kboustani

looking at 2001 carrera on line and seller thinks but not sure if it is an awd.
is there a way to tell by the vin or any other way without looking at the car in person.

Capt. Obvious

The engine cover will say "Carrera 4" rather than just "Carrera".

kboustani

anything else.

black1999996

bigger brakes colored silver if stock.

black1999996

no difference in body style. just will have silver painted calipers. turbo size.....

Ahsai

On my carfax report, it says RWD (mine is a RWD).

street rod

The door sill will say carrera 4.

996_North

Get a shot of the frunk. The C4s have a noticeable lack of frunk space compared to the C2

WalterRohrl

Your seller is the definition of "non-enthusiast" owner...Sheesh.

heligear

The registration should say whether or not it is 4wd, also the Carrera4 has a wide body like the Turbo and vents on the rear bumper

sjfehr

Badges and fenders and differentials and paperwork can be fake. The only real way to tell is to give a lot of power exiting a fast corner in a poor grip situation, and see how well she pulls

street rod

OP is asking about a 2001. In 2001 they did not make a C4S, only a narrow body C4. Also no vents on the C4.

996pp

If the current owner doesn't know if his/her car is a c4 or c2 I wouldn't even consider buying from that person. Shows how much he/she cared for the car. That said if you can get the vin and call your local dealer they will tell you

Gus B.

Ask for a pic of the front underside of the car. If you see a differential with axles to the tires, it is awd.

If you want to know if it was originally this way, get a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) from Porsche and they will confirm exactly what car should be related to the VIN.

Odds are NOBODY will convert to a awd version from a 2wd.

Quadcammer

that person may have had the car regularly and perfectly serviced the car at the dealer, drove gently and spent a lot of time living life away from cars.

judge the car on its merits without prejudices against the owner.