epirali

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As my car is in the shop for a bunch of campaigns and upgrades I was given a frozen blue 4S as a loaner (which I HIGHLY appreciate, last time it was a Macan). It has been a good chance to really compare on a daily situation the "differences" between these two versions.

I have always maintained that the Turbo S (and even the Turbo) is a bit "too much car" for any kind of daily driving. I am not saying a skilled driver can't have some fun, but honestly it is simply too much speed. The launch on the Turbo S is fun, but it hurts. And its not something you can do to passengers without warning, making sure they have no back or neck problems, and tell them to prep. I actually have to be on guard when I have passengers with me.

So driving the 4S it pretty much is what I expected. In almost all situations there really is not much of a difference. It is wicked quick, I can get off the line in normal use faster than is required, I can accelerate, merge and do anything I want during daily driving (and I drive aggressively, not towards others but essentially get from point A to B like I am in a race). The 4S is pretty much identical to the Turbo S.

The only thing I miss (which is a feature that has nothing to do with the Turbo) is the rear wheel steering. With the feature the turning radius of the Taycan is simply insane for a car of that size. It was a bit shocking to do a normal turn I tend to do and run out of space without it and wondering "what is going on?"

When I was almost home I decide to do a mini launch with the 4S. Sure I can tell tis not as painful, but it was NOT slow.

So for what its worth here is one opinion. Get a 4S and add the features that you will use. Get the Turbo or Turbo S only if that kick is important to you, but you won't be using it unless you want to experience that exact effect. And honestly I was more relaxed with the 4S knowing I don't have to be completely on full alert if I am pushing the car.

P.S. The color configurator on Porsche site really needs to be fixed. I almost ordered the frozen blue initially but seeing it in person I would have been very unhappy. Its a very nice color, but its NOT the color it appeared to be.
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SYN_Skydance

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Thanks epirali

great write up

I’ve been looking at whether to get the 4s or the turbo
 
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epirali

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Thanks epirali

great write up

I’ve been looking at whether to get the 4s or the turbo
If you have any questions I can help with please feel free to ask.
 

Filback

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Was really interested in this review as I think the 4s is the more sensible option. Would love to read more opinions.
 

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Having driven all 3, really the 4S is a superb daily
option. The Turbo is best spec for buck, and the Turbo S clearly a bit of a premium but something special if you want it pay for it.
 


Bonglim

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Thank you epirali - excellent but if insight that not many people would have.
Given that I can only afford the 4s, it is really nice to hear. And I think my chances of putting a 4s in the shop and being given a Turbo S to try are... well.... 0. :CWL:
 


RG2020

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Interesting read, and makes me wonder slightly less...what if?

Reassuring and thanks for posting, although I can't help but think I still might have gone Turbo or Turbo S if I could've convinced myself to part with the extra & wait longer for the car.
 

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Nice write up, thanks.

I think pretty importantly the price differential between the models seems to vary quite a bit depending on the country - just anecdotally from what people say on here. For me a Turbo with the same spec as my 4S would have been nearly 40k CHF more. Sounds like in the UK and US the difference is a lot less for the same spec... As well as the prices just being lower of course.
 

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and honestly I was more relaxed with the 4S knowing I don't have to be completely on full alert if I am pushing the car.
THIS.

I went from 4S to Turbo. Couldn't get rid of the feeling that "I want more".
I don't have any desire to have more than the Turbo.
I am delighted to feel ecstatic, bordering fright, everytime I push.

Worth it? Different question.
 

Vim Schrotnock

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I think as you go from the 4S to the Turbo to the Turbo S you pay more in $/s per benefit as you move up the line. The Turbo has way more than the 4S, but not 50% more, as the price would indicate. The Turbo S is even more so - lots of really cool features/benefits, but definitely not 80% more. It's like pretty much anything as you approach the highest end, a small increase in features/benefits/performance costs more as you approach the top. I agree that the 4S will probably do the job for a lot of Taycan owners. But, I'll keep my Turbo S...
 

robborover

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Good write up. In very generic terms it feels like the 4s fits the Co Car bracket where the cost/benefit works and then the Turbo and beyond are into treating yourself territory. Of course that's not all cases but I can see a trend forming in the UK on this. Turbo and beyond will have better financial residuals and you can see that in finance rates so if a personal expense, that will be a factor too.
 

Dee

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It's very, very, VERY sensible to get the 4S.
But sensible is boring.
I don't know about you but when a 6 year old Tesla Model S P100D is beside you at the traffic lights, the boy in me wakes up...
Or a Model 3 Performance for that matter...

There's brains and there's fun.
A Turbo S is fun.
I never ever regretted it.
Ask any Ferrari and Lamborghini owner....they don't even try.
Priceless!

A Turbo S is surprisingly easy to drive, same as a 4S (got a 4S as a loaner) but the instant torque is just great.
The braking is too.
So:
If you want to be sensible, buy a 4S.
If you want to have fun, buy a Turbo S.
Simple.
 
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epirali

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A Turbo S is surprisingly easy to drive, same as a 4S (got a 4S as a loaner) but the instant torque is just great.
The braking is too.
So:
If you want to be sensible, buy a 4S.
If you want to have fun, buy a Turbo S.
Simple.
You are correct, except there is the concept of Hedonistic adaptation. I remember my Tesla Roadster when I first got it was “fast.” Then I test drove a P90 and for all its faults it was “faster.” Audi R8 is fast until you floor the Taycan Turbo S. Honestly the McLaren is a demon but I still am surprised how it doesn’t seem as fast as it used to feel.

My point? Its all relative. The 4S is very fast. Is the Turbo S faster? Sure. Is it more fun? Yes in the situation you describe. Balance that with how many times you find yourself in those situations and I think you will have your answer.

Me? I am NEVER pulling up next to you, I’d lose regardless of what car I was in.
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