To RWD or 4s? That is the question...

[Cillacede]

I've in the market to purchase a Taycan. We're relocating to an area that has much better infrastructure for EV charging, and it's really where the future is going anyway. I just sold my 2019 718 Cayman S prior to our move (very sad!), as it also won't fit our new lifestyle. Now the big question is: to purchase RWD or a 4S (either would be pre-owned). I've been tracking the threads about the differences and test drove them both back to back. Yes there is a noticeable difference between the RWD and 4s, upon initiation of the foot on the pedal. And I admittedly am quite "spoiled" as we also have a Cayenne Turbo. I will only be using this car for my daily driver, in an urban area. I may be doing some highway driving, but not likely more than a few exits. The question I keep asking myself: can I sleep better at night paying $10k-$15k less for a nice CPO'd base car, or will I regret it and wish I had purchased the 4s? Because I just traded in my 718 S, I wonder how much difference I will feel between the RWD and what I'm used to driving. I do like seeking extra $$ in my bank account, but I also know I'm very guilty of not purchasing the one I REALLY want and then wishing I had. My spouse says I should get the thing I want, but I'm having sticker shock. Can others weigh in if they went through the same, and how do they feel about what they ended up purchasing?

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[W1NGE]

4S, budget permitting.

RWD is perfectly fine but you'll always suffer the cognitive dissonance effect otherwise!

 

[AlexR]

Always go for the fastest model you can reasonably afford, otherwise in 12 months time you'll be swapping out for something else!

 

[Fish Fingers]

I think you have already made your mind up, reading your post.
4S

 

[WattTurbo]

I used to think the 4S is the hands down, no brainer answer. But, now that I know the performance numbers of the RWD, I realize that it's slightly faster than the GS460 that I used to own and loved. I thought my GS was plenty quick for all situations.

 

[AV7]

RWD is perfectly fine but you'll always suffer the cognitive dissonance effect otherwise!

Going through this right now ?! Have a 4S on order. The only thing I don't like about my RWD is that it's just not fast enough, obviously that's a personal choice. Beyond that it's an absolute gem.

 

[Schn3ll]

Personally I think my RWD with Performance battery is fast enough, and I'm coming from a 991.2 911.

You can't use much more power than this on the street anyway.

My car has less than 1,500 miles and has $23k in options, and a CPO (was a 500 mile dealer demo) and I might be interested in parting with it for the right price

 

[XLR82XS]

Steering feel is incredible in the RWD model. It's plenty of power for the street and fun to drive. That said, if I lived in an area where I needed AWD then I would go 4S or GTS.
(I own a '21 RWD w/chrono)

 

[WattTurbo]

Steering feel is incredible in the RWD model. It's plenty of power for the street and fun to drive. That said, if I lived in an area where I needed AWD then I would go 4S or GTS.
(I own a '21 RWD w/chrono)

Yeah, good point about the AWD. That'd be the only reason I'd change my mind from the RWD. For my local area though AWD is not needed.

 

[jonbek]

If the RWD is equipped with air suspension then consider it, but if it's static then move on.

 

[dutchcourage]

Wednesday I’ll pick up my new taycan rwd. But today I test-drove a cayman gt4.
I was quit disappointed by the power of the gt4 compared to an ev.
so I would say go for the rdw as this would give you plenty of joy when you come from a standard cayman, even knowing that there is more ev speed/power is available.

btw, I forgot to wear earplugs in the gt4 ?‍

 

[XLR82XS]

If the RWD is equipped with air suspension then consider it, but if it's static then move on.

Forgot to mention - air suspension. A must have.

 

[Jimboy]

Florida? Definitely RWD. I tried both and got the RWD. I agree air suspension a must. Also got rear wheel steering which I love. While the 0-60 spec is what we focus on, it’s only noticeable for tracking or street racing, rarely used. At highway speeds where we need acceleration you’ll notice almost no difference when passing. For everyday use the decision is an emotional, not practical one IMHO. Go for what you’re most comfortable with.

 

[rich_r]

I think the RWD will feel quick coming from a 718 (or pretty much any turbo 4 engine). Plus with the lighter weight and no front drive unit it’ll be a little closer in feel to what you’re used to. Now if you test drive both back to back, you’ll notice the quicker acceleration of the 4s for sure but you’ll quickly get used to whatever car you choose - so the added “thrill” will be short lived. I test drove a 4s and RWD on different days and the RWD didn’t feel lacking in any way

 

[Mike in CA]

I haven't driven a RWD model so I can't weigh in on the performance differences to the 4S. I will say, though, that you should give priority to which model you prefer, not which one will save you money, assuming you can afford either one without difficulty. Almost every time I've bypassed some option I really wanted just based on cost, I've regretted it

A year from now the extra cash you spend will be forgotten. But if you get something "less" than what you really want, you'll be reminded of it every time you get behind the wheel.

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