Hi! I am seriously looking for a Porsche 997 to use as a daily driver. Is it really worth paying the difference for a carrera 4 as far as safety, performance and economy are concerned? I consider myself as a regular driver (I`m not Fangio...), my daily drives are usually to commute to work (about 50Km/day) and the weather here is usually mild (although it can rain quite a lot during winter)... I already have a Ferrari 348 which I intend to keep. I am looking for a car to keep for a long time, modern, solid, well built and safe. Those are the main reasons I´m choosing a 997... Best regards
go for a C2S, you will have more fun. if you lived in a cold climate with snow in winter the C4S would make sense in those conditions.
C2S Meu amigo! Just like the old times In Portugal you don't get the snow we do here. If it were another country then maaaybe C4. Also, for safety you'll be ok with just the PSM
I've got a c4s, and would prolly opt for a c2s. I got the c4 because of snow and ice, its good in ice but too low for snow. you lose almost half a what little trunk space you have up front. the wider stance is nice but not noticeable to the untrained eye.
The Turbo which got the new 4WD design first has been met with some grumbles by Turbo owners. It seems the power transfer between wheels is too abrupt. This upsets the handling. The 4WD was said to be retuned for 2009 but with anything new the first owners get to be the 'guinea-pigs'... 2WD is tried and true plus lighter and a more natural feel. CH
the turbo's awd is different to the c4s's setup. turbo is electronic whereas the c4s is mechanic. some find the turbo's awd not suited to track performance and found the car nervous.....nevertheless it did the NBR faster than the F430.
The 997.1 C4S now has the turbo's electronic setup for the 2009 models! It may be more friendly... CH
you are right in that it has now the electronic version as well. however, there were only rumours that it has been calibrated for the 997.2.....no official info on that. nevertheless, the original calibration of the awd on the 997 turbo has been perfect for road use. imo the awd makes far more sense in the turbo than in the carrera s due to the massive power difference. the standard c2s has enough grip to handle the 355 or 385 ponies in 997.1 and 997.2
I'd say buy the C4, then go looking for snow: it's a ton of fun when you find it... On the other hand, it might be easier to sign up for one of Porshe's winter driving camps (I'd much rather thrash their car than mine). Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thank you for all the advices! I must say that I was looking for a simple carrera 2/4, not an S version. I will reconsider... By the way, does an interior in sand beige leather ages well? Particularly the steering wheel... does it get much darker with daily use? Best regards
Yes it does. I have it in my C4S , and after 2 years the steering wheels needs a serious cleaning, not sure if it will go back to factory clean. The car is my daily driver though and i have 30.000 miles on it.
I've got a C2S w/ sand beige. I like the lighter feel of the 2 over the 4. The only thing that could change my mind might would be the turbo. But the performance of that car can never really be utilized anywhere other than on a track. Any of these cars can become frustrating on the street, there is so much capability on tap that cannot be utilized. having said that... GET ONE! you won't regret it. (one man's opinion....the "S" is worth the money, turns it into a totally different car ) the wheel does darken (esp. after the service dept's greasy hands have been on it ) Scrubbing it with Zymol leather cleaner has (so far) never failed to bring it back to brand new though. good luck, and have fun, you'll love it
