1997 C2 vs. 1997 C2S

[LowCntryPorche]

I have an opportunity to purchase either of these cars at fairly decent prices and am not sure which one to go with. What are the main differences between the C2 and the C2S? I believe there is quite a difference with the suspension and body. This will be my first Porsche and will be a secondary car. Not sure which one to go with.

The C2 has 48k miles and is $35,000. (black/black)
The C2S has 40k miles and is $45,000 (silver/grey)

Let me know your opinions!

Thanks!

[rcwaldo]

Definitely the C2S. They will always, IMO, be much more desired. The C2S is standard with normal black brakes, but optional TT brakes were available. Split rear grill is standard.

Most important is your choice of color, options and condition. Tough call. Drive both and they will talk to you

[Toothzilla]

C2S, it looks amazing and most likely will have a higher demand than the C2, in the future.

[adscab]

The C2S is a "wide body" and the C2 is a "narrow body". The S has the turbo rear fenders and bumpers, front and rear. Unique split grill and some S badging inside as well. Brakes were standard black as were 18" wheels, I believe. They were the same solid spoke wheels as on the C2 but used spacers in the rear to accomodate the wider rear fenders.

The C2S is very desireable and the price you listed is quite attractive if the PPI checks out.

Good luck.

[Bill Verburg]

I will be the dissenting voice here, IMO there is nothing special about a 2S. When I was shopping I wouldn't even consider one

They are heavier, have worse aero, and IMM not particularly pleasing to look at.

I do like silver over black though

RS or tt brakes can be fitted to n/b as easily as the S widebody.

[RSS]

C2S hands down! More desireable, better looking, split grill in rear, wide body, turbo front bumper. Additional weight is negligable and that price is great. Good luck!

[adscab]

The S is 22 lbs heavier. Don't think anyone is going to be able to feel that.

[Jbabic]

Especially when my large 6"4 frame sits in her!!!!

[Bill Verburg]

Originally posted by adscab
The S is 22 lbs heavier. Don't think anyone is going to be able to feel that.

Between the weight and the f/r grip disparities there is a large and very noticable difference in the handling characteristics of the 2 cars.

Most here appear to be focusing on looks, if that's what you want fine, bling away!!. But the handling of the narrow is always going to be more sporting than on the wide given equivalent suspensions wheels and tires.

[maxnine11]

....well, a few years ago I started shopping for a C4, and ended up with a C2S. ..funny how things go.
My suggestion would be find a very good car with int./ext. colors that you like.
If you plan on tracking it, or must have the lightest, most aerodynamic - then heed Bill V's advice.
Does the "S" model warrant the current difference in prices ?? On paper, no. But people are obviously paying the premium for whatever the reason, and can usually recoup most of it if they decide to sell.
There were 700+ made in '97, and about 1,000 made in '98(N.American cars). Not super rare, but not a-dime-a-dozen either
The asthetics are a personal thing.
When people refer to the standard 993 C2 and C4 as 'narrow bodies' , I cringe. They are plenty curvy!!
I have never cared for the 'weak chinned' look of the standard front bumper, esp. at original N. American ride height. Just my opinion. The RS splitters help in that regard- but then the rest of the car has to back up the look. On the other hand, I prefer the standard 993s plain rocker panels, over the exaggerated ones on the Ss and Turbos.
Shop for what makes you happy, and remember that some asthetic changes can be made to the car that are easily reversible.
Personally, I really like what Leland has done with his black 993. Lower, Turbo front bumper, S style (body color) rear grille.

As for the 2S being heavier- I've always wondered where the weight difference could possibly come from. ( some euro Porsche mags list a larger difference than 22 lbs.)
The slightly wider rear fenders can only be a couple of pounds heavier at best. The different bumper caps must be almost identical in weight.
The S models and Turbo have integral rocker panels- I quess they might weigh something?
The only thing I could think of is the weight may be based on the regular car with the standard 16s, and the 2S with the standard 17" wheels. That, and the possibility of the S having a few more 'options' as standard that add to the weight. ( although i can't think of what options they may be).
So, I think that the two models, comparably equipped, would be very close in weight.
The biggest contributor to a different handling feel would be the wider wheels/tires on the rear- again, as Bill V. mentioned.
To even things out, I added the Porsche RS adjustable sway bars and 8.5" Ruf fronts that I will shod with 235 or 245s next tire change.
Speaking of wheels- just to correct Addison
The 2S came standard with 17" Cup II wheels with spacers on the rear to push them out to fill the fenders. Although standard, I have only seen a handfull with the 17s ; most of them ROW cars. The 18" option netted you the "Technology" wheels- which were the same hollow spoke wheels fitted to the 993 twin turbo. For whatever reason, Porsche put the solid spoke 18s on the C4S.

Good luck with the hunt !!

max