I'm putting an order in on Friday and I'm leaning toward an S, but I'm wondering if I'd be happier with a 4S. The cost matters, but isn't critical.

I'll be driving the car about 95% on a dry road, mainly for pleasure (agressively), with an occasional run in the rain. The car won't see a track as I have an 86 911 for that. Given that, do you think the additional traction is worth the extra cost? I also like the wider hips, but 1.73" is a barely noticeable difference. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

I also considered the 4s mainly for the extra width, but I decided after some research that the s was supposed to be more fun and pure to drive. The 4 s would be a little heavier and I was concerned I would notice. I also got a great deal on the one I got.
Either way you can't loose.
Let us know and Good luck.
What options and color?

 

Here's the spec I'm about 99% sure on. If I go for the 4S, I would add painted rockers:

S Coupe:
E7 Atlas Grey Metallic
BK Black/Stone Grey Interior
P78 Sport Seats w/Full Leather
M6G Stone Grey Floor Mats
342 Heated Front Seats
XSC Porsche Crest in Headrest
680 Bose High End Sound Package
692 Remote CD Changer (6 Disc)
XLF Sport Exhaust System
446 Wheel Caps with Colored Crest
X70 Metal Door Sill Model Insignia
XPA 3-Spoke Str Whl-Interior Lthr
CDZ Gear Lever Trim Leather
CUV Storage Cmpt Lid w/Model Logo
CCW Belt Outlets B Pillar Alu. Look
XME Rear Ctr Cons Painted Extr Clr
XSA Sport Seat Backs Painted
CDH Door Finishers Painted Extr Clr
CDM Trim Strip Painted Extr Clr
CGA Headlight Cleaner Cvr Ext Clr
CUC Painted Model Desig Rear Lid
498 Delete Model Designation

I doubt if I would notice the difference in weight (120 lbs. or so?), but maybe it's a factor to consider. I haven't driven a 4 but maybe I better before I decide.

 

I got the 4S primarily for the wider fenders, and I got it in Atlas Gray. Everybody loves the color, and it's a very nice alternative to black. Regarding driving vs. the C2, the only time you notice a difference is at low speed and a lot of throttle, especially in the wet. Otherwise it drives identically to a C2, except it weighs a bit more, but it's so incremental, you can't tell the difference in acceleration.

 

short shifter?

 

The C2S is fine in the rain. I've driven it in some serious rain here in VA w/no problems. I considered a 4S as well, but EVERYTHING I've read emphasized how much more "pure" the driving experience was in the two-wheel drive car. I have no complaints...

Oh, and +1 for Atlas Gray - it's a beautiful color.

 

I don't know if I'd go that far. I guess it's fine in the rain as long as you are happing pointing in either direction of the road you are currently traveling on . . .

But I love my C2S. I like the wider body of the C4S, but didn't want the extra weight or 4WD, and even the narrow body 911s have gotten so wide over the years that they all look beautiful to me. And the ability to slide the rear end around so easily makes it much more entertaining to drive for me.

 

My car has been completely fine in the rain - maybe it's because I'm careful not to get too crazy... I had a couple of S2000s before and the 997S is MUCH better in the wet. I guess it's all relative since my Evo was a monster in wet and even snowy conditions.

 

I had a 996 4S and hated it for the understeer and "sticky" steering. Before getting a 997S I spent a lot of time (too much time my wife says) driving the S back-to-back with the 4S and came to the conclusion that the S is the better driver.

Meaning it has more lively steering: you can actually play with the throttle and get the back to move, and it just feels lighter and more nimble than the 4S. The S works just fine in the snow with winter tires (and let's face it the Midwest is one area of the country you could argue could benefit from awd) and rain is not an issue at all.

If looks are more important than handling, or you feel you need the added security of awd then get the 4S, but if you want a purer driving experience get the S.

Still it's your call, but you owe it to yourself to drive both back-to-back over an extended period of time, on roads you are familiar with and see which you prefer.

 

Well said. I drove both before buying my C2S and I found the C4S totally different and less inspiring. Rotating the car, trail braking, steering imput/feel and sliding the car were all much better in the C2S. But if you don't plan on doing any of this and buying the car for the wide rear end, then you decision is simple.

 

I like the wide body of the 4S....but I prefer the S

 

Check out the turbo wheels. They would look great with Atlas.

 

The wide body looks significantly better than the non-wide body. Make sure you take a look at both.

 

That is a totally subjective. I happen to think the newer "wide" bodies look overly wide and bloated. For me the regular Carrera S is a perfect combination of looks, and more importantly, performance.

 

99.9% of the population won't be able to tell the difference in width and even for you as the owner, unless they are side-by-side, i don't think its noticeable. IMHO, I think the C2S is plenty wide.

For my money, I would get the C2S and use the extra money you saved for either the aero kit or aftermarket goodies.