Two 99 996's under consideration: C2 v. C4

Well let me first say thanks to all on this board who have helped me directly or indirectly. I have searched thru the boards quite a bit, and figure I will throw this one out to the group for comment. Despite an admiration of the 993 the search went towards 996 with the following 'haves' - Blue (some flex in shade), Cab, 6-speed, one/two owner, good history, decent mileage. The car will be for fun but no 'queen', although my search is for a clean yet well used one that would hold any value it may have left understanding reality. I took the advice of the board and drove and looked at several. I quickly stayed away from multi-owner cars owned by desperate (read: cant afford) owners who have no records of service. I have two I am seriously considering. PPI's have not yet been performed although one has been worked on by my (other german car) mechanic. First car has all required: ocean blue met, cab, manual, two owner, documented hx (an RMS issue in the past), owned by someone who can afford it, although this car was not driven too much in the past two years, did not sit, but total of 35k miles. Same synthetic oil for past 6k miles. Clean dipstick, no apparent leaks. Drive and first impression of this car was that it was very well taken car of cosmetically and very clean (not just a car that had a detail job). This car is C4, which I am neither hot or cold on. Second car is just as clean, two owner, good Hx, all records, recent clutch, different interior color, similar options, C2. This car is owned by a friend of our mechanic (other german car) who has done all work, reputable, vouches, and will do basic PPI to prove since he just did clutch (or I can opt for third party). Have not yet seen first car in person, this impression may make or break decision. Mechanic vouching and local car helps. If both end up being clean, I will have full PPI done on the one we like the best. So far, it really has been a toss up (except that I have not actually driven second car...which will be done) All things close to equal I am open to any comments to those who live vicariously through the searches of wanabees like myself. I can post more info as I get it. Both cars will go for mid low thirties. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. 94prez

For what you�ve said I think you can�t go wrong with any of the cars. I personally prefer the 2 over the 4 for all the reasons that have been already discussed, but in the end it would be only a matter of personal taste. I think when you buy a Porsche you have to make a call to the racional and objective side (and you obviously did that) but you should also spend some emotional effort on it. I think if you look well you will see your name written in one of them.

I am assuming you are in Louisiana? If so, why do you need a 4 wheel drive car? More to maintain, worse gas milage, heavier..... I picked a C2 after I drove both and did not like the feel of the 4. But, others will seriously disagree with me

I recommend the 2, especially if it has PSM. Get the 4 if you'll be driving it in poor weather.

buy the car you like more. If that does not work buy the one with the new clutch

If you don't need the training wheels, get the C2. Also, it is the last of the Porsches without EGAS.

I'd get the 2 as well

1999Porsche911: Whats the benefit to having the cable throttle and not having egas?

You foot controls the throttle and not a computer translating into absolute throttle position based on pedal position regardless what the computer says as well as quicker throttle response. Primary benefits of e-gas are fuel economy and to allow for more of the "sissy" controls such as PSM. Cable control also does not interfere with using the gas AND the brake into corners, Egas shuts down the throttle when brakes are applied.

I didnt know that the throttle goes closed when you hit the brakes, that can make 10/10ths driving impossible actually.

As much as it pains me to disagree with you, I'm afraid I'm going to have to throw a flag on this play. At least on my 2002 anyway, the computer does not "shut down" or otherwise interfere with my throttle application while I am applying the brakes. As for the OP, I say all else being equal, go with the C2. Less weight, less crap to maintain and potentially repair. But foremost, go with the one that speaks to you. Michael

My 02 does. Impossible to brake check tailgaters...try it!

If applying the brakes does NOT pull the throttle, you either have a malfunction or your computer has been modified.

I tried this last night. It does not happen on my 03. You could never heel and toe, if this was the case.

primary function of e-gas is load correction. In a cable throttle, when the you load the engine (eg: turn on the AC), you have to step on the gas more to maintain a constant rpm. In an egas car, the dme knows all the loading components in an engine and will automatically adjust throttle for you. The benefit is that the pedal is constant in relation to rpm, even though in reality egas is putting in more gas. Try it, the pedal feel is consistant whether the ac is on or not. Beautiful engineering!

I can't personally confirm that the 02 does not pull throttle when the brake is applied, but it would be extremely surprising if it did not. However, this thread is about a 99 C4 which, without question, DOES pull throttle.

only applies when PSM intervines.

Walter Rohl... prefers the c4 over the c2. The c4 behaves so much like a c2, even the pros are questioning there opinions... on the c2/c4 debate. Some even crossed over to the c4 as a performance street car. The magic of a c4 is that it drives like a c2 with a heavier steering and the pros liked that combo. It can drift and can also take you out of it better...

Thanks for the discussion, I appreciate it. Have not yet looked at the c2 and will post some results of my search when I decide. 94prez

the C4 is very cool....not just for bad weather...but because the handling and stability is amazing....in wet conditions its no comparison.

Well the c4 is at the shop (Black Forest in SD) and I am pretty sure it will pass PPI without incident. I was holding out for the C2 and it was a dud. Not all C2's, just this one that I was referred to was ridden hard and put away filthy. Even the C on Carrera was missing, the guy thought from going through a car wash! Who does that? Anyhow, the wife (cfo) saw both and was totally unimpressed with the c2 (not all c2's, just this one, don't want to offend anyone). It also did not have seat heaters which was a deal killer, even looking past the fact that the car was filthy. The c4 is more heavily optioned and has the spoke wheels that I like. Anyhow. I feel like a kid on christmas eve. thanks for all the help, will post pix tomorrow. 94prez

Get the C4!!, that's just my nonbiased opinion, of course...

Well three years and a million carfaxes later, here it is.... The 'Italian/German' shot is the sellers other cars. He let me drive the turbo, and my buddy drive the Ferarri. What a BLAST! Thanks to anyone who helped in the search, I am stoked. 94prez

Oh yeah. 99 C4, Cab, Ocean Blue Metallic, and some more stuff. 34.5k on the odo. Black Forest gave it a clean bill of health. Here are some shots of the other cars - the ferarri engine and the turbo. The c4 is a blast to drive too!

More pix...

sweet! congrats and enjoy!

Sweeet lookin car! So, is it yours yet?

Oh yeah! Brought it home last night and the wife and I drove until almost midnight! Fun day. I got to San Diego via train, and came back with the 996. My buddy who picked me up from the train station got to drive the sellers Ferarri (595?) and I drove the turbo. Total fun car day. Anyhow, the car sits in the garage as I type. I have taken her out on several 'hill' runs but decided this will not be an errand car, was too afraid to park and get bumped by a soccer mom's suburban. The handling is just awesome. Plus I am still feeling the rush from flying in the Turbo! 94prez

congrats! enjoy the c4