Porsche Carrera 4S: best non-GT 996? 

I love how this video is 9 mins 11 seconds long 👌🏽

I have an 04 C4S. Everytime i drive it i can't believe how much it makes me smile. It's not something anyone could understand unless they owned one. It is a true driving experience!

OMG that exhaust note!?! I want one of these cars so badly now :)

Great video! we have a 996 turbo with some mods freakin beast, recently bought a 996 C4S just because of that light strip in the back. Beautiful design.

I watch this video often. I purchased a C4S this past October. Such a fun car to drive, I hit the canyons around LA any chance I get. Already put the Porsche short shifter in it. The 996 gives me the older Porsche experience that I was looking for w/o the air cooled price (love the 993). The C4S makes nice addition / sibling to my Carrera T. Thanks for all your videos.

It’s nice to hear a true, honest review from someone who knows exactly what they are talking about! Thank you. 👍

Great Video review, great shots of the car. I have a 2002 c4s and its a blast to drive. Glad to hear its starting to gain a little more respect.

I almost didn't want to view it as the vid had exactly 23,911 views. I'm glad I did. Very good review and I would agree with pretty much all of it. It's also nice to a see a 996 film without screaming horror about the IMS bearing.

The 996 C4S in my opinion is the greatest road going 911. The red strip looks right unlike the 997 interpretation, lighter than the air cooled cars while retaining the classic steering. A NA engine with an amazing exhaust note. One thing I did to mine which most will consider sacrilege is I installed the USA spec suspension giving it extra ride height, makes it far more usable, no threading about mounting a curb or scraping on a speed bump

Just bought 2005 996 4S, fantastic car :)

Great video, great noise! After living with a 997 C2S for a few years (no wish to trade), more and more I can see the appeal of the 996 from a driving perspective. Personally I would rather go for the earliest and lightest (and cheapest) models. No doubt, though, that the 996 C4S is a highlight of the 911 range.

Great video. The 40th Anniversary has to be the best non GT 996.

Sounds brilliant. I absolutely love my 02 996 C2 with the Fister exhaust. These cars are wonderfully analog.

Amazing video as always. Love the 996 C4S. As a side note, Porsche did make a turbo-look 964, starting in 1992. I had the pleasure of being a passenger in a 1993 Carrera 2 Cabriolet WTL painted in Amethyst metallic some years ago.

Just got a 2005 c4s today.... meant to be my weekend car but my daily drive (BMW 640d) has just been demoted. Wow. Only negative thing about it is the thin steering wheel, which I will retrim, but apart from that WOW 👏 . May need some chiropractic sessions but worth it 👌

Nice video, just makes me that much more happy that I got the Turbo :)

Glad I decided to keep mine. The prices are way up now.

BTW there was a wide body non turbo 964! A rare C4 model and none made in RHD I believe. They look awesome. 996 C4S is such a good car and drives so well compared to many other 911's not just 996's!

There was a 964 WTL called Jubi and a C4 WTL in very limited build numbers

Love the sound! Is it stock exhaust? Miss my C4S!!

Great video Lee. I love my 2003 C4S and it wants for nothing. It recently featured in 911 and Porsche World Magazine. For agility the C2 is likely the way to go but I agree with you - that rear end is the best 911 design element, perhaps bar the 994. The biggest difference in handling came when I upgraded the engine mounts to RSS ones. That and the short shift gearstick has transformed the car. Hope the house move has gone well and hope to see you at a Porsche event next year. You're welcome to review my car at anytime BTW.

Stunning 4S.

Great review, congratulations!

Great video production

Hmmm on the C4, you're ignoring the 18" optional wheels for handling comparisons as they are 225 front and 285 rears, which is what the C4S get. So C4 benefits from the weight saving and handling! But yes, I do like that rear!

Need some new 996 videos please !

There was a turbo look 964. It was called the jubilee model.

996 Turbo + tune & exhaust = best 996.

I remember that front tire of 996 C2 is 225 instead of 205

Lee, having read your articles in Total 911, I've recently purchased a manual 2004 C4S with PSE. Put in ceramic IMS, sports oil sump with separators and GT3 polybushes. Yet I am a bit confused about the brakes (I've installed brand new discs and pads too). I read you were disappointed with them too when on track. Have you found a remedy? And why on earth are you selling it now?! ;)

The elephant in the room with the 996 C4S is the IMS catastrophic issue. It has pretty much made the entire line toxic and destroyed its resale value. I know this because I owned a 996 C4S and no one wanted to gamble on buying it even with a IMS retrofit kit to solve blowing up the engine. The drive is spectacular with tons more character than the 991 or 992 and that is the rub with risking buying a 996 at a ultra low price tag. The 6 speed manual was spot perfect and the optional performance exhaust sounded outstanding. The soul of the 911 is still intact with the 996C4S but with a ticking time bomb engine design defect that will always have you wondering even after the retro fix.

Hi, great video. Long time Porsche fan having had a few vintage cars (944s, 944 Turbo, 928S4) but always wanted a 911. Problem is, I moved a few years back to a very remote/rural area so got a Range Rover and had to sell the 928 as the suspension couldn't cope with the shitty two mile road until we got to a B road. The 911 is newer, though, and I wondered if you had much experience of driving it on bad road and how it coped? I also get a lot of snow up here (ie, I am in the place they sent Chinooks to a couple of years back!) and I wondered how the car coped in snow and how deep it could cope with. I've been looking at Cayenne GTSs as the compromise, but... Cheers!

C2 way better c4 looks great but all the power to the rear wheels lighter body much more satisfying to drive a c2. Also only 4 wheel drive 911 to get would be the turbo all that power can Coe with a 4 wheel drive system and still give you a epic ride

Where can I get one with those electrically actuated rear seats? 😜

I often wonder why they didn’t do a 996 Carrera ‘S’ - surely it wouldn’t have cost them any more money to develop and it would have been the perfect car for me. While I love my 4’S’ I also slightly miss the agility of my previous 996.2 Carrera but I ultimately prefer the look of the turbo-bodied car and I guess you can’t have everything!

I miss that big style turbo body from the first photo. Why did the proportions get less extreme over time ?

Just so I’m correct, there’s no 996 C2S? Follow up question, can the C4S be slid around a corner? I’m not saying full on D1 Smokey drift but will the back end kick out and stay there until you put it in line?

Good vid. Lovely motor. Did your car come spec with the carbon interior or was that a aftermarket fit ?

“Your wife for example!”

I wish it wasn’t awd :/ I rather it be rwd

No, the best non GT 996 is the 40th Anniversary 911. It is lighter than the C4S, more powerful, sportier suspension, much rarer, has the classic 911 RWD dynamics, better interior, and has no fake vents. But sure the C4S has a Heckblende taillight and a pretty rear end for others to enjoy looking at.

So why did you sell up and buy a 996.1 C2?

Ha just hit the 997 likes!

Standard BMW driver a 7:40

❤️

Loud as fuck intro, then we can barely hear you in the car 🤦‍♂️

What a car! Manual, and no gay gadgets like the cars have today. ❤️996 ❤️993 after those 2 models they look like shit.

Anyone else think the BMW behind was undercover? 😅

The Turbo is the best non-RS 996. The engine in the C4S was the worst engine Porsche ever made, very problematic. Agreed, nice rear end, but the front..... 🤢

blah.blah blah...you might want to mention the year of the car.

Great car and nice interior spec, what is going to replace it? Nice video by the way.

I had a 2006 C2S and now own a 2003 C4S. I actually prefer the C4S as it feels a bit more engaging/raw in terms of overall driving feel compared to the C2S, but the 997 was faster and more agile. 997 has better seats and is a bit more comfortable. I love both cars but the 996 is such a great value. A quick google will show the C4S track times to be just as good or better than a 996.2 C2 even though it weighs a bit more, and by today's standards it is still a fairly light car. For most people the C4S will be faster on a track as it's easier to drive fast. Also as far as performance goes, these 996 cars are approaching 20 years and most sport cars today will easily beat them regardless if you have a C2 AE w/ X51 or a C4S. So I don't think you buy a 996 based solely on its performance stats, you buy the car that feels and looks best to you. And that widebody is just a work of art but I also love the C2 with the full aero package. Just my opinion from a fellow P-Car fan. Thanks for the vid!

My fav 996 ... fantastic car !!

This video is what made me decide to buy my first C4S - a 2002. One month in and I love it; should have bought one long ago. Thanks 911 guy!!

I owned a manual 996c4s in 2002 for a few years and loved it, rear was one of the best 911’s ever, sports exhaust was fantastic. Great video Lee, next review 991.1 GTS - welcome to use mine if you are ever in Suffolk.

Hi, I've had my c4s for 5 years, love it. Just upgraded the IMS with recent clutch/RMS replacement so should be good for another 5 and beyond. What's the set up with your cold air intake, looks like your running a by pass, can you confirm? Keep the vids coming :)

Cool video. Try an early 996 C2 manual with cable throttle and not even traction control. you might change your mind.

Well done video. I have a 2002 4S. 30k miles. Love the car!

Hi Lee, I am with you most of the way on the rear end of the 996 C4S, I love that strip and it truly is one of the best, but better than all of the RSs and RSRs out there? Tough to say. I know this much, the 992's 'tribute' to the full strip back end is atrocious.

'Crackin' 911' indeed. Nice ride - also my favorite 996.

Unfortunately I sold mine! I had a 996 C4s white with brown interiors. I really enjoyed it! Great car!

I wish my wife weighed 65kg 🤣

Nice work on the video. Slight enhancement on the 993 C4S vs "C2S" info; The 4S had all the Turbo features such a full leather, turbo suspension and brakes, so was a Turbo minus the turbo. The Carrera S simply had the wide body, was lowered slightly and had a small leather insert on the door card. So the 993 4S was a big step up from the 2WD S.

I am truly thankful for people like you..911s only..great concept..haha..love the channel and the 911s, Thanks for the Porsche Porn

40th Anniversary 911 is the best M96 Porsche. Period.

Gee I love your reviews. You speak with such passion and knowledge. Keep them coming please.

Excellent video and good comparison to C4. Would be good to hear a comparison to C2 also.

Great job spotlighting what I too believe is the greatest 911, the 996. I cannot say enough about my 03’ 996 C4s and as it approaches 100K miles, it is still nothing but great! How they can be condemned over headlights(?) and IMS is beyond me. Easy to work on too. How do you work on a new 911? You probably don’t. Keep up the great videos!

Lovely downshift at 4.55 👍💕

Definitely enjoyed the video as others I’ve watched of yours. I own the the C4 996 myself, and now learned more of the differences and comparisons. Thank you. New subscriber now👍🏻

I like that nezumi voiure, I had the same one but I lost it. Great video, I cant wait to own a 996 C4S.

Another Great review Lee. Sounds fantastic. Sounds like PSE? I think you will miss that car :-)

These are such under appreciated cars

I couldn’t agree more. I have a 996 C4.2 Cabrio. Test drove a 2000 996 Turbo last week (first time). Loved the stability vs my C4 but the throttle response just isn’t as fun. My next car is going to be exactly like this one featured here. More stability, that beautiful responsive accelerator and the absolutely gorgeous looks. I laugh when I hear people say that the 996 is the ugly duckling!! Must be mad!

Where is our lovely c4S now Lee? Do you know it’s whereabouts??

Great sounding 911. What will be your next car?

Hi. want to thank you for all your vids and info. I have had 3 996's and currently own a 2003 c4s. It is having its rms and IMS changed at present and new brake pipes so a bit of a hit in the wallet . I am planning all the underbody upgrades you have discussed in your videos. Im not made of money and your research and feedback on exhausts and susupension has been invaluable. I have to choose new silencers (aftermarket), not happy with the 4k bill for original Porsche parts. I like a deep sound but just want legal and not tiring , perhaps just a deeper version of the standard sports exhaust. I like driving holidays so the car needs to be bearable at speed. Any isuggestions? Thanks again for the channel, much appreciated

just posted a video about mine

Having driven most 911 Porsche until the 991.2 (not yet been invited to drive the 992), raced 964s and being the current owner of a 996 and a Cayman, I can tell you that my favourite non GT 996 is by far the 40th Anniversary (or a non anniversary identically specified car with X51 and sports suspensions) ... So much more aggressive and focused than the standard cars and than the 4 wheel drive cars. That car would be the enthusiast non-GT 911, just like today's GTS cars. But of course all 911s are great cars, my brother owns a 996 C4 convertible and a 993 Targa and, though I wouldn't have picked these models, to drive in a dynamic fashion whilst enjoying the sun, both are great.

where was this filmed

The 964 had the turbo look version in the 30 Jahre edition to celebrate 30 years of the 911 in 1993. Came in silver and midnight blue

Great car, but the 40th anniversary edition is the best non-GT 996. More power and more lively steering, plus the limited slip.

Great video and a beautiful car.

YES, it is the best non-GT 996. The C4S is an amazing car. Thanks for your video, I posted an update about my 996C4S on my channel, hope you might view it, like and share!

Awesome vid. Never driven one before but looks and sounds so sexy!

Decent video, thanks.

I NEED a S model! good job!

You say there wasn't a 'turbo look' 964, however the 964 celebration was 'turbo bodied' a limited run of cars to mark 30 years of the 911. The rare 964 speedster was also available from the factory with the 'turbo body'.

Great video Rich, l like the way you describe the relevant features of the car . it’s refreshing to see some actual real-time video of your actual car driving on public roads. Whilst we should drive responsibly on the roadI feel you and your cameraman have done a great job!!! Well done btw: I have the said car and would agree the 996 CARRERA did seem slightly more quicker off the line but the C4S does seem to give a bit more confidence when going around the twistys

Had a white 2003 c4s. No one ever talks about that the car shares the chassis the same generation gt3 and turbo. Thats why it feels so tight/rigid. Great review!!

Cant believe I have only just found this video, thought I had seen all of yours. Not sure I will ever be able to part with my Orient red C4.1 but I am seriously considering adding a C4s especially with some great examples and pricing at present. Yours was a particularly beautiful example, only downside for me was rear parking sensors and lack of sport seats but think I could live with that 😉

Great vid! What exhaust is this? Looking at an upgrade soon for mine and this sounds mega! Looks like you had an aftermarket intake which affects the tone as well?

996 C4S is a great car. Maybe the best looking non-GT 996. But it isn't the best performing of the bunch. As a matter of fact I would say it is the worst in terms of performance. It's heavy and the AWD system isn't needed with the standard power. If you want to talk about the best performing 996 non-GT or Turbo, take a look at those with the X51 Package and LSD. Those standard RWD C2's and Anniversary Editions with X51 and LSD will out perform every other standard engine 996.

From 4:31... That moment when you realize you múst have a 911. I remember it very well, it was on a sunday evening about two years ago. Last week the moment then was finally there, I bought a 996 Carrera 4. Very happy with it, what a car!!! Thanks for this convincing video!

Great video Lee well done CK

In my experience C2 996 is more agile than 4/4S, but I agree that wide body is nice. Naturally aspirated 996ses doesn’t really need AWD, huge grip already without it (and less weight).

Brilliant video!! Totally agree with you about the rear red strip!!!

do you use helium as a recreational pharmaceutical?

Man it sounds great!

lovely