Many people share your preference of the C2/S over C4/S for the exact reasons you explained so well. It's just that many people also prefer the wider body and slight power bump of the C4S. That's why, Ive pointed out as a reminder that people who are in Both camps often consider the GTS as a kind of Goldilocks configuration As most probably know, the 997 GTS comes with: the lighter rwd as apposed to awd, the same wider rear fenders as the C4/S, with a marginal yet substantial max power rating and torque bump at lower/mid revs, (as well as the following: a modestly optimized suspension above that of the C2S, standard sports exhaust, and various other goodies..such as the Gorgeous GT2! side lower fenders, and the next gen 991 sports sterling wheel, and lastly,.. amazing rims with pai yet cool center locks)

Best of all possible worlds really, without venturing into "hardcore purist" track oriented GT3 territory.

Please excuse me if I sound too boastful. I just got mine less than two weeks ago, and am still not over how beautiful she looks, not to mention how she Drives!!!!

 

Start out I wanted a 4S solely because of the beautiful wider rear look. But after factor-in being heavier, more parts to maintain, AWD is over kill in DFW areas. End up with a C2S, not a regret and her rear look as good as J Lo. And the C2S is $5-7K expensive.


Wide boy Turbo is totally different!

 

I am an *** man - 4s

 

I prefer the 4's rear but the potential of maintaining extra aging parts scared me away!

 

I had the same concerns, but after consulting my P Factory mechanic friend, he said its not an area of concern. So I gave into the junk in the trunk.

 

I have always loved the look of the fat **** on the 4S and Turbo but never been in the right place/time to buy one. I know there is a weight factor with the 4S but not sure what that does to the performance factor versus the C2? I have also assumed that the car would be heavier feeling but again, do not know.

Buy one and let me know

 

So now you realize you should drive both and decide for yourself right?

 

in my honest opinion, the only way to have a 911 is to have rear wheel drive. pure bliss from a driving perspective and requires you to be on your best game behind the wheel. 4s and other all wheel drive variants are heavier and don't have the driving characteristics of the 911 as it was intended from a purists perspective. to each their own. all are great driving cars. good luck.

 

Here are some track comparisons for the two. Aesthetics aside, they're comparable with lap times, but the main difference is the driving feel. 4S is more planted, 2S is more raw and playful.

997 2S vs 4S:
991 2s vs 4s:

 

+1 - Just drive them both a few times and see which one scratches your itch better.

 

For those who have not driven the 997 4S and newer... the 997 4S and AWD Porsches in general have been out performing their RWD counter parts for quite some time. Maybe not always in a straight line, but definitely in the corners and in poor weather. With the intro of the 2006 997 4S it was the 1st time that the awd 911 had an Official Porsche time Faster than it's 2S brother around the Nurburgring. I guess a lot of the negative talk about AWD comes from the 1989 964 days when that car really had a LOT of understeer and its 2wd brother handled way better. Some suspension and sway bar mods done by owners of the 964 C4 really fixed that understeer problem and the awd systems and suspension setup in general have just gotten better with every generation..

Yes, the 2S feels lighter and more nimble and may be a tic faster in a straight line due to weight advantage, but, my experience and contrary to the "stigs" opinion, is that the lighter front end 2S is now the one that I have found has a lot more understeer compared to the 4S. Especially in tight corners and when getting on the gas out of corners. The 2S tends to push/understeer more in those situations.. Drive them back to back and you will be less confident in the 2S in slippery conditions too.

With the rear weight bias and light front end 911's can feel like they are popping a wheelie if you get on the gas too soon mid corner. As the weight transfers backward under acceleration the front tires get very light, lose grip, and wash out. This is a lot more prominent of a characteristic in the 2S and less so with the 4S. With 100 lbs of added hardware over the front axle to drive the front wheels the steering feels a bit heavier/firmer in the 4S. 2S steering can feel a bit light compared to 4S. So although the 2S may accelerate a tic faster to 60 mph due to being lighter and give you more of the wild "purist" 911 characteristics, the 4S will always give you more confidence and has the advantage through tight corners and getting on the power sooner.. Add rain, snow or a wet surface and then there is no contest. 4S all the way.

I am a huge porsche fan and really enjoy all of them, so not criticizing 2S at all, but just wanted to share my experience and that awd has come a long way and you can hardly notice the awd system in the newer cars..

Plus... I like my Porsches with big butts 

 

There wasn't a 996 C2S, but the C4S had the same engine as the C2.

The 996 C4S was four seconds faster around the Nurburgring than the 996 C2.

 

Just got home ..... was driving my 4S through a snowstorm tonight.... tracking beautifully.


Discussions about being worried about 100LBS extra weight is kinda silly to me. If you plan on driving your future car in the rain or snow, just grab a 4S. The extra 1.5 inches of width in the rear actually looks like several inches when a 2 S is parked right next to it. Always fun to park at shows and hear the folks comment on the rear ends of the WB cars.

 

Inches matter.

 

I take my Jeep in the snow and the 911 sleeps under a blanket in the garage!!!