Mixter

There are many threads/posts discussing, comparing and debating the differences between the C2 and C4. I thought it might be interesting to have a pole to see how much real driving experience is out there with either one or both, and if you've driven both types, how much difference there generally is between the two?

I know this is a much more complex subject with a lot of variables (track, road, mods, ride height, tires, surface conditions, etc.) But just thought it would be interesting for us to get a general sense of how many really have driven both and their general sense of the difference experienced.

Goughary

They are completely different. In a C4 you are 400 lbs heavier in the front and you have an archaic mechanical 4wd system screwing up your grip constantly and somewhat inconsistently...further, to drive a c4 fast, you have to drive in a completely different manner than a c2.

When I went looking for my 964, everyone I spoke with told me to buy a C2. Everyone. They all said "only pussies drive C4's". "Real drivers drive C2's", etc...

"If you are going to buy a 911, it has to be a C2"...

So I bought a C4. And being a "real driver", I really like it. I prefer it in many ways to the c2. I prefer it on the street, I prefer it in the rain and snow. I almost prefer it on a track, since it has its own quirks and personality and needs to be handled differently. In fact, if it weren't for the accelerometer issues in bumpy braking zones, I may even prefer it over-all on a track as well. But that said, the c2 in effect, being the more known quantity, is easier to get in and learn to drive fast, since it's a bit more consistent than the c4.

Anyway. The C4 is its own animal. It's a different car and a different experience. And in the annals of Porsche history is a world on its own. The only cars that have anything really in common with it are the 953 and the 959. (That's a reach In some sense, but to my mind, it's true and fair).

I'll never own a c2. Don't care to. Would rather have a 3.2 carrera if I were going for "911" stereotypical type feel. Something simpler, lighter and more classic. I love my C4. And I'll put 500k on it before buying another sports car of any kind.

Streetdaddy

I did read an article where they said most drivers wouldn't be able to tell the difference in AC two and a C4.it was the article about setting up a C4 correctly.( suspension,ride height,etc.)

Streetfighter

I have driven both and owned a C2 as a daily for a few years. My experience for daily driving you really can not tell the difference. In a launch, auto x, track day the 4wd would show itself more, but you have to push the car a bit. In the winter a 4wd shows it's self immediately in the snow. As always depends on what the owners use is? Looking back I would have been better served with a C4 in Chicago. Each has it's been a benefit, but a 911 purist would say C2 is ideal.

lauris

I own both, 1990 C2 (grand prix white) and a 1991 C4 Polar Silver (also a 1991 C2 cab-red) and a 1994 993 in white.

Between the C2 and C4 - very little noticeable difference on the road, have not driven the C4 and much as the C2 as its been getting restored. The C4 is lowered on bilstiens and drives better than the C2 handling wise. The C2 is stock low mileage car and lovely to drive but the suspension upgrade on the C4 makes it handle better. (out of interest the 993 has the same suspension as the C4 and the C2 cab and all have a very similar feel on the road)

There is a huge amount of snobbery about C2s over C4's and it all depends what you want to do with the car. If you are tracking it and want the RS feel then a C2 is worth the extra. If you are driving on the road then the C2 isnt worth the money over the C4. (in my opinion)


cheers
Scott.

tbennett017

I can't compare too directly, owning only the C4, though I have driven the RSA and the S2 (964 Turbo).

The steering is a tiny bit more responsive in the 2WD versions, understandably. I also set my car up with the right swaybar/suspension setup to almost totally negate the understeer issue. It's completely neutral, and I can get a nice even drift going without any intervention. Steve at RennsportSystems can help you with that if it's a problem.

JV911

good comparo here http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/964di_1_n.htm

Duck

Goughary - have you seen these for accelerometers?

http://www.jdsporsche.com/Lateral%20...%20sensor.html

Goughary

Those are the ones I have had in the car for the past two years. Waaaaaaay better than the stock ones (in my opinion). Still. When you are driving the car hard and you hit bumps, the abs system gets confused and you can have the abs activate under hard braking when it wouldn't otherwise activate with out the accelerometers. It's just a limitation of the antiquated system in the car. I wish there was a way to upgrade to a better setup without losing much other...

Anyway. Thanks for the link, I appreciate it. For those having accelerometer issues, these are a very good alternative to oem.

Gkw619

I always love to re-read this thread. everytime i find something new!

newsboy

If your accelerometers are inducing understeer, light tap of the brakes will end it.

chsu74

no

kos11-12

Good info,
Never ride a C2, nine feel quite nice on roads, good suspentions and geometry, new bushes and top monts and the ERP mono ball tie rods makes it quite sharps,
According to a few people weighting the parts its about 80kg and mostly towards the front.
I guess it has a lot of avdvantage as a road car, in winter and rain, I would love to drive mine in the snow. as a pur race car a c2 may be better in dry conditions.
So what you guy are thinking disengage the PDAS (by holding the switch holding the switch for 10 seconds) ?

Goughary

I've done that on the track and it makes a fair difference. Though it's hard to tell if it's doing what we think it is doing...

I'd like to try an adjustable shaft in the diff locks, and pull back from full lock on the rear diff and the torque transfer to the front. That would make a huge difference- and to some degree would be similar to what they did w the C4 lightweight- although that system was set by turning the dials....Ruf once made a plug and play version of that manual diff adjustment, from what i remember- would be awesome to have them put that back in production and do a group buy.

kos11-12

I guess desingaging suppose to keep it 30/70 but are the differentials still working ?
Just not quite understand everything, I guess the front diff has a mecanical LSD but what percentage ?
Is the lateral MC acting like an hydraulic LSD ?
What does the Ruf or C4 lightweight does ? from my understanding it's a different system, its' the driver that applies what he wish by the 1 or 2 ***** , is it acting by cables or hydraulic by an MC ?