Discussion
Have been looking at 993's and although I was initially interested in Targa models I am a bit concerned that the roof mechanism will become a painful 'issue' at some point, especially as these cars are getting so old now. As I understand it the Targa roof is not the easiest thing to work on!
So now that I am minded towards a Coupe it's raised the question of C2 or C4. Given that my budget is towards the low end of the 993 market, and as a result I am looking at 100k+ miles cars, is there any reason to choose one over the other? Should I expect values to be similar (I am of course excluding 'S' variants)?
So now that I am minded towards a Coupe it's raised the question of C2 or C4. Given that my budget is towards the low end of the 993 market, and as a result I am looking at 100k+ miles cars, is there any reason to choose one over the other? Should I expect values to be similar (I am of course excluding 'S' variants)?
Get in a well set up c4 & you wouldn't even know the difference.
Edited to add:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=94...
Edited to add:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=94...
Edited by cragswinter on Friday 28th October 21:03
993Fan said:
Have been looking at 993's and although I was initially interested in Targa models I am a bit concerned that the roof mechanism will become a painful 'issue' at some point, especially as these cars are getting so old now. As I understand it the Targa roof is not the easiest thing to work on!
So now that I am minded towards a Coupe it's raised the question of C2 or C4. Given that my budget is towards the low end of the 993 market, and as a result I am looking at 100k+ miles cars, is there any reason to choose one over the other? Should I expect values to be similar (I am of course excluding 'S' variants)?
I have a 993 C2, had it 7 years or so and done 20000 miles. Love it. It sounds great, runs beautifully and have had very few and little problems with it. I have not driven a C4 so cannot advise you there. You should definitley test drive both and there are enough about for you to chose one that will suit your budget. Happy hunting!!So now that I am minded towards a Coupe it's raised the question of C2 or C4. Given that my budget is towards the low end of the 993 market, and as a result I am looking at 100k+ miles cars, is there any reason to choose one over the other? Should I expect values to be similar (I am of course excluding 'S' variants)?
I'd more interested in the auto/manual difference than the c2 / c4 difference. I didn't like the auto but it just my personal preference. When I was looking it was more about the car condition than anything else, the old saying buy in haste repent at leisure really holds true. If you are not a mechanical expert its worth getting someone to inspect a car for you, could save thousands.
I have a c4 and I don't notice its 4WD, only a couple of over confident roundabout entrances have I ever felt the front pull :-)
I have a c4 and I don't notice its 4WD, only a couple of over confident roundabout entrances have I ever felt the front pull :-)
Values will be similar and unless you're planning on doing lots of trackdays and modifying it lots (C2) or need to go to the alps (C4) there's no real reason to choose one over the other (same goes for pre- or post- varioram) - far more important to get a car in good condition. Get it inspected by someone that knows the air-cooled cars well and heed their advice.
Took my 993 carrera (C2) several times up to Courchevel under the snow...no problem at all.
As long as you realise you are driving on snow and that it requires a minimum of speed going up, have enough thread or in worse case "snow socks" - you should be very much fine...yep I had to use "snow sock" once, superb in deep snow!
As long as you realise you are driving on snow and that it requires a minimum of speed going up, have enough thread or in worse case "snow socks" - you should be very much fine...yep I had to use "snow sock" once, superb in deep snow!
This old chestnut has been debated many times over the years. I suggest getting the best you can find and don't worry unduly about C2 or C4. The C2 has a a smidge more steering feel and if you are doing trackdays, the ability to slide the back out around tight corners is handy. The C4 is phenomenal on damp/ greasy roads as we often experience in the UK. You can put the power down with more confidence and earlier than you can with a C2. The C4 can exit a bend or a wet roundabout like it has been fired from a gun.
Good luck.
pp
Good luck.
pp
993Fan said:
Have been looking at 993's and although I was initially interested in Targa models I am a bit concerned that the roof mechanism will become a painful 'issue' at some point, especially as these cars are getting so old now. As I understand it the Targa roof is not the easiest thing to work on!
In my experience the roof mechanism is not significantly less reliable than a sunroof in a coupe.I suspect if you've heard of someone who was finding it hard to fix the mechanism it's because they don't often fail, so many workshops aren't experienced in them.
You'll also hear tales of roofs that suffer a lot of wind noise, which they can, but this too is entirely fixable.
It's a 993 - it left Porsche with perfectly engineered components that make it work prefectly and a whisper-quiet roof. No black magic in sight.
Other than that - I agree with the above, coupe-wise just get a good one and forget C2 or C4. C4s behave just like two wheel drive most of the time anyway and the extra weight is unimportant compared to the variations in engine performance, gearing, geometry, wheels and tyres, etc you'll find in individual 100k mile cars.
If you're thinking of using it all year round a C4 is suprisingly awesome for living out your Ari Vatanen fantasies when it snows. My C2 stayed in the garage when the ground was white - I couldn't get it up the drive.
Unless you're a driving god, I'd not get hung up on C2 or C4, I'd just concentrate on finding the best condition car you can afford.
I personally would'nt recommend the tip. box on the 993, only 4 gears, def. go for the manual box. Also, I think the coupe is the way to go rather than a cab. or targa, but that's only IMHO.
Good Luck.
I personally would'nt recommend the tip. box on the 993, only 4 gears, def. go for the manual box. Also, I think the coupe is the way to go rather than a cab. or targa, but that's only IMHO.
Good Luck.
This is a personal thing really. Both C2 and C4 are great cars. You wont notice much difference under 8/10's. It really depends what type of driver you are and what you like from a car.
My preference is a C2 and I wouldnt really want a 4 wheel drive 911. But I recognise that this is a purist view and the differences are not great.
If you are at the bottom end of the market as you say, then you should be focusing on looking for the best condition car possible.
Do your research! Jackals buyers guide is fantastic. www.jackals-forge.com
MTR
My preference is a C2 and I wouldnt really want a 4 wheel drive 911. But I recognise that this is a purist view and the differences are not great.
If you are at the bottom end of the market as you say, then you should be focusing on looking for the best condition car possible.
Do your research! Jackals buyers guide is fantastic. www.jackals-forge.com
MTR
Edited by mollytherocker on Saturday 29th October 18:25
1. some people are purists and enjoy not only the purer and more faithful concept of the 2wd car but also enjoy the differences in the way it drives (because there most definitely are differences)
2. some people won't be able to tell the difference
3. some people will never drive it in away where most of the difference would be obvious
4. some people actually prefer the slightly more secure tied down feeling of the C4 and the slight extra security it imparts in slippery conditions.
It's up to you to decide which camp you are in !
In my experience with many owners, most people aren't like me and molly in that they would be just as happy with a C4. The over-riding rule for most people is BUY THE RIGHT CAR that's in the right condition and don't let C4 or pre-varioram sway you otherwise.
2. some people won't be able to tell the difference
3. some people will never drive it in away where most of the difference would be obvious
4. some people actually prefer the slightly more secure tied down feeling of the C4 and the slight extra security it imparts in slippery conditions.
It's up to you to decide which camp you are in !
In my experience with many owners, most people aren't like me and molly in that they would be just as happy with a C4. The over-riding rule for most people is BUY THE RIGHT CAR that's in the right condition and don't let C4 or pre-varioram sway you otherwise.
Edited by jackal on Saturday 29th October 18:16
Bill Stein said:
Buy a C2 or a C2 S. The C4 series are for old slow drivers who go to work in heavy snow and rain. Rear wheel drive is at the heart of sport's car driving..... not 4x4.
I really don't think it matters. I run a 997.2 GT3 and 997 turbo S and appreciate both on their merits.On the other hand, when most of us use a razor, the RWD extremists tend to run these
GT3ZZZ said:
I really don't think it matters. I run a 997.2 GT3 and 997 turbo S and appreciate both on their merits.
On the other hand, when most of us use a razor, the RWD extremists tend to run these
It is outrageous to suggest that us air cooled purist types have beards!!!On the other hand, when most of us use a razor, the RWD extremists tend to run these
You are lucky I dont throw my sandals at you!
MTR
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