GT3Fed

Would appreciate input on whether the Cayman S would make a good daily driver in the snow. I live in Rochester NY and currently own a '04 Audi S4. We have substantial yearly snow fall and accumulations. I'm contemplating a trade for the S4. In particular, I'm interested in any experiences with the Cayman S with snow tires in winter.

TIA,

GT3Fed

BiggerTwin

As you can see from my avatar, I had my Cayman S out in some hard packed snow once. Surprisingly, the wheels didn't even spin with the OEM summer performance tires on it. I have no experience in fresh or deep snow but many Carrera and Boxster owners say they do very well in the snow because you have so much weight over the driving wheels. My friend uses his C4S as a winter daily driver with snows and says it is pretty good except for deep snow where ground clearance becomes an issue. If you face hilly terrain, nothing will beat AWD. If the roads are flat, a RWD car should be fine especially if the motor is near the rear axle.

Alan

Doug&Julie

..and excellent overall balance. My Boxster was brilliant in anything below 6". For sure get winter tires (it's easier to just put them on another set of wheels). Put them on in November(ish) and pull them off in March/April(ish). On warm(ish) days, stop by a "do-it-yourself" car wash and hose off the salts.

The only reason I wouldn't use the Cayman S in winter is if you fear other driver's. But a little extra care (defensive driving) will go a long way to aiding that concern.

GT3Fed

Thanks for the feedback. Decisions, decisons.

GT3Fed

Doug&Julie

Dooooo iiiiit.....

Michael Russell

That is a cool photgraph. I like it!

Michael

MrBonus

Modern Porsches immediately melt and/or explode upon touching snow.

Paul Marangoni

Just get proper winter tires and you'll be totally fine.

Doug&Julie

Thanks! I had this one as my wallpaper for a while:

ELUSIVE

GT3Fed -
I would say that most of the time you'll probably be ok with some good snow tires...but those bigger storms could cause you some trouble. Central NY gets more snow than anywhere I've ever been (and I live in CO) and I know that a good snow vehicle from November to April is key. 4 years at Syracuse University practically killed me.

If it were me, I'd keep the Audi. I think that you'll be much happier in it during the winter. Just my $0.02 though.

RaceCarDriver

Get the Cayman and buy a 5k Jeep Wrangler for the snow.

I have an 05 S4 also, awesome car in the snow. I just bought a 911 C4S but I will not be using it in the winter.

Doug&Julie

Excellent point, especiallly considering that, if you buy new wheels and tires, you'll end up spending about $3500!

Of course, you don't have to tax / title / license a set of wheels and tires.

ELUSIVE

RaceCarDriver has a great suggestion.
Other cars to consider would be an older Jeep Cherokee, toyota 4Runner or something of that nature. Many of those are pretty dependable and can get you through the rough stuff. Then drive the Cayman on the nice days.
Wait a minute..are there actually nice days in Central NY?
Gosh i love 310 days of sun a year. :-D

STLPCA

GT3Fed
My 993 C2 was my daily driver for many years. Fitted w/winter rubber, it did well to the linits of its ground clearance, although our winters are more moderate than yours. The 993 was replaced w/a Cayman S which will also be my daily driver. I picked up a set of used 18" Boxster "turbo twist" wheels (under $600) which I'll fit w/winter tires (you'd need dedicated snow tires in your climate).

That said, given the amount of snow you get in Rochester & depending on your travel routes, you may have difficulties w/ground clearance & traction on unplowed or minimally plowed roads. My wife drives an A6 & w/similar tires a Cayman will not be close to its AWD, added weight & higher clearance in the snow.

Kent L. Hubbell

What winter tires are recommended?