The reason I ask is that I drove a new 2004 C4S last week and was a bit concerned that it might be a little too firm for the rough roads I travel. I drove a 2003 C4S yesterday with 2,000 miles on it and it was the nicest car I have ever driven. Even on some fairly rough roads the suspension was firm but comfortable. While I was thinking of waiting for a 997, I was so impressed with this C4S I am planning on ordering a 996. In light of some recent threads here: no its isn’t faster than my S4 but it is worth every penny Porsche charges.

Alan

 

Interesting comment. I drove an '04 C4S Cab a month or so ago, and though it is tighter than my '99 996 Cab, which has obviously settled in since new, the '04 seemed fine on the roads I travel normally. I did not notice much harshness at all.

I would suspect road conditions are a bit worse in New York, yet with all the freeze/thaw we have endured, there are more potholes than pavement here in NC!

Sorry I can't verify your situation.

 

The air pressure could have been high on the new car. I know when I picked mine up from the dealer, It had 50+ psi front and rear, and rode like a log wagon. When I adjusted it, the ride was much improved.

 

Could be the air pressure as jnx said, or could be the new one had different suspension.
Alan, you might consider looking for slightly used C4S. It would be significantly less than ordering a new one, and with the 997 coming out, you'll take a HUGE depreciation hit just driving the car off the dealer lot. Get you options list together and do a little searching, could save you bux.

 

All 996 C4S has the modified 996Turbo suspension. It feels just a bit harder than the 996C2 with the 10mm lowered M030 Sport Suspension. Even though the steering feel is a bit heavier than the C2 but the steering response is crisper & more precise than the stock C2 IMO. Yes, the ride quality is very sensitive to tire pressure, Factory recommands 36/44, but I've found that 35/40 give me the best ride quality without compromise performance. It's a great car, an all-weather Porsche, you'll love it.
By the way, I think there will be no C4S for a couple of years after MY04. It's no better time than now to get a great deal. Good Hunting Alan.

 

I've had my C4S for 7 months now and no- the suspension does not loosen up.

Lately, it actually feels stiffer- but that's because I adjusted the tyre pressure to the Porsche recommended pressures and noticed two things:

- it's uncomfortable at low speeds
- car appears more nervous in corners
- fuel economy improved!

You can always use lower pressure and you have the best of both worlds- a comfortable, stable car.

Go for it!

 

Thanks for the responses. It had to be the air pressure as the car wasn't even prepped but was just sitting outside on display.

Alan

 

I had a '02 C4S (12K miles) and now have a '04 C4S with only 250 miles on it. The summer tires are like rocks in cold temperatures. You really do need to get some miles on the car before everything "feels" the way it is supposed to. My '02 C4S was so good, I decided to stick with the awd 996 platform. When (and if ) there is a 997 C4S, I'll certainly take a look.

 

2007 997.1 C2S recommended psi is 33/39 - partially loaded. I have been using 31/37 for SF/bay area roads.

 

My 996 4S is a nightmare, until i reach the highway. Then turns into a dream...

 

Air Temperature affects tire pressure. See graph I found on one of the posts here or on another forum.

Also interesting read:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=73

 

Yup the suspension is hard, no doubt.
I resolved it by dropping the tire pressure down to 33 front & 39 rear.
Yeah it's low but makes a world of difference.
Also get a sprint booster, truly amazing.
Oh and sports exhaust, carbon steering wheel, side skirts and... ehhhhhh guess maybe get the car first before ya go nuts customizing like us addicts

Good luck!

 

Guys if you read all the new TSB's by Porsche regarding Tire Pressure for 996 C4S

Full Load is 36 F & 43 R means 2 occupants and Full Load Of Luggage

Half Load is 32 F & 36 R means 1 or 2 occupants

I run Half Load PSI as Daily Driving and my car is fine... When i go on Road Trips with the GF i Run Full Load PSI and i can feel the diffrence

 

Lol at the fact of trying to compare tire pressure to 997 c2 model and for resurrecting a thread from 04. Amazing...

 

thanks for that Zookie...I might give that a try...I've ALWAYS run 36/44