chipkent

I'm in the process of doing some research for my next car purchase. I'm looking for something to drive in the winters. I live in Minnesota so the car will have to handle both snow and cold. It will replace my 1989 XJS which has weird intermittent problems below about 10F.

From the cars I've driven, snow tires seem to be the biggest factor about how well a car can drive in the snow. Having said that, I have never driven a rear or mid engine car in the snow so all of my existing insight may be wrong. I also don't have any insight into the behavior of an air cooled engine at very low temps.
- Does anyone have a 911 or similar 2WD 911 which they drive in the snow?
- How well does the car handle?
- Does it ever get away from you with the engine hanging so far back?
- Do you feel a Carrera 4 is required to drive a 911 in the snow? (Does a Carrera 4 even do a good job in the snow?)
- Have you had any problems with the car functioning at very low temps (e.g. -20F)?
- I've been told that the heater on earlier 911 models is insufficient at low temps. Are you happy with how the heater performs for you?

I'm glad there are Canadians to ask this question to because the average American doesn't have a clue how different freezing and -20F are.

theiceman

go up one level and copy and paste this into the main rennlist Canada forum .

Way more activity there ...

pongobaz

What he said. But to answer your question: yes, any P-car is amazing in the snow with the proper tires. A TT, C4, C4S just give you an extra level of security and traction. My C4S is an absolute blast in the snow, way more fun than the wife's FX. We think in degrees centigrade , but -20c is no big deal for my car...I just put the seat heaters on high!

tgt40

^^^^^
Yep, proper tires make the difference. All the weight in the back makes traction but ground clearance can be an issue.........

Rich Sandor

the only problem with a Porsche in the snow, is that they are looooooow and will high centre or ground out in higher snow.. otherwise they are awesome when fitted with snowies..

chipkent

What is the typical ground clearance?

For the few days of the year with really bad snow, I take my wife's subaru. Not much can stop it.

BillyJoelR

Great info here for an aspiring P-Car owner.
Living in Alberta though... I would never consider anything other than AWD from now on.

Black51

Heck, I plow the roads around my neighborhood with my 951!

syzygy

The rear engine with proper snow tires and any 911, two or four wheel drive, will be like a tractor. Except in really deep snow. Or when you're screwing around and find yourself in a ditch or something.