Getting very close to my first 911 purchase ('06 to '09). This forum has been very helpful!

Have driven both AWD and RWD 997 on dry roads and didn't see a big difference.

AWD obviously brings a longer driving season with little additional upfront cost.

Any big downsides (maintenance issues) with AWD?

 

Of the top of my head, Weight, additional drivetrain losses.

I believe the AWD models also have a (slightly) lower top speed.

 

I bought my '06 997.1 C4 new and it hasn't had any AWD maintenance issues at all. You do have larger tires, at least in the rear compared to the C2. That's got to cost a bit more to replace. I like the look of the C4 better because of the wider hips. I've ridden in a C2 and I think in a skilled drivers hand, it's a little looser and I mean that in a positive way, insofar as you can get the tail to break loose a bit more. That's harder to accomplish in the C4 and probably beyond my ability outside of a track. I had an older BMW coupe that was very easy to break the tail end loose and it was a lot of fun.

You'll love either car.

 

maybe a mile or two less MPG s?

 

I drive a 2S because I live in South Florida where we have no in-climate weather other than rain...

What is your reason for searching for a C4?

 

Maintenance - I have had C4 Cab for over 4 years without any related AWD issues, actually the only issue I have had with the car is the alternator cable, which occurred while still under warranty.

Reason I chose C4 Cab - A new car purchase for me is always 2 years old (its just me but I prefer to get the initial steep depreciation out of the way). I prefer a wide body car so I was looking at a 4 or 4S in my preferred color combination and factory options (that would not be modded). For me the 4 versus 4S was not that big of a deal because I am a firm believer that an experience driver can make up the performance difference or you can upgrade with correct mods to outperform a stock S. Its much easier to add performance mods versus body and AWD engineering. Example, I had local exhaust shop that really knows how to do the Gundo hack, hack my exhaust. My best friend who has CS Cab with sport exhaust said my car sounds better, even much so that he wants to change his exhaust (and you know how competition is among friends ).

Bottomline - If you plan on driving in inclement weather often and/or you prefer a wider body car, then the 4 should be your choice. If not and you don't have a preference then look for the car regardless of 2 or 4 with your preferred options. You can't go wrong either way.

 

Thanks for the details and suggestions. My interest in a 4 is to extend the driving season ... and to use the car for ski trips

Looks like there aren't any good reasons (for me) to go with a 2 vs. a 4

 

You answer your own question, get a 4S. The 4S feels like a rwd car as 95% of the torque is in the rear. It only feels like an AWD when you need it.

 

a little less space in the frunk with a 4, but worth it to me!

 

Very well stated.

OP- if you plan to drive the Porsche into a snow season or long periods of inclement weather, the C4 is a great choice with little downside at all as to awd maintenance.

Go for it!

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

I have a 4S and live in sunny Florida. I don't regret getting a 4 at all. No problems to report with the car, two years in.

 

No maintainance issues with mine and along with it's winter capabilities it also handles better on wet streets regardless of the season. Get a 4S and you won't notice the extra drivetrain weight.

 

I did notice a bit of binding ( for lack of a better term) on the C4 when wheels are fully turned a low speed. Don t know if it was just the one I drove or not?

 

Even in the State of "It Never Rains In California", my C4S has IMO saved my butt at least 4 times already.

I have an SC and it is not as stable in the rain as the 4S. My car is a DD. NOW, would I drive it to Big Bear or Mammoth? Probably not since I've seen how much damage salt can do.

Either way, AWD or not, we all adjust our driving manners based on the car and any 997 would give you the fun

Oh, 45k miles later, I haven't had any mtce cost specific to the AWD

 

I used to drive my 987 Boxster S on ski trips to VT, and plan on doing the same with my C2S. Never had any issues with a good snow tire. Of course, if there's too much snow on the ground, both the 2 and the 4 will bottom out and you'll be in trouble regardless.