From a day to day perspective they are both great cars. The turbo will really satisfy the power requirement while, at the same time, potter about town and cruise on the highways just as well as the 4s.

When the need comes up to pass a semi or dump truck (or both at the same time) on a back road there is really no comparison .

If you are planning to do lots of track days the C4S will be more linear and easier to control in the turns and will be dynamically more satisfying. The turbo will, however, put a grin on your face on power tracks and every straight you encounter.

One last thought... Think of all of the cool Porsches produced since the 70s. The ones I lust after and am excited to see on the street all have 'turbo' on the back; whereas a base 996 is just disappearing into the mix as mundane. 10 years from now, which will be more desirable?

 

Unless you need AWD, I wouldn't bother with a 4S. A Turbo is a lot of fun, but if you go n/a just get a newer Carrera (or Carrera S if 2005+) and skip the AWD.

 

Go with the Turbo. I've owned both (see my signature) and made the wrong decision the first time but corrected it a year later. The 4S was a great car don't get me wrong, its got the turbo look with a different decklid. I owned the 4S for one year and then sold it and bought a turbo. The 4S left me wanting more power so I started looking for a turbo again not long after I bought the 4S. They really are almost the same money which is kind of strange. Both great cars but the engine in the turbo is so so much better. That GT1 block is bullet proof as others have said. Good luck with your decision.

 

It's funny, I was all set ot buy a 4S also...then I drove the turbo. Turbo all the way.