Kharz

Hi guys -

I am looking to make the switch from a 996 C4S to a 991.

I have my eye on a nice 991s ... but my question for all of you new englanders; is that a mistake or should I stick with a C4S model?

This is my daily driver and I need to take it to the train station in the snow.

Thanks!

hinckley

If you're going to drive your 911 in the winter, then there's very little downside to 4wd in New England. No matter what the macho types say ("any real driver doesn't need 4wd"), why risk a $100k + car in the snow? As someone who's worked very hard to afford these cars, that makes no sense to me.

Kharz

The issue is the additional ~20k for C4S

Does anyone else in the area drive year around with the C2S?

thx!

Vise

Not yet but I'm planning to do so with my GTS in Toronto. From what I've heard a C2S is totally workable in the winter with proper snow tires... all that weight sitting over the back wheels really helps with traction.

plenum

Well, I am not in "New England" per se... but i live in a part of the Northeast that sees its' share of foul weather, which may be just as bad if not worse than what you get in NE (many times when you get heavy snow, we get ice storms, rain, sleet, AND heavy snow!). I drove my C4S in many types of ice, slush, snow, rain, and wintry mix, and I can tell you that AWD is the way to go. Even then, you should still fit the car with proper snow tires (not all-season). If for nothing else but the fact that when temps dip below 40 degrees the tire rubber compounds change and summer tires at those temperatures could potentially be dangerous. Full disclosure though -- if the weather was REALLY awful, and snow was more than couple of inches, I just worked from home that day! But just about all other times I was driving to the train station, leaving the car there all day, and driving it home that night in whatever conditions Mother Nature felt like dishing out that day! Never any regrets! Just remember your basic laws of physics and you'll be safe in C2 or C4.

Mondrian

Not living in New England but have driven in mountainous roads in winter for past 25 years so think of myself as a capable driver in snow. Of course you can drive most cars in snow but given the choice I would always pic the more capable snow car even if it means going for an older one to fit my budget.

chuck911

It sure is! I am one of these guys who always looked down on awd 911's. That wasn't based just on purist grounds, but on actual driving experience, including up through the 996. From 997 on however, in my opinion, there can be no doubt that Porsche crossed a line to where the 4's are clearly the better car. But that still leaves the question: but by how much?

My hunch is that for a guy like you, who will be driving in real snow conditions and is already used to what you can do with a C4S, that every time you drive your 991C4S you'll know it was worth the extra FRN's. And I mean every time, not just in snow. But really, the only way you'll know for sure is to drive them and see for yourself. Especially if you drive them in the snow. Winter's coming. How hard could it be?

eg991

You'll be able to make it through a Northeast winter with a C2S outfitted with proper winter tires (I recommend the Michelin Pilot Alpins). Now, might a C4S with the same winter tires handle even better? Possibly. But is it necessary? Not in my opinion.

PDX991

Isn't the price difference between a C2S and C4S about $6k? The big price increase is the "S". As we all know, options are where they get you.

jsr991

I had a 991 c2s with excellent snows in North eastern Ontario Canada(lots of snow) and it was a real challenge on snowy roads. My 997 C4 was much better. If you don't have deep snow the C2S is manageable, but if you are faced with snowy roads on a regular basis I would recommend the 4.
Best option IMHO is C2S with a winter beater. You could pick one up for the additional cost of moving to a C4 and save the wear and tear of winter salt and sand.

jsr991

In Toronto you should not have a major problem, but in heavy snow/slush it is a challenge. Had a 991 C2s last winter North east of you and it was tough. My solution moving forward is to garage it Dec-March. If I still lived in Toronto, I would not have a problem with a C2S all year round.

Kharz

Yeah, so it sounds like it makes sense to buy the c2s and an old jeep for the snow days

I did love my 996 c4s, what a magnificent car.

THPorsche

How far away between your house and the train station? If it's short, maybe you should get a "cheap" car for that purpose as you won't be able to get the car/oil warmed up.

Tapeworm

~$6k gets you better traction, a slightly bigger gas tank, wider rear end and a cool looking light bar. It also gives the steering more feel and drives 'more like a RWD car than the C2 does' according to Car and Driver - oh and it's very slightly faster round a track, even with the weight penalty.

Other than the cost, ~110lb weight penalty, less ability to break traction and slightly worse gas mileage, there are no real downsides to the C4S.

Galion

Imo this has nothing to do with snow, do it for the monster grip on dry pavement.