C2/C2S vs C4S
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Scottsdale, AZ.
C2/C2S vs C4S
I have been searching for that near-perfect 993 and so far, I have limited my search to the C2/C2S. Now, I am thinking that maybe I should be open to the C4S. I have read you guys saying that to know the difference between the two you have to drive them (of course), however, for those of you who have owned both or at least driven both, can you put into words how the C2/C2S and C4S differ as far as feel and handling (non-racing environment - strictly street)? Thanks, guys!
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Bay Area CA
Michael:
These are great cars...it will depend on your preference.
I purchased a 98 S recently, but considered several deals on C4Ss, too. You get a lot of nice equipment, and the perception that the car "has it all" seems to excite a lot of folks and keep the prices up a bit.
Driving both, you will notice what feels like extra weight (and drive wheels) in the front. Porsche claims to use the stronger 993 engines in the C4, and shows .1 sec better performance 0 to 60. I found the car *feels* less responsive and less quick (heavier in that sense, around 111 lbs from what I could find) and the front end has completely different feel about it (more planted, less Porsche-like hopping around, for example). You will also lose a small amount of feedback in the steering feel.
Dynamically, you'll either like the AWD or not. Personally, I wanted an S, but would have taken the right C4S for light track and street duty.
The C4 should teach you to alter your driving style, but really not until you get near the limits (unwise on the street). There's a bit more understeer on initial turn in (all variables kept the same) to fight with, but the front wheels will pull you out of many near-slides if you keep you foot steady.
There is a lot of debate over which car is superior for fastest lap times. Drive them both and judge for you which set of attributes you like best.
(I have drive 3 C4s and more than 5 different C2s--these are my direct observations)
A nice choice to have to make.
Chris C.
These are great cars...it will depend on your preference.
I purchased a 98 S recently, but considered several deals on C4Ss, too. You get a lot of nice equipment, and the perception that the car "has it all" seems to excite a lot of folks and keep the prices up a bit.
Driving both, you will notice what feels like extra weight (and drive wheels) in the front. Porsche claims to use the stronger 993 engines in the C4, and shows .1 sec better performance 0 to 60. I found the car *feels* less responsive and less quick (heavier in that sense, around 111 lbs from what I could find) and the front end has completely different feel about it (more planted, less Porsche-like hopping around, for example). You will also lose a small amount of feedback in the steering feel.
Dynamically, you'll either like the AWD or not. Personally, I wanted an S, but would have taken the right C4S for light track and street duty.
The C4 should teach you to alter your driving style, but really not until you get near the limits (unwise on the street). There's a bit more understeer on initial turn in (all variables kept the same) to fight with, but the front wheels will pull you out of many near-slides if you keep you foot steady.
There is a lot of debate over which car is superior for fastest lap times. Drive them both and judge for you which set of attributes you like best.
(I have drive 3 C4s and more than 5 different C2s--these are my direct observations)
A nice choice to have to make.
Chris C.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 377
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From: California (Hillsborough)
I will preface this by saying that I am not a 'racer'! Therefore, I am not advising based on the cars ability to conduct a rear wheel drift or a heel toe nose in at turn 7....just throwing out term I have heard over the years!
My first Porsche was a '90 C4. I drove this car a hard an any car could be driven. I had no idea what I was doing and the car performed beyond my expectations. I made all of the classic errors, braking during a turn, deceleration in a turn, punching it in a turn. I am lucky to be alive! I sold the car for a vintage marque. After some time had passed, I purchased a '92 C2 cab. The first week, I ended up backwards in a turn near the Crystal Springs reservoir. No damage luckily! A few weeks later, I did the same thing, this time I smashed the back end. I have the damage fixed and continued to loose the back end. Again, I am not a formally trained driver, this should be obvious by now!
I noticed that 100% of the time, if I were to apply heavy throttle from a standstill with the front tires slightly turned, then the back end would squeal.
I got rid of the car and purchased a sedan, blah! I had to have another Porsche. I bought a '98 C4S. I drive the C2S and the C4s. No comparison! I am older and more experienced to now what NOT to do in the car. I have only had the car for 2 weeks, but I managed to put 700 miles on the car. I tried, in a open lot, to understand the cars breaking points, I have yet to get a slide, the 18" tires help!
My high level observation is that the 4 wheel drive is more stable.
Anthony
My first Porsche was a '90 C4. I drove this car a hard an any car could be driven. I had no idea what I was doing and the car performed beyond my expectations. I made all of the classic errors, braking during a turn, deceleration in a turn, punching it in a turn. I am lucky to be alive! I sold the car for a vintage marque. After some time had passed, I purchased a '92 C2 cab. The first week, I ended up backwards in a turn near the Crystal Springs reservoir. No damage luckily! A few weeks later, I did the same thing, this time I smashed the back end. I have the damage fixed and continued to loose the back end. Again, I am not a formally trained driver, this should be obvious by now!
I noticed that 100% of the time, if I were to apply heavy throttle from a standstill with the front tires slightly turned, then the back end would squeal.
I got rid of the car and purchased a sedan, blah! I had to have another Porsche. I bought a '98 C4S. I drive the C2S and the C4s. No comparison! I am older and more experienced to now what NOT to do in the car. I have only had the car for 2 weeks, but I managed to put 700 miles on the car. I tried, in a open lot, to understand the cars breaking points, I have yet to get a slide, the 18" tires help!
My high level observation is that the 4 wheel drive is more stable.
Anthony