tcabler

Are 964 C4s something to stay away from? Should I stick to looking for c2s only? I found a really low mileage (64K) '89 C4 for sale for $18.9K and would pursue it if I hadn't heard so many bad things about C4s. I've also noticed that the C4s don't seem to have the resale value like the C2s. Need some advive. Thanks.

race911

What "bad" things? Certainly "misinformed" things............ Poor decision to buy a 911 on price, unless you're someone with intimate knowledge of the cars; buy what YOU want.

batty

I was recently bombing around in a few inches of fresh snow here in Seattle in my 10 day old (to me) 964 C4. For what I wanted it for, go anywhere winter wheels while being a Porsche and being a sports car (sorry Cayenne!) it is great. If the primary goal was to hang the *** out whenever possible (which believe I want that too, but had to prioritize lower) I would get a C2.

Point being I don't think reliability or resale is the issue here. Get a 993 C2S/C4S if you want maximum resale. Of course, it's already late to that party so you'll be paying quite a bit up front anyway. 964s seem to be still in the trough, maybe someday the broader market will see them for the gems that they are.

Oracle

C2 only, get a jeep or something for 4x4..
Why is that even a question?

Seriously, a C4 has more moving parts and more electronics.. this is a fact.

Unkle

Just get the best and most honest car you can afford, and buy with care. These cars are 20 years old, you really can't tell what is more reliable than anything else with cars this old. If you are only using it for the track i would try to get a C2, if I wanted it all year all weather i would get either and not worry...

Axeman

Another thing to take into consideration is if you will track the car or not. Some people don't like C4's in general for track use. Either way I think both cars are great, buy the nicest one you can find and make sure to get a PPI done. I decided to buy a C4 and convert it to a C2 but that's a whole other story..

The Flying Dutchman

If the Porsche 964 C2 or C4 is in good conidition. The limiting factor in speed and pleasure is usually the driver. Both cars are fast, both cars can drift without problem, etc.

C2 is a few kilo's lighter, C4 can bea bit useful when used with winter tires for example in bad weather condiitions. Both cars will slide however when you drive to fast in bad weather (C4 will break out later than C2).

conclusion: if you are hesitating between the 2 cars because of speed, pleasure --> find the best one you can buy, don't mind C2 or C4, learn how to drive it.

if you want an absolute track focussed car buy a non-airco, minimal option (no sunroof), C2 (RS-lightweight) just because of the weight.

Thus conditions of cars you are viewing is much more important imho for most 964 buyers.

DaveK

There have been a few threads like this over the last few months. Who are the people who are saying "bad things" about C4s? In over 9 years of ownership I've never seen anything that indicates C4s have more problems than C2s!

Porsche964FP

I second the motion...

I've had two 964 C4s and I have never had or heard of problems with the drivetrain. Search rennlist...

The C4 can suffer from over steer, however this is only truly apparent on the track and also its a well documented fact that with the right suspension, torsion bar, strut brace the understeer is easily eradicated.

The question as posed, really is what are you going to do with this car?
Will it spend more time on the track (C2) or on the road (C2 or C4)?

I personally think that a C4 inspires more confidence within the driver and is more effective in the real world of bumps, dips, rain and snow.

I would place a bet that if one didn't know, they could not tell the difference between the two in the real world.

As far as price it is debatable, the underlying truth is to buy quality within your price range and whether a C4 or C2 it'll be an awesome experience.

Independent adjudicator.... Adrian Crawford http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/964di_1_n.htm

Do let us know what cars you are looking at, Rennlisters have great pre purchase advise....

elbeee964

The OP's C4 probably came with Mobil 1 dripping onto its engine tray past 18" wheels.

In the hoary world of 964'dom, this whole C2/C4 thingee (for me) would be a ride preference - not reliability - mosquito blip on my radar's screen.

Henry964

i bought a 1993 C2 because at the time is was the only manual/coupé 964 available in the whole country (a couple of cabrio/tiptronic were for sale)
Now 3 years later I have only found another 964 C2 Coupé to exist in Argentina ( a beautiful dark blue 1993 RSA)
If I had founded a very good 1993 C4 instead that would have been my choice because for me the shape/history of the car to buy is paramount.

C2 vs. C4 is a non issue, finding the best possible example is....

reed

Drive both models and see which one you prefer. They do drive differently. For me, I wasn't really interested in the bad weather benefits of the C4 as I'm more concerned with rust on these 20 year old cars than about any model-specific mechanical issues.

They're both good cars. Which one fits your needs? I think the reason C2s are more sought after at this point is that most people use their 964s as I do: good weather pleasure cars. For this purpose I think the C2 excels.

LastMezger

Avoid the C4. It's driveline is less reliable than a campaign promise and costs more to fix than the US banking system.

The C2, however, will surely kill you come the first corner and spins like a top in high humidity let alone rain.

Good luck ;-)

niche

Try Excellence magazine.... They always steer away from C4's because of complicated AWD system and expensive repairs...

Laker

Counterpoint: Bobby Phills

Safety first...