UNC Nick

Those of you driving AWD cars, why did you decide to go that route vs. a C2? Is it mainly a bad weather thing? Or, do you feel the AWD car just provides a more secure ride?

I'm currently searching out a 997 to replace my current 996 and 550i as a daily driver. I've found both C2S and C4S models that fit the bill of what I'm looking for, but honestly don't know if there is a real REASON for me to go AWD. We live in North Carolina and don't get a whole lot of snow at all. Winters over the last few years have been colder than normal so there is the occasional black ice in the am, but by no means are we in a frozen tundra. I'm sure that a C2 is perfectly capable as a DD all winter, but my real question is would an AWD car be better or seldom really used?

Thanks so much for the help!

niner niner seven

so I am not in the corn fields....

I have a 4S and I am in Charlotte as well. I guess I am just a WIDE BODY guy.

Edgy01

Some really like that J-Lo rear end...

Seriously, there is always a degree of added performance with a set of wheels pulling you through a corner--but it does come at a bit of a price, with higher weight and complexity. With the added HP of any 997 it more than offsets the weight gains, but you have to decide if the added complexity is necessary for you to drive the way you want to drive.

Pincomar

I use my car every single day. Although I now live in Nashville (which gets some snow and ice, but not that much) I have previously lived in Toronto and NJ. You never know where work will take you and your car! I have snow tyres and with 4 wheel drive you are one of the best cars on the road. The only worry is your average SUV driver and deep snow. Both are a bit tricky!

Mark.

Domer911

*** man

docfink

Round apple guy all the way...I also like the steering feel--heretical I know, but it's a little more weighted which is fine by me.

Maybe I'll have a RWD P-car in the future, but it's pretty cool to put winter tires/rims on this thing and let her rip though the weather. Like Pincomar says, though--beware of "deep" snow. Anything over 4" or so and there might be trouble. It's still a low sports car after all.

sfrank

Wide Body! Won't ever see snow....that's what they make Escalades for.

Leader

Or, you could get the 'donk-a-donk' butt without the extra 4WD complexity (& lbs) by getting a GTS.

964C4

Modern versions of AWD in 911's, more so with the 997.2, are not complex, like a 964 C4

I do not live in USA, but have driven there. With your low speed limits, if your region doesn't have bad weather (too much rain or snow), get a C2 or C2S

But when you drive the C2 or C2S at nearly the limits, it gets uncomfortable... You can feel the "unbalance" of the 911, the heavy back and too light front

I attended twice PSDS and when driving at very high speeds, the TC intervened more than once on the C2S cars

I have a 997.2 C4S and have driven it up to 170 mph -- It definetely feels more planted than a C2 or C2S, much more confidence inspiring and when driven hard on twisty roads, it's the perfect car for me

The only disadvantage: weight penalty. But this becomes obvious only above 140 mph or so

winkingchef

I'm always surprised at the difference between the view of 997 vs. 993 owners to 4WD cars.
The 993 guys are all about the fun of the cars, but there's a small contingent of 4WD haters in the 997 crew.

/shrug

I drive a C4S because I got a heck of a deal on a car with all the options that I want.
I've driven both and honestly, I can't feel a significant difference.

alexb76

For me, I guess it was because I was an Audi driver for many years and I did ENJOY the amazing grip in the slippery conditions... and the rear bias of 911 and the imbalance of the weight distribution made me choose C4S, specially after many test drives where it just performed and felt as great as a C2S... AND you can't deny the wider body JUST LOOKS BETTER!

One caveat though... I test drive 997.2 C4S on Nurburgring and the NEW AWD system is a bit more understeering, heavier, and more *audi like* than the older Porsche AWD. I'd be leaning a bit more toward .2 RWD than AWD as the new one just lost a bit of feel.

At the end of the day, if you really do NOT encounter too many slippery conditions, the benefits of AWD doesn't come to play as much, and RWD is the way to go.

Vjgtrybno1

It was the looks and my lack of experience with tail-draggers that made my decision.

TommyV44

Love the grip and the sure footed feel of the 4S! I live in NJ and I leased a 1999 911 2WD and in the snow it was awful or at least awful for me. The 4S has been wonderful and I'm full of confidence no matter what the conditions!

I do like the look as well. Maybe now the 2WD is better than my experience 12 years ago but that was so bad I can't go back and besides....I think I have my forever car here now ! We'll see!

UNC Nick

Appreciate the feedback everyone. I'm starting to lean towards the 4/4S a little now- the extra "sure footedness" wouldn't be a bad thing for a DD car with 2 kids in the back.

56truluck

I have a c2 in New York. With winter tires I have had no problem with my car as a daily driver other than ground clearance which is also an issue for all wheel drive cars. If money was no object I would probably have gotten a c4 but I believe that unless you are in an area with frequent bad weather and poorly plowed roads, either a 2 or all wheel drive 911 works as a daily driver. good luck there is no bad choice here