carson2

No don’t disagree with this at all. There is a reason that Porsche makes rear wheel biased AWD cars. The traction advantage though is minimal is my point - RWD 911s with their super wide rear tires and an engine directly over them have amazing traction is my point. Sacrificing optimal handling isn’t something that makes sense to me for such a marginal benefit...there is a reason Porsche used the C2S and not the C4S for the 7:25 Nurburgring run.

abiazis

Last post might be right as Miami driving requires race track speed at times...maybe a 918 is a better choice because of its track abilities!

detansinn

918 and 919 are AWD hybrid powertrains. Just sayin'

992Sam

Rear biases AWD is what were talking about here... you make it sound as if the 4S is a FWD that sends traction to the rear as needed, like a Volvo or Honda... lol

mrhebert

No one has mentioned hydroplanning. I have a 997 C4S, with the standard rear 305s. If you are driving 75 mph on a interstate and you incounter standing water, which probably happens once in a while,I will take the 4S anyday.Forget about which is fastest, or which is more fun to drive. Get the safest car for your driving conditions, daily driver and all.

Sebvelez

FWIW I have lived 20 years in Miami and have never been in any situation that required an AWD 911. My experience of course (others' experience may be different) I daily drive two RWD 911s and we have a Model X AWD as a family car. South FL is completely flat and when it rains its usually so hard cars slow down cause they can't see the road ahead. Good brakes/ABS and good tires are key here. Then there's the new Wet Mode, the video reviews look impressive.

carson2

Then you've missed the point of my comment completely. Rear-bias AWD means there is transmission/drivetrain connected to the front wheels - THAT is what I'm talking about. Not for me (in a warm climate such as northern Texas)...me no likey. You would also be missing my point if you construed this as me poo-pooing AWD 911s. Its just prioritizing the best set-up for handling based on preference.

992Sam

I thought your point was to say that effectively a 2S out performs a 4S... to which I (and others) have said that this defies the laws of automotive physics as a RWD Biased, AWD platform will transfer power to the road better than a pure RWD platform... at all times.

There is only one reason to get a 2WD (RWD) 911.... the "old school" nature of it, not for any other (performance related) reason.

carson2

It does outperform under most circumstances - a track, dry roads, and in the hands of an experienced 911 driver. Less weight, less mechanical crap messing with the front/handling. Have you tracked both? Again, its why Porsche used a C2S instead of a C4S to go after the Nurburgring lap time. (It's also more satisfying to have the feeling of unencumbered steering, and as you say, the 'purity' of back wheels drive/front wheels steer, to some). That said...love me a C4 or Turbo or other AWD 911. Especially on the super-high HP cars, I'm in the camp that AWD makes basic sense. One more thing that hasn't come up in these dialogues - the (old school) satisfaction of "steering with your right foot" - easier with a C2 to break loose a bit and rotate the car vs a C4. Again - personal preference and experience.

pelucidor

And yet: Porsche themselves have said and proved the C2S is faster than the C4S at the Ring in dry conditions. Again, in good conditions, the C2S is only 0.1 secs slower than the C4S from a standing start and as fast or faster in every other measure due to less weight according to test results.

PCA1983

When the Porsche factory team goes to the Nordschleife to set a fastest time for a new model, they always do it with the RWD. Why? The added weight and drive train loss of the 4WD slow a 911 down, on dry pavement. The 991.2 Carrera S and GTS lap times were set by 2WD versions. The 992 Carrera S lap time was set by a C2S. In wet or icy conditions, 4WD is preferable.

1analguy

The question of resale value has come up more than once here. My two cents, as a person who's currently searching for a CPO 991.2 is this: I run searches on Porsche's site, as well as AutoTrader, etc., and I always dismiss the 4 cars out of hand. I live in Wisconsin, but have always parked my nice, fun cars in the winter, as they stay nice so much longer...and all of my DDs are much better in the snow than any performance car could be anyway. So, since I don't need snow-type winter traction out of my 911, and I want the absolute maximum 911 experience, without the added weight, economy, and maintenance penalties that accompany AWD...and, this is just me, mind you...the AWD 911s just cost too much, in all respects, not just in terms of money. I have no idea how many potential buyers feel as I do, but I bet I'm not the Lone Ranger. C4s are only more valuable to those who want C4s. Lost sales never show up in the sales figures when they're determining how much used C4s are worth.

detansinn

Just to level set here, we're talking a weight penalty of ~100lbs for AWD on a 911 that delivers improved traction performance in all conditions. RWS adds weight as well. Both add to the experience and elevate performance.

If you're obsessed about weight, the 911 is not the car for you. For example, the 14 way and 18 way adjustable seats add weight greater than the AWD and RWS combined. It doesn't stop there -- those full leather interiors are heavier than the plastic ones as well. Don't get me started on sunroofs. LOL

992Sam

yep, weight is very low on my list, or I wouldn't have checked all those optional weight adding check boxes.. for the luxury/sport car I am building, AWD and AWS are a must...

1analguy

If you're referring to 992 C4s, then I have to agree. That's why I'm searching for 991.2 C2s...they're quite a bit lighter. And yes, I'm also searching for manual sport plus seats. It's going to take a while to find my car...