Moved from 84 911 Targa to 02 996 C4S!

[jcsjcs]

Hey all -

So I shifted cars (and forums) after selling my 84 Targa and picking up a 2002 C4S on Friday. I was deciding between putting some $ into the old car OR getting something more modern that I could drive year round. I really loved the 84 - 2 in 4 out so it was loud, rebuilt transmission so it shifted great, and re-worked suspension so it handled very well. It needed some work, had no A/C, the Targa Top needed a rebuild, etc. It also was more of a summer car for me. And while I am moderately handy, I am not a mechanic and prefer driving to wrenching. So after about 11 years, I made the switch!

And am I happy with my decision! I know I probably left some long term upside on the table (though I am happy with the price I got) and do miss the rawness of the old car, however this C4S rocks.

It has a sport exhaust so it GROWLS, the body is in great shape (I like the 996 look), it handles PERFECTLY (point and shoot is the way I would describe it), and the torque is everywhere so it is just always ready to go! We actually had an ice and flurry storm today and the road was slick, but the car felt very secure. I drove my normal roads before the weather change (I am in PA at the moment) and it was just PERFECT. Not to mention, I drove my wife and kids to a friends in the rain and we all fit (tightly) and we could actually have a conversation, and the car was totally easy to drive! And lastly, my wife actually likes it and my kids LOVE it. My wife never liked the 84 since it was rough and loud and always felt intense. My kids LOVED the 84 since it was pure excitement. And I can still get most (if not all) of that excitement in the C4S.

So while I miss the raw energy of the 84, I am really happy with the change, and am already in love with the C4S.

NOTE: I also test drove (serious test drives on very curvy roads) a '03 Targa (manual), a '01 C2 (Tip), and a '97 993 (Tip). And all were great but a bit mild for my taste!

[Fastech]

Congrats on the C4S. Great car and actually the perfect blend of old and new in my opinion. I had an 84 Targa and more recently an 85 Coupe. Both awesome cars and very nice to drive. I finally felt the need to get something with just a bit more ride quality and power, and ended up with an 01 996 Turbo. I absolutely love the 996 body style and the all wheel drive plus power band is simply awesome. I'm sure I will kick myself for selling the 85 coupe, it was super nice, but takes me about 5 minutes to forget when I'm in the Turbo. Enjoy!

[jcsjcs]

Thanks, Fastech. I think we have the “same car” (Seal Gray?) though I don’t have the extra 100 hp or so. I even think mine has the turbo exhaust - though I think it came with Sport Exhaust (XLF?) but no buttons inside. Does my exhaust look the same from the tips? I need to get under and get a part # at some point.

I drove about 500 miles this weekend - country, city, rain and snow - and it was just great the entire time.

Here are some pics I just took after a quick wash and then crammed into my Brooklyn, NYC garage.

[Fastech]

Mine is Arctic Silver, but the Seal Gray is super nice. I have a performance exhaust with tips that are pretty noticeable as not stock ( though fit nicely). Borderline too loud at times, but I don't mind it. Wife is not a fan. I have the stock exhaust if it comes to that. Great cars and still the awesome 911 feel we loved in the air cooled versions. Just more comfortable. Enjoy it!