84 Carrera vs. 996 C4S

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-03-2004, 01:50 PM

Does anyone have stats or comparison data on 70 to 120 MPH times for either car?

I was driving on 95 South here in Boston today, top off, enjoying the first really nice day in the last 4 months here when a silver 996 C4S comes up behind me (I'm doing 80 or so) and flashes and takes off. I drop down to 3rd and follow.

We play touch and go through very light traffic for about 10 miles, going from 70 to 120, 5 or 6 times. I can't say exactly where is right foot was, but I am betting it was crushing the gas pedal as was mine.

While he could pull away, I was really not impressed. I expected him to completely stomp my 222K mile 3.2, motor never opened, and a SteveW chip as my only mod. Instead, I kept up until about 90 and then he slowly walked away. And while I am no great driver, it was clear he could only go straight, which was the only way I could truly keep up through the cycles.

I can say that my suspension rebuild last summer a la Chuck's bearings, 22/29s, sports, tierods, lowered and 17" Cup IIs was easily the best money I've ever put into the car. The lip and duck I am sure helped a lot too. At 120, the car felt incredibly stable, predictable, safe.

Stuttgart951 · 03-03-2004, 02:13 PM

I had a 'spirited mountain run' with a 996 C4 Cab last summer - was a hell of a good time - although while I found him to be much more confident in the turns (traction control mental security maybe) he really wasnt 'that' much faster.

A faster and better car? Yeah, but our 'veteran' 911's can still keep them within visual distance.

djmcmath · 03-03-2004, 03:05 PM

I keep telling myself "My next Porsche will be a C4S." Like virtually every Porsche, they're great cars.

Dan

993.986. · 03-03-2004, 07:42 PM

The C4S is still pretty new. I don't know if it's exactly the same but when I had a new 993 it got progressively stronger for about 10K miles (i.e. it was noticeably quicker the second year I drove it). Also I think the C2's are quicker than the C4's. Those cars are really made to cruise easily at 130+ mph, at least that's my opinion. That's why I have an 87 Targa, I think it's a little bit more "edgy" which I like.

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

Shaun, I bet I know what happened. I bet he didn't downshift, just layed into it in 5th or 6th. If he dropped it into 4th he would've left you pretty hard. The only reason I know is because I had a similar experience with a family friend's 996 cab, he didn't downshift and just slowly pulled away toward the top end.....but when I told him to start in 4th gear he walked away from me pretty hard.