ATL Fahrer

OK, more questions from the "Noobie"

Does anyone know EXACTLY what the differences are between a 2002-2004 996 C2's and a 996 C2S's? ...and are there even more differences between the C2S and the C4S other than the AWD, WB, and TT styling queues?

I ask this because I drove a friend's '03 996 C2 the other day and I thought I noticed several differences (thought being the key word).

1. My C4S has a stiffer ride - this one I think I understand - improved suspension on the Sport models
2. My car is quicker.
3. Exhaust note is MUCH more pronounced in my car between 3500 and 5000 RPM.
4. Shifting was not as crisp in the C2.
5. Clutch was "squishy" in the C2.

I'm interested in your responses because I really would like to understand the true differences and I have a sneaking suspicion that my car may have some mods that the dealer may not have known about when they sold me the car.

Thanks in advance for comments!

uberskier

I wasn't aware that there was a C2S, I believe that was only with the 993 and then started again in '05 with the 997's. When it started in the 997, it was a true S and got a horsepower bump compare to the regular C2's.

That's not to say that the dealer didn't call it a "sport" package.

1 - should be - we (C4S) have a suspension very similar to the turbo
2 - the C2 should be a tad quicker (0.1 sec 0-60mph) because of less weight since it doesn't have AWD. Also, top speed on a C2 is just slightly higher because of the NB. WB=slightly more drag.
3 - do you have PSE?
4 - don't know.
5 - don't know.

Just my 2 cents.

ATL Fahrer

Ahh, so there were no 996 Sport models - OK. Don't know about the PSE - is that a factory option? Not one of the option codes listed on the sticker under the bonnet.

The reason I ask questions 2, 3 & 4 is that I wonder if I have an aftermarket Exhaust (more HP?) and Short Shifter Also, I was wondering if there are aftermarket clutches out there which are "firmer" and much more "positive" when they engage.

...also, there really is very little technical data on the Porsche web site about the differences.

pongobaz

1 and 2 are already answered.

3- sounds like PSE (no extra power. just sound)
4- you might have a short shift kit (SSK) installed
5- there shouldn't be any difference in feel. Something isn't right on his car.

ivangene

you drove the wrong C2 - come drive mine

Jake Ok

Sorry my friend...a stock 02-04 996 C2 is faster than the C4S.
Same 320 HP and the C4S is about 150lbs overweight..LOL
Everything else is pretty much the same except that the C4S has a TT wide body frame, suspension and 4 wheel drive.

redridge

I dont know guys, those c4s are bad *** on the track... wider, bigger brakes..... I swear they are faster around the corners. I cant keep up with this one guy c4s with a tip.... I need more seat time.

jyoteen

the awd allows you to get on the power sooner, pulling you through the corner. With a C2, you have to have patience.

4 driven wheels > 2 driven wheels. Yeah, there is a weight penalty, but the looks outweigh any of that

Pac996

Tell your friend to get a minor tune up like MAF cleaned, air filter, oil change, plugs and get a heavier foot

ivangene

+1 for that!

Jake Ok

Looks is subjective...a matter of taste.
The C4 vs the C2 platform has been argued before. Why then isn't the GT3 4 wheel drive if the C4 is faster on the track. ??

10 GT3

Actually, if you check the factory specs a C4S is 276 lbs more than a C2. That puts it over 3400 lbs. What is worse is a C4S tip Cab with a hardtop that chunks out to an unbelievable 3800+ lbs. The wide body chassis and 4WD add a lot of weight and its worse aerodynamics result in a 3 MPH lower top speed. The suspension is not the same as a Turbo as a the Turbo still has more engine weight out back and gets different springs and shocks.

A C4 is defintely not faster around the track. If you check Nurburgring times, each generation of C4 is 6 to 8 seconds slower than its 2WD siblings, although this will improve if the track is wet.

bscrivener

ATL,

Could 3, 4 and 5 be related to clutch wear? I recall your 4S has low miles. Maybe your clutch is in better shape.