I'm looking at finally getting a Porsche, and figured it would always be a turbo. I probably won't buy new, but maybe a 2001-2002 996 turbo. I'm just not sure about the whole AWD thing.

On earlier cars the interior is just so "dated" that I don't even think I will consider any of those. The interior on the 996 is just soooo much nicer. So it seems that leaves me only with a GT3 to consider as an alternative - which obviously has no turbos so the upgrade potential is pretty limited.

This car will be mainly a 2nd "fun" car, not a daily driver. And as soon as I have the time I want to start hitting the track too. Now obviously the GT3 is the beast to own for the track, but overall no matter what I think it will see more street than track so the GT3 might be a little too raw, plus it "only" has 380 hp LOL. (I've owned many fast 10-11 second cars)

So if I end up with a turbo I'll probably mod it before long. The imagineauto 600 hp package looks nice. Yummy.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. Since I have yet to find a sales guy that will let me really push a 996 turbo, I'm having a hard time getting a real feel for the AWD. I'm hoping some of you guys here can give me some detailed feedback on this?

The only AWD car I owned was an 11 second Mitsubishi Eclipse when I was a "kid", and while it was fun I just never thought I would want an AWD Porsche.

But it seems my options are pretty limited. Unfortunately the GT2 is out of my league at this point. Maybe in a few years if things go well lol.

The 996 is rear biased right? So I would assume with some suspension tweaks it can be made to at least slightly oversteer right?

Anyone know of any good articles, websites etc where people discuss the AWD vs RWD please let me know. Either way, thanks and I will be joining the community soon one way or another. =)

 

Oversteer, understeer... It´s all in the suspension setup. And yes, the ratio goes from 5-95 to 40-60 front:rear.

 

I'm new at this "stuff".

Can you elaborate on what you mean by:

"...the ratio goes from 5-95 to 40-60 front:rear."

 

It means that the AWD doesn´t have a fixed ratio. It normaly transfers 5% of the power to the front pair of wheels and 95% to the rear, so it effectively drives pretty much like a RWD car. It´s only when you start to lose traction that the viscous coupling activates and transfers more power to the front wheels. Did I make it easy enough?

 

Yeah, OK cool that's what I figured. But what if you want it to oversteer? Can you tweak the suspension, tire pressures, etc. to make it oversteer like a RWD drive?

 

I believe the ´03 and newer models turn the PSM off completely when you press the button. At least that´s how the word goes. And yes, you can tweak the car to oversteer if you wish. Stiffer anti-sway bar in the back and no anti-sway bar in the front, that´s one example. I wouldn´t delve deeper than that though, since there are a lot more knowledgable people on this board than me, who would be better suited to answer your questions. Anyway, Ruiner, do you miss your VR4?

 

I absolutely love the AWD and would not even want the tt without it. Especially at the horsepower I am at now or even the hp you are talking about.

If you still need to have just rear wheel drive you can go with a 996 and supercharge it. www.evoms.com

AWD is great not just for getting the power to the ground but also for the track. As you exit a corner it helps to pull you through the corner. With enough power you can do four wheel drifts! Much better than just hanging the tail out!

 

The first car I owned was a '97 Eclipse GS-X AWD followed by two '91 MR2 Turbo RWDs. Of course, my thoughts certainly aren't relative to a 996 Turbo (although I have driven one several times) but I can give you my personal opinion.

The GS-X was nice. I acclerated very quickly following a softer, mid-rpm launch to avoid destroying the clutch. Basically, once it got rolling, you could peg the throttle and it got going pretty quick. The handling of the Eclipse was relatively "soft". There was some body roll under aggressive cornering. It was very nice, however, in exiting turns. It felt much more tame and predictable than the MR2s.

The MR2 was by definition and application more of a sports car. Mid-engine RWD configuration made for excellent high-rpm launches with little to no wheel spin. Since the majority of the car's weight sat directly over the drive axles, it was very adept at low-speed acceleration. The handling was much more direct as well and the car felt more comfortable closer to its limits.

 

I love AWD I was headed through the mountains in some really crappy weather (rain and 40-50MPH cross winds) and I just could not believe how well the car handled. I was passing everyone and the car was stable as if I was on dry road.

 

Yup, the VAG/Haldex AWD is pretty damn nice. I just picked up a '99.5 1.8TQM and she goes like a champ in the snow.

 

My first AWD car was the audi S4. After driving the the audi and know the turbo I am not sure that I would want to own any thing but an AWD car. Only other car out there for me Lambo Gallardo and the Nissan Skyline.

 

Oh the AWD system in the Skyline is a work of art my friend. We actually have it stateside in the new G35 AWD, but it has been available on all GT-Rs beginning with the R32 I believe. The GT-R V-SPEC is driven through a complex 4WD system called (ATTESA E-TS Pro) which considers drive and brake forces and precisely distributes torque independently to each of the four wheels to ensure maximum grip in all conditions and at all times!