Hello everyone,

After a couple of years of lurking around here, and my local dealership, I think I'm ready to take the plunge and buy my first. First, THANKS for all the fantastic advice you've all shared with each other, and fellow newcomers like me! This place is such a terrific resource for someone just getting his feet wet.

Well you know the drill. I started two years ago with a CPO Boxster in mind, considered everything from a 356 to a GT3, and then one day found myself behind the wheel of a 2009 C2S cabriolet that stole my heart. I really hadn't imagined that PDK could be as satisfying as it is, and the winding roads near my house in the east end of Long Island have never been more exciting... I just can't wait.

Before I seal the deal, I wondered if there was any consensus on the merits of the C4S over the C2S. From reading this forum, it sounds like a lot of it comes down to a matter of personal style, though the thread below [1] reminded me that the 4 might be a better choice if winter driving is an issue (which it is, here in snowy New York.) On the other hand, I've heard a lot of speculation that the 2's simpler mechanicals might make it a better choice as a long-term possession, both in terms of service and resale (haha, resale...), but an equal number of people seem to disagree [2]. Anyway, as someone who tends to hold on to things for a long time this is definitely on my mind.

If anyone wanted to share their thoughts, I'd be very grateful!

J.


[1] https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...in-winter.html
[2] http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/964di_1_n.htm

 

I recommend getting a daily driver for winter stuff (I got a GTI) and then it's just up to you which one you like the feel of better. The C2S is a little more "mobile" at the back, but it's more fun IMO. The C4S is one of those cars that always feels resolutely planted. I've owned both - you can't go wrong either way.

 

I'm not sure what the future will hold with regards to resale, but unless you are really driving the car very aggressively, there really isnt that much difference between a C2S and a C4S. The C4S may be better for you given where you live. The 4WD may be helpful in bad weather. The C2S is a little lighter, fractionally quicker (not really noticeable) and for the track - may be a better option. I think the C4S is a little nicer looking due to the wider rear end . I got a C2S and love it.

 

C2S wins thumbs down. I own both, the 4 was my first purchase. As your knowledge and driving skill improves the C2 is far more rewarding in every aspect, from performance to the degree of control you have. I frequently ask myself why I purchased the 4, the answer to that is simply, I didn't know any better, and of course I didn't even know that Rennlist existed. I am on my third 911 and will never, ever, purchase a 4 wheel drive again.

 

I have had a C4 and now own a C4S. Have driven a C2S for an extended week. The C4S is a heavier car, less lift in the front when you're on the highway, and feels more planted. If you're going to go on the race track you might want a C2S, but in the environment you're in 4WD will come in handy provided you put on snows. I wold recommend a daily driver in the snow as Chris suggested. For the uninitiated, the 4S keeps you planted a little longer when you're pushing it.

 

For me, the biggest reason to get the C4S is the wide body look. But having said that, the 997 C2S has a wide body if compared to the 996, so it's all relative I guess. OTOH, I prefer having the driving dynamics of the more classic RWD layout. Although I like the looks of the C4S over the C2S, the C4S wasn't even on my shopping list when I was looking.

 

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts! This is very helpful.

I guess my next question (last question?) is, does anyone have any insight into how closely dealers are sticking to MSRP these days?

 

Not very.

 

C4S given the winter driving, and I'll admit that I prefer the wider body. If it was a weekend car or if you lived in a warmer climate then C2S.

 

Not very meaning not very close? The dealers I've spoken with are talking about prices within $5K of MSRP, which is why I asked...

 

shop around just read on this forum porsche is giving the dealer 10k per car too sell. So you should get a great deal.

 

I think you'll learn a lot if you search for past posts on this very subject. Try something like "C2S vs. C4S" or other combinations. People have been asking this for many years and all of the reasons for one over the other have been covered. My personal feeling is a C2S is the best all around car Porsche makes, even if you live in NY and plan to drive the car year round. It's all about the tires you use, not whether the front wheels are turning. Get a 2nd set of wheels (18s) and put some good snows on and enjoy. C4S is heavier, more complex, more expensive, has less trunk room (this being your only car, it may be a factor), etc.

You are talking to the wrong dealers if getting numbers within $5k of MSRP. Heck, I custom ordered my car last November for 13% off MSRP. With the current $10,000 incentive Porsche is giving the dealer, you should be able to get $20k off (many here are reporting such deals).

 

To the OP - If you are considering a C4S, GREAT deals can be had on the 2009 C4S launch car because it has the sport bucket seats which many don't like. If you like these, you can definitely find a $113K MSRP car for well below $90K. There are lots of these cars sitting in dealer inventories. I picked one up Friday and I found over 20 cars with the launch code spec sitting in dealers across New England, NY/NJ.

 

+1. I live in Florida and track my car so the C2S is for me...but if I planned on making A Carrera a dailey driver and snow could be on th road then I would do a C4S.

 

As a Porsche owner for 35 years, I would highly recommend the 2wd. Less complex, by a long shot, particularly if you keep cars a long time like I do.