New to me 964

I've heard this before - why is the C4 not as fun as the C2?

 

Weight is a primary issue. I think the C4 was about 250 lbs heavier than the C2 for the 964 (it's less of a difference for most other 911 models IIRC). In what was a pretty strange decision on Porsche's part, the 964 was released only as a C4 model initially -- they didn't add the C2 until a year or two later. That decision added to the "great but heavy" 964 reputation when it was released, which is only 50% true for the C2 .

The 4wd also makes it feel quite a bit less sporting, but the tradeoff is that the C4 is more composed. The video below does a pretty good comparison of C2 versus C4 (it's for a later model, but I think it's true generally true for all 911's). I had a C4 996 a long time ago and it was amazing in the snow with winter tires. What I didn't know at the time is that the C2 is almost as good in the snow with winter tires because the engine is in the rear -- would have definitely bought a C2 instead of the C4 back then if I knew that.

 

That brings back good memories, and as someone who has changed steering wheels in over 400 (including 39 of my 41 Porsche's)of my own cars I am pretty sure that you will need a bit more than just some spacers if you try and use a 996 steering wheel and airbag (and not have blow up in your face). What I did (not the cheapest way) was to buy a second wheel (I still do this just put a S63 AMG wheel and airbag in my S class sedan) and get someone to remake it for you. Air bags are not as simple as it looks (car companies like BMW change connectors and shapes after just couple of years) and you are looking at technology from totally different eras. You would need wiring diagrams and for safety would to know how the airbags work in both cars. You would not want to hit a bump and have it blow up in your face and cause what could be a very bad situation.

 

you are correct, a bit more complicated than I had previously mentioned but it can be done.

here's a RL thread on the topic. https://rennlist.com/forums/964-forum/78744-996-steering-wheel-on-a-964-a.html

btw...changed steering wheels in 400 cars....you must be very particular about your steering wheels

 

I don't know if you realize this Carnut, but you just might be a car nut

 

Yes, very particular autistic people have a thing for tactile feel. My new steering wheel for my Evora 400 (redline is making it) left Poland today, will be here next Wednesday. I have had 3 even 4 wheels made to get the exact feel I like. I have learned over these many years that almost anything can be done if you really want to do it.

 

Would love to see some of your custom steering wheels if you have pics (preferably Porsche wheels to remain on topic)

 

+1

 

Great Color combo. Look forward to the lowered new stance.

Robb

 

I have only two Porsche's now and one is the 718 Cayman S I bought my girlfriend this year, the other in my 997 which is in winter storage I will see if I have any pictures of the steering wheels. Good luck with your 964 I really like the color combination.

 

It's a 30k 964 in an ultra rare color combination. Put the correct wheels back on and don't ruin it with aftermarket bits and chopped up suspension. Nice car.

 

Pretty sure the OP has sold this car. It's listed for sale again with the dealer he bought it from.

 

My 87' 911 is as fast as my '83' 308, but the 308 does sound and feel as though it is much faster.

 

I had an '87 Carrera 3.2 and an '86 Mondial 3.2 at the same time for a while, a long time ago, and had the exact same experience. I loved the Carrera 3.2, and had been a big-time Porsche person since pretty much birth, but the Mondial 3.2 was just so alive and engaging that it made the 911 feel a bit boring. I was so smitten with driving the Mondial that it actually turned me off to Porsche for a while. Eventually I came back to my senses and realized that Porsche is just as awesome in its own understated way.

 

Is the car still available? Link?

 

That particular 964 is one good looking car. I've always dismissed the 964 because the memory that has been (until this thread) permanently etched in my brain was from when it first came out and I thought it was way too bulky and too heavy (it was only available in 4wd for the first year or so). Time, however, has been kind to its styling. What looked "bulky" and overweight in period looks "muscular" and great now, pretty much from all angles.

 

Agree. when this car came out it was a bastardized of the old and the new. Old shape with new bumpers. No one wanted it for years. Now....those very styling cues makes it seem timeless.

These cars have aged nicely

 

"Sally Carrera" would agree.