Test drove an '02 C4S this week

Valley Motors in Hunt Valley MD has an '02 C4S with 24K miles for $68K. In terms of cosmetic issues, the rear bumper has some minor damage and the hood has a noticeable scratch. I don't know how much the dealer is willing to lower the asking price, but the used car manager invited me to make an offer and said that he was willing to negotiate. The car is not Porsche certified. I don't know if my expectations are too high, but I was really disappointed in the car's acceleration. This is the second '02 C4S that I have test driven, and neither one had the kind of acceleration that I would expect from a 325 HP engine. Interestingly enough both of the C4s that I test drove had RMS problems and the engines were replaced. Also, third gear in the car I test drove felt sloppy and had a lot of play. The dealer said that he would have the service tech check it out and the car still had almost two years left on the warranty. He also told me that Porsche provides a two year warranty on their rebuilt engines. I think I'll travel to Brandywine Porsche and check out their inventory. It's a little bit of a hike, but they've got a large selection of certified used cars. Hopefully, they will have some cars that will have the kind of performance I'm after. I have to admit however, that I won't make a decision on a 996 until I have the opportunity of checking out the C6. Both Autoweek and Car and Driver had very favorable reviews of the C6. $45K for a new C6 that can do the 1/4 in the 12s, 0-60 in 4.2, and a top end of 186 sounds very appealing. These performance numbers are in GT3 territory.

Major difference between the C6 and the Porsche. Horsepower is only part of the equation. Check build quality, handling, etc. That's where the vettes have fallen off the radar for me in the past. Great value, no doubt, but not the same as a Porshce. Regarding the price on the C4S that is high for the miles and condition but you would expect the dealer to start 5-10K higher than where they'll settle.

Hey SLy--I went to Brandywine (100 miles) to check out the used cars--but I was swayed by the intoxicating smell of new cars--BE careful Mike ps They do have a good inventory of used

Sly, the weird thing about the C4S, and I guess about any Porsche, is that the acceleration is so linear and effortless tht there is almost no kick in the pants feel. First time I decided to "take-off" from a red light, I hit the rev limiter within seconds, both at first and second gear. It felt disappointing. As I started to push the car further on track, DE and the occasional street romp, I realized that the ease with which the car accelerated coupled with the 6 speed tranny made the acceleration experience seem less exhilarating. The best place to see and feel the acceleration prowess of the C4S is just before the apex of a tight turn on the track. You can get on the gas sooner and go WOT waaay before the 'Vette can even think of it. Yu'd be surprised how much exit speed advantage you can gain on horsepower monster cars with the C4S. If you are looking for that rocket off the light sensation, I'd say go with the C6. Or better yet, get a crotch rocket sport bike.

Palting is 100% correct. And I would like to add that exit speed is one of the most important factors in reducing lap times. A small advantage in exit speed can translate to a big lead at the next turn.

OH996: I think you are right. I'd be surprised if he wouldn't drop his price by at least $5K. As far as vette quality, based on what I've read and on some anecdotal information, GM has been making some great strides in improving the quality of all of their cars including the vette. I read somewhere where it takes about five years for perception to catch up with reality, so maybe the C6 will do the trick for GM.

Palting and C4C Leon: You post an interesting observation regarding a Porsche's linear power curve. I'll have to think about that one. Thanks for sharing your insights.

I'm in MD and you are in NJ, but Brandywine is about the same distance for both of us. Brandywine must be the center of the universe. Thanks for the heads-up regarding the new car allure. Another poster had the same experience as you. If I recall correctly, he travelled all of the way from Virginia to buy a used Porsche from Brandywine, and wound up with a new car. They must have one hell of a salesforce.

The torque curve on 3.6L 996's does not seem as flat and linear as that of the S54 motor in the E46 M3, yet the M3 feels like a muscle car by comparison. No, I don't think it's the smooth power deliver that makes the Pcar underwhelming. Rather, the 996s seem to be blessed with a chassis that can easily handle the power. And, second gear is really, really tall. No other performance car I've driven can achieve such speed in second gear. The downside is this hampers zero to sixty times that people are obsessed with. As much more of a bmw enthusiast than a porsche enthusiast, I did a lot of back to back driving. The E46 chassis does not seem fully up to the task of the motor, and gets wiggly under demanding conditions. The 996 shrugs off the power with 'that's all ya got?' OTOH, a Z06 will rape my C4S or a C2. No contest really. I have a fair bit of track time, and these cars are devastating. Reading the reviews of the new C6, I actually wish the vettes lit my fire. I'd buy one in a heartbeat. But they don't, so I'll be happy with slower laps in my pimp Pcar. LOL.

Being an ex-corvette guy, I considered a Z06 before getting my Cab. Yeah sure the thing is a rocket, but I found that on the freeway, I couldn't have a conversation with a passenger without yelling and would get out of the car after an extended test drive with a headache. Check a one year old Z06 out and see how the interior holds up - it gets thrashed. I just think Porsches are much more refined.

I too owned a Corvette. I had a 2000 coupe, it was a great car and the C6 looks like they corrected the issues with the C5. But as mentioned, the linear power curve is more impressive and you will feel more "in control" vs the brute power of the Vette. Having now owned a Boxster S and a 996 since I sold the Corvette, I've been hooked on the Porsche ride, handling and overall balance. A sports car has to be judged beyond just quarter mile and 0 to 60 times. IMHO the Porsche is a great car but so is the Vette. But only you know what's best for your wants. Good luck!!

I know of an 02 c4s with 11k miles in perfect shape for 67k...yours sounds a bit high with those miles and some damage... There are better deals to be had! Robert

My last two cars were Z06's (01-385hp & 02-405 hp) and even though I occasionally miss all that brute force, I am in complete agreement with TOMDEG. I am completely hooked on the refinement of the Porsche. There will always be faster rides...but there is only "one" Porsche...