Cayman S as daily driver and in snow
#1
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Cayman S as daily driver and in snow
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
TIA,
GT3Fed
#2
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
Alan
#3
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Originally Posted by BiggerTwin
...many Carrera and Boxster owners say they do very well in the snow because you have so much weight over the driving wheels...
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.
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#10
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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.
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.
#11
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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.
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.
#12
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Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver
Get the Cayman and buy a 5k Jeep Wrangler for the snow.
Of course, you don't have to tax / title / license a set of wheels and tires.
#13
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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
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
#14
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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.
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.