Prabha Gopinath

I have searched the archives and the FAQ and have not found the specific info that I am looking for. So at the risk of repeating an often-asked question ......

I have just sold my '90C4 and am considering getting a 996. I am confident that a C4 would meet my year round driving needs in Minneapolis (lots of snow and very cold) but does anyone have any specific experience with a '99 C2 (without PSM of course) and '00 and later C2 (with PSM) in sloppy winter driving. I will of course be putting on good 17" whls and snow tires.

Used low-miles C2s are quite widely available here ranging from $47.5 for a '99 to a very fine '00 C2 with PSM for $59. Corresponding C4s are a lot scarcer and hence have fewer choices wrt color, options, and price.

Would appreciate any input based on the experience of this group.

Thanks in advance:
Prabha Gopinath
prabha.gopinath@testquest.com

ignacio

i think in minnesota you would be more prudent to get a c4!

someone from quebec posted pictures of a c4 in the snow there. he said it performed as well as his audi allroad. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

be patient and get the best for your snowy clime! or you might feel like this <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Andreas.

Prabha:
if you go for the C2 take it definately with PSM..It will avoid you some scary surprises!..
Or maybe there's a way to drive it in those conditions..

The C4 for that kind of weather is just the best. Tried mine in winter time here in Switzerland. It's just incredible!.
good luck.

bloke

C2 without PSM(my car). Dont drive it when there is snow outside. Sorry but too much weight in the back and the car pushes alot when snow on the ground.

TAKE THE BUS AND WAIT FOR THE SUNNY DAY OR RENT A CAR FOR A DAY WHICH IS WHAT I USE TO DO.

Good luck

Andreas.

hehe! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
There are also the snow chains.

M. Dixon

My father is considering getting a new vehicle to replace his '84 944. We have been looking around, most recently at a few E36 M3s. He wants to stay in PCA, so he is leaning towards another Porsche. I want 996, but he likes 993 and older, saying water-cooled is a mistake.

Anyways...we were looking around, saw this '99 C2 coupe. Prabha, Is the same white one from Hopkins Dodge for under 50K?

Edit: forgot to also ask, PSM!?! is that Porsche Stability Management? or what. sorry for the newbie question.

Graygoose997

99 C2 with traction control.
Performed very well in snow with winter tires.
Perry

j4s

Any recomendations on what tires (size, brand, style) would work best in the light snow (generally less than 4-6 inches) of Central Ohio on a C4S?

ignacio

christophorus-official porsche magazine-has specific brand recs for each model both for summer and winter

Graygoose997

Re: availability of winter tires.
Order them in September..by the time the first flakes start to fall Tire Rack runs out of the higher performance 17 and 18" tires. Perry

Greg Fishman

I have used the Pirelli Sport 210's (I think that is the model #) and they work well. There are probably better snow tires but these are insurance in case I get stuck somewhere 20 miles from home not in my let's go skiing vehicle.
Greg

jimbo8351

I have an 01 C2 that I use year round in the Boston area. I have two sets of wheels and tires. 18" summer tires and 17" winter tires. The winter tires are Brigestone Blizzak LM-22's. 205/50R17 on the front and 225/45R17 on the rear. The wheels are off a 99 Boxster, 7Jx17 front and 8.5Jx17 rear. (Probably violating some Porshe rule; but they meet spec. and seem to work fine.) I went with the smaller wheels to get the smaller snow tires on the rear. The car seems to behave ok in the snow although I try to avoid driving when it's really bad out - who doesn't. (Bought the wheels on eBay for a lot less than the dealer wanted.) Used the same tires (or their predecessor) on a 968 for nine years and never had a problem.

Ed Newman

I had a 2wd pickup w/ 400+ hp and it was great in the snow with studded tires. I don't think the 2wd verses 4wd is the issue with the 911, I would worry what happens when you get more than a few inches and the snow piles up in front of the car. <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Kostas Vassiliadis

I think I would go for the C2 for the following reasons:

1. The C4 is not the best as far as handling is concerned. It may be OK for normal driving or not so experienced drivers because its foolproof, but if you try to drive really fast on a twisty road or during trackdays it is not as efficient as the c2. The porsche 4 wheel drive lacks a real central differential.
2. I drove a lot during the last winter with my c2 under heavy snow - with proper tire chains the car behaves excellent, I never felt I was missing the 4 wheel drive. Don't forget that will all that weight over the back wheels traction is very good.

Above comments are, of course, subjective.

regards

Kostas

wwest

"lacks a real central differential"

I don't think so.

On my 01 AWD the "center" diff'l is within the rear transmission case and the VC is at the front diff'l for a more even weight balance.

But Porsche and SNOW/(ice)?

My 78 Targa was inadvertantly exposed to wintertime conditions on a mountain pass only once, NEVER again. My 01 C4 stays at home in its warm garage if there's even a slight chance of snow.