Discussion
Sorry to ask such an obvious and probably well discussed question but looking for some advice regarding deciding which would be best for me - not necessarily which is the best drivers car.
I will be using car for commuting and also for emergency on call when I need to get into work (hospital) ASAP at times. Would be worried about a C2 in ice/snow etc when I need to get in quickly.
Have had an tuned Impreza for the past few years which is flattering in its handling and has safe understeer. Have never had a RWD car and would be worried regarding finding myself in a hedge on a country road.
My head says a C4 but would be grateful on opinions and realise without driving either I may be talking rubbish. All advice appreciated.
I will be using car for commuting and also for emergency on call when I need to get into work (hospital) ASAP at times. Would be worried about a C2 in ice/snow etc when I need to get in quickly.
Have had an tuned Impreza for the past few years which is flattering in its handling and has safe understeer. Have never had a RWD car and would be worried regarding finding myself in a hedge on a country road.
My head says a C4 but would be grateful on opinions and realise without driving either I may be talking rubbish. All advice appreciated.
I have very limited experience of 911s (particularly relative to many on this forum!), so would hesitate to offer advice, but am happy to share some of the factors that I considered when deciding whether to order a C2S or C4S. (In the end, my choice was between a C4S and an RS4; there is another recent thread here on RS4 vs. GT3.)
I can fully understand that many simply prefer the feel and character of RWD (and that, in a sense, that is the more "pure" 911 experience) but, having driven both, I really did prefer the four-wheel drive. It may have been my imagination (or what I wanted to think, given that I have always rather liked the notion of four-wheel drive cars ...), but the C4S seemed to me even more tightly bound to the road. The grip in both, to be fair, is quite extraordinary. However, there is a strong possibility that, at some point in the future, I will use the car in Switzerland, in the winter, for which 4WD would surely have some value. Also, the C4 version of PSM has additional capabilities (to reduce braking distances in extremis) which I will be pleased to have.
I also suspect that (at least on public roads, in the dry), I am unlikely to come anywhere near the cornering limits of either. But I am very happy to have the added security and grip of the C4S, just in case!
I can fully understand that many simply prefer the feel and character of RWD (and that, in a sense, that is the more "pure" 911 experience) but, having driven both, I really did prefer the four-wheel drive. It may have been my imagination (or what I wanted to think, given that I have always rather liked the notion of four-wheel drive cars ...), but the C4S seemed to me even more tightly bound to the road. The grip in both, to be fair, is quite extraordinary. However, there is a strong possibility that, at some point in the future, I will use the car in Switzerland, in the winter, for which 4WD would surely have some value. Also, the C4 version of PSM has additional capabilities (to reduce braking distances in extremis) which I will be pleased to have.
I also suspect that (at least on public roads, in the dry), I am unlikely to come anywhere near the cornering limits of either. But I am very happy to have the added security and grip of the C4S, just in case!
tyrone1973 said:
Talking about a 997 - wondering if traction of C4 would be safer given lack of familiarity of RWD.
I've got a 996 C2, and have never wanted for more traction, wet or dry.
They are simply stunning in this respect.
ETA: Just noticed the tuned Impreza, I've got an Integrale. A modern rear-engined Porsche is nothing like a front-engined 4WD saloon. The extra driven wheels don't bring the substantial advantages that they do in say an Impreza. That engine weight really is put to good use.
Edited by magic torch on Friday 6th October 18:59
tyrone1973 said:
Talking about a 997 - wondering if traction of C4 would be safer given lack of familiarity of RWD.
Based on what you said in your first post about using it in all weathers etc. a C4 with PSM would do exactly what you want. A C2 might appeal more to the purists but when the roads are greasy you'll be glad of the extra traction a C4 provides. In bad weather when you're tired and on call etc. PSM is a must. If you were putting the car to a different use, such as tracking it regularly then a different configuration might be more suited.
Really does sound like C4 is the way to go for you .. This topic is interesting to me cos I've been wondering these last few months why they bothered with a 9974S , the c2 seems to be so sorted , but you really do have a need for a car that'll mind you in the roughest coldest nights the UK can throw at you , after you've done a 12 hour shift and just want to get your weary bones home in one piece.
What u should be asking is, does anyone here have any experience of both c2 and c4 on the 997 and can tell me if the C4 is worth it for my needs.
But unfortunately you'd probably end up talking to yourself as you'd get so few replies.
c2 is for purists
GT3 is for real drivers
turbos are lardmobiles
GT2s are widow makers
All internet myths, perpetuated by people that on the whole that haven't driven most of them.
Chris Harris, a well known motoring journalist, actually prefers the C4 over the C2 in the 997 as a 'driver's car', and he's driven most.
But unfortunately you'd probably end up talking to yourself as you'd get so few replies.
c2 is for purists
GT3 is for real drivers
turbos are lardmobiles
GT2s are widow makers
All internet myths, perpetuated by people that on the whole that haven't driven most of them.
Chris Harris, a well known motoring journalist, actually prefers the C4 over the C2 in the 997 as a 'driver's car', and he's driven most.
Anyone who seriously believes that a 997 C4 is somehow 'safer' than a 997 C2 is deluded. It's a myth.
Whilst it is true that a 4wd system should have greater traction, under cetain conditions, the C2's systems and security are so high that it would take exceptional stupidity to lose control of the car on a public road. And, under such circumstances a C4 would be just as vulnerable. By the same logic it could be argued that the C4's greater weight and tendancy towards understeer make it less safe.
It's the driver who has a far greater influence on the safety of any vehicle.
Whilst it is true that a 4wd system should have greater traction, under cetain conditions, the C2's systems and security are so high that it would take exceptional stupidity to lose control of the car on a public road. And, under such circumstances a C4 would be just as vulnerable. By the same logic it could be argued that the C4's greater weight and tendancy towards understeer make it less safe.
It's the driver who has a far greater influence on the safety of any vehicle.
Koln-RS said:
Anyone who seriously believes that a 997 C4 is somehow 'safer' than a 997 C2 is deluded. It's a myth.
Whilst it is true that a 4wd system should have greater traction, under cetain conditions, the C2's systems and security are so high that it would take exceptional stupidity to lose control of the car on a public road. And, under such circumstances a C4 would be just as vulnerable. By the same logic it could be argued that the C4's greater weight and tendancy towards understeer make it less safe.
It's the driver who has a far greater influence on the safety of any vehicle.
That's a little disengenuous... Fine, give someone poor advice because you prefer the C2, see it I care. I've driven a C4 with PSM in slush and it defies the laws of physics!!! Whilst it is true that a 4wd system should have greater traction, under cetain conditions, the C2's systems and security are so high that it would take exceptional stupidity to lose control of the car on a public road. And, under such circumstances a C4 would be just as vulnerable. By the same logic it could be argued that the C4's greater weight and tendancy towards understeer make it less safe.
It's the driver who has a far greater influence on the safety of any vehicle.
Think beyond your personal preference, the advice required is for a potentially tired driver in poor conditions. How is the C2 better in those circumstances?
Edited to add:
If you need proof hunt down the video of Tiff driving a Jag with a similar system on pack ice. Attempt one with it on, he negotiates cones at 70MPH. Attempt two with it off he crashes off into a snowdrift at the first cone!
Edited by BliarsGoing on Saturday 7th October 09:41
Absolutely definitely get a C4.
In dry weather a C2 is slightly faster and I prefer the drive feed back because I am more used to rear wheel drive but if you do not drive similar cars regularly and are not used to racing on a track then in any kind of bad winter weather you are at risk in a C2.
Indeed they are impossible to drive safely on compacted snow and slush and even farm slurry or spilt diesel on a wet road can be very dangerous for all but the most experienced drivers.
The C4 on the other hand saves the day - OK it is a little slower but are you always flat out anyway? - no - so the throttle compensates for that
Baz Hartech.
In dry weather a C2 is slightly faster and I prefer the drive feed back because I am more used to rear wheel drive but if you do not drive similar cars regularly and are not used to racing on a track then in any kind of bad winter weather you are at risk in a C2.
Indeed they are impossible to drive safely on compacted snow and slush and even farm slurry or spilt diesel on a wet road can be very dangerous for all but the most experienced drivers.
The C4 on the other hand saves the day - OK it is a little slower but are you always flat out anyway? - no - so the throttle compensates for that
Baz Hartech.
Koln-RS said:
the C2's systems and security are so high that it would take exceptional stupidity to lose control of the car on a public road..
I can't really fathom why you're saying this ... One of the traits I love about my C2 is that it will step out for me and I know I wouldn't have to set my brain on 'extremely stupid' mode , for this to happen unintentionally on occasion..
The C4 may not be my preference but it's not about ME ..It's the perfect combo for the good doctor , under the conditions he describes.
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