Help me choose '01 Cab C2 or '02 Cab C4

So after months of searching on an off. I narrowed my search down to 2 Porsche Cabroliet. They are same color and mileages about the same. 1. 2001 Cabroliet C2 with 30k miles. Had 2 owners and was a lease vehicle, I am getting it for 36.5k. Got a set of 19" aftermarket wheels (bbs) 2. 2002 Cabroliet C4 with 34k miles. Had 2 owners but not a lease vehicle. Supposibly to have waranty (not from Porsche) but we all know how that works . Got the technic option. I can get it for 41k. I know some of the differences between the 2 cars, but not completely. I have never own a C4 before so I am a little worry about the additional maintenances, if there are any. Does the clutch in the C4 tend to wear out faster? Are the tranny the same between the 2?

Although I love my C2 MK1 Cab, I vote for: get the newest car you can afford, especially in this case: MK1 (01) and MK2 (02). Not knowing if the condition of the cars differs, the MK2 (facelift) has not only a larger engine (3.6l with 320hp vs. 3.4l with 300hp) but also other improvements. The difference in millage nor the price difference would hinder me to get the '02. Another although: Although I'm not a fan of AWD in a 911, the MK2 C4 might be the better handling/faster car than the MK1 C2.

I have driven both, the C2 Cab is 'sportier' than the C4 which I felt had too much understeer for my liking. But that can be cured with the right suspension changes...expensive ones though.. But for me the Cab is more of a cruiser, a car for nice scenic drives when you have more than one person in the car. And with 4 wheel drive its a car you can drive year round an enourmous advantage. Even on snow tires a rear wheel drive Porsche is nervous and flinchy. Also if you're buying a used Carrera you should get the facelifted 2002-2004 version. They are more popular in the used car market and you'll lose less money when you sell it. I think you could probably drive that 2002 for a few years and see very little depreciation.

Mk2 cars ('02-'04) are better in many ways. It's a no-brainer to buy one over the earlier cars. (I've had both.)

I have an 02 C4 Cab and have had no problems whatsoever. The handling is improved markedly by adding the M030 suspension.

From the sales '02 brochure: ...headlight system derived from the 911 Turbo. More discreet is the careful reshaping of the front and rear fenders, bumpers and air dam. The result is 25% less lift in the front and 40% less lift at the rear for improved high speed stability.... Reinforcements to the body structure have resulted in a 25% increase in torsional rigidity for crisper response and enhanced agility. The standard 17" wheels weigh almost eight pounds less than the previous design, while the optional 18" wheels are lighter by over 24 pounds. The front air ducts have been reshaped to increase the flow of cooling air to the radiators by 15%" You also get 20 more HP, a glove box, better cup holders and a glass rear window in the cab. I test drove a number of cars and spent a few $$ more for an '02. You could definitely tell the difference when you drive them back to back. I had it for 3 1/2 years and never had a problem. Ran perfectly - Oil changes and tires....

Where do you live? Do you need AWD?

I would recommend the 2002 C4 Cab. What did you expect me to say? But seriously 2002 is when all the mid-model improvements were made: Glass rear window Turbo headlights Better engine (Variocam Plus)

CABRIOLET. If you buy it, you gotta know how to spell it. Go for the '02. All the reasons already listed. I personally don't care for C4 (I have an '02 C2) but it will likely be better in resale, and 41K (assuming good colors and condition) is a good price. Michael

Important decision factors seem to include: How long do you expect to keep it? What weather will you drive it in? and Do you have a garage? Your choices listed above may be artificially limiting your alternatives. For a car you want to keep a long time, the simpler the better. Although I respect the all weather advantages of AWD, I have never had problems with a 2wd Porsche/VW in snow, etc. For any typical use and especially if you want to keep it a long time, a C2 will probably serve you better. I'm able to garage my Porsche, so a Cab seemed reasonable--yet, it gave me the greatest concerns about long-term maintenance costs. It Is pleasant. The performance advantage of a coupe is technically true. However, you would be faster in a Cab + training at a high performance driving school than you would be in a coupe with no training. So, Cab vs. Coupe is not a decision determined by performance (assuming you're not gutting it for racing). IMO, it comes down to personal choice and where you are going to keep it. If I didn't have a garage, I would not have considered a Cab. So, all this blathering comes down to recommending that you keep looking for a MkII, C2 if you think you will keep it a long time. If you only expect to have it for a couple of years, the C2 vs. C4 probably doesn't matter. Then just get the latest one you can....preferably a MkII.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I picked up the '02 C4 today. Must say, its been fun driving for the past couple of hours.

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Congratulations to the new (to you) car! When you stop driving around (I know this can take a while on day 1), take some pics and post them here! Although we know how a MK2 C4 Cab looks, we still want to see your new (p)ride! Welcome to the club!

great choice.... the newer is typically always better.......

Did you get the removable aluminum hard top? Mine came w/ one and it will go on this fall when I change out my summer wheels & rubber for winter gear. Let it snow!

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No, but I did win one off Ebay for 200 bucks in Houston, just gotta get my brother to pick it up from the dude and store it at his house till I go over there.