kgorman

I vote for getting another Audi, Quattro is the only way to fly in the winter. Just pick from any used model to meet your exact needs. I am suprised you want to get rid of the S4, is it the gas mileage? We are driving a A6 3.2 and it's amazing in the snow and gets 26-28mpg with loads of room. Get your wife the A6 and steal her Allroad!

My b6s4 is for sale . ;-). It's just like you b7s4 though minus the new grille and 40/60 torsen split. But you did mention your looking at S4's, and it's mint.

I vote against getting a 964 for the snow, it should be in the garage sleeping with a warm blanket IMHO.

Got luck with whatever you choose.

doubleurx

I live in the same area and drove my 91 C4 cab everyday in the winter with no issues. The locking difs make that car a tank.

DustinTarditi

My 964 C4 is my daily driver year round.
I'm in NC, so I don't have a set of winter wheels/tires, but it's easy enough - LOTS of people pitching their D90s. :-)

The AWD is great though - even in rain the traction is great... as mentioned previously, you can lock your center diff if you want to.

Mine is still stock US market height, if that matters.

JRRSA

I like Kgorman's position, i.e. sleeping under a warm blanket. The Audi Quattro system is definitely a great system, however, it has some limitations when compared to Subaru as it powers the wheels via a torsen system where it will go to 25% at each wheel or 50/50 when you are in the throttle, however, only when in the throttle.

Subaru powers all four all the time even under braking. If you are considering an STI you won't be disappointed as long as you apply some winter rubber.

The DCCD or Driver Controlled Center Differential in the STI is outstanding. It allows you to set it where you want it from 41% front to 59% rear and up to 50/50 in the 2006 models, it was 35/65 up to 50/50 in the earlier STI models.

You have two modes and you decide if you want to adjust it yourself or have it move the power automatically based on wheels speed sensors and throttle input. If you are looking for a more "mature" STI without the rear spoiler...Subaru is coming out with a "Special Edition" STI next year with a bit more compliant suspension and an M5 style lip spoiler. Keep in mind, the SE will be limited. Ask me how I know.

1994 911 3.6 Turbo
1993 911 RSA (Sold) and missed.....

NewPorscheGuy

Thanks for all the color folks. I'm kind of looking at it like this now:

1. kgorman, I don't have the S4, I have an A4 on lease and was wiat listed for the RS4 until I dropped to buy a Cayman. So I know it'll be a real bummer to drive the A4 on those wnter days when I can't drive the Cayman and in seeking a "better" winter solution thought...

2. In the face of a usable 964 or 993 C4, or STi, as a winter ride the S4 is just ill spent money for me as it's less fun than any of the formentioned and no more practical than the STi, especially if there's any chance that...

3. I can make a semi-logical argument to the wife as to why I should get another Porsche!

doubleurx

Yes indeed; and when you do this to them, they put out 450hp at the crank. BTW I have not heard of the special edition STI coming out. While the wing is obnoxious, the car is an amazing buy for the money. The DCCD also allows full lock of the diffs.

JRRSA

doubleurx,

Very nice! Yes, the special edition will be available for 2007 model year introduced late summer 2006. For 2006, the DCCD change I mentioned above was combined with liquid filled engine mounts and revised syncros in 4,5 and 6 gears.

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1994 911 3.6 Turbo
1993 911 RSA (Sold) and missed.....

doubleurx

Thanks. Caution on the new liquid filled mounts. They are plastic and are breaking left and right. The dealerships are replacing them with the '05 mounts.