964 C2 vs C4 - what's the pros/cons

[Mike Juzenas]

In my quest searching for a C2 that meets my expectations I have also seen a very clean very low mileage C4. Specs are:

- 1989 C4
- engine updates have been factory provided
- LUK flywheel
- distributor vent kit
- 24,000 miles
- original owner
- no accidents
- PPI it totally clean
- updated A/C to 134a

I have heard a lot of negative talk about the complex mechanicals of the C4, and the weird handling.

What is the list's opinion about this?

Cheers,

Mike

[Mikewu]

Hi,
I currently own a 91 C4 and absolutely love the car. Having driven both an 87 Coupe and 95 993 Carrera coupe in the past. C4s are much more forgiving and easier to push to the limits (definitely no weird handling there). I do agress the stock setup is a bit soft, but after the HR springs and Bilstein upgrades the car is an absolute joy to drive. There is a weight penalty for the added AWD system. But the reliability is not a factor. I have over 100K on the car and the AWD is just as solid. I have been reading the 964 boards and the AWD is almost a non problem area.
If you have all the right engine updates (flywheel, dist. vent, etc.) and the cylinder heads are dry. You will love the extra torque compared to the earlier Carreras and the AWD is a nice compliment to my limited driving ability. Think of it as extra insurance.

The car sounds nice and I would not shy away just because it is a C4.

Mike

'91C4

[Kmatts]

Mike,
my good friend has an 89 C4.
It is a very quality vehicle. The technology is light years ahead of my 78SC. I can't tell you how impressed I was with it.
I drove the car everyday for about a week and half. His car has no major problems. I think that the early 964's are a great value (He paid less than 30K). If the price is right, I say give it a go, you won't be disappointed. Just wait until you drive it through the twisties. Wow.
Kyle.

[Mike Juzenas]

Thanks Guys!

I will go up there tonight and take a closer look. It supposed to be very immaculate.

If I take it for a drive I will report back.

Thanks!

Mike

[MonkeyBoy]

Another bonus to the C4 is that they are excellent in snow, which is why I bought one instead of a C2.

[carrera]

I am curious to read about your driving impression of the c4.
I find that the c4 does not feel "right".
You cannot steer it with the rear wheels and when pushed hard it felt like a front wheel drive.
I drove a few and did not like them.
Of course "to each his own".
As well the rear wheel drive cars are good in snow with the right tires and driver.

carrera a.k.a. snowmobile

p.s. remember it is the stopping that is important in snow driving not the acceleration.

[krasuskyp]

Monkey Boy-

1st of all, great name!

Anyway, tell us more about your C4 in the snow. I'm looking at a '91 here with 38k as a daily driver in CT. It's got 17" RE71's on RUF wheels, I'd doubt it will be too good on them. What tires do you run in winter?

I've emailed Mike directly, but will also post here:

What's the deal with the clutches, dist. vents., stalling problems, and steering racks, etc. on these cars I've heard rumors about? Everone seems to say the same issues, but NOBODY has any idea about the details, the why's, etc. I know they didn't use head gaskets that year and were leakers, was this a factory recall?

Anyway, I look forward to your insight (anyone's actually!), well, maybe not the kind that says that I shouldn't drive a C4 in the snow (no snobs, please!), heh heh. I'm bringing it to a reputable shop here for inspection this Wed. to find out for sure. At the least, it needs a clutch (high RPM slippage), is this about 2 bills at the dealer?

Thanks all, and wish me luck!

[Bruce M.]

If you're going to be a Porsche owner, or thinking seriously about it, spend a few bucks and buy Bruce Anderson's 911 Performance Handbook. As I recall, he deals with each of these issues in that book. I just don't remember much about the details, because I don't have a 964.

[wckrause]

Absolutley drive the C4 in the snow!!!! (no snobs here).

Get a good set of snows on an old set of rims. I run Goodyear Ultra Grips, but there are many good ones, even some performance ones rated at higher speeds (I'm not sure why).

[krasuskyp]

Heh, thanks WC. I had to mention that 'snob't thang as there seems to be MANY more on this forum than on the Mercedes forum I'm also on (same format).

ANYWAY, any ideas what size rims fit? I have access to 15" Fuchs...

THANKS.

[wckrause]

I don't think there a many snobs on this board, just people with strong opinions. There is a difference.

It's difficult to find standard size tires for new Porsches with 15 rims. It may limit your choices. Go to tirerack.com and you can play around with tire sizes and availability.

I use 15" cookie cutters with 185/65 tires. They are very narrow and look pretty bad under my SC flares, but they cut through the snow very well. I think I may have been happier with 195/60s.

[krasuskyp]

Bill-

Thanks. That's exactly the size I was thinking, however question whether or not caliper clearance / rolling diameter will be an issue, the latter leading to odometer error. I believe the C4 brakes are larger than those on your SC, wonder if the cookie cutters would clear OK?

Tx again.