So looking for a 911. I have to say I have never driven a 911, just a boxter and cayman. I've wanted a 996 since 98.

I'm 28, and like power, Right now I have a Trailblazer SS, 6L with 400+ hp. It's fun, but I want more. And figure now is my time to buy.

Being in Canada I think AWD would be nice to have.
Now I have a budget of 50k but less it better.

I figured I can get a new and lower mileage C4 or C4S then I can TT, and still save some money.

So power wise/reliability/cost of ownership/etc. Is the C4 or C4S a better buy?
Anyone regret not having the power of the turbo? How much faster is the Turbo?

So if this post is a little random.

 

I have a C4S. I also have a BMW 335i sedan.

In 100% honesty, the C4S is the same if not a bit slower straight line than my 335i. If big power with the potential for upgrades is what you are after, the Turbo is what you need.

 

from being a lurker on here for quite a while, sounds like you'll be disappointed w/ anything less than the turbo

 

I have no regrets about buying my C4S - it's fast enough for me. I love the car.

From your post though, it sounds like you should get a turbo.

Also, proper winter tires make a bigger difference on the 996 in the snow than the AWD system. It's not as advanced as the systems in Audi vehicles.

 

The 335 is 0-60 in under 5 seconds, which is faster then my TBSS.
From what I can see the 02ish C4 is 4.5 seconds, 01 turbo is 3.7.

I want to say both are fast enough, but it's real tough.


I have had my heart set on a turbo for years, but then I never really wanted my TBSS, but I really like it. I needed something to pull my boat, but now keeping the boat at the lake lot. So it's car time.


I have a work vehicle, so I am guessing I would put on about 7000 miles a year, and 2000 of those will be to Lake Havasu and back.

The sales guys at Porsche here are a bunch of tools, they want money down and a bunch of other things to test drive a car. Stupid monkeys lost a Cayenne sale to a Chevy TBSS 4 years ago because I felt like they were treating me like a punk. I dress nice, but look 20, I'm 28.
But I really should head out there again, maybe take my old mans new AMG.

And I know it's more then straight line, I had my old Camaro (96SS, 600hp at the wheels) but on the highway it seemed 911's were not much slower despite a serious HP difference. And I am getting older, I really enjoy driving the C63 AMG, but it has serious power, I liked his 08 C350 too though.
And really when do you get the chance to use all the power anyways.

I have been looking US and CDN. Bringing it up from the US costs me about 16% over the sticker. 5% GST, 6% duty, 5% exchange, and really 2% for the bank to make my CDN money US. Still trying to figure out how to register it to my place in Havasu, lol.


I run winters on everything, AWD helps you go, but not stop.
I've driven RWD only for 12 years. My work Jeep has 4WD, but almost never use it. Hell I drove my 600hp Camaro through a winter with drag radials on it for a winter. Still no idea how I didn't die, I do remember lots of 3rd gear starts though. And when clearance is an issue I just grab my work Jeep.
So even a crappy AWD has to be better then RWD? Although thinking about it now I shouldn't limit myself to the AWD maybe.

I really should just get the turbo, sigh, I was hoping to save some money, lol.
Is it cheaper to own a non turbo?

I really need to drive one. I was happy with the performance of the 08 Cayman S I drove this summer, just not crazy on the look of the tail of them.

Is the body the same on the C4(s) and the turbo? Or is the turbo wider?
And how many miles is too many? I'm going to keep the car for probably 5 years, 35,000 miles (not km), should be in a place where I could get a couple year old Turbo by that point. Rather then almost 10 years old.

 

Just my $0.04 worth (inflation)

I know there will be many an arguments for either side.............BUT
I don't think ANY TT owner would say "man, I should have bought a C4S"

 

If you like power, get the Turbo. You'll end up spending more trying make a C4/C4S perform at the same level as a stock Turbo.

 

I had a C2 and now a 996TT. The power difference is astounding when stock, even larger when the TT is tuned. The engine in the turbo is also more reliable than the C2 or C4 having been race tested.

You can get a good turbo in the US for mid 40's with low miles. You can get it for less if you are willing to compromise on miles and condition.

The C4S is a fine and balanced car, but if you are looking for power look at the TT.

 

Get the turbo! If you go for the C4, you will always be wondering if you made the right move. If you have the turbo, you won't look back.

 

Your 335 may be faster only on a straight line...

 

I was actually looking to buy a 996 4s a few months back and went for a test drive at my Porsche dealer. Everything about the car was perfect, except the color.

The salesman convinced me to drive a 996 turbo in my color. I was blown away how fast the turbo was.

Both cars are amazing imo. I was looking for an awd 911 because I frequent mountain areas and cold climates. Since the price difference between a used 4s and turbo in the U.S. is around $8k give or take, I decided that its better to save up for the turbo.

The 4s is a great car and no doubt you will enjoy it if thats the choice you make, but I say live life with no regrets. Get the Turbo and don't look back

 

do you plan to track the car? If so are you experienced on the track or new?

I ask because I was in your same position not long ago and went with a C4S. I have had the car for 6 months and aside from the insurance cost difference, every time I saw a turbo that I could have afforded I would feel a bit of remorse.

Then I had my first HPDE on a great road course. It was there that I realized the C4S is so much more car than I need right now. Ever since that track day when I drive the C4S I am waaaaay more satisfied and happy with my purchase.

Not only would I likely have a very hard time keeping a TT on the track, I'd be even more nervous about mechanical issues while there. If my financial plans work out I'll likely just skip the TT and go straight for a GT3 at some point

 

The C4 is a narrow body. The C4S and the turbo are wide body cars. The C4S also has the same front and rear bumper covers as the turbo, while they are a little less aggressive on the C4. The C4S shares the turbo's suspension and brakes too.

I think 35,000 miles is on the low end. I'd be fine with that, or even with 50,000 miles.

 

Agreed, skip the TT and go right to the GT3, especially for the track.

 

The C4S is a slug straight line until you get to about 60. Top of 2nd gear and high end speeds is where this car shines. Yes the twisties are fun too.

The original poster seems like he wants fast off the line, that's why I made the 335i comparison. You dont expect it purely based on reputation and looks but driving both cars often back to back it is clear the BMW is faster off the line and prob up to around 100. After that it loses some steam where the 4s would keep pulling. The 4s will lose to most "fast" cars if you are racing light to light so don't expect to win many street races.

It's a fun car that i really have a passion for but it is by no means "fast" by today's standards.