Ask the Best and Brightest Follow-Up: A Tale of Two Carreras

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

You may recall that TTAC commentator stephada asked TTAC’s Best and Brightest whether he should buy a Porsche Carrera S or 4S. Decisions. Decisions. He sent us a heads-up on the process, and the result.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Jack Baruth Jack Baruth on Apr 18, 2009

    The only thing that keeps the AWD Porsches from suffering a full case of "GT-Ritis" is the lump in the tail. An AWD Cayman would be a very fast but not super-exciting way to get around. I am a 993 and 986S owner, looking at a 996 GT3 as my next one. I don't sell my Porsches. Evar.

  • Rcolayco Rcolayco on Apr 19, 2009

    As an owner of two AWD 911s (both of which I drive regularly), I must say they are not like the Nissan GTR. I've driven my friend's GTR and it's really very different. Inspite of the Nissan weighing 600 lbs. more, it has an uncanny ability to feel like it's finding its way 'round a bend by itself. Furthermore, the numbers show that it accelerates better than expected, given its power/weight ratio. As best I can tell, the NIssan engineers have managed to produce a superior traction control system, plus they have succeeded in matching the gear ratios and the engine power curve to perfection. Having said all that, would I replace either of my 911s for a GTR? No. At this point, I find the driving experience provided by the 911 to be still more satisfying. Don't ask me to say exactly why that is. When I've figured out just what makes driving a 911 so satisfying, I'll post it here.

  • Stepheda Stepheda on Apr 19, 2009

    The Carrera 4S I ordered is midnight blue metallic, with a black/grey two-color leather interior. I once saw one of these parked at the dealership waiting for a pickup, and it was so beautiful. Some other items' info, to help anybody else choose amongst the millions of options: The power seats have a lumbar support, which is nice for the road trips. The BOSE is, well, just awesome. It's not some obnoxious thing like the booom-booom air pressure generators, just a really great sound system. DCD's "Cantara" from _Toward The Within_ is just amazing with it. And the iPod interface is incredibly slick. All the iPod menus appear on the touch screen in the console. It doesn't have an iPhone-like scrolling, but it's still really slick. And it works even with my olden 3rd generation iPod. After a little Googling research I decided on self-dimming mirrors. My research reminded me how a low-slung car like a Porsche is forever getting beamed by SUVs, and while a manual switch for the rearview works well, the side mirrors are left out. This should be good. I'm a little sheepish about it, but the ventilated seats are just sooo nice. It's like A/C in the seat. You ever have your shirt stick to the seat on a hot day? Not with ventilated seats. The downside is that the heated seats went along with it, so it was a pretty high-dollar item, but, everybody I ask who has heated seats say they love them. As a feedback to JJ: the 'paddles' are in the wrong place compared to what? I was skeptical too when I went the 1/2-day PDE last Fall, but you get used to them fast, and being on the steering wheel they're always where your hands are no matter where you turn the steering wheel. They become really natural; you should check them out. Thanks to all of your who replied to my original query: Carrera S or 4S? For me, the AWD lets me do anything I want, and the 385 horsepower "S" engine gives me all the power. The PDK offers no compromise in fine control of power delivery, but when I'm stuck in an interstate traffic jam (I live near the junction of four interstate highways - midcities Dallas/Fort Worth) I can just pop it in "D" and forget about it. stepheda PS - Did I also mention I'm picking it up in Stuttgart on a European Delivery program? and driving it around Europe for three months?

  • Rcolayco Rcolayco on Apr 21, 2009

    "PS - Did I also mention I’m picking it up in Stuttgart on a European Delivery program? and driving it around Europe for three months?" That's great, stephada. I did that Stuttgart pick up in '06 for my 997 GT3 and took it to, among other places, the Nurburgring. I suggest you consider that. While there, make a point of taking a peek into Olaf Manthey's facilities. While there, I saw several Vettes that were in a No Entry building. My guess was that Chevrolet had engaged Manthey's help to sort out the Vette's chassis. There are several hotels around the Ring, including a large one which overlooks the F1 course. I liked one of the small ones better. Many of the factory test drivers stay there; they park their supposedly secret test cars right there overnight. Be prepared to dump all your luggage on the rear seats. The 4S has a tiny box in its nose for luggage. The AWD hardware required about two-thirds of the space that's otherwise available (on the Carrera S). Small price to pay, I guess, if you like the things the 4S does. Enjoy the drive! Happy for you.

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