Drove my first 996 recently...

[Ess_Three]

Sorry to have to do this...but I have to tell someone!

I was waiting for Porsche Aberdeen to get their C4S demonstrator in...but unfortunately it turns out that they have sold it...so no drive of that for me.
But, they did offer me a decent drive in a current C4...an offer I obviously accepted with thanks.

Let's just say that I wasn't disapointed!

This was my first drive in a 996...and although it wasn't my model of choice (that would have been the C4S) I am incredibly impressed.
I've never owned a Porsche...but I'm feeling that that is about to change.
I don't think I've ever driven a car that makes quite so many hairs on the back on my neck stand on end!

So, now I know what all the fuss is really about...and since I have recently had a spot of good fortune with an ongoing redundancy package / re-employment 'issue' now resolved very much in my favour...I'm almost there!



I know exactly what I want...model, colour, options etc...
But here's where I could use some advice:

It's a C4S that I would prefer...but I haven't driven one.

Do other owners consider it would be acceptable (not ideal, I know) to specify a C4S after only test driving a C4?
Or should I make a point of locating a C4S to drive that specific model?

I'm up by Aberdeen and Aberdeen OPC don't have a C4s, nor does it look like they will have on anytime soon.

Any advice will be most welcome.
Thanks,

Glen.

 

[Rotorhead]

Yes you should try a C4S to satisfy yourself that it is exactly what you want.

Personally, I prefer the C2 to the C4, but that goes for all the variants from 964,993 to 996.

Other factors that can make a difference to your personal enjoyment of any variant include:

* Specification - even some of the seat options can be perfect for some people and awful for others.
* Porsche Sports Exhaust - transforms the character of the car
* Tyres - reputedly much nicer on Pirelli P-Zero Rossos (N4)
* Toys - Some of the options can make the day to day use of the car all the more enjoyable. Having said that, all Porsches benefit from carrying no more weight than necessary.

 

[Guest]

In terms of straightline performance, a C4S is not noticeably different from a C4, so you already have a feel for what the acceleration feels like.
The interior is full leather, but if there is a turbo at the OPC have a look, since they a re quite similar (if I remember correctly). The C4 would have less leather, unless it was well specced up.
The interior with the exception of the amount of leather is pretty much the same on all the cars. There are aluminium details and dial colours to choose from, but the basics are the same.
The most significant change is if you have the PCM with the sat nav screen. I prefer the look otf this, but it is more money. Again, if the C4 you saw did not have this, somce of the other cars should, and a newish turbo would have since I think it is standard.

For exterior appearance, you can look at a turbo, and imagine it without the two holes in the rear wings and without the rear spoiler. The front and rear bumpers are pretty much identical with a C4S. You can look at the wheels and brakes as well, since they are also the same.

For ride quality, the C4S feels stiffer, since it is 10mm lower. Short of driving one, it is hard to appreciate, unless you can get a go in a turbo demonstrator or a second hand turbo. The ride is pretty similar IMO.
Of course, if you do go in a turbo, the acceleration is quite different.

I like the C4S and think it is worth the extra over a C4, but then I'm biased.
A standard C2 with no frills is the quickest and lightest though.

Whichever one you get, the sports exhaust is essential. It makes it no quicker, but sounds great.

 

[Guest]

Try GLenvarigill in Edinburgh, they have a C4S demonstrator.

 

[Ess_Three]

I would ideally like to drive a C4S, however:

The C4 was a reasonably high spec and the interior wasn't too different from standard C4S spec.
The C4 also rode on 18" wheels, which helps in the comparison....and it had PSM as a factory option.

It also had the sports seats (not fixed back Recaros but optional sports) and these are a must for my body shape...the standard seats just aren't comfortable for me - not enough support around the shoulders.

No PCM in the C4 I drove...but I had a nice long sit in a Turbo...so know what to expect with regard to the look of the dashboard with PCM - a look I prefer.

As for options...
Sports exhaust is the first box ticked...if only for the noise...call me sad if you like!

Sports seats essential...and I'm tempted to have the 10mm lowered seat option otherwise the wearing of a helmet on trackdays will most probably be a no-no (no headroom)

I quite fancy a sunroof...but there's the headroom issue again! The other half wants one...I can pass...what to do?..What to do?

I'll have the PCM option..as well as multi-play CD changer etc (never had sat-nav before)

I also just noticed that the online car configurator is now listing GT3 wheels as a no cost option...Nice! That'll be another box ticked.


I guess I know that I should drive a C4S...but I'm expecting that over a C4 it will be slightly stiffer and perhaps give slightly better (subjective I know) feedback through the steering. Personally I also prefer the shape of the wider body.


Finally...I don't expect to get many compliments on my other choices (and these are not negotiable):
Speed Yellow with the Aerokit.
Maybe this makes me a bad man! I can live with that []

Thanks for the replies so far...much to think about...I'm quite sure i don't need to tell you all that buying your first Porsche is a big step not taken lightly.

 

[Ess_Three]

ORIGINAL: profilis

Try GLenvarigill in Edinburgh, they have a C4S demonstrator.

Thanks for the info!
I'll give them a bell.

 

[Rotorhead]

A used C4S would be much better value than a new one, although you may need to compromise on spec.

Speed Yellow with an aero kit makes quite a loud statement and may make it more difficult to sell when you eventually upgrade to a 997.

The standard seats with soft ruffled leather are a good compromise between the sports seats and the standard seats. Being softer, you sit in the seat more and get more lateral grip.

If you go for a pre-2003 model, and it doesn't have PCM, then Becker Traffic Pro Hi Speed is an excellent after-market option.

911 sunroofs are not much good. They add weight in the wrong place and reduce head height. It was improved for the 996, but its main benefit is to allow you to tilt the rear and hear the engine. Money better spent on the sports exhaust (IMO).

 

[timhum2002]

I 've run a C4 for a year now after a Boxter S and 993C2. In my opinion the C4 is brilliant. This experience together with the rave reviews in the mags would give me no concern in ordering a C4S without a test drive if thats the car I wanted. My only concern with it is the reduced ground clearance, we live down a long farm track and the standard suspension can just about cope at pretty slow speeds. The lower cars cause problems, perhaps we should move!!

Still I have a 997 arriving in the Autumn, lets see what that's like.

Tim

 

[timhum2002]

Forgot to mention, my car has a sunroof, I am 6ft 1in and have no problems with headroom, The seats do go pretty low.

Tim

 

[Ess_Three]

ORIGINAL: oliver

A used C4S would be much better value than a new one, although you may need to compromise on spec.

Thanks for the opinions...
Financially I would much prefer to find a suitable used C4S...but I may never be in the position to own another, so I'm torn between getting the 'dream' spec first time round just in case I naver have the opportunity to have another, or whether to buy safe forst time round and look to go wilder next time (if there is a next time)

The compromise on spec part is the problem:
I was lucky enough to spend a trackday at Knockhill back in 1999 in the passenger seat of a GT3 - a yellow GT3...and I am smitten with Speed Yellow...and it needs a rear spoiler!

Speed Yellow with an aero kit makes quite a loud statement and may make it more difficult to sell when you eventually upgrade to a 997.

Very true...
At least I could be confident I'll not see another one like it round here!

The standard seats with soft ruffled leather are a good compromise between the sports seats and the standard seats. Being softer, you sit in the seat more and get more lateral grip.

Fundamentally, I find the shape of the standard seats lacking.
I find they offer very little by way of shoulder support...something the Sports Seats do offer.

911 sunroofs are not much good. They add weight in the wrong place and reduce head height. It was improved for the 996, but its main benefit is to allow you to tilt the rear and hear the engine. Money better spent on the sports exhaust (IMO).

Can you offer any thoughts on exactly how much height the sunroof robs?

Sounds like the Sports Exhaust is getting a thumbs up though.

 

[Kevin Cooke]

Go for the power kit, it makes more than makes up for the extra weight.

PS C4S XL will soon be for sale to make way for a GT3 but unfortunately its boring Silver.

Regards

 

[Guest]

I just ordered a 4s as i wanted the turbo body.

spec:

basalt black/black
s/exhaust
bose
s/roof
red belts
pcm
6 cd
chrome guards
chrome h/brake and g/lever
aerokit

I wanted a rear wing too, so i optioned the aerokit.

 

[Guest]

Hi there,

Just to add my experiences to this...

This is my first Porsche by the way.

I am the proud owner of a new C4S picked up last month from the factory. The spec is Silver, black leather with the essential sports exhaust (worth every penny) sports seats, aluminium handbrake and gear lever and aluminium clocks. I did actually think the aluminum clocks would be ringed in aluminium but were just white face clocks. Seemed an expensive option really but the white does look better.

Like you I did try only an C4 before buying the C4S. Everybodies different but from my experience of test drives they only give you the merest hint of the flavour of the car and now having done 1200 miles in my own car it's really difficult to remember the differences between the two. I went for the 4S because of the looks primarily, front and back end IS so much more aggresive than the C4 and without the ugly Turbo intakes. My overall impression of the car having just come from driving Audi TT's (225 and V6 variants) is that it feels like a throughbred race horse that just wants to let rip and GO! My Audi's whilst good, well built, worthy cars were average not in the same class. (Or cost though).

Factory visit, is it worth it. Yes on balance but the hotel they put you up in is a bit iffy. The factory tour very interesting. Museum good but small. Lunch delicious!

Overall service from my OPC dealer...I would say pretty awful all in all. After having bought cars over the years from BMW, Audi and Mercedes, the Porsche experience was by far the worst. I live near Cambridge by the way.

Hope this helps. Go for it and enjoy the car!

Regards,
Shaun

 

[Grant]

the only thing I would add is if you are looking to buy new you would be far better getting a new 997, they are out in September this year. Although it would have to be a C2 (as the new 997 C4S won't be out until 05/06) it would still make more sense.
If you are going secondhand then the C4S is a great choice it has all the following extra's over a C4 which comes with PSM as standard......
10mm lowered sports suspension
Turbo body Kit
wider track & tyres plus 18 inch wheels as standard
Uprated 330mm brakes/discs
electric seats
sound pack
The leather etc is the same as other 996's
The biggest difference between the C4 & C4S (aside from look/spec) is the sports suspension. This really is a MUST HAVE if you are a press on driver, although it is harsher than the C4 & can be bumpy on B roads. Just test any other Porker on Sports suspension & see what you think.
But with a new 997 likely to come in at 62k with a few options & a S/H C4s at perhaps 50-55k it's a hard call.
Let us know how you get on.

 

[Ess_Three]

I've been doing some good hard thinking based upon the opinions given...thanks to all for taking the time to comment.

I've also been studying the 997...I'm not sure I'm a fan of the looks....and even less sure of the interior.

I'm looking to keep 'my' 911 for quite some time and unfortunately I keep coming back to a Speed Yellow 996 with an Aeropack...having had a good look at a Turbo with the same Aeropack at the local OPC, I'm even more sold!

I expect the 997 will be seen to be a 'better' drive than a 996...but if it doesn't look as good to me, or match up to the image I have of my 'dream Porsche', should I chance it? I don't know. I think not.

I still keep coming back to the last of the 996s...sure it'll depreciate more, but if it makes my heartbeat elevate every time I think about it...it's got to be worth it, hasn't it?

Perhaps I should pop along to the local OPC again...and take my chequebook with me this time!