This 2007 Porsche Carrera 4S was kindly provided by Gilmour Collection

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In a previous article, I have mentioned that no other sportscar in the world, has had the lifespan of the Porsche 911. Zuffenhausen has been churning out 911’s for longer than many of us have been alive. What I didn’t mention in my last article though, was that this incredible span of history has done something other than simply create legend. The Porsche 911, has spawned an incredible array of variants and versions.

To the layperson, a Porsche is simply another Porsche and all 911’s probably look pretty much the same. However, those that know, understand just how different each of these variants are. A 911 Carrera isn’t even the same car as a GT2 RS for example. Even though they are both technically 911’s, one is a docile, daily driveable puppy dog, the other is a bit like trying to ride a T-Rex on acid. Whilst concussed. Both are brilliant cars in their own right, but they fill very different needs.

With so much choice it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, GTS, GT3, GT2, GT3 RS, GT2 RS, Turbo, Turbo S, Targa, Cabrio… The list is almost endless. So endless in fact, it’s very difficult to choose a sweet spot. A happy medium. The one size fits all car that does everything that anyone could want. Even harder when you take into account value for money.

Carrera 4S

we’ve done the hard work for you

Being the kind souls that we are here at Carbs and Coffee, we’ve done the hard work for you. Not only have we picked a sweet spot in the range, but given the 911’s history, we’re even taking a stab at the sweet spot generationally.

To be the best all-rounder, you have to consider not only outright performance, but comfort too. Practicality, creature comforts and value for money also need to be thrown in the mix. At less than the price of a new 3-Series, the 997 Carrera 4S starts to make a very compelling argument.

The 997 generation comes from a time when Porsche were extremely good at getting the balance between driver involvement and refinement, just right. Especially in this manual Carrera 4S. The manual box means you still have to drive the car, but it’s not hard work. Unlike older 911’s that can be a little bit of a workout to wrestle with.

Ride comfort too, is perfectly judged. It’s sporty and communicative, but not uncomfortable and harsh. Even with the suspension in sport mode, the ride shows real sophistication in the suspension’s design. The interior is spacious and miles ahead of the 996 in terms of material quality and appointments.

Carrera 4S

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the Carrera 4S is simply infallible

With its 4 wheel drive system, the Carrera 4S is simply infallible. It inspires confidence in all conditions and simply provides incredible amounts of grip. However, the drive to the front wheels never seems to interfere with the steering feel. The C4S is very surefooted. It’s one of those cars that simply grips and grips no matter what you throw at it. It certainly never feels as tail heavy or pendulum-like as 911’s of old.

The absolute star of the show has to be the engine though. As one of the most important elements in a sports car, it needs to be good. Something with character, a fruity noise and of course, POWER! In typical Porsche fashion, the numbers on this 3.8l flat-six hardly tell the whole story. Performance is more than adequate for anybody’s needs. The real beauty of this powertrain though, is in its tractability. Throttle response is simply beautiful, and because torque is instantly available at any RPM, the engine makes the 911 feel much lighter than it is. Flex your right foot and the needle sweeps die dial, no matter what gear you are in. Drop a cog and things happen a little faster. Drop 2 cogs and the characteristic flat-6 howl, will have you pinning it all the time.

Carrera 4S

In terms of practicality, the Carrera 4S delivers. The boot, or ‘frunk’ is big enough for a couple of over-night bags or the weekly shop. It may not look like much, but the depth of the cavity means that there is actually far more space than you might think. If you’re heading anywhere for longer than a weekend, no problem. The rear seat back rests flip down to form a large shelf. You can stack serious luggage back there and still use the seatbelts to tie it down. Not being a stripped out racing version of the 911, the C4S offers plenty of storage cubbies in the cabin too. So you won’t lose your wallet, keys or phone.

Those two generations got the proportions just right

I leave the looks for last, because looks are subjective. And let’s face it – when choosing between 911’s, they’ve looked the same since the early 70’s. If I have to pick a favourite though, it would be the 997 or 991 generations. Those two generations got the proportions just right. Maintain the classic profile and hadn’t quite ballooned to the size of the newer models. This Carrera 4S looks perfect with it’s clean, unfussed appearance. The wide hips lend a sexy curvature to the shape and the big wheels, just a hint of aggression.

The 991 might be marginally prettier with its updated rear and even more delicate lines. However, the 997 wins out for me because it offers such insane value for money. The Carrera 4S really could be every car you ever need, at less than the price of a new 3-Series. But make it a convertible and the scale falls over in favour of this car.

You get 16 million miles of headroom and the “wind in your hair” driving experience. Not to mention as much of that flat six sound as your ears can handle. The chassis on the 997 is so rigid, there is no noticeable scuttle shake to report at all. Put the roof up, and with the click of a single button it can be transformed. Suddenly the car is cossetting, well insulated and refined. No creaking or rattling from the roof. If it wasn’t for the button next to the hand brake, you couldn’t tell this was a cabriolet from inside.

Carrera 4S

Drop the roof on the Carrera 4S and it’s the perfect weekend cruiser

At this price point, the 997 Carrera 4S Cabrio, really offers a lot of car for your money. With the manual gearbox fitted here, it can be serious fun to drive. But it’s comfortable and useable enough to drive as a daily. Drop the roof and it’s the perfect weekend cruiser! Pop the frunk and you have loads of luggage space, with even more behind the front seats, should you need it. It’s not the quickest 911, but certainly quick enough for most. All things considered, I would say this is probably a very good place to jump into 911 ownership.