RCLNG

Having only owned RWD cars, I'm unfamiliar with the durability of AWD cars such as the 4S. After having driven both the S and 4S, I'm leaning towards the latter given the slight edge in grip (plus, I like the rear light strip ). I tend to keep my cars >6 years. Am I looking at high maintenance costs for the 4S after the warranty expires? Is the S a much safer bet given its simpler mechanics?

WCE

Not an issue to be concerned about - maybe 100,000 miles down the line you have front CV joints and boots and a diff which might need service.
So you're buying a 4S for the light strip, maybe add PCCB for the yellow calipers.

jmct

I didn't have any issues with my 997 C4S and I put 49k miles on it in 4.5 years. I just picked up a 991 C4S last week and wasn't concerned about buying a 4, nor have I heard of any issues with them. I wouldn't hesitate.

And you're right, both the light-strip and the extra grip are cool!

cascade

I've had no unusual issues with this 997 4S. A good car in the rain as well (abundant supply of that up here).

fester

Got mine over a month ago....the wide body and strip (and 4wd) were my motivations...I'm glad I did...some shots of my car including the rear end here

Some photos/config details here: http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...errerid=112006 (pg 5)

zirrah

Porsche has been using AWD for years so in general I'd say their setup is pretty reliable (the vast majority of their mechanicals are).

patpetillo

Just picked my 2010 C4S in January and do not have first hand experience to comment. During my shopping process, I was told that there was nothing additional to be concerned about. I was told with the turbo would cost extra to maintain.

Hammer911

non-issue

RCLNG

Thanks all for the responses. And look at that rear end on fester's and hammer911's rides! $5K premium for the rear light strip, improved grip, and a wider rear...tempting, esp when compared to the prices for some of the other options.

MacAna

Are you saying the price difference between C2S and C4S is just $5k for you guys?

In South Africa the premium is $11k !!! Otherwise I would definitely have opted for the wider track and rear light strip

fester

Yes here too ...it's about $11K premium..

kyrocks

No major issues with my 997 C4S. Looking to upgrade to 991 S. No need for all wheel drive here. S performs much better than 4S as well. I wouldn't worry about any reliability issues on 4S though.

OldGuy

I have had 2wd AWD Porsches for a long time. There MAY be a little more maintenance because of the front drive shafts but any more you just dont hear about that any more. This question goes all the way back to the 964s and the 993's. So other than your initial outlay you wont ever notice it.

parkerfe

Since there are more parts in the 4s, there is some increased risk of failure.