desmo907

Considering a few different 1999-2004 (996) car (cab or sunroof) and have driven a 4S (short drive).

Wonder to value of 4S over only 2 wheel drive. I will not be driving in snow...
And also wonder if 4s adds more worries for repairs...

Curious for opinion and/or pointers to other threads...
Thx

dotframe

Its all personal preference. I absolutely love my 4S and am very glad I went with it.

Dennis C

I love my 4S too and I'm happy I bought it. I'd do it again.

There are pros and cons. Most people (me included) believe it is the best looking variant of the 996 ever produced. It has the wide hips of the turbo, but not the air intakes or the rear spoiler. It preserves the 911 lines better. It's nicely equipped, has upgraded suspension and brakes, etc. On the other side of that coin, it's heavier than a C2 and not quite as quick. It handles a little bit differently. It does have more parts to break, although not much more than a C2.

Ultimately you have to decide what you're looking for in a Porsche. If you plan to track it frequently, you'll probably prefer a C2 or even a GT3. If it's going to be used on the street more, then go with your heart. If you like the look of the C4S, it won't disappoint you.

SacTownGuy

I think the back end on the 4s is well worth the extra money.

desmo907

Thanks... I had not seen the 2wd yet... nor compared them side by side.
I did like the 4S looks... even seemed have body works along the lower sides ..

Tuorbillon

S4 is a sexy looking car. I prefer the look of coupe. I'v been looking around and it's lot more expensive than 2WD cars. Some are almost as much as the turbo. It will be little slower due to extra weight.

desmo907

Notice differences in front fairing for 4S across the 996 years. The 2004 I see has more "fins" in front air dams (unless it was an option or add-on). Nor sure I notice much difference from rear...

halik

AWD, turbo brakes and suspension and generally better optioned than an average narrow body. Tough to beat. Agreed on the cleaner lines without the spoiler.

Also you can get a ton of oem turbo parts for cheap (when people upgrade). I got a 10K mile set of shocks for $250.

otto06

I love my 4S. The wide a$$ is just sexy and I drive the canyons almost every weekend - the brakes are well worth it. I wasn't sure of the AWD - I prefer RWD cars but I own an '84 Carrera too - so I can get my fix that way.

silotwo

The 4S is a great ride in my opinion, I originally purchased for the looks and the AWD thinking winter since I drive them year round. Didn't expect a much of a functional difference between the 4S and the C2, but the 4S has really grown on me.

In my opinion the 4S is a tad more on the luxury side, great cruiser, great handling, not as quick as the C2 but wind her up and there is plenty of go juice.

The C2 feels a tad quicker and sportier, I notice I tend to drive somewhat more aggressively in the C2 than the 4S.

Trunk space is a downer on the 4S.

I suggest you drive them both, perhaps a few different cars of each, and the right car will most likely find you.

Happy shopping, there can be a lot of fun in the hunt.

Mil Mascaras

I have a 4s as well and previously had a Cab Carerra as well. I prefer the looks and ride of the 4s over the regular 996, not to mention the wide back side.

Heima996C4S

IMHO the 996 C4S has one of the best asses Porsche has ever offered... Love my 2004 C4S.

yoda888

What are you buying the car for? Weekend cruiser? Track car? etc..

I had the same dilemma as you!

I originally without a doubt was going to get a 4s! Just love the look of the widebody! However for my purposes and reading the forums, I found a 40th Anniversary to meet my needs better.

My purpose for this car is:
3rd car
random weekend cruiser
HPDE car

The 40th Anniversary fit my needs better because:
x51 motor package (more power!!!!)
LSD (no other 996 has LSD except for GT2/3 I believe)
2wd (vs. 4wd for track and potentially less parts to break)
Bonus: nicer interior than a standard 996

All in all, exactly what someone would want for the track.

What kept me going back and forth between the 4s and the 40th was the widebody! I love that widebody look!

In the end, I got the 40th, because I gave up form for function. But I don't think you can go wrong with the 4s!

Tim Wasmer

I have a 03 C4. Have had 3 C4S's. Would buy one again Just was not in the budget this time

spender

I have a 4S, so I am biased - but do your research and you'll find that the C4S is widely considered to be one of the classic models (by Porsche standards) in the 996 line. Excellence (Porsche magazine) currently has their buyer's guide out, and they rave about the C4S.