My '08 997S came with PSE and quite honestly, aside from the better sound, the car drove much better. Felt far more spirited and alive. As such I never drove without PSE/Sport on, other than some longer cruise control interstate miles where it doesn't matter. My '09 is without PSE and it's so quiet I couldn't stand it so I sourced a Cargraphic x-pipe (w/gas collision, which is 3 db less than their x-pipe w/o) just to hear the motor noise. The PSE sound level is great for everyday.

More/most essential is Sport Chrono pkg. You can always add more sound for far less than adding PSE after-the-fact. Saves weight too, and adds a tad bit of power (nothing you'll feel).

 

Crazycarlitos is correct. I confirmed via the 997 Full Brochure that the C4 models have Luggage compartment volume (German Car Manufacturers’ Assoc.) of 105 litres vs. 135 liters for the C2 versions.

 

I ended up with a C2S with sport exhaust.
I saw many C4S's I liked but in Los Angeles no snow and little rain.
I went to a Porsche AutoX and loved how I could hang the tail out around corners.
I tried in the 4S and it was not easy to do and Porsche instructor said if you going to do AutoX get the C2S.

On the options side I wish I had full leather. It brings the car up quite a few notches.
Id take full leather and add PSE later or do the hack.
Cant easily add full leather later.

 

Congrats on the new purchase. Enjoy!

 

Is the 2006 4S a cab also? If not, seems like you would be more interested in whether you want a cab vs a coupe.

 

No, they're both cabs, and they're both 2006. I'm only interested in getting a cab.

There's are no big differences between the 997 models from 2006 to 2008, are there?

 

Not much, but Porsche did make a change to the IMS bearing for the 2007 model year. It may be in some 2006 cars also, not sure. The new bearing is supposed to be much better than earlier designs, but can still fail.

 

I did exhaustive research. Spoke to several mechanics and Porsche race shops. Drove both and they are both lots of fun.
I ended up with a C2S.
Quick review of the basics related to your concerns.
Awd is has two axles and more mechanics. It is more expensive, it is heavier, and WILL require more maint long term - just a fact. AWd is kind of idiot proof - It's next to impossible to shake it loose -which for some drivers (like me) can be a hell of a lot of fun especially in autoX. That said the 996 997 2wd p-cars are so beautifully balanced that it's takes some real effort to really hang out the back. Car is more likely to understeer. Bottom line is that the vast majority of us will never drive the car to it's full potential anyway so unless you are driving in lots of rain or snow I don't see a real solid reason or need for awd. Of course I am bias b/c this was my decision. But just adding my 2 cents.

SSK can be added for a few hundred bucks plus install which is DIY if you are up to it so don't let that be a deciding factor.

Fat *** I beautiful, agreed, but I have accomplished that same fat *** look with aggressive wheel offsets i.e. spacers (have a look at my car and tell me you can REALLY see the 1.5" difference). Again not a deciding factor in my book.
Sport exhaust - great option but I did a Gundo hack for $200. Took me a while to get used to it and I can't turn it off but I now I love it and I wouldn't ever WANT I turn it off. Plus my 2" Gundo just sounds much better and badder than the sport exhaust . Especially on a track!!!
Again just my 2 cents for what it's worth. But you asked.

 

Low mileage and full leather are the way to go, imo. Sport exhaust and a ssk can easily be added. Rwd is arguably more fun with less understeer, more nimble, and more fun should you decide to do some track work.

 

If I don't do any track work, would I be able to feel the difference in normal/spirited type of driving?

 

Yes, if you're tuned in pretty well i think you'll be able to tell the difference. But that's not to say which one you'll like better. Some folks like the way the awd feels, insofar as it seems to offer stability in cornering at high speeds. I like the way you can rotate the rear end around with rwd, which is somewhat lacking with awd.

 

Full leather may look nice but, IMHO, not the best idea in a cab if you live in a warm climate. More susceptible to sun damage than the regular

 

Hmmm, good point. I live in Delaware, so it's not like Phoenix or Vegas, but the car will be sitting outside most of the time, as I don't have a garage. The leather will definitely be beige, if that makes a difference.

Any photos or evidence of leather dashes having been sun damaged, or discolored??

 

Decided to follow Mr. Carlito's sage advice, and have scheduled a couple of test drives of S and 4S back to back today.