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2WD vs 4WD

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Old 01-28-2017, 02:48 PM
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sexfiend
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Default 2WD vs 4WD

Hi

Is the C2 safe to drive in the rain vs the C4?

Trying to decide between .2 C2 vs C4 vs C2S and C4S models for daily driving around town, no tracking.

Also, for daily driving is the S worth it? I currently drive a 15' Cayman S (981S) with Sport Suspension. Do you think I will miss it if I just got with the Base?

How do the dynamics of the 911's differ from the mid-engined Cayman S?

I want to make sure spending more bucks on the 911 is worthwhile.

Thanks
Old 01-28-2017, 02:56 PM
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Dan Nagy
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According to a book I just finished about the 911, Porsche engineers only made the all-wheel drive version because customers demanded it. In other words, the C2 is quite capable with appropriate tires (winter, summer). I had a Cayman for a year and traded it for my new C2. The Cayman is well-balanced and neutral, true, but I like the characteristics of the 911 better. Take one for for a test drive. I have no regrets.
Old 01-28-2017, 02:57 PM
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sexfiend
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Thank you for the replies, this weekend I want to theorycraft so I can negotiate soon, haha.

For someone who wants to daily drive a 911 in the North East, would winter tires be enough to drive around town as long as below the clearance limit?

Also, how bout in the rain and during summer times with summer tires on? Is being in a AWD 911 much safer compared to the RWD'S?

Also, what are the driving dynamics or "feel" differences? Does the RWD benefit over the 4S that much?

I want to move up to the 911 from a 981S w sport suspension - I feel it offers just irreplaceable driving feel...I'm afraid I might lose it just to "upgrade" to the 911.
Old 01-28-2017, 03:01 PM
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cajerseyboy
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Originally Posted by sexfiend
Hi

Is the C2 safe to drive in the rain vs the C4?

Trying to decide between .2 C2 vs C4 vs C2S and C4S models for daily driving around town, no tracking.

Also, for daily driving is the S worth it? I currently drive a 15' Cayman S (981S) with Sport Suspension. Do you think I will miss it if I just got with the Base?

How do the dynamics of the 911's differ from the mid-engined Cayman S?

I want to make sure spending more bucks on the 911 is worthwhile.

Thanks
Welcome to Rennlist.

1) All wheel drive will always have more traction. How many days would you expect to drive in the rain? If it's only for around town you probably won't be pushing the car very hard so IMO RWD is fine. If you live in the PACNW where it raining all the time I would consider 4S.
2) lots of threads on this topic. Drive them both and decide for yourself. Everyone is different.
3) more weight in the back so it's going to handle differently. Again, you need to drive a 911 to decide for yourself....and don't lift on the test drive!

I would recommend a visit to your local dealer. Talk with a sales associate prior to going. Let him know you want to try a base, S and 4S and that you are coming from a cayman. Having purchased a P before you shouldn't have any problem with getting all your questions answered behind the wheel.
Old 01-28-2017, 04:26 PM
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squid42
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"Safety" is more in the area of steering and braking, where the c2 is equivalent (mostly).
Old 01-28-2017, 04:59 PM
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The Fat Kid
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Where do you live?

I live just outside of Boston and went from a '15 Audi S4 to a .1 C2S. AWD is great to get you moving and can help pull you out of a corner, but it does NOT help you stop in snow/ice.

I traded the S4 in on the 911 after I sold my business, and no longer needed a daily driver. I would have kept the Audi if I still needed a year-round DD in New England; the S4 with Blizzaks was a beast in the snow.

Your biggest issue will be ground clearance with a 911; I can't imagine plowing it through a New England blizzard
Old 01-28-2017, 05:01 PM
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tstafford
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Like NA430GTS says - you need to drive some cars.

The only AWD 911 I owned was a TT because there's no other choice. I've never felt the RWD cars are unsafe or hard to drive in the rain. Right tires and experience with RWD and all is good. Felt the same way in my RWD BMWs too.
Old 01-28-2017, 05:10 PM
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Jay-S
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The 4S is much safer to drive solely due to the rear light bar. Gotta have that.

I once drove the Cayman I had 50 miles in a deluge at highway speeds. It was happy as a clam.
Old 01-28-2017, 05:44 PM
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daberlin
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Originally Posted by Jay-S
The 4S is much safer to drive solely due to the rear light bar. Gotta have that.

I once drove the Cayman I had 50 miles in a deluge at highway speeds. It was happy as a clam.
And the bigger A$$. Nothing keeps the tailgaters a safe admiring distance back than having those extra 44mm hips.
Old 01-28-2017, 05:48 PM
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wsjchoi
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daily driver and located in a cold/snowy state?
C4 or C4S
Old 01-28-2017, 06:05 PM
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oolor13
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I have a C2S and so far I find wet weather traction to be better than my E92 BMW. Both on summer tires. Despite a lack of snow in my area this winter, I will still likely buy a set of winter tires for next year. Though I do have another vehicle with AWD that I can drive if necessary, I think the winter tire should be enough.
Old 01-28-2017, 07:43 PM
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Hurricane
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The C2S drives fine in the rain. Porsche even equipped mine with two windshield wipers for the front window specifically so that you drive in the rain and be able to see in-between rain drops. I believe you can even get a wiper for the rear window if you desire to look at what is behind you while it is raining.

I daily drive my 991S, even occasionally in the rain. Not once has it ever melted.

Even with summer tires on, it is fine in the rain. Drive for conditions and don't lay into the throttle when turning and you will be fine.
Old 01-28-2017, 08:48 PM
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CSK 911 C4S
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Buy as much car as you can afford with options you can't live without.

I love the sure footedness and the bug butt of the C4/C4S's
Old 01-28-2017, 09:31 PM
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reidry
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Originally Posted by Hurricane
I believe you can even get a wiper for the rear window if you desire to look at what is behind you while it is raining.
Objects in the rear view are loosing and of no consequence. J/k

I live in Florida, we get serious rain. I've had no issues with a GT3 on Cup 2s in Florida rain; I've even driven my GT3 in the mountains in cold drizzling rain, and even on track in the rain. If snow isn't a concern 2wd is fine.

To daily drive in snow country I'd consider a. 4wd.

Ryan
Old 01-28-2017, 09:51 PM
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Penn4S
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The 911 is a capable car in any form. The awd is a personal preference or a necessity based on weather.
I was a C2 driver for my first few cars then had the opportunity to own 4 TT cars with awd. I just loved the planted feeling and handling when driving. I also love the wide body look of an awd car. So when I made the switch to a 991 I went with a 4S. Could not be happier and my car only sees snow through the garage window under cover.


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