996.1 - Do I go for a 4 or a 2
Discussion
Hi. Looking to add an early 996.1 manual coupe to my garage as I really miss having a Porsche this particular shape is really growing on me. (Used to really not like them!)
Ideally a 2, no sunroof, and as standard as possible.
I have been offered the exact car, 2000, 85k miles in silver but.......it's a 4.
I've not driven a 2 for over 5 years in 996 guise and never back to back with a 4 so before I waste some innocent sellers time, I thought I would ask for some advice.
1 - does the 2 feel better to drive. If so, why? I'll be using it for normal driving and track days.
2 - should I wait for a 2 as my feeing is they will be more sought after in ten to fifteen years time.
If you were in my shoes which would you go for and why?
Thanks.
Ideally a 2, no sunroof, and as standard as possible.
I have been offered the exact car, 2000, 85k miles in silver but.......it's a 4.
I've not driven a 2 for over 5 years in 996 guise and never back to back with a 4 so before I waste some innocent sellers time, I thought I would ask for some advice.
1 - does the 2 feel better to drive. If so, why? I'll be using it for normal driving and track days.
2 - should I wait for a 2 as my feeing is they will be more sought after in ten to fifteen years time.
If you were in my shoes which would you go for and why?
Thanks.
Look at both C2 and C4 models, and buy the best example of either that you can find.
I used to believe that the rwd models were the purest option for the 911, and I had two C2 996s, both bought new.
But, with the exception of the 964 models, I've since been pleasantly surprised at just how nice the awd models feel. The differences are very subtle and there's a small case for the merits of either. More important will be, manual, colour, spec., history, originality, condition, mileage, etc
I used to believe that the rwd models were the purest option for the 911, and I had two C2 996s, both bought new.
But, with the exception of the 964 models, I've since been pleasantly surprised at just how nice the awd models feel. The differences are very subtle and there's a small case for the merits of either. More important will be, manual, colour, spec., history, originality, condition, mileage, etc
4 is heavier, therefore slightly slower & less economical. Many will say handling is affected, I've not driven one to compare.
Before buying my C2 I spoke to Paragon & asked the same question, their response was 'you don't need a 4' & I personally agree with them.
I'm sure the majority of 4 owners are very happy, it's still a 996 after all
Before buying my C2 I spoke to Paragon & asked the same question, their response was 'you don't need a 4' & I personally agree with them.
I'm sure the majority of 4 owners are very happy, it's still a 996 after all
I tried C2, C4 and eventually bought a C4S. They do all drive slightly differently but there are many more similarities than differences. Yes the 4 is a few Kg heavier (but it's weight distribution is a bit better). As a track day only car, I'd probably lean to 2wd but they all have delightful steering and certainly handle rwd but with very high limits from the rear end.
If there was plenty of choice of both 2wd and 4wd cars in good condition I'd want 2wd. However , in the real used car world where choice is restricted you'll either play a long waiting game until your ideal spec car comes up, or you'll be looking at whatever is available and compromising.
Hungrymc said:
I tried C2, C4 and eventually bought a C4S. They do all drive slightly differently but there are many more similarities than differences. Yes the 4 is a few Kg heavier (but it's weight distribution is a bit better). As a track day only car, I'd probably lean to 2wd but they all have delightful steering and certainly handle rwd but with very high limits from the rear end.
The 4S Is 150kg heavier! That's a hell of a price to pay for being prettiest!The difference in weight between a standard C2 and C4 is about 58kg, but located just behind the front wheels, which improves the overall weight distribution. You do, however, get a slightly smaller boot IIRC.
If I was looking, I'd consider both, you really can't say one is better than the other.
If I was looking, I'd consider both, you really can't say one is better than the other.
LordHaveMurci said:
The 4S Is 150kg heavier! That's a hell of a price to pay for being prettiest!
Nooooo..... It's about 70Kg (which is still enough to take note of). But on the plus side, better brakes, lower stiffer chassis etc. The looks are very subjective.But my point was that they all have a great deal in common to drive - they have differences but a manual, NA 996 is a very nice car to drive and all derivatives have some really nice attributes.
I'd certainly try both and I'd be putting plenty of effort into finding a good, straight, well maintained car.
Hungrymc said:
LordHaveMurci said:
The 4S Is 150kg heavier! That's a hell of a price to pay for being prettiest!
Nooooo..... It's about 70Kg (which is still enough to take note of). But on the plus side, better brakes, lower stiffer chassis etc. The looks are very subjective.But my point was that they all have a great deal in common to drive - they have differences but a manual, NA 996 is a very nice car to drive and all derivatives have some really nice attributes.
I'd certainly try both and I'd be putting plenty of effort into finding a good, straight, well maintained car.
D
I was pointing out that the weight penalty is smaller when compared to a C4, which the OP is considering and is the closest comparison of the options. And that there are some other subtle differences additional to the looks.
But I'm not here to justify my choice in car, or pass comment on other peoples preference. I've driven plenty of 996s many are great, but plenty are dogs that have been ran on the cheap for many years now. My message to the OP was to try them all, and probably enjoy them all, and then concentrate on buying a healthy car.
LordHaveMurci said:
C4 as said above is approx 60kg heavier, wider bodied C4S is heavier again.
I thought you said that 150Kg was a big price to pay for the looks?I was pointing out that the weight penalty is smaller when compared to a C4, which the OP is considering and is the closest comparison of the options. And that there are some other subtle differences additional to the looks.
But I'm not here to justify my choice in car, or pass comment on other peoples preference. I've driven plenty of 996s many are great, but plenty are dogs that have been ran on the cheap for many years now. My message to the OP was to try them all, and probably enjoy them all, and then concentrate on buying a healthy car.
All the above is good advice. I fell into the trap of initially limiting my search for a 2, but in the end drove a 4, felt there were no downsides, broadened my search and quickly found the spec, miles and condition I wanted.
I'm absolutely not a 'technology' person when it comes to cars, but somehow the 4wd is in keeping with the car without detracting from its appeal. Personally I think it adds to the character of the car rather than taking anything away. The 2 may have slightly lighter steering with clearer feel, but the 4 is very very good. The 4 has better balance and traction through corners, but you're unlikely to 'need' it in normal conditions on the road. The normal torque split for the 4 is something like 95% to the rear so until the rear breaks away it's more or less rwd.
I think you need to drive both and decide whether the small differences matter either way. If not, you'll have a much better choice by looking at both.
I'm absolutely not a 'technology' person when it comes to cars, but somehow the 4wd is in keeping with the car without detracting from its appeal. Personally I think it adds to the character of the car rather than taking anything away. The 2 may have slightly lighter steering with clearer feel, but the 4 is very very good. The 4 has better balance and traction through corners, but you're unlikely to 'need' it in normal conditions on the road. The normal torque split for the 4 is something like 95% to the rear so until the rear breaks away it's more or less rwd.
I think you need to drive both and decide whether the small differences matter either way. If not, you'll have a much better choice by looking at both.
what are your thoughts on this car?
http://www.rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/996-carr...
ticks a lot of boxes....
Anyone had experience of RPM?
http://www.rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/996-carr...
ticks a lot of boxes....
Anyone had experience of RPM?
PGNCerbera said:
what are your thoughts on this car?
http://www.rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/996-carr...
ticks a lot of boxes....
Anyone had experience of RPM?
Reserved? That's very pricey for a 15yr old 996, even if it is a great example. http://www.rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/996-carr...
ticks a lot of boxes....
Anyone had experience of RPM?
PGNCerbera said:
what are your thoughts on this car?
http://www.rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/996-carr...
ticks a lot of boxes....
Anyone had experience of RPM?
Apparently reserved already.http://www.rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/996-carr...
ticks a lot of boxes....
Anyone had experience of RPM?
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