I test drove 2 gen2 997s today, both 2010 model, one was a c4 the other was a c2s. from my butt dyno the c4 seemed to pull harder around 2500rpm -5000rpm in 2nd and 3rd gear than c2s. the throttle response seemed better than the c2s. could there be something wrong with this particular c2s? however the c2s ran quiet smooth, it didn't seem to have any mechanical problem.
anyone else had similar experience?

 

I didn't take the time to really look into this (research), but you would expect the higher horsepower C2S to have more acceleration whenever traction was a non-issue. Early in first gear, it would be expected that the C4 could out accelerate the C2S as it puts power to all 4. This could even be so significant the C2S may not be able to make up the advantage in a short run. Once you get into second and definitely into third, wheel slip stops being an issue and you would expect the lighter, higher horsepower C2S to out accelerate the C4. I have a gen 1 and the S engine definitely comes alive above 5000, so it may be something with the shape of the power curve.

Also...as you questioned...the C2S could be having issues., but my gut says that you are taking note of the launch capabilities of the C4 and discounting the greater horsepower of the S due to being on a test drive (and not properly winding it).

 

Sorry, I might not have made myself clear. I didn't perform any launches during the test drive. I was cruising in 2nd and 3rd gear and stepped on it at around 2500rpm (tried in both gears), and felt that the C4 had more pull over the C2S between 2500rpm and 4500rpm.

 

me thinks it's your butt dyno that's the issue . C4 will have even less pull in 2nd and 3rd because it's even less HP not just because it's a non-S, but also because splitting power to the 4 wheels actually puts less HP to the wheels on all wheel drive cars.

Unless there is something seriously wrong with the S, the S should feel more spirited.

 

If you want to see how the C2S pulls...you need to get the engine to full throttle at >5K rpm. 5K-7K is the sweet spot. The more you can keep the car in this range on acceleration...the more the C2s will cream the C4 (obviously post launch as the C4 has an advantage on launch).

At least that is my experience in a gen 1.

 

I test drove a 2S and 4S back to back. The 2S felt "lighter" and pulled about the same to me. The 4S felt more stable with less front end lift compared to he 2S. I agree that the S should pull harder..however the AWD may be the reason you feel the difference.