Sorry for the long post.

I'm in the process of configuring a Taycan. Some background: This will be a daily driver (as you probably have seen my recent thread about it). I would prefer the extended battery, but since I can charge every day, I guess I can live with standard range if I go with the base model.

While my wife wants me to configure the Base Taycan (2WD with standard battery) with all the features I want which comes out to , I would prefer something with two motors so I can get 4WD. Also, one of my teenagers' head is about 2 inches away from hitting the roof in the back seat and I think getting the CT would be the best of both worlds with extra head room and I get 4 WD and the extra battery included , since we believe he hasn't stopped growing ..... we think.

The 4S either in sedan or CT is not worth it, for me. I have only driven the base 4S and it is a beast. I love it.

So me and the missus are going back and forth between base Taycan and the base CT. She is trying to convince me that the 2WD is good enough and that we can deal with the snow when it comes as we have a 4WD SUV. I want 4WD and the extra power that comes with the CT. I will not be buying a separate set of tires for the winter.

Can people who have driven both tell me what either feels like to drive. Is the base model not good in the winter. I am in the DC suburbs to give you an idea of the weather I will be facing. I have not yet driven a base Taycan or the base CT4 yet.

Here are the models, weights, HPs and Torques and prices as of 10/15.



I have a 2017 Acura MDX which is around 4250 lbs, 290 HP and 267 lb-ft of torque to give you a comparison of where I will be coming from.

I want to get an idea of the power difference and the drive difference between the 2WD and the CT4. Is the extra 50 hp of the CT4 basically giving me the same performance of the 500 lb lighter base Taycan 2WD ? or is it different/better because it is 4WD? I also realize that the CT4 comes standard with the Air suspension, correct ?

Here is the base model configuration : http://www.porsche-code.com/PNBI6V31 priced at $101,030
Here is the CT : http://www.porsche-code.com/PNL8CRE4 priced at $110,530

Any critique is welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

The CT4 is the star of the Taycan lineup, in terms of value IMHO. The intro price being 11k higher over the RWD gives you the performance plus battery, Air Suspension, and Pano Roof as standard. Adding those desirable options to a RWD bring the prices to nearly an identical level, and the CT4 basically gives you all wheel drive for free. On top of that, you get extra head room, extra clearance, and extra boot space, in what I believe a more handsome package. The CT4 will also be faster in a straight line and handles great, but if you want a car to toss through a corner, the RWD is superior.

That said, you can't go wrong with either model, and you really should ask what your needs are.

I'm definitely a bigger fan of your CT build, but mostly because of the standard equipment that comes with the CT. The wheels on both builds are pretty bad to me and I don't care for white cars, but building a car is so personal, go with what you like.

 

Thanks for your feedback, Mustache Science.

btw, what does tossing a car through a corner mean ?

 

Haha, in a RWD car it means accelerating through a corner to get a little drift going. Much harder to do in an AWD car. The Boxster or Cayman are the masters of it.

 

Thanks for explaining. Awesome.

I have never done it, and am too old to learn how to do it. I have drifted many a times through a corner in the snow though

 

A couple of items worth mentioning:

1. Your age - You said you were too old to learn to drift. The Taycan, irrespective if 2WD or 4WD is not an easy car to ingress or egress. This is why so many boomers drive SUV's, they don't need the cargo capacity, it is easier to get in an out of. The Taycan is on degree of difficulty an 8/10, my GT3 is 10/10, with 10 being the worst.
2. RWD in snow - Not many were made in time for last winter, so not sure how they will go. I would suspect that with the weight and only 2 wheels providing drive, it will not be good but that is just speculation on my part. If you do go with the 2WD, then budget in winter tires.
3. Is this your only DD? - If so, then consider 2 above. I can tell you it great in the heavy rain as its weight (2.5T with one pax) reduces apparent hydroplaning.
4. Battery size- Can't comment as you didn't offer your use profile, but I spec'd the the 93 kwh and my range is about where I need it. Think carefully about your use before you make a decision.
5. Fun factor - The 4S is noticeably quicker but I prefer the RWD. I dislike the AWD's feel and prefer to use the rear wheels to steer the car, but that's just me. The 4S has a much heavier steering feel and I found it unlikeable.
6. Charge frequency - You said you can charge every day (at home I assume), so the battery size will only help on road trips. If this is a run about town car for you, then the larger battery will only be important in terms of resale. Not many folks seem to spec the standard battery.

 

Thanks for your feedback, 991carreradriver.
1. I got used to the ingress/egress. The first and second time was hard, but now I'm good. I'm 45, so not that old . I just feel old.
2. How much do winter tires even cost and how much does it cost to switch out the tires on the rims twice a year? Or do I need to buy a second set of rims and keep them in the garage with the winter tires mounted. My wife wouldn't be happy seeing tires permanently in the garage.
3. Yes, this would be my DD.
5. Thanks for the details about the 4S. It is definitely fun to drive.
4/6. I'm fine with the lower battery size and charging frequency. This wouldn't be used for long road trips......yet. We have an SUV for that. May be when the non-tesla charging networks have more stations around we might consider using it for a trip.

Thanks again.

 

I wouldn't worry much about a RWD EV in snow. Center of gravity is low and with proper tires a non issue. Based on your response about the cost of winter tires, it seems like you might live in an area where they aren't typically needed in the first place if you aren't aware of their cost. To be honest though, a good set of all season or winter tires on a RWD car is better than summer tires on an AWD.

 

Thanks for the details.

 

I drove a base on Wednesday at a Porsche Driving event at Mid-Ohio SCC.

Aside from the dash/screens, that was a cheap, Dodge Caravan looking interior from the 80s.

We were able to get it to drift a bit on the auto cross course.

 

A few things...
-Some dealerships will store your off-season wheels/tires. One of the two I've dealt with did, and it was free believe it or not. I really appreciated that. Other one did not store, but would pick-up and drop-off when the time came so you didn't have to transport them yourself.
-For a little bit of comparison, the *least* expensive set of wheels + snow tire packages Porsche sells for the Panamera are $5k. Obviously you can get 3rd party for less. Note that for the very large wheels there may not be many choices in terms of snow ties that'd fit. Just make sure any 3rd party wheels you buy clear the brakes.
-I can't recall the pricing my dealers told me to swap between tires on one set of wheels, but swapping between two full sets of wheels/tires wasn't all that much though unfortunately I can't recall the exact amount. Just ask your dealer or local garage...

 

Good to know, thanks

 

swapping between sets of wheels shouldn't cost more than a rotation, though i had one place try to charge me a couple hundred where i proceeded to laugh and say no

 

I hope you find the right balance.
I for one cannot understand people who refuse to buy winter tyres, but are ready to buy 4wd as for some bizzare reason that is BETTER. No, it is not.

If you live in cold climate where temps drop below 6C (when summer tyres dont work) - then you should get at least all season set. If you have snow-ice, then dedicated winters are a must. They dont cost that much, certainly less than 20k premium a 4wd car commands. And you have an SUV...

Always get the extender battery. They are a no brainer in terms of price. Fancy wheels for 5k or battery for 5k? Why is this even a discussion?

 

Yes! Get the bigger battery. If you live where it gets cold you'll be pissed you didn't get it when the range takes a hit in winter.