Please discuss. Is the AWD traction worth giving up the more pure and sharper RWD experience? I had an Audi RS4, and now a BMW M3, so I'v experienced both, but how does it really compare on the 911? Trying to make a decision on which way to go.

 

Having driven both I can tell that the 4WD has the wider body and the more planted (not going anywhere feel) while the 2RWD is move "lively" with the back nicely slipping out from time to time. I have gone back and forth with this decision and since the car is a DD for winter I like the security of 4WD - however I just might change my mind to try something different

PS - The M3 is sweet but once you get into these 911's they are so addictive I don't think I could ever not have one in my garage.

 

S in California
4S in Canada

Although the wide body on a 991 will be 2.4 inches wider.

 

Since you are in New England, you'll probably benefit from the 4 wheel drive. I've driven both and the 4S feels more stable, planted, gives you more confidence to drive faster.

 

I have driven various 2 wheel drive 911's since 2004 all year long in New England without any issues. Just put on 4 good snow tires and you will be all set.

 

4S feels like its on rails...
Amazing road feel, none of the dull nose heavy feeling the Audi gives.

 

I'm pretty sure I know who you are based on the RS4 comment and the current stable... hi, Vijay. Seems like you just got the M3... not thrilled with it?

Living in NYC I'm going C4S. The 991 will be my daily driver (like my RS4 is) and while I know that the C4S won't be quite as capable in the snow and inclement weather as the RS4, it's nice to know that I have the safety net. I'm also a sucker for the widebody.

 

I had a 997 T4S and now a 991S. I've also driven a 997C2S. No doubt (to me) that among the 997's, the 4's feel more planted and easier to push hard. However, I'd say the 991S is more stable, grippier and and confidence inspiring than either 997.

 

S - It does not matter if you get 4S for the winter. You have to replace the tires or they both will not work in the snow... With 58% weight on the back it does not make sense to get 4S unless you are looking for better overall acceleration...

 

I would never get a 4S. More weight, less trunk room and really not necessary. If you insist on driving in the winter, just get winter tires.

 

I'm an RWD fan so I went with an S. With 295 rears and 245 front tires, the 991S has loads of grip, while still letting the back end slip when you want it. I don't drive my car in the winter, so I don't need 4/4S.

 

Like you, I started of with RWD cars only (240SX, BMW 328), then I bought an A4 Quattro S-Line.
I love the way I can drive it in deep with AWD and power out in a 4-wheel drift. With RWD I could certainly square of a turn quicker with rotate the back-end a bit if I wanted to.
It delivers a more "pure" experience with no mechanical interference.
However, since newer cars have so many electro mechanic and dynamic software nannies and independent wheel braking aids, a pure experience is a misnomer in any car anymore until you turn everything off. And even when you do - most systems will turn themselves back on if you get it to out of shape. But I digress...

A well sorted AWD system that is biased for performance vs. outright all-weather ability and isn't overly intrusive like lower-end AWD systems is worth the additional weight penalty to me and I do not see myself going back to RWD again. Cars brake with 4 wheels - why shouldn't they drive with all 4?

As an aside, I live in the Mid-Atlantic. Had I lived in the Sunbelt or out West, I would probably just stick with RWD but be that as it may, I love having the additional security of AWD in wet or inclimate weather. During the Snowmaggedon of 2010 that hit the Mid-Atl and NE, while most of my friends with RWD found themselves with unusable vehicles, I simply let 10 PSI out of my All-Weather tires and didn't have a single hiccup.

 

S

I live in socal, so 4wd is essentially useless.

 

Yeah, it's me!!! Love the M3, but it is not my ultimate car and I am always "looking". What I have discovered, at least between the RS4 and the M3, is that there was a trade-off. The grip of the RS4's AWD was awesome, but the overall dynamic feel and steering of the M3 is much better than the RS4.

So....I am wondering that if I go the C4S, whether I can have both a more dynamic and sharper steering car AND the grip advantage of AWD.

I have my Cayenne for winter, so this car would not be driven in snow.

 

If you have a C for winter and this car will never see inclimate weather, here's what I would do. Go down to your Porsche dealer and take a S & 4S for back to back 15 minute test drives. Take a few freeway on/off ramp sweepers, lane change swiftly, do a few mid-corner throttle corrections.

Whichever puts the bigger smile on your face during these exercises is the one you go with it.