All,

I live in the mountains in California part time, and so I'm in heavy snow quite often. I am able to plan my trips around storms, though. I previously owned a '04 Cayenne TT and now an Audi A8, both of which have be great snow cars, with the proper tire set up.

My last 911 was an '06 C2S, and I miss driving the 911, so am seriously considering a 991 C4S.

Does anyone have any experience with C4S in the snow, with proper winter tire set up?

Thanks!

Craig

 

Keep it out of anything more than 4 inches i.e. clearance. Other than the deep stuff with winter tires you will be fine.

 

+1. C4S with proper tires is great in snow but me thinks clearance will be an issue for you.

 

I drove my c4gts all winter here in Michigan with snow tires and never had a problem. Go for it!

 

Drive mine all winter every winter....no issues......I have to smile about the deep snow comments. I live in NJ and the roads get plowed like everywhere else. There's never any deep snow to contend with!

Tom

 

Agree, TommyV44. Can't imagine going out in any car in deep snow, but for emergencies. Think the bigger issue is driveways and berms.

Sent from my iPhone using Rennlist

 

Its all about tires. I've driven rwd cars much trickier than a c4s through deep snow on a daily commute. It is all about having the right tires.

 

Ditto on the tires. In fact, even the C2S is a very capable snow car with the right tires. Today's snow tire formulations are quite incredible. Personally, I prefer the handling of a 2WD car (right drive) to an AWD in the snow because with engine braking I know what's going to happen. AWD can get a bit challenging. Some of us just can't stay out of the snow with our 911s!

 

I just (a month or so ago) upgraded from 1999 Boxster to 2011 4S. I drove the Boxster for years every winter with Michelin Pilot Alpins in Michigan and Iowa, with no problems at all as long as the snowfall was below 6 inches or so. I am looking forward to driving the 4S next winter as I anticipate it being even better, Not that I am looking forward to winter necessarily...

 

All,
2 questions:
1 - Did you personally do the regular maint on your cars?

2 - If so how did you find all the clips/fastners holding up to all weather use?

Trying to get an idea if I should pro-actively replace any with SS versions.

TIA

 

SS fasteners DO help considerably. The weakest point, IMO, with Porsches has always been the fasteners. With public outcry against heavy metals (e.g., cadmium) the platings on fasteners are poorer and poorer. The first thing to go in a harsh salt environment are fasteners, particularly those associated with the exhaust system because the heat contributes to their earlier failure.

 

I bought my c4 specifically for winter driving because my other car is a hibernator. The c4 with snow tires is a champ in the snow.

 

Me too! Just nabbed my Carrera 4 a couple weeks back as a daily driver.

 

I've been driving my 997.1 C2S as a DD for the past two winters in Park City with no issues. My next 911 DD will be a C4S so I can do a real "compare and contrast". With the proper snow tires, and 911 is FUN to drive in the winter. The other thing to consider is studded tires... I know a few guys locally that swear by them, but I find the new winter tire compounds to be amazing (i.e. better than good enough).

All the best with your search!
-B

 

Ditto to those who "get it" regarding the importance of tires.

I drove a Boxster S, all year 'round for 12 years swapping wheels/tires for the season. While Philly roads get plowed pretty quickly so deep snow was not really an issue for me, I never had problems in the snow.... unless I had bad tires.

Total honesty: My rear-drive Porsche with the correct tires was the best snow car I have driven. I once passed an SUV pointed the wrong way on the SureKill expressway in a storm.

By the way, I used the Porsche recommended Pirelli snow tires one season and thought they were simply crap. Really awful tires. Bad for the snow, weak in the dry, and noisy beyond belief (as the wore). I was so mad I actually called Porsche NA to complain.

Peace
Bruce in Philly