macadamianut

Hi,

I am considering putting the engine in the back of the car for a change. I have some questions and welcome any buyer beware advice. I have chosen the 996 as it is more readily affordable and I want a drivers car and not a show queen.

This would become a daily driver, and here in Michigan that means a fair amount of snowy/icy days. Properly equipped with winter tires, do these cars perform well? Do they start and drive well in 0 degree weather? Would these cars perform well in a winter TSD rally? Were heated seats common or seldom optioned.

Particular things to look out for? Years that are better 1999, 2000, 2001, etc. ?

Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

SubzeroX

1) get PPI by porsche indy (that is not affiliated with entity you're buying from)
2) get the highest year you can afford
3) garage queens are usually not the most reliable, so dont get fooled by "weekend driven, never seen rain, only 15k miles on a 2001"
4) cant stress importance of PPI. all records possible, etc.
5) dont be dumb lol

awrryan

When I used to live in montreal, I used to drive a c2 996 with winter tires and it was the best 2-wheel drive car I've ever driven in the snow for obvious reasons (engine in back over drive wheels). C4 has to be better i imagine.

fnel1771

you miight want to look at "rob996". Its a US car and in fantastic shape.

wwest

The front drive VC is mostly non-functional but I wouldn't suggest driving ANY 911 in the snow.

Dennis C

My C4S is fantastic in the snow. I put proper winter tires on it. My viscous coupling is functional. It's not as effective as something like the Quattro system from Audi, but it definitely works.

macadamianut

Thanks for the responses. I will definitely have a PPI done. Glad to hear the personal winter driving experiences.

SWK6Cup

Do it!
(might suggest that you head in the C4 direction).

andys-944

I'll tell you next spring this will be my first winter driving the C4

wwest

Mine most probably is also provided I turn PSM off and thereby allow a definite period of disparate wheelspin rear vs front. But then I think of PSM as providing a greater measure of safety than a VC that mostly isn't functional anyway.

awrryan

Having driven 996s in the snow, other than the potential for cosmetic damage and that it sits lower than most vehicles, I'd like to know why?

rpm's S2

Going from a 968 to a 996? I highly recommend it!

yoopmqt

Are you being serious, or is this just a joke?

Dennis C

The viscous coupling sends a minimum of 5% of the power to the front wheels at all times. The viscous coupling can send up to 40% of the power to the front wheels IF the rear wheels are slipping. You're right in assuming that PSM or traction control limit the effectiveness of the viscous coupling. If the electronic controls prevent the rear wheels from slipping, then the viscous coupling will never have an opportunity to engage the front wheels. That being said, my experience is that the rear wheels are allowed to slip enough that the viscous coupling is called into action occasionally. I have experienced it myself.

Jacks911

From 968 to 996 C4 ... Been there & done that. And I am very happy.
But my wife said ... "I like the 968 cant we just sell the Avalon?" And so we now have the 968 Cab for summer... and the C4 for all-year driving. I am from Chicago and also have a Quattro and here in Seattle we can drive to the snow if we want to for weekends - but do not need to most winters.

I think you have all the right reasons. #1 it is Porsche #2 it is 4 wheel drive #3 it is not "collectible" so... it is a great Daily Driver. I have had my C4 in the snow and it handled up hill climbs just fine. My only caution in your buying choice is... Stick with the standard ride height & stock suspension. You will need all the clearance you can get and a softer compliant ride is needed in packed show and ice.
And...
The good Dr. Porsche would say... Do not listen to folks who say "Don't drive a Porsche in the snow" . These cars are German - they are designed for mountain passes - not just race tracks and Autobahns.