How noticable is the performance increase in 2002+ 996 over pre-2002?

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.

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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)

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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.

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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

^^^^ That's why I like you!!! hahhaah ^^^^

I had for a very short time a pre-02 ..before my (still current) 02. A lot of issues in a single question, as : 1) Engine/power feeling: I still remember of a huge difference, mentionned above as being the VarioCam surge. The horse power is not the diff, the real diff is the feel that the power comes in a much more "solid manner". 2) 2wd v.s. 4wd: This is personal, but as a daily driver, since I had a 4wd, I will NOT go back to a 2wd anymore. Under the rain, i.e.: new rain after days of dry, IMO, 4wd offer huge benefits. I also agree that the 4wd offers a much more firm steering feeling Sure, if this is a car that you will use on sunny Sundays, then, 4wd is not a relevant chaoice. 3) if Cabs : To remember that 996 (cab) since 2002 have a smaller rear windows, ..but in real glass, no plastic anymore. I used to have cab (i.e. Carrera 3.2) with plastic rear windows, and ..to change it when it becomes opaque, you had to change to entire roof, that was not too "funny". So, I have the same opinion as writen on Excellence : I (very) much prefer 996's, ..after 2002.

"I am sure the new cars are just right around that next turn!" (meanwhile I will be looking at older cars, thank you very much)

C4 will handle better. C4 tires gripping to the road will keep your 911 on the road better in high speed corners.

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Understeering pigs in highspeed decreasing radius corners. I see C2's cut inside them all the time without the washing out that C4's do. Mind you, C4's are better when you get off line and into the grey area - seen lot's of good saves that a C2 would have been in the fence in the same situation. Snow? No contest. Rain? Depends on the driver and tires. C4's chew up the front tires quicker then C2's. (One would say they match the rear wear rate better then C2's!) Everything is balanced off on what you want out of a car or what you do with it or what you can afford. I'm not into the my models better then your model dick measuring debates - I like all Porsche's and wish I could afford to own every model made.

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" I hope that guy takes good care of that watered cooled pig and gets bored quick so that it has low miles and I don't have to use many Franklin wrenches for repairs when I buy it."

I've got an 02 myself but my first instructor when I started going to DE's had a 1999 996 when I first met him (he now has a 997 GT3 though!). On the track that car seemed very fast and capable. So although the 02 model might be more powerful I wouldn't call the 99 model a slouch by any means. It's overall performance is probably more based on who's behind the wheel than the car itself. Granted the 02 does have some improvements but if the 99 is what you are after then go for it.