Is the Porsche 996 Carrera 4S worth its premium? - FGP Prep Book EP9

Episode 9 of Friends Green Porsche Prep Book: We take a look at a Porsche 996 Carrera 4S and a base model Porsche 996 C4 that we have in stock and explore their differences.

[@gregs8685]

Having owned both a 996.2 C2 and 996 C4S I can say the lighter narrower C2 is more fun to drive. Light, toss able and quick it is more of a sports car. The C4S is heavier and AWD so it doesn’t move with same urgency and feels a bit more like a GT. It is rock solid on the highway and in the rain whereas the C2 is not as locked down at high speed (100 mph +). The C4S is more expensive to run with the larger brakes and rear tires. It also has front drive shafts and differential as potential repair items. The C4S does look better and has full leather as standard but even so I prefer the C2.

[@2702simmo]

That was interesting for to read, just bought a 98 C2 and love it for the reasons you’ve stated

[@justsomeguy1141]

I'd whip out the front wheel drive save some weight and bobs your Uncle perfect car

[@ESKATEUK]

I couldn’t care if the carrera 2 is a bit lighter and more urgent. It’s outweighed massively by how much better looking the 4s is. Along with better brakes, better sound, better suspension setup, can be pushed harder… Not even a comparison. The 4S is in a realm of its own in the non turbo 996 cars.

[@Baerchenization]

Porsche had recently started their historic car service, where you can get modern tech for older models that match the design etc... so I guess you could put a modern satnav and other stuff in to every 996 now.

[@bobkumar8754]

I sold my 2003 996 C4S 2 years ago....full spec minus the heated seats. Fantastic car which I kept for 16 years. The new owner loves it. Miss it now.......but the 992 is kinda special too. Long Live Porsche

[@cliffm6566]

You have the identical C4S as mine in Seal Grey. Its one of the most beautiful 911s ever. Great content guys!

[@drewmorg.]

Wow that 4S really sounds amazing!

[@AutoAbsolute]

Just stumbled on this channel and love the work guys. Got your website in favourites now, going to been keeping a close eye on your inventory 👍

[@detonator2112]

In my opinion it's worth the premium because from the rear it looks a bit like 993. Classic, traditional Porsche with that rear reflector which is gorgeous.

[@Porschee944]

4S looks amazing 😍😍😍

[@fbernacke]

UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME VIDS BROTHER!

[@SCDC-Channel]

Love the 4S it looks amazing

[@GarthLovesTRAVEL]

the carrera 4S is a different kind of animal. Great review but I think the difference in the models are a lot more diverse. I just spent the weekend hooning around some awesome driving roads with a C4 and a C4S. The C4 is awesome like you said. Very spunky little bugger but the C4S is like the grand daddy of driving pleasure. The car shocked me so much that I had to catch myself and come to a stop at moments because the car wanted to go to the limit and my stomach couldn't take it. remind you i am approaching almost one year of C4S ownership and this car leaves me breathless each time. The C4 was my buddies. Great fun but with turbo suspension, brakes, wider track, sharper chassis etc the 4S is a different world. I also drove the 996 turbo and GT2. The 4S is the right balance of power and handling if you want to explore the cars limits without fear of loosing control then go for the 4S. The Turbo is mind blowing speed and can get away from you if you are not experienced. The GT2! well that's not a beginners level. Love the channel

[@gregorythomas4470]

Thx for your comment. Too bad you’re not the author of this video. Had u made the video it likely wouldn’t have been such a waste of time. I owned a C4 cabrio which I bought new in 2003. I was considering buying another one. However, now I’m pretty certain I’ll go with the C4S.

[@SportsCarAdvisors]

I agree on the C4S - I just posted a video review of my C4S. :-)

[@GarthLovesTRAVEL]

@@gregorythomas4470 sorry I am seeing this comment 2 years later but the C4S is still in my book the modern classic Porsche to have in my book. just look at current prices

[@fourwheeltrader]

Nice down to earth video, thanks.

[@jonmabbs5390]

Nice review Luke, i am certainly enjoying the reviews which must be a great help for those looking for a 996. Good quality cars, still enjoying my guards red 996 C2 I got from you

[@andrewking8336]

Note that the C4S had a higher standard spec, so whilst it’s true that many owners did select additional spec, many of the items referred to in the video as owner-designated were actually standard UK 4S spec

[@David-ju5ci]

love these videos always good content for a buyer.

[@andrewking8336]

Both great cars & interesting videos 💪💪

[@charliemoy2995]

Bicep Atlas playing at the start, nice

[@rafikmajam268]

Thank You for the informative video You really add value to a new buyer Both are beautifull cars I hope they bring You many many happy miles

[@ramalufc322]

Just started watching a few of these and note this has had 52k views but only 5k 👍🏻. Deserves many more.

[@loki9898]

Great content, I just stumbled across your channel last week and think I've binged through most vids already! If you asked me before I would have said 4s without question; the stance, wide body, and above all, the rear reflector is iconic. However, I have a new found appreciation for the narrow body and would love a C2 or C4 with areokit. I really couldn't chose between a narrow body .1 with areokit or C4s!

[@mpc007]

I like the Mk2 and then especially the wide body models so much more than the Mk1 without the kit. Really wouldn't even consider getting a mark 1 but an example like the grey 4s is very high on my wanted list :)

[@stevep2710]

I like the long videos, just a good excuse to spend more time looking a lovely cars. I don’t think you can beat that 4s for exhaust tone and personally prefer the beefier look to the standard car. All I’ll say is if you’re going to do burn outs on your new showroom floor maybe just stick a rug down afterwards 👍🏻 I enjoy these, keep it up mate.

[@yan5578]

Appreciating the Bicep track in the background 👌

[@michaelcampbell4503]

Your videos are great

[@benterry2681]

Having owned a 986, 996 C4 and 996 C4S. All I can say is there is no best car they all are fantastic drivers and simply suit a different people. Unfortunately my original C4 suffered an IMS failure which is why I went for the Boxster thinking it was a compromise over the C4, but discovered the car was just as enjoyable to drive just in a different way more nimble and a little less powerful. In the end I went for the dream car I wanted from the beginning, the C4S and am so happy with it, still wake up somedays and can't believe I have it. Again a different experience essentially the C4 with a wide body and big brakes at the cost of a bit of weight.

[@mikecorey2070]

So I’ve bought a used 2003 911s4 rag top about 4 years ago ( 2021 today) I’ve had minor problems with it I’ve only spent 3000$ total for upkeep and that included 4 new Yokohama tires - lots of fun !!

[@wernerdanler2742]

I'd definitely go for the 4s.

[@ComicsandCollectiblesNearMe]

Loving your channel. I have a question about window tints. I have a 2007 C4S cab with the original Porsche rear window tint. It's impossible to see through at night! Could you do a video on how to remove window tints?

[@DanAuto]

Great review I'd definitely lean towards the 4s. My dream car is to own a 997.2 carrera 4s in arctic silver. Sadly I haven't found one that is my specs I'm looking for. So many have sunroof and grey interior. I much prefer black leather and no sunroof and pse and a manual. BTW wasn't your showroom floor new it's already starting to peel off.

[@maciejjaniszewski8008]

Cool!!!!

[@dontcallmetravis]

I’m starting to have a hard time finding 996 or 997 for sale. I LOVE the sport seats!

[@failforwardfast8609]

love the Porsche.

[@Zimmejay]

I have a ‘03 c4s in arctic silver - 58k miles. Carbon fiber accents and full leather package. Just replaced the clutch, fly wheel, tires and soon to do exhaust and rotors/brakes. IMS was done @ 31k and still strong. My CATS are rattling a bit - so I am going to replace with the 200 cell after market gear. Love the car - with all the consumable replacements, you need access to your wallet :)

[@chrisb9360]

Nice comparison. That Vesuvius early car ticks the boxes for me. Perhaps more so if it was in even simpler C2 form. I agree on the wheel choice. The silver looks much nicer under the dark(ish) paintwork.

[@kaalvoetpiet3442]

C2 form is different at all?

[@Paul8342]

In a word - yes. Being the owner of a 4’S’ it’s obviously a biased opinion but there’s nothing I can do about that although didn’t the 4’S’ run from 2002 to 2005 rather than the 2001 to 2005 as stated? Glad to hear you are removing those awful tints as well - great call!

[@mikec1096]

OMG the 4s

[@lucasmoreno5330]

What would you say about any future owner of the 4s with its engine change, being put off by the numbers not matching.

[@daysofgrace2934]

On UK A/B roads less width, power, torque helps. I have a base Boxster 987, I rev it out more than you would be able to an S, 981, 718s - you're backing off those before you end up doing 120. Can't really enjoy them without thinking you're gonna get a ban...It's true what you say about the options, if you want PASM, PDK, and seat heating make sure the car comes with those, they can't be retrofitted. I got the PSE & Sport Chrono retrofitted for 3K. Not worth buying a Porsche and not having PSE, better off getting a diesel and saving money. Same for the Sport button on a PDK car. It makes it feel like a sports car but to be honest, on a hoon i just use the rocker switches to go between 2 and 3...4-7k revs is where the action is at...Wouldn't bother with the Sport Design steering wheel with the flappy paddles, you soon get used to the rocker switches...

[@db9dbrs9]

What happened to your showroom floor?

[@timmorris5117]

Hi bud..nice vids...just wondering if you ever look at Cayennes ?....whats your take on them ?....

[@johnreed3576]

Love this guy! Love the vids and the cars he finds! Did it help me choose my 996? Nope! When the safety catch comes off my credit card, I still can’t decide which model!

[@Tara-Waxingshop]

I would like to buy a car from you however and unfortunately the steering wheel is on the wrong site for Germany. You prep the cars as it should be done. Like your videos and learnt a lot to look at when buying one. keep going.. Respect.

[@tuomastenhovuori2631]

Hi! Between these two its easy, but do you prefer 4S over an 40 jahre also?

[@danihellz]

While don’t you guys use the LN engineering IMS bearing ?

[@ajl0426]

What wheels are on the M3?

[@petera8438]

The 4S is definitely the better of the two cars. The feel, the look, the performance and the sound (amongst other more subtle aspects) makes it a pleasure and thrill to own. It is also the model that has bottomed out on price and is showing signs of rising in value faster than other 911s. The teardrop headlights set it apart from all other 911 styles but as it ages it will become more unique. I have had a C4S for 15 years and with all the fear-inducing talk about the IMS bearing I had mine done for peace of mind only to find there was nothing wrong with it like the other 98%.

[@sureshot8399]

I had mine replaced last year on a 2001. Post-removal inspection showed it was definitely on its way out and I think I dodged a bullet with my timing. Not saying the issue isn't overhyped, but if it wasn't I may never have done mine and then had an engine failure. The peace of mind helps you enjoy the car more in my opinion

[@stefaneulenstein]

seal grey looks a lot like slate grey metallic under your shop lights

[@JoJoJoker]

After overlooking the 996 for years (as a rabid 997.2 fan), these days I’m longing for a 996 Carrera 4. Rear-engine, AWD, clean lines…a great daily “beater” sports car. Unfortunately they’re no longer $15,000-20,000!

[@roelfkromhout]

"Is the Porsche 996 Carrera 4S worth its premium?" Ofc, it looks absolutely phenomenal.

[@shed911cookiesgarage2]

Next time you paint your garage floor, use an epoxy paint with clear. If that was supposed to be epoxy I would be getting the painter back in to re-do it, properly, that would really pee me off

[@shed911cookiesgarage2]

The C4 definitely needs the silver wheels, and personally the narrow body C2 or c4 would be my choice, probably C2 overall. The Vesuvius Grey is a mean looking colour too, I think the first I've seen, but I like it

[@ESKATEUK]

Can’t even imagine contemplating a carrera 2/4 over a 4S.

[@seang2822]

Did they make a face lift Carrera 4 in the 996? I though they discontinued the C4 when the C4S was released

[@andrewking8336]

I believe you are correct, no 996.2 C4, only 4S

[@OlkjU287]

Bicep Atlas playing in the back ground.

[@victormassonlyon]

Do you know what are these exhaust tips on the C4 ? I have the same ones on my 996 C2 3.4 and I don't know where they come from ! Cheers!

[@YowserUK]

They were a Factory option on the C4S and Turbo, but a popular option with a lot of aftermarket exhauts that replicate the design.

[@francisflorez5581]

Great review but the C4 was at a distinct disadvantage because of its gen 1 design. One thing that never gets mentioned in comparing gen 1 or 2s in the 996 is that there is no engine upgrade from the base to the targa including the S and 4S. In this case the 4S is my choice only because of the sound of the power plant.

[@wot3ver]

Do you sell left hand drive Porsche’s from time to time?

[@mikeb1039]

What's with the 4 on these cars? Extra weight and complexity, etc. MOST cars AWD version are much less fun to drive and slower. I can't believe how much more gets paid for AWD with this car. (and S, though i get that everyone wants more power)

[@Willtext]

Is the bhp in the 3.6 the same in both cars?

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

The gen1 C4 has a 3.4 and the Gen2 C4S a 3.6. Approx 20 Bhp difference

[@SportsCarAdvisors]

great cars, I just posted a review of my C4S on my channel!

[@_dan_here_]

What happened to leg day at the gym?

[@incep]

I came here to check if my Adblock was working

[@lordofkeebs8424]

Low spec, do you mean RS? ( Sorry)

[@adamlane5182]

Is the 4S worth going for over a S for daily driving?

[@AhGotcha]

Interestingly enough, there isn’t an actual Carrera “S” in the 996 generation. There is the Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, and then the high performance models. The Carrera 4S is a Carrera 4 with a turbo body. It has the same horsepower to move a little bit more weight, so if you prefer the looks and can’t quite get a turbo, then a C4S isn’t a bad choice.

[@dmdcarrera]

It's not just turbo body. It has wider rear tires because of the wide body and turbo brakes and suspension, and comes standard with full leather interior. Those are big differences

[@scuderiagrifoni8380]

Missing the biggest difference, which is a 3.4l engine vs a 3.6l engine... and the different power and torque figures and curves they have. Not exactly irrelevant to how the cars feel and drive.

[@lebojay]

@Scuderia Grifoni Which engine you got - 3.4 or 3.6 - is a function of when your car was made, not narrow body versus widebody. When the 4S came out, all 911s got the 3.6 upgrade. So, year for year, they have the same engine, and a Carrera 2 is 200 kg lighter than the 4S. Just saying.

[@scuderiagrifoni8380]

​@@lebojay correct! my understanding: pre-facelift = 3.4, post-facelift = 3.6 - hence it would have made sense to mention this. as he could have done with the glovebox, which the 996.1 doesn't have at all. cheers!

[@armagedorn]

@@lebojay Depending on the 996 gen 1 or 2. Gen 2 got 3,6 litre engines. I got my 2002 996.2 C4 with PSE. Amazing car.

[@gianmatteocorda9355]

To me it's almost just a matter of aesthetics: the C4S looks awesome (the nicest 996, period), but that comes at the cost of being inefficient and ultimately slower than a C4. I say inefficient because the brakes and suspension of the turbo are meant for turbo power, which C4S has not. So it's basically useless weight and useless track width. They should have really offered it with the power kit as standard. Then it would have been a whole different story. As Jeremy Clarkson put it, it's like a bolnde with fake boobs :-D

[@gsd4me00]

The narrow body, but with cruise control any day.

[@krisspappas7527]

There´s no debate. Standard 996 is one of the ugliest Porsches. While 4S is the ultimate beauty all around, so beefy, so streamlined, just by swapping the lights.

[@go4384]

Those dark colors are brutal in terms of dirt. Can't do it. Got to go light silver/grey, red, yellow, white

[@sureshot8399]

Seal grey is very good at concealing the dirt.

[@LordLauderdale]

The C4S looks great and faster than it actually is, so more of a poser car, it just doesn’t have the performance to back it up.

[@andygregory7361]

Silver wheels

[@YogisGarage]

Love the video mate. I recently started a 996 Cabrio restore on my channel, you should check it! ✌️

[@kaalvoetpiet3442]

I'll help you :) The "premium" is at least 50% on top of the C4 equivalent's price. So no; those differences are not worth half a C4. Only spend the money if you will sell it again one day (since then you get the premium paid back)

[@04dram04]

I dont think I have ever seen a 996 4s before

[@busyak]

atlas aaaaa

[@benfidar]

The purple one takes my breath away. The 4s? Dime a dozen. Wide body is not a plus. Funny to me how low spec cars came in Europe. Here in the states most are much more highly spec'd. I don't think I have ever seen a striped base car for sale here. My car is a base C2 997 and it is very highly spec'd in comparison.

[@2702simmo]

I think you’d be in minority re the looks of the 4s, both beautiful but the wider 4s is a beauty

[@sprezzatura8755]

Actually prefer the looks of the 4S over the turbo.

[@wigs1098]

Agree, widebody not a plus and diminishes the pleasure of driving on tighter, narrower roads.

[@ScottRogers86]

turbo it is then

[@KTLaz]

The narrow body cars haven't aged well so definitely worth a premium.. Plus they will increase in value more as a more desirable model

[@andrewking8336]

The market is showing that early narrow body manual cars are becoming more popular and this is positively impacting prices

[@thedudeabides1443]

Just reach a bit and opt for a 997.2 instead or you will lose sleep thinking about IMS issues and bore scoring every time you get in the car. Granted, they are both rare but it ruins the Porsche experience. And that’s no way to go through life!

[@QuietStormX]

Not into used 911's ;-(

[@lebojay]

No, it isn’t.