C2 v C4

Hello all, I am poised on the edge of 996 ownership and find myself asking the question about the pros and cons of C4 versus C2's. I am looking at '99 cars and had assumed I would go C4. However when you see a good C2 which ticks all the other boxes you start to question "why"? I have previously owned a 964 C4 and found the additional complexity to be a pain and the added traction to be a factor only in very extreme conditions. I'd appreciate the thoughts of those on this forum in helping me answer that question. Thanks in advance.

Boot space is reduced from 130 litres to 100 C4 weighs 55kg more, but 0-60 is the same due to better traction. C4 comes standard with PSM and Egas. C4 comes with titanium coloured calipers. C4 has slightly heavier steering. 4 wheel drive (between 5-40% to the front) I don't think the added complexity is a real factor as they rarely go wrong. PSM includes traction control, anti-slip control and Automatic Brake Differential and is a very smart piece of kit, very different to the 964. However, if you don't need the added traction of 4 wheel drive or PSM then I wouldn't bother....the regular Carrera is the purists choice after all[ ] I have a C4 but TBH I don't think it should be the deciding factor in what car you get. Don't limit yourself and you're much more likely to get the car you want.

I have a C4 but I brought the best car I could find for my money C2 or C4. It just happen to be a C4 Having driven both for he average driver, there is no difference as in normal situations only 5% of the drive goes to the front, which is hardly noticeable. This is my first 4WD and in normal use it feels just like my other 2WD rear drive cars I have had. The real differnce comes in the wet conditions where the C4 rules! Stu

I would also add that because the C4 is carrying that extra weight at the front, it won't feel as 'floaty' at the front, especially at higher speeds, than a regular Carrera might do.

I think if you have Porsche part number 996 778 432 123 XXL (aka big bag of sand) fitted to locker space of a C2, it will stop the floaty feeling too [8|] Seriously though, I've come from a number of Audi Quattros and the grip from the C2 is very very VERY impressive, even in the wet. Only when you TRY and be silly does it need the added traction of 4 wheel drive. A collegue has the C4S and in the dry it makes no difference (other than the fact he has sports suspension and a fat ass !) In the wet the rear still steps out if your silly, just you can pull out of junctions faster with the 4x4. Paulo

Too damn right!

I ended up with a 4 because I wanted a C4S! I am impressed with the steering weight- feels very stable at speed. It never even occurs to me that the car is four wheel drive in terms of the way it feels other than that it feels really planted, my point here being that you won't really notice what you've got in typical road driving, even when enjoying the performance. In terms of the extra traction, I have found it remarkably good when pounding through standing water which is a big factor on UK roads and M-ways. PSM's great too. You tend not to notice these things, or indeed think you need them until you hit a dodgy patch of road and you feel the car sort it out. I know the similar DSC system on my 330Ci saved me from quite a big accident joining the M40 when I hit a diesel spill.