Mr Bean

Hi. I am looking for a 4 wheel drive (northern New England, snow six months of the year in a mountainous area). Also, has to be stick shift. That pushes me into the S but I don’t need the S. Why are the non S models not offered with manual transmission? Is that Porsche’s position or is it that they just haven’t released the lower trim levels with a manual transmission? If the latter I can wait. If not I don’t understand the logic. Anybody know?

Thanks!

c1pher

Buy an old Jeep.

Keadog

It started with the 992s. Since MT buyers are a dwindling (across the board) and aging (in general) subset, there is little reason not to force us to pay more. There are rumors of a new "T" sometime in the future, which in the past has been a more modestly equipped coupe available with a MT as well as PDK, full buckets and RAS in the 991.2s.
Not a great time to be looking in general, but if you want an AWD 992 MT coupe, your only option right now is a C4S.
At least Porsche still offers a MT in a few models...

detansinn

With the right tires, 911s are awesome in the snow.

detansinn

The manual equipped cars aren't as efficient as the PDKs when it comes to fuel economy and emissions requirements. To meet their fleet regulatory targets, it's in Porsche's interest to keep the number of manual transmissions down. This is also why the ratios provided with the manual transmission cars kind of suck, because they're literally geared for fuel economy and emissions targets, not performance. So, what's the impact of this in the real world? When attacking a backroad, in a PDK car, you might be flipping between 3 gears whereas the manual car is in 3rd the whole time. IMHO, driving on a backroad in one gear isn't particularly "engaging".

This video from Cammisa/Hagerty explains it well.


There's a lot of Carrera T fan fiction out there, but truth be told, we're not going to see a Base engine with a manual until Porsche launches its next EV. The Taycan made the production of the NA 992 GT3 possible, because it brought down those fleet emissions numbers. Porsche's upcoming replacement of the Macan with the EV might allow them to build more 992 manuals.

Don't let people tell you that a 911 isn't appropriate for the snow. They're outstanding in the snow. Last year, in my C4S, I passed a Jeep Compass stuck in the snow. Some might say "that's not a real Jeep", but Jeep sees fit to put a badge on it and their brand dilution isn't my problem. LOL

mksz51

We happily drive our Macan in the winter and the sports car (previously Corvette x 2, then Cayman, now 911) rests waiting for Spring. If the snow really flies (think 12-15 inches) I have a Colorado ZR2. Biggest problem with these cars in snow is visibility, ground clearance, and sandblasting the sides of your vehicle with all the crap that is thrown down on the ground each Winter. You hit a frozen "snow turd" and you'll tear up the lower valance on the front end. Not worth it. If you can afford a 911 you can afford a winter vehicle.

detansinn

My 911 is one of five, soon to be six cars. I drive it in the snow, because it’s fun in the snow.

Yes, they don’t have a tremendous amount of ground clearance, but they have enough to deal with what’s there between plowings, at least in my neck of the woods.

achilleas101

I had the same desire, AWD in stick, and even though I didn't need the S, ordered the 4S so I can have that manual.

As others have echoed though, at least Porsche is still making them. I was really disappointed that Audi stopped making them in the S and RS trims. My last car was an S4 and looking to upgrade from it, my options for a stick were basically an M3 which is now fuuugly, or 911. M3 isn't in AWD, so here I am.

Was thinking the 911 would be my next car, so I guess I can thank Audi for getting me into it sooner. 😁

drcollie

Once again, Porsche AWD systems are NOT about driving in snow, its about putting down incredible lap times in a track environment.

You want to drive in snow, buy snow tires and get them as tall and skinny as will fit on your car.

Audis - had'em....they are front wheel drive vehicles that *can* send some power to the rears. Porsches are the opposite, Rear wheel drive that *can* send power to the front wheels. Big difference. Audis always understeer.

gcurnew

Visibility, ground clearance and sandblasting the sides of a 911 are not a problem here on the Canadian Prairies. And wiith 4 winter tires and AWD I can easily navigate around "snow turds." I'm now going into my 7th year of running 3 different 911s all winter (2nd year for the 992).

People that don't drive 911s in severe winter weather really can't appreciate how great they are in snow and ice. Without a SD front end the ground clearance is pretty much the same as sport sedans from other manufacturers, and no one worries about high-centering or plowing in a BMW or Audi.

detansinn

This 100%

Tupper

^ What about for those of us with the 2S?

detansinn

Even the RWD 911s are great in the snow with the right tires. All of that weight over the rear wheels gives you plenty of grip.

c1pher

I’m not saying they aren’t.

Gentian21

I am sure that driving a 992 on deserted country roads in light snow can be fun. But driving in snow and ice in a typical urban/suburban environment? You may have terrific traction in your car, but that won't help if some over-confident SUV driver skids into you. Where I live, there are always fender-benders when snow and ice accumulate, and I'd rather keep my car out of harm's way. I have winter tires for the car and will drive it in very cold, relatively dry weather, but I'd rather drive one of my other cars when conditions deteriorate. The thought of having my 992 in a body shop for weeks is too distasteful to contemplate.