Possible to drive a C2S all year round in Canada's winter?
 

I'm having this thought because from where i live (Toronto), there are occasional snowstorms during the winter period. So will the C4S make a big difference or is the extra money just not worth it? Anybody else here lives in Toronto and drives a C2S/C4S? What are your thoughts about the decision you made?

My opinion... it sounds like you have had your thoughts on a C4S for a while, I'll just tell you, as will some others, to get what you want. If you decide to settle for something you didn't have your mind set on, you wont be happy. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't matter if you are upgrading or downgrading, if you don't get what you want, might as well save your money. I understand that spending an extra $10,000 or so on a car isn't practical... but this is a car, none of them are practical. This is a toy for your enjoyment, nobody lives forever, so you might as well enjoy it :D

agreed!
1. Do it once.
2. Do it right.
3. Never do it again.

usually if the AWD is not vital to the weather condition i live in, i will be tempted to buy the slightly cheaper and faster car. But the 4S is not alot slower, just that it only reaches a max speed of 179mph and i wonder how often will i be able to reach that in a city like Toronto.. :/
So it's down to, fast driving all year round or drive slower with the C2S during winter w/ winter tires. however, i will most likely be driving the 911 365 days a year. still a tough call for me... =/

i do however, drive a MB Eclass and it is a RWD. it is terrible in the winter because of the weight distribution being heavier in the front.. i do own a honda civic which is a FWD and it never gave me trouble on icy/slippery roads.

Does the RR engine layout really helps the 911s on icy/slippery road conditions? I never driven one in the winter but only on dry pavements. Any opinions would be appreciated!

I live in Chicago and drive a 997 C2S Cab. In winter I fit winter wheels and tires and the car drives just fine. I used to own a 996 C4S and felt the awd interfered with the handling - it always felt nose heavy and understeered. I test drove a 997 C4S several times back to back with a C2S and still felt the weight and understeer, but it really is matter of taste and driving style rather than one being superior to the other per se.

The weight distribution of the 911 gives you great traction off the line and you can use that traction/grip to help steer the car in poor conditions - just be smooooth and gentle with your inputs!

In really bad weather when the snow is deeper than 4" then stay home or take the bus. The car acts like a snow plough regardless of rwd or awd.

I'm from Toronto and just got my C2S which I intend to drive year round. I'm coming from an E46 M3 which I also drove year round with no problems. Winter here is relatively light and with the right winter tires and some common sense (avoid driving in the handful of snowstorms we have) you'll have no trouble. I had a B5 S4 prior to the M and with snow tires, it was virtually unstoppable.. but in all but the worst weather, the M3 was far more enjoyable to drive.

Go for it.. on the worst days you can take a cab, the bus or your old civic (or just reschedule your appointments).

Thanks guys for the valuablel inputs on the question!! :P
I think I'll go with the C2S and get myself 2 pairs of winter tires during the winter. I can't wait to see how it performs in the canadian winter! =]

Don't discount the C2 as it comes with 10mm higher ride height as well as 18" wheels which would do much better in the winter (meaning use the oem set for summer and get another 18" set for winter tire setup).

I drove my E46M3 in the winter with 17s and it really wasn't terrible, though when I switched to the 997S I picked up an A4 6sp with Sport Suspension for winter and when I need a real back seat.

Ya, i'm going to get the C2S with the aerokit hopefully :D
Had been thinking about getting the C2 for a more comfortable ride. But then I just had to go with the C2S for more power and bigger brakes. Also, I really want the self-adjusting clutch on the C2S.
RonCt, do you recommend the aerokit? will it add alot more weight on the car and affect the performance?

just got my c2S aerokit 997 here in toronto.

i've scratched the front lip everytime i drive it. its soooo low.

i have no idea how i'm going to drive this thing in winter with that bottom piece on. i might have to take it off for winter....

I've use winter tires with my 996C2 cab and 996TT. The 996C2 drove thought 3 Toronto winter without get stuck a single time "actually I still have a set of used 18" winter tires for sale". So I don't see any problem to have winter tires C2S in TO winter.

I think the aero kit will be the main problem for winter. I've drove my friend's GT3 to downtown Toronto and I've to be very careful to go anywhere. Remember my TT already slammed with H&R coilover and the GT3 is more easy to scratch than my TT in downtown area. You will have better luck with unpainted GT3 front lip which is around $150CAD.

great!! i guess i can live w/o the 4-wheel drive in Toronto winter!
getting back with the aerokit, is it possible to get the lower part of the front lip unpainted from the factory? i was initially looking for the GT3 front bumper with the air vents on the bonnet. i guess the factory one will do me fine! :P

Just another data point...I live in Chicago and drive my C2S around all year. I do put 18" Carerra III wheels on with the Contiwintercontact 810S snow tires. Excellent traction and winter performance.

I'll probably go with the GT3 front lip for winter.

how hard is it to switch it on and off with the stock Aerokit lip?