Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe (992.1) (2020 – 2024)

2020 – 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (992.1) – Reviews, Pricing, Specs & Buyers Guide

The 992.1 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is the stealth hero of the pre-facelift 992 range: all the everyday polish and incisive handling of the base Carrera, with the year-round confidence of all-wheel drive (PTM). Introduced for the 2020 model year and sold through 2024, the C4 sits beneath the C4S and later GTS models, but it’s far from “entry level.” With 379 hp, a brilliantly calibrated 8-speed PDK, a stiffer/wider platform, and the debut of Wet Mode, it’s a consummate “daily usable” sports car that still punches hard on a favorite back road. This guide covers its story, specs, tech, how it drives, model-year updates, reception, options, buying tips, and values.

Story & Positioning

After launching the 992 generation with the Carrera S/4S, Porsche expanded the lineup in September 2019 with the Carrera 4 (C4) Coupe and Cabriolet. The C4 carried the base 992 engine tune—379 hp at 6,500 rpm and 331 lb-ft from 1,950–5,000 rpm—paired to all-wheel drive via Porsche Traction Management. Porsche’s U.S. release claimed 0–60 mph in 4.0 seconds (or 3.8 s with Sport Chrono) and a top track speed of 180 mph. The announcement also detailed an upgraded front-axle drive unit (water-cooled clutch/diff with reinforced clutches) to sharpen durability and torque control under load. The C4’s brief is straightforward: sit above the rear-drive Carrera with poor-weather assurance and drama-free launches, while keeping the price and running costs in check versus the 4S. Just as important, the 992 generation introduced Porsche Wet Mode across the range—a system that uses acoustic sensors in the front wheel housings to detect spray and pre-condition the chassis and stability systems for wet roads. It’s not a gimmick; at the first sign of spray, the car suggests Wet Mode in the cluster and calms its responses—a natural fit for the AWD mission.

Powertrain, Driveline & Chassis

• Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six (M9A family)
• Output: 379 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 331 lb-ft @ 1,950–5,000 rpm
• Max engine speed: 7,500 rpm
• Transmission: 8-speed PDK dual-clutch (the base Carrera/Carrera 4 did not offer a manual in the 992.1 era; the 7-speed manual was added to S/4S only).
• All-wheel drive: PTM can send significant torque forward when needed yet feels rear-biased on dry pavement. Porsche upgraded the front axle drive hardware on the 992 C4 to improve accuracy and load capacity.
• Suspension & brakes: MacPherson-strut front, multi-link rear; PASM adaptive dampers standard, with Normal/Sport modes. Standard 13.0-in (approx.) internally ventilated iron rotors with 4-piston calipers; PCCB ceramics optional. Wheel/tire stagger is 19/20-inch (235/40 ZR19 front, 295/35 ZR20 rear) with optional 20/21-inch fitment.
• Dimensions (typical 2020 reference): Length 177.9 in, width 72.9 in (w/o mirrors), height ~51 in, wheelbase 96.5 in; body is a mixed-metal structure for rigidity and weight efficiency.

Performance: Paper vs. Reality

From the factory, 0–60 mph in 4.0 s (3.8 s w/ Sport Chrono) and 180 mph top speed put the C4 squarely into “more than fast enough” territory. Independent numbers underscore how conservative Porsche’s claims tend to be for the 992 family. Car and Driver’s base, rear-drive Carrera (same 379-hp engine) repeatedly clocked 3.2 s to 60 mph and 11.5 s quarter-mile, only a few tenths behind an S—evidence that the engine/turbo calibration and PDK launch logic are the real show. While that specific test wasn’t a C4, the takeaway holds: the 379-hp 992s are astonishingly quick, and on imperfect or cold surfaces the AWD C4 often feels even more effective in the real world. Car and Driver’s dedicated Carrera 4 “By the Numbers” piece focused on the value of AWD on slippery roads and its sure-footed corner exits, mirroring what owners experience in four-season climates.

Tech & Infotainment

Two bits of tech define the 992.1 C4 ownership experience:

1. Wet Mode (standard): detects wet pavement using acoustic sensors, primes the ABS/PSM and aero, and prompts the driver to select a wet-optimized map. It’s different from simple rain-sensing wipers because it directly measures spray at the tires—useful even after the rain has stopped.
2. PCM 6.0 update (MY2022-on): In January 2022, Porsche rolled out a significant infotainment update for 911s running PCM 6.0, adding a refreshed UI and Android Auto support alongside CarPlay. If smartphone integration is important, target 2022+ cars or verify the software/hardware on earlier examples.

How It Drives

Calm, quick, and confidence-rich. The defining C4 experience is traction and composure. The small, fast-spooling turbos deliver a fat mid-range; PDK anticipates inputs with uncanny intuition; and PTM hooks up cleanly out of slow corners without feeling nose-led. Reviewers who sampled base 992s consistently praised the cohesive balance and day-to-day civility—the car just works everywhere. MotorTrend called the 992 Carrera “perhaps the most cohesive sports car of the bunch… the Goldilocks ‘juuust right’ 911,” and their early drives reinforced that you don’t need S/4S power to have a great 992; the base tune is plenty.

Bad weather advantage. On cold, greasy roads, the AWD C4 can be the quickest non-Turbo 911 in the real world. Top Gear’s long-term 992 commentary and C/D’s AWD notes both highlight the way modern 911 traction systems flatten the weather curve without dulling steering feel.

Model-Year Updates (992.1, 2020–2024)

• 2020 (launch year for C4): U.S. introduction with 379 hp, 8-speed PDK, upgraded front-axle drive unit, PASM standard, optional 20/21-in wheels, and Wet Mode across the line. Factory performance claims: 4.0 s to 60 (3.8 w/ Sport Chrono), 180 mph top speed.
• 2021: Running tweaks (packages, options availability). The C4 continues unchanged mechanically.
• 2022: PCM 6.0 infotainment update brings Android Auto and a refreshed UI to applicable 911s. If this matters to you, verify the car’s software/hardware.
• 2023–2024: Late-cycle refinements; core C4 recipe remains stable ahead of the 992.2 refresh (model-year 2025+), which changed the AWD lineup strategy.

Specifications (Quick Reference)

• Engine: 3.0-L twin-turbo flat-six — 379 hp / 331 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed PDK (no manual on base C4 in 992.1)
• Drivetrain: AWD (PTM); upgraded front-axle drive vs. prior gen
• 0–60 mph: 4.0 s (factory); 3.8 s with Sport Chrono
• Top speed: 180 mph
• Chassis: PASM adaptive dampers standard
• Brakes: ~13.0 in iron rotors; PCCB optional
• Wheels/Tires: 19/20-in (235/40, 295/35); optional 20/21-in
• Notable tech: Wet Mode standard; PCM 6.0 (2022+) adds Android Auto

(Context for straight-line pace: Car and Driver measured the base rear-drive Carrera at 3.2 s to 60 mph, showing how potent the 379-hp tune is. The AWD C4 delivers the same thrust with more real-world security.)

Options & Packages That Matter

• Sport Chrono Package. Adds the steering-wheel mode switch, performance displays, Launch Control logic (PDK), and a sharper throttle/shift strategy—also the key to the factory 0–60 claim of 3.8 s. Highly recommended for PDK cars.
• PASM / PASM Sport (-10 mm). Standard PASM is superbly judged for mixed roads; the lower Sport tune suits smooth pavement or occasional track use.
• Rear-Axle Steering. Shrinks the car in tight bends and adds high-speed stability; a popular box to tick on narrow, technical routes.
• PCCB (ceramic brakes). Lower unsprung mass and fade resistance for repeated hard stops; fantastic but expensive to repair. The stock iron setup is excellent for street use.
• Front-Axle Lift. A daily sanity saver for steep driveways and urban ramps.
• Driver-assist & comfort. Adaptive cruise, lane keep, heated/ventilated seats—none of these blunt the dynamics, but they improve the “daily 911” proposition.

Reception: What the Press Said

• Car and Driver (Base Carrera tested): Repeated 3.2-second 0–60 runs and 11.5-second quarters make clear how quick the 379-hp tune is—and how small the gap is to the S.
• Car and Driver (Carrera 4 “By the Numbers”): The AWD hardware brings impressive slippery-road performance and confident corner exits; the magazine’s track anecdotes echoed how the C4 claws back ground on exits
• MotorTrend (base 992 drives): Called the 992 Carrera “perhaps the most cohesive sports car”—a Goldilocks blend of performance and civility, proving you don’t need an S/4S badge for excellence.
• Edmunds (2020 911 review): “Expertly fills the middle ground between touring and scintillating performance,” with benchmark usability (and a note that the new interior’s look is subjective).

Buying Guide (Used)

1. Transmission reality: In 992.1 spec, base C4s are PDK-only; if you want a manual + AWD combo, you’re shopping 4S/GTS instead. Verify this early in your search.
2. Sport Chrono & real-world pace: Cars with Sport Chrono unlock the quickest official sprints and add the steering-wheel mode switch; many buyers value it for both feel and resale.
3. Tires, wheels & alignment: Standard is 19/20-in; many cars were optioned to 20/21-in, which look great and add grip but can curb-rash easily and are pricier to re-tire. Inspect inner shoulders (295-section rears) and ask for alignment records.
4. Brakes: The iron setup is durable for road use; check for lip ridges and pedal pulsation. If the car wears PCCB, inspect rotors carefully—damage is costly.
5. Wet Mode & sensors: On a test drive through puddles or spray, the cluster should suggest Wet Mode. Persistent warnings or no prompts at all warrant a diagnostic scan.
6. Infotainment/phone needs: If Android Auto matters, target MY2022+ or confirm the car runs PCM 6.0. Earlier cars generally do not retrofit to full parity.
7. Provenance & options: Pull the build sheet/window sticker. Value-relevant boxes include Sport Chrono, rear-axle steering, PASM Sport, PCCB, front-axle lift, and comfort/assist features. Well-specced colors/interiors also help values.

Ownership Experience

The C4’s bandwidth is its superpower. In Normal mode with PASM, it’s a quiet, refined GT that sips fuel reasonably (EPA combined around 20 mpg for 2020 base 911s as a reference). Toggle Sport or Sport Plus, and it’s instantly alert, with PTM traction that lets you deploy power early without corruption of the steering. Cargo remains “911-practical”—a useful frunk plus additional space with the rear backrests folded. Consumables are sensibly priced for this performance bracket: rear tires will go first, iron brakes last well on the road, and routine service is straightforward.

Pricing & Value

At introduction, U.S. MSRP for the 2020 Carrera 4 Coupe started at $104,700 before destination. As usual with Porsche, options move the needle quickly. On the second-hand market (by late 992.1), spec, mileage, condition, and colors drive prices more than minor model-year differences. Because manual wasn’t offered on the base C4, there’s no “stick-shift premium” to chase here—focus on Sport Chrono, 20/21-in wheels, rear-axle steering, lift, and infotainment level for desirability.

Verdict

The 992.1 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is the modern 911 distilled to its essentials: usable every day, formidable in any weather, and deeply satisfying to drive. The 379-hp tune and PDK deliver speed that borders on absurd for a “base” car, and PTM traction plus Wet Mode make that performance accessible when conditions are far from ideal. Spec one with Sport Chrono and the options that fit your roads (rear-steer, lift, PASM tune), verify the PCM version you want, and you’ll own the sleeper of the 992.1 range—the one that quietly does it all, 365 days a year.

What We Said At Launch

The Carrera 4 is the base model 911, equipped with all-wheel drive. It starts at $109,850 for 2022, which is about $7,000 more than the standard rear-drive Carrera. Other than the additional all-wheel-drive system and the 150 odd pound increase in curb weight, the Carrera 4 is identical to its rear-drive sibling. It gets the same 379-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine. Same eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic (the only gearbox available in base models).

Features like Porsche’s active suspension and the new-for-992 “wet mode” are standard on the Carrera 4 variants, but the electronically controlled limited slip rear differential (standard on the 4S), as well as ceramic composite brakes (cast iron rotors are standard). The current 911 Carrera 4 is equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).

Like on the other 992 911 Carrera models, the electronically variable damping system comes standard and offers two selectable modes, “Normal” and “Sport”, emphasizing ride quality and handling. A fully variable, electronically controlled limited slip rear differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which is standard on the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, can be ordered as an option. The wheels on the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet feature a staggered diameter, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.

The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six has 379 hp at 6,500 rpm and 331 ft lbs of torque from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The Carrera 4 manages 0-60 in 4.0 seconds flat. Add the Sport Chrono Package (which gets you launch control functionality, and those times drop to 0.2 seconds, to 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 180 mph and the quarter mile takes just 12.3 seconds.

The acceleration is effortless from a standstill on up to freeway speed, with the quick-revving flat-six seemingly always on maximum attack. If that isn’t enough, though, simply tap the button in the middle of the drive selector dial for Sport Response, which makes the Sport Chrono-equipped Carrera 4 feel even snappier.

The current Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a great “real-world” 911. It is fast, but never overwhelming, and the great torque from the engine means you can really enjoy it in daily driving without doing stupid speeds. You can have fun in this car every day without worrying that it is going to hurt you if something goes wrong or you push too hard when you shouldn’t. The base all-wheel drive car offers impressive cornering behavior, with a neutral character and ample grip from the standard rubber. There’s a limited amount of body roll and the steering is excellent, with predictable weighting and a tight on-center character, while feedback both through the chassis and the steering is high. You’ll have higher dynamic limits in an Carrera 4S, but the base Carrera 4 is still a great sports car when you want it to be.

Like on the 911 Carrera 4S, the all wheel drive system was further developed from the last generation. The increased performance is thanks to further development of the front axle drive. The clutch and differential unit are now water-cooled and have reinforced clutches to increase durability and load capacity. The increased actuating torques of the clutches improve the latter’s adjustment accuracy and thus the capability of the driven front axle. The enhanced front axle drive in combination with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) promote a further enhancement to the already impressive traction on snow, as well as in wet and dry conditions.

It is important to note that the 911s current generation all-wheel-drive system is pretty amazing. It is not noticeable until it’s really needed. In most situations, the Carrera 4 sends virtually all of its power to the rear wheels, although it can transfer up to 50 percent forward should it detect rear-wheel slip. The driving experience is for all intents like that of a rear-drive 911.

We appreciate that behavior in an occasionally snowy place like New York, so if you are in a place that gets cold, it is a great model to think about getting. Like on the other 992 911 variants, Wet Mode is included as standard equipment. This function automatically detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. The driver can then call up vehicle settings particularly suited for wet roads at push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package).