911JRR

I am between a 2008 Carrera Cabriolet S
and a 2008 Carrera Cabriolet 4S


I have owned a Porsche, but never got the AWD. Is the 4S worth the money? Is the AWD more fun than the RWD?

thanks, Richard.

C4 Pazzo

Post this question on the 997 forum and you'll get some opinions.

ked

back in the 993 era, when I had experience w/ both, I liked the 2wd over 4wd.
my 911 forum opinion is that unless you are utilizing the 4wd in a perf (off-road) or safety (snow & rain) regime on a regular basis, the 4wd is not worth the +$s, is not as much fun. I suppose if one had to share their Porsche with a driver for whom it is intimidating, then a 4wd w/ tip might be called for. sharing & compromise are laudable in most contexts, but not in sports cars, at least for me.

911JRR

thanks for your advice Ked, that's how I felt as well.

the AWD didn't seem worth another 30k.

Sorry, about posting in the wrong section, can a Moderator move this page please?


Oh...and f*ck sharing.

C4 Pazzo

911JRR,
You asked for opinions about the differences between two 2008 models. I haven't driven either, so I didn't have anything specific to share. I was just trying to help by pointing you to the forum where you are more likely to get some experienced opinions. Good luck.

911JRR

thanks. Should I just post this again in the 997 section?

ked

yeah, that'll work. & welcome to RL - best of luck selecting the new car.

theiceman

Hey ked great post " my 911 forum opinion " .. too funny .. depending on the forum comments have to be modded .. :-)

Welcome 911JRR and welcome to Rennlist . You will find the "colourful Metafores" used less here than any other site you have visited i am sure ..

again welcome aboard..

Edgy01

As a long time 911 driver (from the 1970s onward to the 997s) I believe that Porsche has dialed out much of the issues that made AWD an alternative. From my perspective AWD is overkill. The 2WD 997 handles incredibly!

911JRR

Thanks for the advice, I purchase a used 2007 911 S Cabriolet with only 1700 miles and I am very happy. Drives great! Did not need to have the 4S.

Jay H

Ice, nicely worded!

Dan Cobb

I'd venture to guess that it is probably only worth part of the money when buying, and of course ALL of the money when selling!
+++

Erik @ Carquip

Well at the risk of offending anyone, I would simply like to say that driving the 4wd has been the greatest driving experience I have had. Now I would tend to agree with most of the statements made here, but if you are going to be driving really hard, especially in the mountains, I have never driven a more confidence inspiring car then the C4. You quite literally can not put a wheel out of place, and I have actually tried on an occasion or two. You simply put your foot down and steer the car, it is really quite amazing the response and feel.

Just another opinion though, we all know about them.

Erik @ Carquip

richc

I owned RWD only Porsches from 1968 to 2007 - I'd had 10 of them in that timespan. In 2007 I test drove a 4S and enjoyed it, I'd still have it but I traded it for a Targa 4S last last year. I miss the light steering of the RWD cars, but don't miss the oversteer all those RWD cars had. The 4's don't appear to exhibit oversteer, at least not the degree the RWD cars did - but I have to add the 997 RWD cars don't seem to have seem to have as much of it as eariler models. I drove them at the PDS in Birmingham and they can be pushed very hard before it becomes something to worry about. In my humble opinion, these cars get better every year.

Da Hapa

Horrible answer but honestly... it depends.

If you live in a mostly sunny climate like S. CA then I think AWD is a waste. The AWD cars are heavier, get a little worse gas mileage and more expensive.

However, if you live in Seattle and you're going to drive the car regularly in rain, etc. then the AWD is absolutely worth the money.

My two cents only.