WHAMspeed

Hey guys,

Business is good and I have started shopping for my 997 (well, actually I've been shopping my entire life, but now it's a reality). I have had several pcars over the years but this will be my first 911. I am looking to buy an 06-07 C2 or C2S

I have been reviewing the 997 forum for several weeks and plan to take my time and get exactly what I want. I occasionally notice posts that mention "widebody". What does this mean? I went to Porsche.com and looked at the specs for the C2, C2S, C4, C4S, & TT. They all have the same body width with the exception of the TT at 71.18 inches the TT being 72.91 inches. And I assume the widest part on the 997 is at the rear fenders. So again, what does widebody mean? Is this just in reference to a TT, is there some type of factory package available, what am I missing?

My apologies if this question seems elementary, I'm just trying to get some clarity. Thanks.

Nugget

The Turbo, Targa, and C4 and C4S cars are all a little bit wider in the back. Some people claim it's a dramatic and staggering difference (cosmetically) and some people can't really tell the difference at all. Any performance benefit is effectively unmeasurable.

I've got a widebody car (the GT3 RS) but I really can't tell much difference unless two cars are right next to each other and I look really closely.

YA911Fan

I think the C4, TT, and GT3 RS all have the wider rear ends (about an inch wider on each side). It's not an option -- just an attribute of those particular models.

Edgy01

All the 4WD cars have an extra 22mm on each side. (The exception is the GT3RS and GT2--are 2WD).

Thegman

It's easy to see the flared rear bodywork on a wide body. Look at the area immediately to the rear of the doors. The wide body flares out (rockers, fender) pretty dramatically.

JG 996T

Check out these fat asses - you'll see the difference:

https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...fat-asses.html

gota911

The numbers you saw on the Porsche web site are correct 71.18" narrow body and 72.91 for a wide body. Unfortunately that do not have the correct width listed for each type of car. As stated earlier:

C2, C2S, GT3 are narrow body cars at 71.18"
C4, C4S, Targa, Turbo, GT3 RS are wide body cars at 72.91"

Approximately 7/8 inch difference on each side.

WHAMspeed

Thanks guys, I'm surprised Porsche doesn't designate the difference in width for the 4 wheel drive cars on the website. So I guess that is one more thing to consider with my purchase, may have to take a trip to the dealership to look at the difference in person on a 997. I do think it is very dramatic on a 993 but not as much on a 996 or 997. Dare I even ask, which is preferred 2wd or 4wd?

Nugget

I'm not a fan of the 4WD cars especially down here in Houston where the only "weather" we have to fight is humidity. Opinions differ, though.

alexb76

Understand it wouldn't have as much benefit down in Houston, but have you driven AWD Porsches? speically on track? or in twisties?

StanThePorscheFan

I was just gonna say that.

WHAMspeed

I was thinking the same thing as I am in Houston as well. I don't plan to track the car and I live in the middle of the city so you have to drive a decent clip to get into any "twisties". Texas, especially Houston, equals massive freeways and a lot of wide open spaces unless you get into the hill country near Austin. I guess it will really be a decision based on budget and aesthetic quality. I saw a black/natural tan leather 4S at Momentum Porsche about two months ago but wasn't quite ready to pull the trigger and am somewhat kicking myself as it was immaculate and I've noticed it seems to be a hard combo to come by...patience.

Edgy01

Just remember that a 4WD Porsche will cost you more in maintenance over time. More can go wrong. If you really don't need the 4 don't buy it. Try not to be suckered in by 22 + 22 mm. Handling with the 2WD cars is great!

akw

Don't you get snow in Houston too?

http://www.tonic.com/article/snow-in-houston/

Go 4S

WHAMspeed

Haha, very funny! You would laugh at the Houston snow being as you live in Toronto. Crazy thing is half the city shuts down and people leave work early so they don't get "stuck" in the snow. I think it's snowed 3 times in my 8 years here. At the very least I'll give the 4S a test spin.