996 C2 vs C4

[ascender]

I was just wondering if anyone has driven these two cars back to back or alternatively driven the C4 for a reasonable period of time. I'm looking for a 911 that I can use every day in all weathers. Now I know that a sensibly driven C2 can be used in all but the very worst weather, but what I'm wondering is does the C4 make the car much more usable in our British winter - i.e. on roads which might have a surface covering of snow?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

M.

[rich1231]

I had a C4S for a few months and took a test drive in a C2 last year so dont really have enough experience to help. But the C4 would be my choice, my mate losing it bigtime on the C2 testdrive on a roundabout taught me that!

[clubsport]

Hi ascender,,,I know we have conversed on the Evo forum.(can I type that)?.....If you look in the search I posted a thread a couple of months back.I drove both facelift C2 & C4 cars back to back..I have username clubsport1.
Basically the conclusion I came to was that the C2 was way more fun,you can feel the car brake and accelerate more..The C4 which is 65kg heavier is very nuetral,you go into corners flat go round flat,the car sorts it all out and you are round..The C4 has heavier steering anyhow.
I much prefer my C2 having come from '80s 911,my friend who owns the C4 does quite a few miles and needs the security of a C4..If he didn't do the miles he would own a C2.
On a run round some twisties,the C2 was and certainly felt quicker switching between the two...this was in dry conditions,there is nop question this would have been reversed on dry roads,particularly in a confidence perspective.
I hope this helps,,I have access to both ,so will be happy to help with any questions.

[clubsport]

One thing I should add is that a C2 with PSM switched on is pretty safe,,,accelerating hard in 2nd round a motorway sliproad you can feel it cut in momentarily to save your skin.You can turn it off for some fun.However it will come back on as soon as you touch the anchors as along with abs it goes into looking out for you mode.
This is a £680 option on the 2 and standard on all C4.

[bosshog]

just a quick comment, I find that the steering feeling on the C2 is much nicer than the C4. You definitly loose a fair bit due to the 4 awd.

[Dazren]

The 4WD with PSM comes into it's own when the roads are wet or damp etc. It allows you to use far more of the power than in the 2WD.

So the answer is if you want to hoon it go for the 4WD. If you want to pootle around go for the 2WD.

On the issue of models I'd go for the C4S. Better suspension, turbo brakes and it looks meaner, all for an extra few thousand. You'll probably get part of this difference back at resale as owners of 993 C4S have found.

DAZ
(Got a 4WD porker, so biased)

[clubsport]

Clearly biased....i really findmy C2 pootles around with the 316bhp going through 2 wheels.....

[bosshog]

just another comment..!
I had a 993 TT - its 4Wd and I have to say, even though I loved the car - huge grip and speed - I did miss the feedback from the steering compared to a C2.

just NOT to be biased!..

PS but teh C4S does look nicer, and will definitly hold its value more.

>> Edited by bosshog on Thursday 24th October 14:25

[superlightr]

c2 Targa 996 - I promise I dont poodle

but do go for PSM

[HermanTheGerman]

I've got a C2 with PSM and have also driven my boss's C4. C2 with PSM is more than capable on slippery roads plus you've got the option of switching it off, as previously mentioned. Mine felt quicker, although his is tiptronic. Definitely no need to "pootle".