CO997

I have read several comments from people on this board using both C2's and C4's in the northeast durning winter but have not really seen a thread about the difference between the two as it relates to driving in the snow. I have heard that both are capable in the snow. Some say the C4 is better in the snow because of the AWD, others say the C4 is really only better\designed for the track and really doesn't provide much difference when it comes to winter driving.
My last Porsche was a 2005 C2 that I had mostly in Florida and briefly in Colorado. So very little winter driving. I have relocated to the northeast and know that the winters here a long and much harsher then they are in Colorado. So looking for some perspective from the experts on this board about the differences, if any between the two in NE winter driving. It won't be a strictly daily driver but will be driven all year, as much as possible. I'm sure snow tires will be a must but any other insight would be appreciated.

J. Kid

I've trolled the boards here and elsewhere and heard the C4 shines in the snow if you need to go up steep hills in your normal driving area or if your driveway is steep. If you don't have hill issues then either is fine with proper shoes. Since I can easily avoid the few steep hills around my area I went with a 997.2 C2. Just picked up a 18" winter wheel package with Pirelli Sottoozero winter tires. As soon as the snow hits us in Western NY I'll be able to give you more info on how it handles.

CamsPorsche

I'm planning to pick up a C4S for my winter driving in Canada...

sy308

We are just about ready to park the 997 until Spring. I have an Audi A6 with snows. I can go as fast as I want and it will go through about 2' of unplowed snow. I like to see a P-car do that.....

TommyV44

They do it easily my friend ...and snow much deeper than that!

Tom

TommyV44

I live in NJ and have had a C2 and a C4 and in my view there's no comparison between the two....I would never have a c-2 for winter driving....and I mean never!!

Tom

Zeus993

I have a C2S that I drive all winter but we really don't get any significant amount of snow here in Vancouver. It's fantastic in winter weather with the wt over ther rear wheels. Sure - there is an argument for a C4/C4S but I personally do just fine. Given any amount of snow - I.e. in Toronto - the C4S with good snow tires is a great choice. And with most drivers in Ontario knowing HOW to drive in the snow you'll most likely be ok. Vancouver in the snow? Forget about it. I park the p-car and walk as I just don't trust the yahoos and their driving habits not to nail me at an intersection etc...

docfink

For snow (not just cold winters)? the answer is simple--it's the C4. duh. C'mon already.

Edgy01

The real trick to performance in the winter is in your investment in high quality snow tires--dedicated snow tires. With any 911 you then become fairly invincible. I spent many years in New England and drove successfully in the snow.

docfink

...but having been raised in Minnesota, and driving 2WD cars for the majority of my time there, there is NO QUESTION that in snow, AWD or 4WD makes life easier and usually safer. Of course tires are the key, as are the talents and patience of the driver, but when snow is mentioned, a car with four driven wheels makes life easier.

Edgy01

2 is good. 4 is gooder.

buckwheat987

this is the key...

mschwa3439

no brainer. i live in nj drove my c4s cab all year round. had pirelli sottozereros on. Invincable. wud never consider a c2s if any winter driving involved. plain and simple.

Coochas

Most goodest advice.

And as Dan and others said, tires are key. You can buy a set of beater decent looking rims and good snow tires from Damon at Tire Rack. I used 18" snows/rims on my C4S and TT in MA winters until I bought my truck. The cars are very capable in the snow and ice. I definitely rec getting a different set of rims if you are in a pothole area as I am. I already put a bend in one of my winter rims. I would have been bummed if it was one of my OEM rims.

Last winter I did not drive my TT and it was fortunate that I didn't. The snow was too deep here on many occasions last winter for any 911. When the snow on the road is higher than your ground clearance, the 911 should stay at home!

CO997

I appreciate the reply's. My suspicion was that the 4/4S was the better option but was told by 2 dealerships that the C2 would be great in the snow and the 4 was really only designed for very hard, track like, conditions and wouldn't help much in the snow. It sounded suspect to me when they said it which is why I wanted to run it by the folks here on this board. So I'll be looking for a 4 or 4S is seems, however where just a couple of weeks ago I was convinced it was another 997, I've just learned this weekend that the family will be adding an addition. So instead of 1 child in the backseat there will be 2 later this year. So maybe I need to look at a Panamera??? I know there are those out there with 2 car seats in the back of their 911's, but man that seems cramped. Gonna have to give this one some more thought now..... Could be worse though, the wife could have mentioned mini van!