993 Carerra 2 v 4

Elite Detailing · 21 Mar 2006

Apart from the obvious 2wd and 4wd is there anything else different between the two?

If there isn't then am I thinking rightly in the way that the C2 will be quicker on straights due to less drivetrain power loss?

Thanks in advance

G

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Dunc · 21 Mar 2006

Think there may be a minimal power loss through transmission though I think most in gear times are almost identical (from memory?!). Before I bought a 993 I test drove both and couldn't say that there's any difference between them performance wise.

C2 has lighter steering and a larger turning circle so feels slightly more agile. C4 has a touch more understeer too but its still a sharp turn in. C4 has different bodywork with clear front indicators, red rear lights and silver brake calipers. Apparently Cup2s were optional on the 993 though most cars had 'em.

Dunc

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Tiptronic · 21 Mar 2006

Diffrence in straight line speed/pick up is negligable, have come up against a few C2's and yet to be beaten, think it makes more diffrence how much weight you have in the car than anything else.

DAz

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ian_uk · 21 Mar 2006

A 2 is quicker round a track but you won't notice the difference as it is negligable. The 4 gives you more confidence in non ideal conditions. They do however drive differently and it would be worth test driving one of each. Also might depends if you are coming from a 4wd or are more used to the original Porsche 2wd configuration.

I understand there is less space in the 4 in the front luggage compartment.

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Maxy M · 21 Mar 2006

Previous poster said:
Quote: Originally posted by ian_uk on 21 March 2006

I understand there is less space in the 4 in the front luggage compartment.

Can't be any less in a 993 surely??? True of 996, though, as I understand it.

Is that bit about clear lenses correct? I though that the J-Lo models were distinguished by clear lenses.

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Shed17 · 21 Mar 2006

As it is not a true 4wd drive system as about 90% of power is to the back wheels and only kicks in when the car senses that a wheel has lost traction, I would challenge most people to actually know if they were in a 2 or a 4!

Even in the wintery conditions we have just had majority of power still going to the back unless I really tried to spin the wheels.

Basically go for the best condition 993 you can find and don't worry whether it is a 2 or 4. A lot of stories going about are from people who have never owned both cars and at times it seems to be like the tiptronic arguments that real men only drive a C2!

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Tiptronic · 21 Mar 2006

Previous poster said:
Quote: Originally posted by Shed17 on 21 March 2006
As it is not a true 4wd drive system as about 90% of power is to the back wheels and only kicks in when the car senses that a wheel has lost traction, I would challenge most people to actually know if they were in a 2 or a 4!

Even in the wintery conditions we have just had majority of power still going to the back unless I really tried to spin the wheels.

Basically go for the best condition 993 you can find and don't worry whether it is a 2 or 4. A lot of stories going about are from people who have never owned both cars and at times it seems to be like the tiptronic arguments that real men only drive a C2!

Shed having owned both, and now own a C4S, IMHO you can feel the diffrence quite clearly.

By the sheer nature of the fact that most people who have a 911 will drive them hard, you will then notice the diffrence.

Poodling about, and normal speeds no diffrence, however that is not what a 911 is about.

Personally I prefered the drive of the 2 as oposed the 4, however having lost the back end sevral times on both my previous 2's, and needing an every day drive it made sense to have the 4, though I think I am starting to regret it now.

Daz.

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Carrera · 21 Mar 2006

I have driven my C2 back to back with a C4 on track.

As said before, a C4 has heavier more planted steering, but a C2 is more agile and sharper steering. Although less overall grip I find it easier to predict when it's going to let go.

On the road though, I doubt you'll be able to drive it hard enough to tell other than the slightly heavier steering.

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Shed17 · 21 Mar 2006

Previous poster said:
Quote: Originally posted by Butzi on 21 March 2006
I have driven my C2 back to back with a C4 on track.
As said before, a C4 has heavier more planted steering, but a C2 is more agile and sharper steering. Although less overall grip I find it easier to predict when it's going to let go.
On the road though, I doubt you'll be able to drive it hard enough to tell other than the slightly heavier steering.

Mick,

I should have said that I was refering to on road manners and not the track

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Fingers · 21 Mar 2006

Previous poster said:
Quote: Originally posted by Speed Freak on 21 March 2006

Previous poster said:

Quote: Originally posted by Shed17 on 21 March 2006

As it is not a true 4wd drive system as about 90% of power is to the back wheels and only kicks in when the car senses that a wheel has lost traction, I would challenge most people to actually know if they were in a 2 or a 4!Even in the wintery conditions we have just had majority of power still going to the back unless I really tried to spin the wheels.Basically go for the best condition 993 you can find and don't worry whether it is a 2 or 4. A lot of stories going about are from people who have never owned both cars and at times it seems to be like the tiptronic arguments that real men only drive a C2!

Click to expand...

Shed having owned both, and now own a C4S, IMHO you can feel the diffrence quite clearly.By the sheer nature of the fact that most people who have a 911 will drive them hard, you will then notice the diffrence.Poodling about, and normal speeds no diffrence, however that is not what a 911 is about.Personally I prefered the drive of the 2 as oposed the 4, however having lost the back end sevral times on both my previous 2's, and needing an every day drive it made sense to have the 4, though I think I am starting to regret it now.Daz.

I go with Daz on this one, I have driven both C2's and C4's in their various guises and have just done about 500 clicks in a 997C4 and can say that if your just driving under 30 or 50 mph in a straight line - not much if any difference at all, start throwing in a few hairpins and the difference is quite apparent. Although, the car felt very planted overall I didn't like it. But as someone said, it does depend on where you are coming from -for me its several C2's. If I lived in a country where it snowed or the conditions were not too great I would possibly compromise.

HAVING SAID THAT, my favourite car has to be the 996 C4S - pure class as far as I am concerned!

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Elite Detailing · 22 Mar 2006

Just got back. Cheers for the replies.

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Dunc · 22 Mar 2006

Maxy M - there is less depth in the front of a 993 C4 due to drive for front wheels which also hampers the turning circle and yes the bit about the clear lenses is true!?!

Think some people exagerate the difference the 4wd makes in a 911 as they are still very rear drive biased and will spin almost as easy as a C2. Wouldn't like to think that people expect to jump into a C4 and drive it like an evo or scubaru 'cos you can't!! The engine hanging off the back and a rear power bias means spins if you give it too much boost.

I went from s model audi 4wd to a 993C4 and the 4wd drive type / grip levels are hugely different.

Dunc

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Elite Detailing · 22 Mar 2006

Dunc I too will be going from a quattro. Ive jusy spent a solid 12 hrs on a GT3 which has made me want a Porsche even more. Although I cant afford a GT3 I would be more than happy with a black 993!

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Dunc · 22 Mar 2006

12hrs in a GT3, must be tired!!

You'll find the 993 (either 2 or 4) to be very lively cars after a quattro (TT i take it?). They really are great to drive. Just no comparison for the money for feel sound etc. even though some ricers are faster - it just ain't the same.

I've not long parted with my black 993 and I miss it but plans to get a GT3 are helping me survive life in a runabout!!

Dunc

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Rob J · 22 Mar 2006

Previous poster said:
Quote: Originally posted by G-Unit on 22 March 2006

Ive jusy spent a solid 12 hrs on a GT3 which has made me want a Porsche even more.

And ther I was thinking I could give mine a good clean and wax ina day...

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