RS4 versus Porsche 911 C4S
 

I'm now less than a year away to move to my third Audi, a used RS4. I've been planning this for a couple years and it has made sense for many reasons - chipped A4, to chipped allroad to the RS4

While seeing what else is around in the same price category (around $50K CDN - everything is more expensive up here), I came across a very nice 2004 Porsche with the quad sport tips on it (the ones with the larger pipe integrated into the smaller one) - basically love at first site when I saw them several years ago. My current thoughts on either option.

RS4 - ultimate sleeper, great exhaust sound, practical (four doors, space for the 4 / 6 year olds), easy step up from the previous two Audi's, no real downs

911 C4S - looks, the car I've thought about for 30+ years. Downs - less HP (315 versus 420), practicality (limited trunk, kids would be cramped but I checked and they would fit), I would be using this year round - may be plowing snow in winter the way they clear roads around here

Not sure if anyone has experience with both - I've actually never been in a Porsche but I'm thinking I'll start looking at them a lot more. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

What C4S model are you contemplating? I had a 993 C4S and loved it, but I never cared for the newer versions.

Its a 2004, so a 996. I read a while ago many people didn't like it and feel the 997 is a lot better. Don't know the reasons though.

Yup! The 996 was probably the worst of all 911's. I'd say look into the 997, or just get an RS4. Personally, I'd get an RS4, but I'm biased... ;)

At the club I belong to a surgeon owns a Porsche TT and a RS4. He drives the RS4 way more as his car of choice.

Couple of things - Porsche are rear engined and that weight really does change how you drive. Many people get surprised by how quickly one can swap ends in the twisties when given a sudden surprise in a turn. Letting up on the throttle in a car is a trait you may have to unlearn in a Porsche. I really recommend some driving school is you plan to get one.

I was just juggling a similar decision between the RS4 and a 996tt. I went with the RS4 and I love it! Fast and a blast to drive with all the benefits of an everyday driver. If your planning on driving it year round, then the RS4 is the car for you.

I love the 996 C4s. I don't get the hatred of the car. So it wasn't skinny in the middle and wide in the hips (although the C4s got a wider treatemnt and looks great). So what if it wasn't cooled the same way. So what if it shared headlights with the boxster for a year. It's still an excellent car.

The 996 C4s had a pretty cool sound to it too. I'd be proud to own a nice silver one. Would be a great car.

With that being said, I don't think I would walk past an RS4 to get one. I'm sure it's about $5-100,000 cheaper than a really good RS4, but the Audi has so much more usability and won't really give up much in the way of performance (if anything)

I don't think anyone said they hated the 996 C4S. Personally, I said that the 996 chassis in general is probably the worst of all 911 iterations and I stand by my opinion. I've driven them all and the 996 felt the least connected to the road. Your mileage may vary... ;)