2002M3Drew

Anyone here run a 944 with four decent snows for an entire winter? I live in New Jersey, and am thinking of picking up one for daily driver and snow use this wionter, and then a track beater come spring. How does the 944 fare in the white stuff with proper shoes?

yellowline

I run mine with all-seasons. Does great until you hit 3" or so of snow. Tons of fun.

Oh, one thing I remembered: If you want a 944 for winter, get a late car. The earlies have inadequate defrosting ability, IMO. I can barely see out the windshield for 15 minutes if I'm at a friend's house and the car has frosted over. Late cars have far better HVAC.

ubercooper

I dont know from experience. but from what I hear, they are Ok, if you are careful. What part of jersey are you from? you will get more snow up north but if your in the south you should be fine.
Ive already made the plunge and my snows are ready to go in the garage waiting for use.

Dano_944

A friend of mine in Reno likes his 944 in snow more than a Chevy 4x4... go figure. He says it's more balanced and predictabld than the chevy ... that understeers madly in the snow. He regularly goes up to the Sierra to ski driving in the 944.

sharky47

What is snow?

As far as daily drivablilty - I drive mine to work every day.......

Calmchaos

I live in jersey and its fine in the snow as long as you have appropriate tires. It will slip a bit sometimes... but what RWD doesnt?
Ive never had any problem that would make me consider not driving it in the bad weather.

hrsteel

I drove mine the last time it snowed down here (about two years ago.) It was good fun and easy to keep a hold of, as long as I didn't get *too* carried away. The only problem I had was poor to nonexistent traction on ice. Sitting still on a flat parking deck I could let the clutch all the way out in first without moving or stalling the motor. I ended up spooling up the rears in fourth, smoking the tires, melting to the pavement, and driving away. My tires really sucked.

Fresh/good tires and I think you'd be set.

The only thing I'd worry about is the damage from salt on the roads. Do you nortern guys have corrosion problems?

sck25jr

I would think you should be ok with the weight distibution and handling. When I lived in Michigan I drove a trans am in the winter and it was fun but front wheel drive is definitely easier to get around in. You could always move south.

JayJ911T

I drive a Crown Vic all year round (except when I'm in my 911). While, yes, I understand a Crown Vic, and a 944 are VERY different. But, for one, they're both RWD. The Crown Vic also has a very torquey V8, and a very light rear-end. The 944 is balanced better. What helps me the most is my Crown Vic came with LSD. It makes a huge difference when the rear spins, as it's still very controlled. The only issue with the 944 will be ground clearance in really deep snow. So just get proper tires and have fun!

Mike C.

As you can see at the left, I do use my car in the winter here in eastern CT. I think the 944 is quite good in the snow compared to most other RWD cars I've driven - provided you get some good snow tires on it. The 50-50 weight distribution helps a lot I'm sure. I occasionally pass FAD cars going up a hill in my neighborhood although I suspect it's only because they have poor tires. I've used Dunlop Graspics for the past few years and they seem to do a good job. I put all seasons on the front. I just don't like the feel of snow tires up front - tire dealers will swear that you need them all around but I've never found it necessary.

Dave in Chicago

My '88 NA on Blizzaks would drive circles around many of the SUV's out there...

until...

... snow is 4+ inches unplowed. Then, your low ride height makes it a bloody snowmobile!

Seriously, I loved the 944 on snow tires and drove it all year around. Heck, I've got snows on the 968 F-Stock car right now. It would be wise to run a reasonable alignment (ditch all that negative camber) in the winter.

You will also long for ABS. It is really handy in the slippery weather.

Other good stuff:

1) 944 family cars make heat FASTER than any car I've ever driven (nice!)
2) Heated outside mirrors (melt quickly when car's been parked in sleet/snowfall)
3) That big old rear hatch really DOES clear with the defroster
4) Rear wiper is great for clearing light snow (make sure blade isn't frozen down before operating)
5) You'll look like a real die-hard Porsche guy driving a 944 in snow storms
6) Dr. Porsche would be proud! These cars are sized for chains, it was all meant to happen.
7) Galvanized bodies. Keep them clean occasionally, undamaged, and drains clear... all good!

Happy winter motoring!

2002M3Drew

Thanks all for the advice!

sharky47

Oh yeah - I completely forgot about the heater until you mentioned it!

My heater starts getting warm before I leave my driveway - it's a 2.5 acre drive, like 45 seconds. I have never been in another car with a heater that starts working that fast!

Also, the window defrost is electric - don't have to sit there and wait for the engine to get warm before you can melt the ice on the window. Course, being in Central Texas I don't use these features but a couple times a year - but it sure is nice when I do!

GlenL

Yes. I run mine all winter, although I try to avoid sloppy days as the body is getting some rust tinges. I've got 205 F and 225 R 16" tires on 928 16x7 rims with Yamaha snows.


For y'alls information, the A/C don't work and I don't hardly need it.

Der Rennwagen

I live in Northern Vermont and see snow on a very often basis, sometimes for months on end... I ran my early 1985 944 with 195/65-15 Winterforce snows on cookie cutters and an LSD in the gearbox. Steer it with the throttle! Keep the tank full and you are good to go.

Previously to this Porsche I've owned several Audi quattro turbo coupes (ur-quattros) and I prefer the Porsche in the snow because of it's razor sharp steering and throttle oversteer with very little effort at normal snow driving speeds. Very fun indeed. OTH, the ur-qs are a hoot on full throttle with left foot braking.

I have a 2006 MINI Cooper S with LSD, traction control, DSC and ABS. I've got a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M3s and plan to use the e-brake for rallye action.