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Can't decide, RWD vs 4WD, narrow body vs "S"

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Old 04-05-2010, 06:15 AM
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DaveE30
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Default Can't decide, RWD vs 4WD, narrow body vs "S"

I've basically come to the conclusion that I WILL own a 993 in 2010, but I'm still not sure what type. I thought I had decided on a C2S, but now I'm not sure.

I love the look of the wide-body, but a recently-posted buyers guide (http://www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/) points out that the narrow body is more nimble in handling and probably better at the track. I'm not a track rat, but will probably go once a year or so. I don't want excessive oversteer on aggressive driving, though.

The other issue is RWD vs 4WD. The guide also mentions that the 4WD is noticeably more planted and more stable to drive. It hardly rains in SoCal, and I'll never take this car into the snow, so stability in inclement weather isn't too important. How different is RWD vs 4WD on dry weather? Is 4WD less fun? Harder to lose grip of the rear wheels? I currently have an E30 BMW that is quite tail-happy when pushed. Will the C4/S stay planted despite aggressive driving?
Old 04-05-2010, 07:34 AM
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jimbo3
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Remember that the RS (the platform the factory used for racing) started life as a C2.
Old 04-05-2010, 09:31 AM
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bart1
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I'd say just get a nice C2. I bought a C4 because I got one with better records for the price I wanted than I had found a C2 for at that point.

The AWD system is pretty transparent, though.
Old 04-05-2010, 09:51 AM
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95 C4 993
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Slight correction----993's come in AWD or 2WD. No 4WD available.

Im happy with my C4 NB but and if I were to get a WB, it would be a C4S

All my vehicles are either AWD or 4WD--personal preference and I live in the high desert. Tuesday it was 72, expecting 3 feet of snow between now and Wednesday--2WD in any flavor or vehicle make no sense for my lifestyle.

95 993 C4---AWD
77 Bronco-4WD
2005 Navigator--AWD and 4WD--always leave in AWD
2007 Mazada CX7---AWD
Old 04-05-2010, 09:56 AM
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Peter B
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Just find the best one you can get!
I found that the C2 was more jiggly through the steering than my current C4. The early pre-vario C4 (in Europe anyway) has a set of closer ratio gears and will slightly outperform a C2 up to normal motorway speeds.
And Iris Blue cars are noticeably quicker!
Old 04-05-2010, 10:36 AM
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bart1
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Originally Posted by 95 C4 993
Slight correction----993's come in AWD or 2WD. No 4WD available.
Is that why the call it a Carrera A instead of a C4? Oh, wait a minute...



I undersatand what ya sayin.
Old 04-05-2010, 10:44 AM
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Quadcammer
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I'd get a C2s. in your situation, the AWD would be fairly useless I think.
Old 04-05-2010, 10:57 AM
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tjangi
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Get a C2 and use the extra money initially budgeted for a "S" for the mods IMHO
Old 04-05-2010, 11:24 AM
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ilko
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If you're not set on a body style or drivetrain, buy the best example you can find. I wanted a wide body. I wanted an LSD, and I wanted 4-channel ABS. The C4S I found had all those. If a C2S with those options came along I would've bought it instead. No regrets either way.
Old 04-05-2010, 11:30 AM
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rc1320
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I agree with the below comment. But in the end it all boils down to getting a good car. When you find the right one, buy it.

Originally Posted by tjangi
Get a C2 and use the extra money initially budgeted for a "S" for the mods IMHO
Old 04-05-2010, 11:45 AM
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95 C4 993
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Originally Posted by bart1
Is that why the call it a Carrera A instead of a C4? Oh, wait a minute...



I undersatand what ya sayin.
Imagine having to get out and and lock the hubs on the wheels!!

D is the 4th letter in the alphabet. D=4 added to C=C4 C is the 3 letter of the alphabet, add 4 and 3 and you get 7. There are 7 letters in Carrera and add that to 7 and you get 14. April is the 4th month, today is the 5th, add 4 and 5 to 14 and you get "The Number 23. "

A C4 is destiny!
Old 04-05-2010, 11:56 AM
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95 C4 993
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C4's stay well planted and I cant give an example in the past 8 years of ownership that would say any different.

The whole C2 vs. C4 (C2S, C4S) for the average driver probably makes zero difference. I doubt you will find one disappointed 2WD or AWD who wishes they had bought the other---unless your driving in winter conditions. If you buy a AWD, you can easily convert it to 2WD down the road.
Old 04-05-2010, 12:40 PM
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DC from Cape Cod
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You won't feel any difference between a C2 and a wide body. You will feel a difference between RWD and AWD but only can decide if you like it or not.
Old 04-05-2010, 01:27 PM
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race911
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Originally Posted by DaveE30
but a recently-posted buyers guide (http://www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/) points out that the narrow body is more nimble in handling and probably better at the track.
This is why it should be illegal for some to have access to keyboards.............

As said above in quantity, find the car YOU LIKE BEST within YOUR BUDGET.

But back to the "differences"--I challenge anyone who has two or more 3.6L cars to document same day, same track, how any of the platforms are fundamentally different. (Data showing terminal speeds, throttle application points, brake pressure traces, etc.) I take the C4S, yellow car, and RSA out back-to-back-to-back, and I drive them exactly the same. Wholly different experiences, based on the modifications to each, but the style is the same. (And yes, though not same day, that has even applied to AWD v. RWD.......even torsion bar 930.........in the wet.)
Old 04-05-2010, 01:36 PM
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Stealth 993
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Go and drive them all, then pic the one you like best!

I really DIDN'T want my 95 C4, really wanted a Targa. But after looking @ what was available at the time, as soon, as I saw the C4, (before the test drive) I was sold on it. Now I could not be happier! Have yet to see another C4 with so many options!


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