Noob Question: Pros and Cons of the Carrera 4

I've been hunting for a 996 and finally found one that ticks all the boxes. Before I go forward with the PPI and start haggling price, there is one thing that gives me pause. Its a Carrera 4. I was just searching for a C2 and I am wondering if I should pass and keep looking or plow ahead. Anyone willing help a noob out with understanding the practical differences between owning a C2 and C4? Many thanks. T

Get the C4, you can always make it into a 2. Enjoy!

C4 has a smaller trunk? Possible increased maintenance? Increased all weather capability? More weight. 996 GT3 was based on the C4 shell if I remember correctly.

Thanks for the responses guys. I didn't know you could convert them -- quite a few threads on that. I guess if the primary difference is a small frunk and a bit more weight then I am okay with it. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't making an own-goal before even starting.

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Yes. You can convert a C4 into a C2 fairly easily if you want. I own a C4 and I drive it up steep dirt/gravel roads all the time with out any problems.

Get what you really want. If you really want a C2, wait. If the C4 gives you the tingle, then go with that. Nothing wrong with having extra driven wheels, and fatter behind. I guess...

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Wide body cars are Turbo, C4S, GT2 and GT3. C4 is narrow body. Not sure but I think trunk is the same. C4 has less precise steering since 4wd. If car ticks right boxes go ahead, as mentioned can disconnect or remove front dif.

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I think only the C4S has a widebody. EDIT: see this has already been commented.

I've long been a fan of the narrow body 911s. When Ruf was building turbo cars on narrow bodies in white, I thought that was the cats meow

Best advice I can give is to go and drive both, they are different. I much prefer the characteristics of the the c2, so much so that I will likely convert my c4s at some point. I def would take a c2 over a a c4 but fell in love with the c4s knowing I could convert if I decide to.

I was surprised the weight penalty on a c4 is only 100 pounds or so. If that�s accurate, not much to argue against it since you can remove the drive shaft if you like.

A few notes: Converting AWD to RWD. Removing driveshaft from the C4 (or C4S/Turbo) will not make it handle like a C2. The front suspension carriers are different as well. A true conversion for handling purposes would include a swap of these. In my opinion the C4S and the C2 drive very differently. The C4S is far more surefooted, and feels subdued and planted. The C2 feels lighter and more playful. C4 chassis vs. C2. Indeed the front bulkhead is is rumored to be stiffer on the C4 due to strengthening around the front diff mount/front trunk area. 996 GT3 is not merely built off the C4 chassis, I believe it also includes provisions from the Turbo in the rear (to make room for the external oil tank). The 996 GT3 is also not wide body, it is the same width as the facelift (2002+) model narrow body 996 Carrera. Rumor is that they took a Turbo chassis and put narrow rear fenders on it. This makes sense, as the rear subframe is (if I remember correctly) the same as the Turbo, which is different than that of the Carrera.

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I think other posters mentioned this, but to reiterate, the 996 GT3 is a narrow body.

I have always been amazed (wondered??) how a mere 44 mm (1.75 inches) makes one a WIDEbody and the other NARROW? Eye of the beholder? * C2/C2S = 1808 mm * C4/C4S/Turbo = 1852 mm

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Well there is an easily-noticeable difference between the two, and many parts are not interchangeable between them, so there is a practical need to call them something different. On the C4S, the bigger taillights and red strip call attention to the wide-ness, while on the turbo the spoiler and air intakes in the rear fenders do that job, so it's pretty easy at a glance to tell which one is which. "Wide" and "narrow" are descriptive and easily-understood. Would you prefer we refer to them as "1808-millimeter-body" and "1852-millimeter-body"?

C2 vs C4? If you found a nice C4 why wait? Is it a low mileage car? Is it in nice condition with services records? All the keys and books? Do you like the color of the interior and exterior? I bought this 2001 C4 in October of last year from a neighbor. No regrets. Last night I had a lady pull up next to me in a 2017 Ford Focus RS. We went at it twice from a stop sign and each time I pulled from her with my C4 TIP. It was to fun! I love mashing the gas peddle and having all wheel drive. Good luck in your search! Eric

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I thought Porsche already did that for us, to wit: C2/C2s, C4, etc. IMHO, a mere 1.7 inches does NOT make one a widebody and the other narrow....but I understand why some prefer "narrow vs wide." P.S. I should have prefaced my earlier tongue-in-cheek post that I already knew about the differences you pointed out.