I've driven a 1999 C2 Cab and am looking at buying up a 2002 C4 Cab, but haven't driven it yet (out of state). How much of a performance boost is the 02 versus the 99? Is it really noticable? Also, I've hear the C4 is quicker 0-60 because of the AWD but is the really true?

Thanks,
Mike

 

I tracked a 99 C2 vs 02 C4S. 02 C4S was only 2km faster when getting into the braking zones on a track that didn't have really long straights.
I'd say you wouldn't be able to tell the difference in performance. The difference you will be able to feel is in the steering. The C2 feels lighter while the C4 feels heavier and more stable.
The C4 is only quicker from 0-60 in the rain. It would be slightly slower in the dry.

 

I don't think you'll notice any difference in performance. The additional power was balanced with an increase in weight.

 

Was there an increase in weight generally between models or is this because of the AWD vs RWD?

 

I thought pre 2002 were slightly better lap times?.
Very close.
http://www.fastestlaps.com/tracks/nordschleife.html

 

I'm pretty sure that the C4 and C4S always test slower than the C2 due to their additional weight that is not balanced out by having a turbocharger. The Porsche stats say that they're something like .2 second slower - so may not be that noticeable. They're all fast cars.

 

C2's rule the roost!!!!!
Ok C4 owners don't get mad!!! I won't/can't drive in the snow like you can!
Pete

 

The total hp difference is modest, but you may notice a difference in how the power comes on...as you'll tend to get a surge in the '02+ with variocam plus at about 3,000 rpm.

 

certainly - the 4s are heavier than the 2s

3.6L will be quicker than the 3.4L (as is the 3.8 v 3.6)

 

In the early 70's, I had a European version '69 911S -- last of the 2 liter's, first of the longer wheel base cars. Going forward in the model years, next car in the series was 2.2 liter....then 2.4....

Each one just a little heavier, just slightly faster. Porsche has been playing a long-range marketing/development game for longer than most owners have noticed. But it gives them a slow progression that manages cost & reliability for their street cars....which let's them be more exotic for their race engines. When they stabilize on an engine size for a few years, they'll do something to the cams, intake, etc., to squeek just a little more out of the engine.

I haven't done it, but it would be interesting to graph the hp, displacement, torque, etc., of the models across the years. My guess is that it would be darn close to a straight line.

So, expect each iteration to be just slightly faster....so they will still have something to sell with the following iteration.

The most recent car I had before my '03, was a '96 993. The '03 has noticeably more low end torque than the 993. On the steep hills of downtown Seattle, the 993 was a real challenge to minimze clutch wear, starting from a dead stop on a really steep slope.

The 996 is much easier to drive. You might notice a similar trend from the 3.4. The 3.6 might have a little better low end grunt...while the overall performance is "conservatively evolutionary." You could be happy with either.

 

The extra low rpm torque of the 3.6 is very noticeable to me, makes it much easier to drive manual trans.

 

you wont notice performance between the next gen models... skipping a gen will prob show more, but not much.... skipping 2 gens, definitely!

 

02's will destroy all previous models ! Really the guy in Excellence says get 02 or newer and avoid 99's

 

My experience (01 coupe and 02 cab) suggests you won't notice much difference in the performance arena.

Having said that...I prefer the 02+ models. They incorporate several improvements from the 99-01 models--should be more reliable, more stable, and real cup holders (if one cares about such things).

Unless you live in a place where you will regularly drive in ice and snow, you won't get much benefit from a C4, but you'll pay for it every day in higher maintenance (more moving parts) and more sluggish handling. Here in Texas a C4 makes no sense, so I never seriously considered one...a C2 was perfect.

Good luck.

 

yea and a lot of people say 944's are junk.....yet......

I know of many 99's and having been in later years I have to say I still like the 99's - and a C4 cab is one heavy a$$ car