race911

Feel free to pile on, guys. 30 years in, with everything from a '68 SWB through to the C4S and RS wannabe. I'm not writing for a living; merely passing along my honest observations.

In any case, I think I did note to the original poster's point that buying the best car he found within his budget was the primary concern................

But back to where I've offended. (And I do apologize for harshness.) So what exactly did I notice differently today, on the street, between the RSA and C4S? I will say the AWD was a bit reassuring in the quick downpour we had when I was going out to the shop. But that was purely a traction issue, relative to hydroplaning at 75mph on a less-than-perfect I-680.

The simple reason I challenge perceived differences is that no way, no how within the bounds of reason on a U.S. road, can you tell the cars in this series are fundamentally different. By that I mean (and I'll take it off the track analogy) is that on (insert generic favorite twisty road) the suspension components installed and setup will greatly trump any physical characteristics of drivability/performance, e.g. a C2 with PSS-10's, RS stabilizers, and 225/265 tires v. a C4S bone stock. If you had a C2 would you not trail brake into a turn versus if you had a C4S? I submit that if you're on the street and you're talking threshold braking, you're asking for something Very Bad to happen.

I'm happy to continue to discuss topics like this; but it's probably most appropriate on another thread.

944/951guy

Definatly a C2S, I have a C2 But wish I had a C2S.
But I would take a C2 over a C4S, Im just not a AWD type of Guy.

My993C2

I am a little confused here. When I purchased my used 1997 993 last year, the dealer was up front in telling me that what I was purchasing was a C2S clone. It was really just a C2 with upgrades. Ignore the CarreraS tag on the rear lid, ignore the CarreraS tachometer, ignore the CarreraS door sills. But my C2 does have the Turbo front bumper, my C2 does have the 18" wheels and my C2 does have the Big Red brakes ... all upgrades previous owners made to the car.

Now even though my 993C2 has a wide body rear (wider than let's say a 911 SC's body), it is my understanding that the real C2S is 3" wider than my car and I possess a C2S clone not the real C2S.

I can't be the only one with such a clone?

CalvinC4S

If you want wide, I like the 4S.
If you want narrow, I like the 2.

This is based on light vs balanced. mix them up, ie C4/C2S and your compromises are out of alignment.

Different dance, both are fun.

Just my opinion, so there it is for what it's worth.

Edward

Well I think the consensus is buy what you feel best about driving

FWIW, I wholeheartedly agree with Ken on his sentiments about "the differences" between each model. Sure they feel different, but "feeling" different doesn't necessarily translate to one model variant getting around a corner faster/slower than another. Just too many variables here other than the cars' model designation. I will concede that AWD will obviously be an advantage on slick surfaces, and the turbo is obviously faster. But those are obvious points, no?

As for Big Reds an "advantage"?? I disagree. They are heavier (when is that ever good!), and also more costly to replace pads/rotors. Net benefit is nil. All bling, no point for the street.

Bumper differences: aesthetic choice ...your personal call. As is the "narrow" rocker sills vs the "S" ones. I prefer the cleaner, lithe look of the NB sans tail. But that doesn't mean I don't love looking at a widebody ...I'd just own the better one

Edward

dcdude

It's possible to clone (tribute or replica, if you prefer) virtually any car. Most of what you describe is certainly possible if not economically practical considering the roughly $10K delta between C2 and C2S. However, I'd be very surprised if someone went to the trouble of doing the fender flares, and even more suprised if they did it "properly" with Porsche parts. One indication of flares is 11" wide rear wheels to fill them out. There should be an "11" stamped on one side of your valve stem.

Are you sure? I'd expect at least some improvement in the 60-0 distance in otherwise identical cars.

Wilder

Ss don't come with big reds, only C4Ss do, and IIRC, the rear is 2" wider than a C2 not 3" but I could be mistaken. That said, I'm not sure that changing the emblem, the bumper or the tach makes a car a "clone". The big difference between an S and a regular C2 is the wide hips and I can't fathom anyone bothering to put a wider rear on a C2. Just my .02.

My993C2

No this is where my clone/replica was not completely followed through by the previous owners. It is my understanding that my rear fenders are stock 993 C2. I was told that my car is identical to a C2S except that it is 3" narrower in the rear end to the real C2S. So I am still a C2 ... with upgrades. At least this is my understanding and if I ever do need to sell the car (I hope I don't) I will sell it as a 993 C2 despite the CarreraS labels on the rear lid, tach and door sills.

My993C2

I was under the impression that the C2S was 3" wider than the C2. But if it is only 2", then I stand corrected.

Edward

Hi Chuck,

The stock blacks on the 993s will easily overcome even R-comp tires ...over and over and over again. Yes, this is easily born out on the track, and its limits certainly not attainable on the street (and not get handcuffed, anyway ).

The only functional advantage Big Reds offer is thermal capacity, not shorter stopping distances. And even with the greater thermal reserve, the advantage is only appreciated by very good drivers under Race conditions. With a medium driver (yeah, I am flattering myself ) under TimeTrial events, the stock blacks have never failed to deliver firm stops, repeatedly and continuously, with remarkable consistency and utmost confidence (with requisite tack pads, of course); and this with the added benefit of less weight and cost. So on the street, the BRs get you bragging rights ...and the privilege of paying more when its time to replace

Edward

95 C4 993

Car and Driver Magazine has a very good article out called "The 993 Buyers Guide". It says no matter what you buy, make sure the color is black. Black Porsche's are the fastest! Just ask every owner of a black 993 Porsche and they will concur.

My993C2

LOL ... don't get me wrong, I love the Black 911s. But you guys spend all your time at the car wash while those of us driving our Silver 911s are off driving our cars since Silver hides the dirt better than the Black cars.

DaveE30

Can you explain what you mean by "transparent"?

bart1

By transparent, I mean the opposite of my Jeep with a Detroit Locker in the front.

Just go somewhere where you can drive both. I drove 8 hrs to drive and again t buy my car.

DaveE30

OP here--
Just read all the responses. I do plan on buying the best example I can find; however, my plan was to narrow my options down to the body type and drivetrain at least, and THEN test drive a bunch of cars. I don't think I can check out 5 cars of each version (C2, C2S, C4, C4S); too busy for that.