Why an awd 911?
09-17-2012, 08:23 PM
#31
Not sure I understand what a marketing poster has to do with C2S vs C4S reasoning? Unless you're referring to buying one based solely on looks?
09-18-2012, 12:03 AM
#32
Burning Brakes
I can't address what the advantages or disadvantages of awd at the track. On public roads here on the right coast, I can't imagine a situation where I would be needing awd, or even that I could decern the difference between 2 and awd. My turbo is awd and I can't tell it is even there. These cars, regardless of configuration, have astoundingly high limits...way beyond what should be probed except in the track environment. If you like the wide hips, then that is the reason to buy awd, not because of a superior driving dynamic that can be realized driving on public roads in America.
09-18-2012, 12:44 AM
#33
You can't tell what awd is doing, until you don't have it. Then it becomes clear. The awd cars are less squirrelly, they tend to go where you point them more reliably. Whether that's desirable or not is debatable. If you're buying with the track in mind, get rear drive.
09-18-2012, 08:45 PM
#34
Race Director
Bottom line, waste of money unless you need to drive in acclimate weather. Modern 911s are incredibly stable compared to previous generations and there is always a disadvantage forcing one pair of drive wheels to put down power and control steering. This is in addition to the additional weight that comes with 4WD that always hinders performance. Remember that you have to accelerate, brake and control that additional weight in corners. This is why Walter Rohrl is consistently 6-7 seconds a lap slower at the Ring driving the 4WD variant over the 2WD variant of a 911 in the dry. It is not hard to figure out why Porsche GT cars (GT2s, GT3s) have always been 2WD.
Since the majority of the additional weight is at the front axle, the 4S seems very strange as it gets a wider back end and wider rear wheels/tires that compounds the understeer more when it really needs more tire in the front. Of course that extra weight quickly becomes a huge advantage when you induce a wintery mix.
Since the majority of the additional weight is at the front axle, the 4S seems very strange as it gets a wider back end and wider rear wheels/tires that compounds the understeer more when it really needs more tire in the front. Of course that extra weight quickly becomes a huge advantage when you induce a wintery mix.
09-18-2012, 08:59 PM
#35
Burning Brakes
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No they do not. An awd car always has more understeer than a rwd car. Plus, I doubt very much that very few people drive their 911s in the snow on a regular basis.
09-18-2012, 09:43 PM
#37
Rennlist Member
09-18-2012, 09:53 PM
#38
Rennlist Member
So what exactly is the point of this thread? You asked why people buy AWD 911s, many people have posted as to why THEY prefer them, and all you do is speak down to them condescendingly. If you didn't want to hear what they said, why bother ask? We get it... you like your 2WD Porsche and think you have bigger ***** and a finer appreciation for Porsches and sportscars in general because you drive a RWD model, that's fantastic.
09-19-2012, 09:24 AM
#40
Burning Brakes
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Me too. I actually drive my Ferrari in the rain. It amuses me when I show up at a Caffeine and Octane in my BB512i on a cloudy day and other Ferrari owners show up in their DD whatever because they thought it might rain and didn't want to get their Ferrari wet.
09-19-2012, 09:34 AM
#41
Burning Brakes
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So what exactly is the point of this thread? You asked why people buy AWD 911s, many people have posted as to why THEY prefer them, and all you do is speak down to them condescendingly. If you didn't want to hear what they said, why bother ask? We get it... you like your 2WD Porsche and think you have bigger ***** and a finer appreciation for Porsches and sportscars in general because you drive a RWD model, that's fantastic.
09-19-2012, 02:21 PM
#42
Race Director
Why so testy? I do not mean to be condescending to anyone. I have owned several awd vehicles and understand the benefits of awd in snow and ice. And, if you often drive in such weather, an awd is a great idea. However, my experience indicates that most Porsche owners have other vehicles that they drive in such inclement weather and leave their Porsche in the garage. In that case, a rwd Porsche is a better option for the superior handling rwd offers.
moving on.
09-19-2012, 03:36 PM
#43
Burning Brakes
I bought my 997.2 4S cab because of the 4S badge and the rear reflector strip.
The handling of the car was the last thing (not quite but almost) on my mind.
Shallow? Yup. Who cares at this price point? Let's enjoy our Porsches :-)
The handling of the car was the last thing (not quite but almost) on my mind.
Shallow? Yup. Who cares at this price point? Let's enjoy our Porsches :-)
09-19-2012, 03:49 PM
#44
I bought a 997.2 C4S Cab despite the badge and the strip ... even despite the fact I have a hard time determining the wider 4S from a 2S Cab ... so I was pretty much buying it for AWD snow driving, the top-down fun of our two kids squealing with delight in the back seats as we explore local mountain and canyon roads ... and the fun of blasting around the track on RA1's in a 911 that's far too close to 4000 lbs ... : ) ... that is an amazing "all rounder" 911.
09-19-2012, 05:04 PM
#45
Why so testy? I do not mean to be condescending to anyone. I have owned several awd vehicles and understand the benefits of awd in snow and ice. And, if you often drive in such weather, an awd is a great idea. However, my experience indicates that most Porsche owners have other vehicles that they drive in such inclement weather and leave their Porsche in the garage. In that case, a rwd Porsche is a better option for the superior handling rwd offers.