nearly 4 yrs now, its got every optional extra going. My experience is fuel consumption is no more than most other 996s Does not feel slower than narrow body but slight difference on paper hardly worth talking about. Grip is awsome you just want to push it harder and harder but as said allready you do need depth on tyres recently found this out in france with 2 to 2.5mm left ,coming out of wet roundabout back stepped out , hence new rears now fitted grip restored. Turbo wide body, turbo brakes and suspension and turbo 2 look wheels, allthough i read somewhere few early models may well have the hollow turbo wheels fitted.Dont Quote me on that. Down side is the luggage area at front smaller being 4wd of course may be an issue for some, especially if your used to a Boxster . Hope this helps. Cliff.

Thanks to all the contributors. I guess I will rely on the old adage of buying on condition and just see what turns up regardless of variant. Though I do fancy the wider profile, it suits my own !! All the best Des

If it falls within your budget my first port of call would be a 996 turbo. You get 4 wheel drive, you get the motorsport derived engine, and you get the wider rear look you're after, as well as blisteringly quick speed which is very upgradeable. I'd also wager, lower depreciation.