How can I tell the difference between the two without measuring the rear end width, are the VIN's different?

Thanks.

 

i would say look at hte badge

 

Yeah there is a "4" after the Carrera but before the "S" on the C4S trunk but this "4" is not on the trunk of a C2S.

Was this a serious question?

 

It will say Carrera 2S or Carrera 4S on the rear deck. If you can't see that or the car's been debadged, you could always call a dealer - I'm sure they can tell from the VIN. You might Google Porsche VIN too and see what pops up.

 

more like Carrera S or Carrera 4 S

 

Look at the rear tire size. The 4S has a 305.

 

The widebody is fairly obvious when you look at it. Also, the boot is smaller and the rear tires are 295 series versus 265 on a C2.

 

This couldn't be a serious question. Why would anyone want to decipher a VIN, when there is clear labeling and tire sizes you could use?

 

YES, THIS IS A SERIOUS QUESTION. They both say Carrera S, only the 996's had the Carrera 4S insignia. For those of you that suggested to check the rear tire width....I thank you.

 

Wrong the 997's also have Carrera S or Carrera 4S or Carrera or Carrera 4. Also you can't miss the *** on that thing, you can put a glass on the rear haunches of that thing.

Dave

 

Hmm thats news to me. I've seen lots of 997 4S's with the '4' in the emblem. Once you have seen them side by side, the wide quarters of the 4 are easy to spot.

 

Not in '05. The C4 is something like 1" wider (huge difference) than a C2.

 

I have a 997 4s and it has the c4s batch.

 

The C4 and C4s also has bigger rocker panels than the Carrera 2/S. They are very visible and can be painted as an option. C2/S has virtually no sideskirts/rock panels stock.
C2:




vs C4 widebody with bigger, paintable rockers:

 

You can't always tell by the tires. If a C2 or C2S has the Carrera Sport Wheel option, it will have the larger 305/30 rear tire. Also, of course, the 305's can be simply put on them. They fit. Even if a C4S has been "debadged," once you really look at its wider rear profile, the car is unmistakable. (It's 1.73 inches wider, which doesn't sound like much, but actually makes a big difference in the car's rear profile).