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I continue to struggle as to why (maybe only in my imagination) 964 C2's seem more cherished/valued than C4's when they are both wonderful to drive and an AWD configuration delivers better traction/grip. Found some old threads and articles (this being one of my favorites: http://www.williamscrawford.co.uk/bl...4-wheel-drive/) about this subject but have noticed C2's commanding a slight price premium over C4's and am simply curious. Thanks
Last edited by F1tifosi; 08-09-2018 at 05:14 PM.
Reason: update
Lots of threads. I have driven both on the track. Owned a Turbo 3.6 for 13 years, with a nice 180 on a greasy road as my only driving issue and driven a C4 for thousands of km on the track, mostly paired with a C2. He stopped driving it when it crashed at the track in driving rain. I drove home. In the dry we were neck and neck. Some will pay more for the C2, that's a fact. The rest is debatable. Disclosure: look at my signature and you'll see I'm a C4 fanboy. It was the survivor in my garage.
I’m going to regurgitate what I have read in various articles and on forums why C2’s are “more desirable” than a C4. Not my opinion but some of it does apply.
- C2 less complicated that C4 and thus costs less to maintain and is easier to maintain
- C2 weighs less
- C2 has more of the “old school” porsche feel and driving experience
C2 guys are C2 guys and C4 guys are C4 guys. They are different cars.
I would never own a c2, for example.
As to old articles, as old rennlist posts, for that matter. There is a lot of fallacy and wrong information out there. So be careful what you read. Best example there is that we needed head gaskets to stop an oil leak. That one kills me.
Enjoy. Truth is, every single person on rennlist- so everyone reading this, very likely loves their 964, whether C2 C4 - cab targa or coupe- tip or stick - high miles or low.
For me. It's gotta be a C4 and has to be a driver, or i can't own it. Mine is driven every day rain or shine, snow or heat. That's just me.
the c2 vs c4 debate has maintained a consistent central theme over time and over the model generations as each generation became a bigger more modern car
c4 gives better all weather traction/stability at the penalty of a heavier more numb steering feel, greater weight/slower acceleration and less 'tossability'
964's are valued for their old school tactile/mechanical feel and driving dynamics, so in this generation c2's deliver what many consider to be a more 'pure' 911 (rear biased center of mass with a light/lively front end) driving experience
964's don't have a lot of power by modern standards, so c2 lighter weight is important
this having been said, c4's handle and drive very very well esp with some suspension mods, and are very exciting and fun (compared to say a 991 LOL)
C2s are lighter, sportier, and have the classic 911 drive. There is a reason why all modern GT program P cars are rear wheel drive. However C4 are better for inclement weather obviously. If you are cruising and not pushing the cars it's really hard to the tell the difference though.
Last edited by Bloose993TT; 08-10-2018 at 06:02 PM.
I don’t have my manual on me, but I don’t recall the C4 being slower in acceleration. In fact I recall it was faster, at least from a standstill. It also has a better gear lever mechanism. No golden rod required.
Don't think this is enough to buy a C2 even though I own one. Both great cars. Definitely feel different, only driven stock version of C4 and would love to drive one that is set up.
Buy the car you like to drive. And do not, under any circumstances, leave it sitting in a garage while you look at it thinking "gee wiz, that looks like it might be fun to drive"....
If you have a rare one, something super special...sell it and buy one you will drive.
...C2 guys are C2 guys and C4 guys are C4 guys. They are different cars...
So true. I'm glad we have the choice!
Plus, it's amazing how well the system works to this day. 30 years later and these systems keep taking a pounding after pounding (road and track).
Porsche engineering is very impressive.
BTW, congratulations F1tifosi on your new coupe! Looks like a fantastic buy. Post some pics when it arrives.
There may be some premium in a manual c2. All c4 are manual though. When you are searching for a manual 964 you will find more C4s available. I think this had some factor in perception of desirability for those that are searching.
I love my C4. I turn off the centre diff for autocross, car performs awesome. There is some increase in low speed steering effort re parking but not in driving.
If you need an engine out service, shops need to do a few more steps.
I get caught in rain and have no worries at all.
Buy the car with the best history and condition, i wouldn't avoid a good C4. They are a blast!
I think golfnutintib nailed it. Although the C4 was a milestone for Porsche. They took a huge leap adding AWD to their lineup. They were very complicated and advanced for the time however are costly to maintain.
Most people associate these cars as being Rear engine RWD. So newcomers want the classic 911. The C4's are nice however I am diehard C2 guy and my C4 became a widebody C2. The thrill of these cars to me is the tail happy 911 that requires discipline and knowledge to drive properly so I stick with the C2's. Nothing against C4's but I don't even consider them when looking. I go to AX events just to swing the car around and learn more car control. I own many cars and have become a fair weather sports car driver so I have no need for C4 if i want to drive in bad weather I take either the Raptor or the Macan.
BTW I have numerous runs on a GPS based unit showing 0-60 between 4.8 and 5.2 seconds depending on launch.
08-09-2018, 05:10 PM
964 - C4 vs C2? Driving and Collectibility
However C4 are better for inclement weather obviously. If you are cruising and not pushing the cars it's really hard to the tell the difference though.
