Living the dream....
Discussion
I have a dilema, one of those ones which you can get carried away with. 'Well's it only a little bit more money...' is the source of my problem. I have (had?) aspirations of one day getting a 996 C4S. Love it for all sorts of reasons and then I got to thinking....if I am living the dream...well surely the dream is the 996TT...? For a 'mere' 4 grand more or so I could go for the turbo, but.... well, that's the problem, there aren't many reasons apart from the money.
As a package the C4S seems to be everything, the widebody with the looks from the rear (rear reflector between lights does it for me versus other 996 models), decent grunt with the x51 and a fabulous noise with a sports exhaust. I do know the TT is quicker on paper and doubtless will be in practise and I have never driven one. But I can't quite convince myself of the vents in the rear arches and I hear it doesn't make the same noise as a normally aspirated engine...... and even though these are cosmetic issues, they are all part of the experience for me. I wouldn't intend to race either car on a track.
Is there anyone out there in PH land who has owned a 996 C4S and upgraded to a turbo, (or 'downgraded to a C4S from a turbo). Any advice or comments on the two variants?
Rgds, Brin
As a package the C4S seems to be everything, the widebody with the looks from the rear (rear reflector between lights does it for me versus other 996 models), decent grunt with the x51 and a fabulous noise with a sports exhaust. I do know the TT is quicker on paper and doubtless will be in practise and I have never driven one. But I can't quite convince myself of the vents in the rear arches and I hear it doesn't make the same noise as a normally aspirated engine...... and even though these are cosmetic issues, they are all part of the experience for me. I wouldn't intend to race either car on a track.
Is there anyone out there in PH land who has owned a 996 C4S and upgraded to a turbo, (or 'downgraded to a C4S from a turbo). Any advice or comments on the two variants?
Rgds, Brin
i like you starting looking at a c4s due mainly to the looks over a c2. then same as you i also went looking at tt's - i bought a tt and don't regret. Yes your right the sound is not as good but that can be sorted by an exhaust if required. the tt was bought mainly down to the performance so i would suggest contacting your local OPC or indy and arrange back to back test drives.
best of luck and either car is awesome.
best of luck and either car is awesome.
Me too. I tried a C4S for the same reasons but it just didn't deliver this great 911 reputation for me. I guess driving an M5 at the time I was spoiled for power, and although the nimbleness was superb compared with the barge, getting back behind the wheel of the V8 I knew I needed a turbo.
So that's what I got.
And I'm so glad I did. I've had it far far longer than I'd imagined I would, and if I'd bought a C4S I wouldn't have been interested in it for more than 5 minutes. Even now after nearly 20k behind the wheel I'll still have a drive where the turbo delivers more than expected.
Go for the turbo every time just for the performance reasons, and as a bonus you have no RMS / other reliability issues to worry about into the bargain.
SM
So that's what I got.
And I'm so glad I did. I've had it far far longer than I'd imagined I would, and if I'd bought a C4S I wouldn't have been interested in it for more than 5 minutes. Even now after nearly 20k behind the wheel I'll still have a drive where the turbo delivers more than expected.
Go for the turbo every time just for the performance reasons, and as a bonus you have no RMS / other reliability issues to worry about into the bargain.
SM
Big Brin said:
I have a dilema, one of those ones which you can get carried away with. 'Well's it only a little bit more money...' is the source of my problem. I have (had?) aspirations of one day getting a 996 C4S. Love it for all sorts of reasons and then I got to thinking....if I am living the dream...well surely the dream is the 996TT...? For a 'mere' 4 grand more or so I could go for the turbo, but.... well, that's the problem, there aren't many reasons apart from the money.
As a package the C4S seems to be everything, the widebody with the looks from the rear (rear reflector between lights does it for me versus other 996 models), decent grunt with the x51 and a fabulous noise with a sports exhaust. I do know the TT is quicker on paper and doubtless will be in practise and I have never driven one. But I can't quite convince myself of the vents in the rear arches and I hear it doesn't make the same noise as a normally aspirated engine...... and even though these are cosmetic issues, they are all part of the experience for me. I wouldn't intend to race either car on a track.
Is there anyone out there in PH land who has owned a 996 C4S and upgraded to a turbo, (or 'downgraded to a C4S from a turbo). Any advice or comments on the two variants?
Rgds, Brin
As a package the C4S seems to be everything, the widebody with the looks from the rear (rear reflector between lights does it for me versus other 996 models), decent grunt with the x51 and a fabulous noise with a sports exhaust. I do know the TT is quicker on paper and doubtless will be in practise and I have never driven one. But I can't quite convince myself of the vents in the rear arches and I hear it doesn't make the same noise as a normally aspirated engine...... and even though these are cosmetic issues, they are all part of the experience for me. I wouldn't intend to race either car on a track.
Is there anyone out there in PH land who has owned a 996 C4S and upgraded to a turbo, (or 'downgraded to a C4S from a turbo). Any advice or comments on the two variants?
Rgds, Brin
All this speculation is meaningless unless you ACTUALLY try a 996tt - then you will know for sure whether you want it more than a 996 C4S.
Peoples Opinions on here are exactly that - their opinion - Drive both and buy the one you prefer.
Good Hunting...!!!
Big Brin said:
I have a dilema, one of those ones which you can get carried away with. 'Well's it only a little bit more money...' is the source of my problem. I have (had?) aspirations of one day getting a 996 C4S. Love it for all sorts of reasons and then I got to thinking....if I am living the dream...well surely the dream is the 996TT...? For a 'mere' 4 grand more or so I could go for the turbo, but.... well, that's the problem, there aren't many reasons apart from the money.
As a package the C4S seems to be everything, the widebody with the looks from the rear (rear reflector between lights does it for me versus other 996 models), decent grunt with the x51 and a fabulous noise with a sports exhaust. I do know the TT is quicker on paper and doubtless will be in practise and I have never driven one. But I can't quite convince myself of the vents in the rear arches and I hear it doesn't make the same noise as a normally aspirated engine...... and even though these are cosmetic issues, they are all part of the experience for me. I wouldn't intend to race either car on a track.
Is there anyone out there in PH land who has owned a 996 C4S and upgraded to a turbo, (or 'downgraded to a C4S from a turbo). Any advice or comments on the two variants?
Rgds, Brin
I had a c4s,then a gt3 and now a turbo..i kept the first 2 for 4 months and i have had the turbo for 2 years...the c4s is the most disappointing car i have had (of many cars)pound-for-pound because it has the worst attributes of the wide body cars..weight, 4wd etc but doesnt have the grunt to overcome these elements.I think it looks good(not as good as a tt however)but its a bit of a 'sheep in wolf's clothing'..looks fat and fast but isnt.Also compononent quality on the tt is far superior to the 4s with dry sumping,better box etc and reliability is probably better on the tt.The c2 i drove felt a nicer car to drive than my 4s actually.all imo of course. As a package the C4S seems to be everything, the widebody with the looks from the rear (rear reflector between lights does it for me versus other 996 models), decent grunt with the x51 and a fabulous noise with a sports exhaust. I do know the TT is quicker on paper and doubtless will be in practise and I have never driven one. But I can't quite convince myself of the vents in the rear arches and I hear it doesn't make the same noise as a normally aspirated engine...... and even though these are cosmetic issues, they are all part of the experience for me. I wouldn't intend to race either car on a track.
Is there anyone out there in PH land who has owned a 996 C4S and upgraded to a turbo, (or 'downgraded to a C4S from a turbo). Any advice or comments on the two variants?
Rgds, Brin
It is true that there does seem to be a £5-7k difference at the moment with a 2002 C4s and a 2001 TT which makes me question how the original £30k gap has shrunk with these two cars - i would defineatly consider a TT over a c2/c4/c4s at current prices but i seem to get different feedback with the yearly running costs comparisons eg, TT running costs from £1k a year to £3k a year??
The TvR centre has a 2001 TT with 38k miles at £43995 and a i think MT performace also has one at £41K(may be a 2000 Tip though), privately they are changing hands at £39K.
The TvR centre has a 2001 TT with 38k miles at £43995 and a i think MT performace also has one at £41K(may be a 2000 Tip though), privately they are changing hands at £39K.
Thanks for your guidance / comments / opinions, all of which are very useful. Align these with Mr. Morgan's comments in his book that 'a turbo has so much more to offer than a C4S', and I'm guessing which way it's going to go. So I have a drive scheduled in a 996TT tomorrow to help me make my mind up......
Rgds, Brin
Rgds, Brin
Big Brin said:
Thanks for your guidance / comments / opinions, all of which are very useful. Align these with Mr. Morgan's comments in his book that 'a turbo has so much more to offer than a C4S', and I'm guessing which way it's going to go. So I have a drive scheduled in a 996TT tomorrow to help me make my mind up......
Rgds, Brin
Rgds, Brin
turbo. get the turbo man
once you have driven it i think you will be surprised at the speed. always thought my c2 was quick. the tt is on a different level.
i love the look of the c4s although they seem to be a bit of a victim at the moment. iirc it was the last coupe variant to be produced and introduced for the 2003 model year.
as such they still fetch strong money, but then it makes them look very poor value against a turbo which in some circumstances may be only 18 months older but for sale at the same price.
i believe the c4s prices will give fairly soon as the demand of them will not be there. cant think of many people who would want the NA engine over the turbo but i stand to be corrected.
do let us know how you get on
I'm going to sound soft..! I had a go in a turbo on Thursday that had a sports exhaust, a short shift gear lever and some form of upgrade in it, described as giving close to 500 horse power..... and it was wet. It was terrifying! Clarkson said about some car or other that 'it is fast enough to rearrange your internal organs'...he must have been talking about this 996TT.
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Big Brin said:
I'm going to sound soft..! I had a go in a turbo on Thursday that had a sports exhaust, a short shift gear lever and some form of upgrade in it, described as giving close to 500 horse power..... and it was wet. It was terrifying! Clarkson said about some car or other that 'it is fast enough to rearrange your internal organs'...he must have been talking about this 996TT.
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Only if by soft, you mean 'gay'
. Sports exhaust and short-shift manual sounds like a dream spec (and a rare one) to find on a 996 TT. Go immediately to the back of the class and put on your hat. wanta996 said:
It is true that there does seem to be a £5-7k difference at the moment with a 2002 C4s and a 2001 TT which makes me question how the original £30k gap has shrunk with these two cars - i would defineatly consider a TT over a c2/c4/c4s at current prices but i seem to get different feedback with the yearly running costs comparisons eg, TT running costs from £1k a year to £3k a year??
The TvR centre has a 2001 TT with 38k miles at £43995 and a i think MT performace also has one at £41K(may be a 2000 Tip though), privately they are changing hands at £39K.
The TvR centre has a 2001 TT with 38k miles at £43995 and a i think MT performace also has one at £41K(may be a 2000 Tip though), privately they are changing hands at £39K.
Are they? Surely a dog at that price
I am now very excitedly looking forward to when I pick it up. I sold my csl, and set my mind on a c4s , then saw prices were similar , i had a drive of a c4s and it was not what i expected it felt a little lacking performace wise , the next day i drove a tt ,
After nearly two months of serching i picked up as seal gray tt yesterday and i'm over the moon with it , i thought the csl was the best thing ever until i spent 5 hours driving the tt home last night .
Go for the tt.
keith
After nearly two months of serching i picked up as seal gray tt yesterday and i'm over the moon with it , i thought the csl was the best thing ever until i spent 5 hours driving the tt home last night .
Go for the tt.
keith
Big Brin said:
I'm going to sound soft..! I had a go in a turbo on Thursday that had a sports exhaust, a short shift gear lever and some form of upgrade in it, described as giving close to 500 horse power..... and it was wet. It was terrifying! Clarkson said about some car or other that 'it is fast enough to rearrange your internal organs'...he must have been talking about this 996TT.
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
I've yet to drive a car which had a decent aftermarket quick shift. Most seem pretty much guaranteed to make the 'change baulky and obstructive when cold, and even when everything is warmed through they make the action heavier than ideal. They're a great idea in theory but in practice I'd stick with the standardfactory set up every time.
Exhausts are a very objective thing, most on here seem to make it a priority to fit something which makes a sportier noise.
Personally I hate noisy cars that get everyones attention and make the car tedious to drive on a long journey.
The thought of struggling with a gearshift that doesn't want to, and a noisy exhaust which resonates constantly would be enough to put me off any a car let alone something as refined as a TT.
As you say, you need to find a standard car that's got decent (ie not Pirelli) tyres, and have another drive, having driven a car that was less than ideal, you'll appreciate a standard well shod one when you drive it.
Good luck.
Edited by slippydiff on Saturday 31st March 23:57
slippydiff said:
Big Brin said:
I'm going to sound soft..! I had a go in a turbo on Thursday that had a sports exhaust, a short shift gear lever and some form of upgrade in it, described as giving close to 500 horse power..... and it was wet. It was terrifying! Clarkson said about some car or other that 'it is fast enough to rearrange your internal organs'...he must have been talking about this 996TT.
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
I've yet to drive a car which had a decent aftermarket quick shift. Most seem pretty much guaranteed to make the 'change baulky and obstructive when cold, and even when everything is warmed through they make the action heavier than ideal. They're a great idea in theory but in practice I'd stick with the standardfactory set up every time.
Exhausts are a very objective thing, most on here seem to make it a priority to fit something which makes a sportier noise.
Personally I hate noisy cars that get everyones attention and make the car tedious to drive on a long journey.
The thought of struggling with a gearshift that doesn't want to, and a noisy exhaust which resonates constantly would be enough to put me off any a car let alone something as refined as a TT.
As you say, you need to find a standard car that's got decent (ie not Pirelli) tyres, and have another drive, having driven a car that was less than ideal, you'll appreciate a standard well shod one when you drive it.
Good luck.
Edited by slippydiff on Saturday 31st March 23:57
Slippy
out of interest, whats the problem with Pirelli's?
ukwill said:
slippydiff said:
Big Brin said:
I'm going to sound soft..! I had a go in a turbo on Thursday that had a sports exhaust, a short shift gear lever and some form of upgrade in it, described as giving close to 500 horse power..... and it was wet. It was terrifying! Clarkson said about some car or other that 'it is fast enough to rearrange your internal organs'...he must have been talking about this 996TT.
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
I've yet to drive a car which had a decent aftermarket quick shift. Most seem pretty much guaranteed to make the 'change baulky and obstructive when cold, and even when everything is warmed through they make the action heavier than ideal. They're a great idea in theory but in practice I'd stick with the standardfactory set up every time.
Exhausts are a very objective thing, most on here seem to make it a priority to fit something which makes a sportier noise.
Personally I hate noisy cars that get everyones attention and make the car tedious to drive on a long journey.
The thought of struggling with a gearshift that doesn't want to, and a noisy exhaust which resonates constantly would be enough to put me off any a car let alone something as refined as a TT.
As you say, you need to find a standard car that's got decent (ie not Pirelli) tyres, and have another drive, having driven a car that was less than ideal, you'll appreciate a standard well shod one when you drive it.
Good luck.
Edited by slippydiff on Saturday 31st March 23:57
Slippy
out of interest, whats the problem with Pirelli's?
P Zero Rossos ? Inconsistent grip, overly sensitive to pressures, tramline badly, flat spot if left standing for more than a few days at a time, vibration at speed when new. Apart from that, they're excellent
I have to admit, I agree with the OP.
The C4S is THE best looking 996.
I recently had a test drive in a 996 TT and a 997 S. I know the TT is supercar fast, but somehow it just left me cold. It's so docile at town speeds, then maniac fast once you pile on some revs, however, it really didn't do it for me. No sound to accompany the performance, that slight little 'lag' with the turbos, that odd feeling of detachment.
I'm sure with a bit more time I could be convinced
, but the TT was, sadly, for me a real disappointment. Sure its fast, but I would be continually fearing for my licence without any real sence of enjoyment. 
And please don't mention GT3s, yes I'd have one tomorrow, but my willy has dictated I need four seats.
The C4S is THE best looking 996.
I recently had a test drive in a 996 TT and a 997 S. I know the TT is supercar fast, but somehow it just left me cold. It's so docile at town speeds, then maniac fast once you pile on some revs, however, it really didn't do it for me. No sound to accompany the performance, that slight little 'lag' with the turbos, that odd feeling of detachment.
I'm sure with a bit more time I could be convinced
, but the TT was, sadly, for me a real disappointment. Sure its fast, but I would be continually fearing for my licence without any real sence of enjoyment. And please don't mention GT3s, yes I'd have one tomorrow, but my willy has dictated I need four seats.
slippydiff said:
ukwill said:
slippydiff said:
Big Brin said:
I'm going to sound soft..! I had a go in a turbo on Thursday that had a sports exhaust, a short shift gear lever and some form of upgrade in it, described as giving close to 500 horse power..... and it was wet. It was terrifying! Clarkson said about some car or other that 'it is fast enough to rearrange your internal organs'...he must have been talking about this 996TT.
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
Unfortunately though, the sports exhaust was horrendous as it resonated in the cabin and spoiled the experience. I couldn't get on with the Short Shift gear lever either. Anyway, apart from the phenonmenal performance I was left a bit dissappointed with my first TT experience. Having said that, I cannot rule it out as 'unliveable' on this testdrive alone. I want/need to have a go in a 'standard' TT and hope to convince an Indy it's worth his while to let me do so this weekend.
Rgds, Brin
I've yet to drive a car which had a decent aftermarket quick shift. Most seem pretty much guaranteed to make the 'change baulky and obstructive when cold, and even when everything is warmed through they make the action heavier than ideal. They're a great idea in theory but in practice I'd stick with the standardfactory set up every time.
Exhausts are a very objective thing, most on here seem to make it a priority to fit something which makes a sportier noise.
Personally I hate noisy cars that get everyones attention and make the car tedious to drive on a long journey.
The thought of struggling with a gearshift that doesn't want to, and a noisy exhaust which resonates constantly would be enough to put me off any a car let alone something as refined as a TT.
As you say, you need to find a standard car that's got decent (ie not Pirelli) tyres, and have another drive, having driven a car that was less than ideal, you'll appreciate a standard well shod one when you drive it.
Good luck.
Edited by slippydiff on Saturday 31st March 23:57
Slippy
out of interest, whats the problem with Pirelli's?
P Zero Rossos ? Inconsistent grip, overly sensitive to pressures, tramline badly, flat spot if left standing for more than a few days at a time, vibration at speed when new. Apart from that, they're excellent
when i got my C2 it had pirellis fitted all round.
it used the scare the
ing shit out of me, tramlining was terrible i now have a set of mich sport pilots now. they are fab and cant recco them more highly
of course, if im posting a "what tyres thread" in 3000 miles time i might have to re-appraise my opinion, which of course i do regularly
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