C2 vs. C4 (then, cab or coupe?)

I've finally made the decision to go Porsche, and have narrowed it down to the following: '01 C2 Coupe for about $50K with 26K Miles, '01 C4 Coupe for about $60K with 10K Miles, and finally, a '03 CAB for about $80K and New. Before I head to the bank, need some help from the experts on this forum. Being new to the marquee, I need some help. I find the C2 drives so much better than a C4, and I can't figure out why since the C4 should have better control, right? Next, I find the coupe much tigher than any cab (of course), but would like other opinions on Cabs vs. Coupes. I plan to use this car as a daily driver, and every other week or so I will be driving it for about 3 hours each way on a freeway. So I kinda need comfort, but do not want to sacrifice performance. Also, which would be a better "investment" for the next 5 years?

Some random remarks. First off no 996 is a 'good investment', this remark based on high depreciation which the previous 993 model is more resistant to. Everything is relative but you stand to lose less on the cheapest oldest 996 that does what you want. In case of a Porsche its got to turn you on, thats the justification for buying the marque, not entirely logical. The C4 comes into its own in bad weather ie v wet or icy, in normal conditions it handles a bit different to the C2, more understeer. So where you live might determine this, otherwise test drive both back to back and go with your preferred 'feel'. The coupe is 'the classic shape', although on the 996 the coupe and cab are quite close in appearance, certainly the 996 cab is much better shape IMO than previous models. Coupe more rigid and lighter, cab better for attracting attention and 'being seen'. Beware envious third parties with switchblades however. Close - if you figure the mileage you will add in next 5 years you can check out used car price guides to predict how much you will drop.....as stated you usually do better by starting cheaper and this is exaggerated if you are putting a lot of miles on.

I've always loved the classic shape of the coupe, but I selected a cab because I wanted the sports car experience of open top driving and I live in Florida where I can do it most days. Mine's a daily driver but I spend little time on the freeway. Don't forget about the hardtop for a different look and if the temp drops a bit too.

Driver, All nice cars, however, you asked for input I would only get a C4 if the weather in your area dictates it. I have driven both, and own a C2 and a Turbo (4wd). I don't see a big need for 4wd in a non-turbo car... Just my opinion... In regards to the car, keep in mind that there was a facelift from 02 cars onward. Those cars have the turbo headlights and a bunch of other updates. The chassis is 25% stiffer than the pre-02 cars; my 02 rattles less than my 00 did. In addition the 02s and later have a bit larger engine with a nice amount of midrange torque. You probably guessed where I'm going here. I'd get a later model (02 or 03) C2 vs. an older C4 for the same price. You should be able to find a used 02 or 03 and get a good deal on it. I was going to trade my 6K mile 02 Cab for a GT3 and the trade number was 62K (85K new). I suspect you could find a 02 Coupe or Cab in the 60s with 5K miles or less. Let someone else take the hit on it... On the Cab vs. Coupe thing, I love the Cab. With the hard top, you have the best of both worlds. I throw on the HT in the winter for a few months and the car is a totally different beast. It's quiet and very much like my Turbo only quieter. Take the top off on a nice day and you cannot beat it imo... I will confess I've always loved convertibles... Good luck. As I said, all nice cars... Roy

I keep mine short and sweet because most of the advantages and disadvantages have been posted already- I traded my 993 C2 Cab for a 996 Coupe and positively could not ditch that cab fast enough. I really hated it! But, I LOVE my C4 Coupe!

Now you see why personal preference is so important. DN in Vancouver preferred the Coupe. I traded in my 98 993S Aerokit II etc.etc. for an 02 Cab. The h'top is easy to take off and install, and you can't beat top down driving. The Cab is the best of both worlds, and IMHO with the h'top on it still has the sexy Porsche look. And with the h'top on you can lower front and back windows and get the traditional "pillarless" h'top feel! You can also get a rig to make the h'top a one man job! Go Cab!

I vote with Don........and can add nothing more to his post, cause he said it all.

Don what is the C4S body mod made from. Is it fiberglass?

No, Pat, it's actually a factory TT rear bumper assembly purchased from Gert at www.carnewal.com. Believe it or not, the TT bumper fits the narrowbody quite nicely don't you think, and makes my C4 into a faux C4S. With used car prices these days no way was I going to trade in for a C4S Cab. Besides I don't like widebodys... narrowbodies rule Here's a couple more pics...There is a restoration friend of mine down here on the Cape that does unbelievable work. Right now he's finishing a ground up restoration of Steve McQueen's J2X allard.

So if I can get a hold of a turbo then the bumper panels (with little or no modification) will fit right in the place of my stock 99? Is this so? I did not know that those were/are interchangable.

You cant go wrong with either. If you are getting a Cab, make sure the top is in good condition. What part of the country are you in?

If you don't drive in snow, I'd take the C2. I prefer the Coupe for long drives. I fully agree that the lower your buy cost, the better your "investment". I wouldn't be afraid of 26,000 miles or more, but I'd rather have it on an 02. AS

Hey Don, forget the Porsche, where do I buy a garage like that. In my world of reality it does not exist!!!

[QUOTE] Originally posted by DonW-Cape Cod The Cab is the best of both worlds, and IMHO with the h'top on it still has the sexy Porsche look. And with the h'top on you can lower front and back windows and get the traditional "pillarless" h'top feel! You can also get a rig to make the h'top a one man job! Go Cab! What Don said! BTW, I think it's funny that a 1st time poster gets a group of people waxing eloquently, and while he hasn't returned, the conversation continues as if it really doesn't matter. Makes me think of that Mike Meyers character years ago on SNL (coffee talk)... "A cab with the h'top is neither a cab nor a coupe. Discuss amongst yourselves".

Thanks for your input. I have been reviewing them daily. I live in Seattle, and will be driving to Vancouver quite often (twice a month), and its a 2.5 hour drive each way. I agree that the C2 is a better drive, but potential trips to Whistler cause me to reconsider the C4. By the way, have any of you noticed that sitting in a C2 coupe the steering wheel is a clean distance from the seat, but in a C2 Cab, its much tighter. Of course this could be seat adjustments, but I've tried twice and each time it feels the seat to Wheel length is better in the coupe.

One more thing. Is there any C2 driver out there who wishes they had bought the C4, or vice versa?

Vancouver B.C. or Vancouver, WA? Either way you are definately in C4 territory- endless rain if you go south and deep snow if you go north. My 993 Cab was C2 and I was was glad when I made the switch to C4 particularly here in the PacNW Seeya around.

...a wise choice. C4 inspires confidence on greasy surfaces. Certainly the preferred choice in Scotland.

If it were me and you seem not to have a problem with the rpice differences which are quite large in the options you are discussing. Anyway, here goes. I would buy a 2002 used C4S. I prefer widebodies and you can probably get a low mile 2002 for $70k. You get a turbo without the engine. It is a great looking car and will give you the 4wd you need. Where you live, I would stay away from a convertable. If you want a C2, I would get a 2002+ as I like the styling/looks better. -Lou

Besides a wider body, does the C4S give you any other advantage over the C4? Is there better control/agility/tightness?

That is a subjectively viewed question and you'll find more answers than correct answers. Go drive the cars and then decide. You honestly can't decide what is right for you based upon others decision. Also I think you'll notice that everybody will defend what he/she bought, that is because it was their personal choice. They found something they liked better about the particular car they purchased, and therefore purchased it. Go to a couple dealerships or just one and test drive a few different models.

Well, I would have to disagree with above post. There are definate performance diffrences between a C4 and C4S. If we are talking coupe guise, the C4 was never made in the US with the more powerful engine which the C4S has, as do all 2002+ NA 996's. 320hp 273 lb/ft for the C4S versus 300hp 258lb/ft for the C4. The C4S has the turbo's brakes, suspension and larger wheels and tires, all translating to better grip and handling. The C4S also comes standard with items that are options on the C4. I have also heard but cannot confirm that the CD of the C4S is better than the C4. Finally, and this is subjective, I think the widebody looks better. -Lou

What is the power to weight ratio of the C4 and the C4S?

Given your location (I used to live in Portland and drive to Seattle every other week, I'd get a C4s or C4 as well... Good luck. Roy

That's a good question and definately pertinent to this discussion. Again, based on Porsche's numbers, the C4S is quicker to 60 and the 1/4 mile if I am not mistaken. It is also a better handling and braking car for obvious reasons. C4S curb weight 1470kg=3234lbs=10.106lbs/hp C4 curb weight 3032lbs=10.106lbs/hp Good call doublenutz, they seem to be identical power to weight ratio. However, and I do not know for sure, but if the CD is better for the C4S, it would make it quicker correct? Does anyone know the CD of the c4 and c4s? -Lou BTW, just reading Porsche's website, the C4S also is lower to the ground for handling reasons.

BTW, just found out wholesale for a 2002 C4S with 3-5k miles is between 63-65k, which means you can probably buy one for $66-68k. -Lou

Driver, The Porsche is so low that even with a C4, you'd be hard pressed to take it up to Whistler in the winter. If you are in Seattle, I'd go with a C4 couple. CP

As winter cars, both are low enough to act like a plow. If you want the better handling, better braking car for when it is not snowing get a C4S. Also, the C4 looks identical to a C2. You can not distinguish between a 1999-2001 C2 or C4 without seeing the decklid. I simply do not see that many C4S's around so from an exclusivity point alone I would get the C4S. Anyway good luck driver, it is a great decision you have to make. Anyway you go, the decision is a good one. -Lou

I guess the next question if the 0-60 times is faster in the C4S for identical power to weight ratio's then, what if any are, the gearbox differences?

C4 Cab (defending what I bought) - I drive w/my top down here in Bellingham, 10x more then I did when I lived in the midwest. The hardtop is only on about 10 weeks a year. You'll make it to Whistler fine, they do a great job of plowing the roads; espescially w/the Olympics coming. 2.5 hours to Vancouver from Seattle?!?!?! You'll do much better in the 996 and a V1 - oh and use the truck crossing too. I thought the 0-60 times in the 3.4L C4 and 3.6L C4S were virtually identical?