C4 issues
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 254
Likes: 10
From: Dallas, Texas, USA
C4 issues
At some point I plan to replace my 88 3.2 with a 993 and have a question. What is the general concensus on the all wheel drive of the C4? I know it's an improvement over the 959 based 964 AWD but is it less expensive to repair? What typically goes wrong with the 993 AWD, if anything, and what's a ballpark price to repair/replace it? I typically skip over C4s in the classifieds but am I worrying about something that's not really that big an issue.
TIA
TIA
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 28
From: Parkland, FL
62k miles and a good amount of track time and no probs with my AWD system. The 993 system is mechanical instead of electronic.
There is a lot of info on this exact question in the archives...
-Skip
There is a lot of info on this exact question in the archives...
-Skip
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,229
Likes: 104
From: Chicago
The AWD is considered very reliable, and you have to try really hard to break it, from what I understand. Correct me if I'm wrong, anybody, but I don't think they just BREAK. At least I've never heard of one simply breaking outside of extreme negligence (like putting a C4 on a 2-wheel dyno/ emmissions tester). Keep in mind that this is the same setup as on the 993TT, which runs over 100hp more than us.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 164
Likes: 19
From: Aptos, California
You could be looking at a bargain. For some unknown reason 
a C4S is in higher demand. Just remind everyone that a C4 is more rare. Never had any transmission problems with my 82K example, but back to back testing with C2 does reveal slightly heavier steering. Also, check that the factory recommended tire sizes are fitted front and rear to maintain the correct "load" on the viscous coupling connecting front to rear.
a C4S is in higher demand. Just remind everyone that a C4 is more rare. Never had any transmission problems with my 82K example, but back to back testing with C2 does reveal slightly heavier steering. Also, check that the factory recommended tire sizes are fitted front and rear to maintain the correct "load" on the viscous coupling connecting front to rear.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Land of the Old People
B/F I bought my C2 I was primarily looking for a C4 but when you combine that with the fact that I wanted a cabriolet....not many C4 Cabs around. Anyway, I did a lot of research on the C4 and couldn't find even one part/piece/mechanism that had inherent problems. I was very surprised but just chalked it up to German engineering.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Frankfurt, Germany
"The C4 has a lower drag and should weight slightly less so it should be a little faster."
Graham
the C4 is actually slightly heavier than the C2, be it S or narrow-bodied, simly due to the additional transmission and standard ABD parts.
The consensus seems to be that the C4's accelerate slightly faster, due to improved traction, but are slightly slower in terms of end speed. But there are quite a few threads on that topic.
Never heard of any mechanical probs with the AWD, though.
woodcock
Graham
the C4 is actually slightly heavier than the C2, be it S or narrow-bodied, simly due to the additional transmission and standard ABD parts.
The consensus seems to be that the C4's accelerate slightly faster, due to improved traction, but are slightly slower in terms of end speed. But there are quite a few threads on that topic.
Never heard of any mechanical probs with the AWD, though.
woodcock
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From: Down the rabbit hole
Originally Posted by woodcock
"The C4 has a lower drag and should weight slightly less so it should be a little faster."
Graham
the C4 is actually slightly heavier than the C2,
Graham
the C4 is actually slightly heavier than the C2,
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 1
75K miles as of this morning's drive into work and no problems with the awd (knock on wood!). it has also been rainy here the last few days and since the car is new for me this was my first chance to drive the car on wet roads and let me tell you that i was impressed. the car felt incredibly solid inspite of the heavy downpour. since i will be driving this car year round i am really happy that i ended up with a C4.