Where's the storage?
Talk about limited space! There are small receptacles in the armrests and in the center console, while the glovebox is not much larger. The
cupholders that are so important to North American customers only hold small-size beverages. If your cup of coffee is too big, it might very well spill over and burn you.
Two foldaway seats are found in the rear. Surprisingly, they proved to be spacious enough for a 5'2'' adult. However, according to this person, the seatback is too upright to be comfortable on long getaways. In order to reach those seats, you have to be a bit of a contortionist, even if the front seat is pulled forward. Besides, it's impossible to straighten the seatback without pulling it back because the roof interferes. The rear seats should only be used for short errands. When the seats are folded, you can store a couple of bags or a small suitcase, which is great since the trunk space is limited.
Behind the wheel
This is where the fun starts! Everything in the cockpit is driver-oriented. The gauges are clear and the controls, while small, are easy to identify
and to reach. The tilt/telescoping steering wheel offers a nice grip and a good diameter - attributes that ensure confident driving. The shifter handles conveniently and its pattern is well designed.
The speedometer is virtually useless, but the engineers made up for this shortcoming by integrating a digital readout in the tachometer (the middle pod of the instrument panel). Once you turn the key on the left side of the dashboard, in typical Porsche fashion, the symphony of the six-cylinder boxer engine suddenly charms your ears. And by selecting the sport mode, you can enjoy a real crescendo. Forget about the audio system if you toy with the engine revs or if you drive past 100 kph. There are no differences between the Carrera S and 4S except on the road, where there are quite a few.
Problematic visibility
Behind the wheel of a 911, you have to deal with an obtrusive A-pillar on the driver side and remain careful at intersections. Same thing for passing, because the seatback and the roofline impede the driver's view to the right. The small but effective mirrors can help a little, however.
Precise steering
The first significant difference between the two cars is the heavy steering of the 4S. Indeed, after driving the 4S a couple of times, you become used to imparting a greater effort in the wheel's movement. So, when you get back in the Carrera S, the steering response seems quick and unwanted. In this regard, I prefer driving the S because its light steering wheel can be handled with the fingertips.
Talk about limited space! There are small receptacles in the armrests and in the center console, while the glovebox is not much larger. The
 |
| Carrera S (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Two foldaway seats are found in the rear. Surprisingly, they proved to be spacious enough for a 5'2'' adult. However, according to this person, the seatback is too upright to be comfortable on long getaways. In order to reach those seats, you have to be a bit of a contortionist, even if the front seat is pulled forward. Besides, it's impossible to straighten the seatback without pulling it back because the roof interferes. The rear seats should only be used for short errands. When the seats are folded, you can store a couple of bags or a small suitcase, which is great since the trunk space is limited.
Behind the wheel
This is where the fun starts! Everything in the cockpit is driver-oriented. The gauges are clear and the controls, while small, are easy to identify
 |
| Carrera S (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
The speedometer is virtually useless, but the engineers made up for this shortcoming by integrating a digital readout in the tachometer (the middle pod of the instrument panel). Once you turn the key on the left side of the dashboard, in typical Porsche fashion, the symphony of the six-cylinder boxer engine suddenly charms your ears. And by selecting the sport mode, you can enjoy a real crescendo. Forget about the audio system if you toy with the engine revs or if you drive past 100 kph. There are no differences between the Carrera S and 4S except on the road, where there are quite a few.
Problematic visibility
 |
| Carrera S (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Precise steering
The first significant difference between the two cars is the heavy steering of the 4S. Indeed, after driving the 4S a couple of times, you become used to imparting a greater effort in the wheel's movement. So, when you get back in the Carrera S, the steering response seems quick and unwanted. In this regard, I prefer driving the S because its light steering wheel can be handled with the fingertips.