C4S vs C2S
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
C4S vs C2S
Other than the obvious weight difference, from those who have driven both, I'd like to know your thoughts on the difference in feel and performance. Seems like there are a number of C4S cars for sale and fewer C2S cars. May have been production also?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,671
Likes: 985
From: Gaithersburg, MD.
Performance in snowy, sleetish, heavy heavy downpours... is why I chose the C4S. AWD gives you a safety margin there. Plus, I wanted and liked the look of the big reds! The "4" on the back of car drew me in too. I like the #4.
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: Gemantown, TN
I believe the bodies on the 4S and the 2S are the same. You need to drive both at speed and decide for yourself. I personally do not like the handling characteristics of the 4 wheel drive.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,312
Likes: 10
From: Roseville, CA
As far as either generation of AWD:
My '92 C4, which I tracked extensively for three years, I had set up to the point of reminding me of a...................944 turbo? Found that odd, too.
The C4S, when it was stock, sure it understeered some. You could deal with it. Now with the PSS9, I honestly can't tell much of a difference from a RWD car. More that it's "underpowered" at stock weight; foot to the floor coming off of pretty much any corner we have out here. But hardly undriveable.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 165
Truly, if I lived in a place that got any significant rain/snow, I'd opt for the C4S. Otherwise, the C2S would be the way to go.
One thing I found interesting is that the C4S was a car Porsche intended to make. It had the same chassis, brakes and standard suspension that the Turbo did. It was basically a Turbo, without the turbo. From what I've read, the C2S was somewhat of an "afterthought"; Porsche had some leftover Turbo bodies and decided to slap together what ultimately became the Carrera S, or as many call it, the C2S. It didn't come with the Turbo's big red brakes, and I don't know if it even had the Turbo's chassis or suspension. I'm sure someone here will pipe in...
Either way, both 'S' cars are fantastic. You really can't go wrong, but why take on the added weight of the C4S if you don't need the AWD for driving in bad weather?
One thing I found interesting is that the C4S was a car Porsche intended to make. It had the same chassis, brakes and standard suspension that the Turbo did. It was basically a Turbo, without the turbo. From what I've read, the C2S was somewhat of an "afterthought"; Porsche had some leftover Turbo bodies and decided to slap together what ultimately became the Carrera S, or as many call it, the C2S. It didn't come with the Turbo's big red brakes, and I don't know if it even had the Turbo's chassis or suspension. I'm sure someone here will pipe in...
Either way, both 'S' cars are fantastic. You really can't go wrong, but why take on the added weight of the C4S if you don't need the AWD for driving in bad weather?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 741
Likes: 8
As goofballdeluxe noted, the use of most things turbo in the 4S is a factor to consider. For me it was the ability to use the car in all conditions if needed. If you dont live in an area that requires the use of AWD, it might be a different matter. But if that as the case, I think I would be looking at a C2 and then doing a bunch of upgrades to it. There is a reason the Ruf Yellowbird was a narrow body and not a wide body.
You really need to decide which is more suited to your use and area I think.
You really need to decide which is more suited to your use and area I think.
Trending Topics
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 12
From: San Francisco Bay Area
Even though we don't have enough bad weather here in Northern California to justify the use of AWD, I did consider some C4Ss when looking for my 993 because they were otherwise appealing to me in terms of features, color, etc. The one (albeit minor) negative I found with the C4 was its relatively large turning radius. Certainly not a huge deal, but just something I observed that could prove a bit of a nuisance.
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Talos Takes Your 991 Porsche 911 GT3 to the Next Level for a Cool $1.13 Million
Verdad Gallardo
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches
Verdad Gallardo
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand
Verdad Gallardo
I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner
Joe Kucinski
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 209
From: Tacoma, WA
Go & drive both. Really, I feel there isn't much of a difference. The C2S turns in a little nicer, but the C4S feels better mid corner, & coming out.
Being on the track, & very spirited drives, they are pretty equal.
As far as AWD goes, the 993 system is pretty transparent, it does still feel like a RWD car. Anyone who doesn't think so, go & drive a Audi, or Subi.
Being on the track, & very spirited drives, they are pretty equal.
As far as AWD goes, the 993 system is pretty transparent, it does still feel like a RWD car. Anyone who doesn't think so, go & drive a Audi, or Subi.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,984
Likes: 1
From: North Shore
Though the C2S didn't get red brakes, it did get a host of other special cosmetic options including the split rear grill, alu handbrake and shifter, alu door jam guards, 'Carerra S' logo on the tach...and my personal favorite...the special grained leather on the doors and dash.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,774
Likes: 437
From: kansas
Personally, I'd look for the best optioned, best condition, lower mileaged example I could find with maintenance records. Buy it then walk around the back and see if it has a 2S or 4S on it.
Seriously, I put much more stock in the options than whether it has 2WD or AWD. Find one with sports seats, LWD, RS clutch, lowered, PSS9's etc. and let the 2S/4S chips fall where they may. Unless of course you are buying it to drive in the snow (4S) or to drift through curves (2S).
IMO
Seriously, I put much more stock in the options than whether it has 2WD or AWD. Find one with sports seats, LWD, RS clutch, lowered, PSS9's etc. and let the 2S/4S chips fall where they may. Unless of course you are buying it to drive in the snow (4S) or to drift through curves (2S).
IMO
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Grand Rapids
Race Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,942
Likes: 28
From: Dallas TX
The primary difference that I experienced moving from a RWD 993 to an AWD 993 is that the steering feels different. I prefer the steering feel of the RWD 993. It seems like it is firmer and provides more feedback.
However, the grip going around turns with AWD is incredible. My car (with PSS10) seems absolutely glued to the road. I have not gotten close to the limits yet. I nudged the limits of grip in my RWD car ... and what a blast!
However, the grip going around turns with AWD is incredible. My car (with PSS10) seems absolutely glued to the road. I have not gotten close to the limits yet. I nudged the limits of grip in my RWD car ... and what a blast!
Banned
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 9
From: SF Bay Area
For me there's a big difference in the steering feel, clutch feel, and shifter feel between the 4WD and 2WD cars. This has what has kept me from "upgrading" to a 993 TT. IMHO, the narrowbody 993 is the most pure and communicative followed by the C2S.
