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If Im not in the snow, why do I need a 4 or 4S

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Old 11-17-2019, 11:24 AM
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B Russ
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Default If Im not in the snow, why do I need a 4 or 4S

Coming from New England all wheel drive cars were the norm but its not very likely a 991 that I own will ever see snow. Im beginning to wonder if I really need the added expense or weight of a 4S in my search. Comments??
Old 11-17-2019, 11:32 AM
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Jack F
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Originally Posted by Bob Russell
Coming from New England a wheel drive cars were the norm but its not very likely a 991 that I own will ever see snow. Im beginning to wonder if I really need the added expense or weight of a 4S in my search. Comments??
AWD is for sure not needed. It makes the car heavier and changes the driving dynamics a bit. If you a track junkie, I think you would love the non 4 911 variants. With that said, I decided that the 4 GTS variant was a better choice for me. Will it keep me on the road or track if I do something less that ideal? It might. I plan on winter driving so for me it’s was a no brainer. The weight is a non issue for me as well. Drive both spiritedly and see what you think of the dynamics.
Old 11-17-2019, 11:37 AM
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worf928
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Short answer: you don’t.
Old 11-17-2019, 11:41 AM
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Bxstr
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Even if you drive in snow, you don't need AWD. It will just give you a bit more confidence in getting off the line or going up hills in some cases when in the snow. Other than that, I would rather have a 2 wheel drive model.
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Old 11-17-2019, 11:54 AM
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ipse dixit
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Will you see rain?

While AWD does provide some better traction in inclement weather (snow, ice or rain), proper tires make more of a difference than the number of wheels pulling the car.
Old 11-17-2019, 11:57 AM
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spiderv6
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I’ve had both, currently in a 4S. My base Carrera, with winter rubber, was a blast to drive in the snow. Absolutely loved it, it coped extremely well, and came with all the *** out fun you would expect.

The 4S is a different animal. Obviously it is rock solid in any conditions, doesn’t really go *** out unless severely provoked, but gives you total and utter confidence in just about any situation.

The extra weight? It makes ~ <0.5 seconds difference 0-60. Real world - makes not the slightest difference to anything.

I love my 4S!

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Old 11-17-2019, 12:04 PM
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Dennis C
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I agree with the comments above. You don’t need it in most situations. In snowy conditions, a RWD 911 will do fine with proper winter tires. The AWD cars have slightly different driving dynamics, although most people won’t notice it in everyday driving. The wide body of the AWD cars makes them attractive, and AWD can be nice in high-horsepower applications.

So, I agree with the comments above. You don’t need it, but it is nice for other reasons.
Old 11-17-2019, 12:19 PM
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991.1GTS
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As others have said, you don’t. However, the driving experience and style is completely different with an AWD car, when you’re in spirited driving mode.
Old 11-17-2019, 01:09 PM
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Carlo_Carrera
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Originally Posted by worf928
Short answer: you don’t.
+1
Old 11-17-2019, 01:11 PM
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Get AWD along with RAS, PDCC (and PDK while you are at) and take what's left of the 911 out of your 911
Old 11-17-2019, 01:15 PM
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Mr. Turtles
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Wider hips...the look is a personal preference.
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Old 11-17-2019, 01:46 PM
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LexVan
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Cuz dat *** and light bar.
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Old 11-17-2019, 01:56 PM
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B Russ
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Appreciate the spirited discussion.
Interesting how things have changed from 2017 when I said I would never spend $100k on a car and now Im talking about having 2 WTF. I hate this brand
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Old 11-17-2019, 02:02 PM
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Bob Z.
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More opinions in this thread, and more threads await those that are interested via the search function: https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1167...sche-noob.html

Personally, I wanted a Targa and since those are only 4s I had no choice but I like the added traction and could care less about the extra weight so even if they offered a RWD Targa I would still opt for the 4.
Old 11-17-2019, 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Bob Russell
Appreciate the spirited discussion.
Interesting how things have changed from 2017 when I said I would never spend $100k on a car and now Im talking about having 2 WTF. I hate this brand
Tell me about it. When it came time to replace my E46 winter beater last spring, I just had to had to have another Porsche sports car, I hate driving anything else. At least I chose a relative budget alternative 718 to add to the $ 911. Completely reasonable if you're a car guy, but lunacy for everyone else.


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