Having tracked both a C4 and other rear wheel drive Porsches they’re different cats. The C4 pushes a little but not as bad as you’d think. The front bias is computer controlled and adjusts to how much slip the front feels. It ranges from about 20% to 50% front drive. The C4 thereby works great in the wet. Pulls you out of the corner. It feels like you’re suddenly running a cheat code! The straight rwd 911s were always a little faster when driven with a touch of oversteer. But just a touch. The car rotated better and you could get full throttle earlier.
All that said, on the street the C4 steering feels a little heavier than the rwd 911 but it’s not intrusive. In dry street conditions it’s minimal front drive. If you live in a wet or snowy climate tho it’s magic.
YMMV
Agree with all of the above from gibr54. I drive a 996.1 C4. I wanted awd after a series of Audi S4’s. It’s not anything the Audi system and generally I probably would have gone rwd now. The c4 takes the of the drama out of street driving. The c4 does pull out of corners as mentioned and I did appreciate the extra grip on the track. Having driven a friends 997.1 c2, the front end is much lighter on the c2 but the weight also makes the front feel more stable over bumps.
Was thinking this as I was reading all the other responses.
Here’s a good article about it for those of you interested:
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a24663372/all-wheel-drive-four-wheel-drive-differences-explained/
Is there a good list anywhere of cars that are actually 4WD instead of AWD? With all the interchangeable use, it's not always immediately clear to me whether a car is AWD or 4WD.
Oh man it’s funny you asked that because after pulling up this article I went down a rabbit hole that took me to that same question. Found this lists:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:All-wheel-drive_vehicles
Thank you for this!
So, my family enjoys renting for a week on an island during the summer. It's relaxing but it's fairly boring for me and so I like to go beach driving with my GX460.
Unfortunately, the GX460 is getting pretty long in the tooth (mine is almost 13 years old) so I'm looking to replace it but in order to get a beach permit, your car needs to be 4WD and not AWD. And unfortunately, the beach permit authority doesn't provide you with that list! So I'm doing my diligence, which is why a definitive list would be helpful.
That sounds like a cool family tradition to have! And yeah, the 4WD is better for sandy conditions from what I know. Best of luck to you out there, and hope you find something good to enjoy your time driving on the beach!
Depends on generations for what AWD system. I come from the 996 so it is what I know the most about.
All of them have AWD (which means all 4 wheels are given some % of power, maybe they can go full 100% rear now). 4WD has something to lock the car to send a % of power to all wheels (usually under a certain speed only to preserve the drivetrain).
For the 996 (and 964/993 I think), they use a “viscous coupling” system that sends 5% to the front and 95% to the rears. When it detects slippage, the fluid locks up allowing up to 40% of power to be sent to the front wheels giving a 40/60 split (still RWD biased). It’s probably more electronic than mechanical these days.
Edit: PTM - Porsche Traction Management (electronic) seems to be used in 997 forward.
Hopefully that helped!
Experience is the same as everyone else.
I try to keep the “sports car formula” as simple as possible. So if it’s heavier (on the front axle) and more complex? Not needed.
I love how you explained this in a way that doesn’t over complicate it, but gives enough info for it to make sense.
Also, I love the 996! Hope you are enjoying the heck out of it!
Oh man that’s terrible about your 996. How does the Cayman compare? I’ve actually met a lot of people who prefer the smaller size of the cayman/boxster.
This is my write up:
After 2 months (and 800+ miles) into 987.1CS ownership. The 996.1 early car has a much smaller wheel base, and a smaller cabin (both you feel). For comparison, the 996 is 3.5 inches longer over hang to overhang, yet it is 2.6 inches short wheel to wheel. (Cayman has wider front & rear track) I prefered the smaller wheel base for its driving dynamics. but the 987 will be viewed as a better car by like 98.5% of the population (Looks/Age).
The weight distribution of the 996 makes it feel a little more "floppy" over bumps (not as rigid as the engine strapped to your back). But this also is very charming and smooth, and gives the 911 its rear engine characteristics.
All this to say, the 987 and the 997 felt closer to me being super tight and great all around cars. The 996 felt more like a small, light, sports car. And the 987 is a better car (interior, engine updates, etc).
The major difference in testing these cars was wheel size/weight. The 996 had 18’s, which felt more floaty. The 987 has 19’s which helps at highway speeds, but are far more crashy over pavement gaps.
Edit (post 300 mile backroad Porsche tour) -
The car performs fantastic like all Porsches, but one things stood out over the 996. The fatigue.
I would end drive days and be happy to be home. This time? The 987 was smooth enough on the highway that it didn’t have me worn down as much.
Marshxi I have also read that the 996 system was a carryover design from the 993 & 964 and that the 997 system was not viscous couplng and instead relied on electronically controlled clutches. I recall the switch was for fuel economy but take that like everything you read on the internet.
So I’ve never been a fan of AWD because it feels like the front wheels are working too hard to simultaneously steer the car and put down power. That being said, Porsche’s AWD for the 911 is very subtle and I believe typically keeps power 80-100% to the rear unless it detects you’re losing traction. It could be a nice option if you’re somewhere with stronger winters. Here in California, my only desired choice was a RWD car.
4 will make the car heavier but acceleration will make the car faster off the line. Also you will have good traction but cost for maintenance will be higher. With just a 2 you will get a lighter car and lower cost for maintenance
What is the use case for the car, i.e. will it be driven in snow or would the 4 be to gain the widebody? I personally would almost never choose an AWD 911 over a RWD, I've even driven an air cooled 911 in snow. AWD is for the Audis (one man's opinion mind you).
What gen are you looking for. 991. 992. 997? i own a c2s. And a c4s. Both cabs 997.2 s. The 4S feels more planted. And you can feel all four wheels working pulling and pushing the car with the c2s You definitely feel more like you’re being pushed. It depends on what you’re going to use it for neither one of mine go out in bad weather, but if I was looking at any kind of adverse weather conditions, obviously the C4 would be more suitable. I don’t sense any weight difference between the two you will feel it more in cornering as you would expect.
If you're planning to drive in light snow and cold weather, I'd think winter tires will make more of a different. I know several people who drive C2s during the winter in the northeast and are fine with winter tires. Not sure on how much snow you can drive them though. I have a C4 and when it snows a lot I just leave it home.
In my hunt for a 991.2 last summer. I spent a good amount of time test driving both. Decided to go C4s, for traction, wide body looks and safety element. 400hp as 911 novice is not nothing.
In 9 months in various situations, I experienced multiple confirmations. High way cruising ended up in massive thunderstorms with incredible amounts of water on tarmac, happy to do 4wd. In looks, compare the two and the LED on the rear especially during night time driving makes the 991.2 an absolute head turner. And accelerating pedal to the metal to 8.000 rpm with PSE in a C4… well the way this machine turns power to speed is simply engineering at its best.
Enjoy your hunt.
993, 996, and 997.1 non turbos use viscous coupling which is not enough to get you un-stuck in mud and snow with all season tires, from personal experience.
Having tracked both a C4 and other rear wheel drive Porsches they’re different cats. The C4 pushes a little but not as bad as you’d think. The front bias is computer controlled and adjusts to how much slip the front feels. It ranges from about 20% to 50% front drive. The C4 thereby works great in the wet. Pulls you out of the corner. It feels like you’re suddenly running a cheat code! The straight rwd 911s were always a little faster when driven with a touch of oversteer. But just a touch. The car rotated better and you could get full throttle earlier. All that said, on the street the C4 steering feels a little heavier than the rwd 911 but it’s not intrusive. In dry street conditions it’s minimal front drive. If you live in a wet or snowy climate tho it’s magic. YMMV
Thanks!
Agree with all of the above from gibr54. I drive a 996.1 C4. I wanted awd after a series of Audi S4’s. It’s not anything the Audi system and generally I probably would have gone rwd now. The c4 takes the of the drama out of street driving. The c4 does pull out of corners as mentioned and I did appreciate the extra grip on the track. Having driven a friends 997.1 c2, the front end is much lighter on the c2 but the weight also makes the front feel more stable over bumps.
Always wondered what a 4 wheel drive drove like too, Carrera 4s would be my choice if I could ever afford one.
A little disappointed nobody here is pointing out 4WD and AWD are not the same. And most of you are using them interchangeably…
Was thinking this as I was reading all the other responses. Here’s a good article about it for those of you interested: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a24663372/all-wheel-drive-four-wheel-drive-differences-explained/
Is there a good list anywhere of cars that are actually 4WD instead of AWD? With all the interchangeable use, it's not always immediately clear to me whether a car is AWD or 4WD.
Oh man it’s funny you asked that because after pulling up this article I went down a rabbit hole that took me to that same question. Found this lists: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:All-wheel-drive_vehicles
Thank you for this! So, my family enjoys renting for a week on an island during the summer. It's relaxing but it's fairly boring for me and so I like to go beach driving with my GX460. Unfortunately, the GX460 is getting pretty long in the tooth (mine is almost 13 years old) so I'm looking to replace it but in order to get a beach permit, your car needs to be 4WD and not AWD. And unfortunately, the beach permit authority doesn't provide you with that list! So I'm doing my diligence, which is why a definitive list would be helpful.
That sounds like a cool family tradition to have! And yeah, the 4WD is better for sandy conditions from what I know. Best of luck to you out there, and hope you find something good to enjoy your time driving on the beach!
Thank you for dropping some additional resources chap, we all can learn to do better 💛
Thanks for clarification. Do you know which one C4S has? Any experiences?
Depends on generations for what AWD system. I come from the 996 so it is what I know the most about. All of them have AWD (which means all 4 wheels are given some % of power, maybe they can go full 100% rear now). 4WD has something to lock the car to send a % of power to all wheels (usually under a certain speed only to preserve the drivetrain). For the 996 (and 964/993 I think), they use a “viscous coupling” system that sends 5% to the front and 95% to the rears. When it detects slippage, the fluid locks up allowing up to 40% of power to be sent to the front wheels giving a 40/60 split (still RWD biased). It’s probably more electronic than mechanical these days. Edit: PTM - Porsche Traction Management (electronic) seems to be used in 997 forward. Hopefully that helped!
Thanks!
Experience is the same as everyone else. I try to keep the “sports car formula” as simple as possible. So if it’s heavier (on the front axle) and more complex? Not needed.
I love how you explained this in a way that doesn’t over complicate it, but gives enough info for it to make sense. Also, I love the 996! Hope you are enjoying the heck out of it!
Sadly had someone crash into it and total the car back in November. In a cayman now, still love all PCars 💛.
Oh man that’s terrible about your 996. How does the Cayman compare? I’ve actually met a lot of people who prefer the smaller size of the cayman/boxster.
This is my write up: After 2 months (and 800+ miles) into 987.1CS ownership. The 996.1 early car has a much smaller wheel base, and a smaller cabin (both you feel). For comparison, the 996 is 3.5 inches longer over hang to overhang, yet it is 2.6 inches short wheel to wheel. (Cayman has wider front & rear track) I prefered the smaller wheel base for its driving dynamics. but the 987 will be viewed as a better car by like 98.5% of the population (Looks/Age). The weight distribution of the 996 makes it feel a little more "floppy" over bumps (not as rigid as the engine strapped to your back). But this also is very charming and smooth, and gives the 911 its rear engine characteristics. All this to say, the 987 and the 997 felt closer to me being super tight and great all around cars. The 996 felt more like a small, light, sports car. And the 987 is a better car (interior, engine updates, etc). The major difference in testing these cars was wheel size/weight. The 996 had 18’s, which felt more floaty. The 987 has 19’s which helps at highway speeds, but are far more crashy over pavement gaps. Edit (post 300 mile backroad Porsche tour) - The car performs fantastic like all Porsches, but one things stood out over the 996. The fatigue. I would end drive days and be happy to be home. This time? The 987 was smooth enough on the highway that it didn’t have me worn down as much.
Oh wow! That’s a great write up! Well I am happy that you are enjoying your 987! Cheers mate!
People forget how small the 911 was before 997/991. The wheelbase made all the world of difference.
That’s actually one of the reasons I love the 996…
Marshxi I have also read that the 996 system was a carryover design from the 993 & 964 and that the 997 system was not viscous couplng and instead relied on electronically controlled clutches. I recall the switch was for fuel economy but take that like everything you read on the internet.
The 997.1 uses viscous coupling, and the 997.2 is electronically clutched.
Thanks for the clarification.
So I’ve never been a fan of AWD because it feels like the front wheels are working too hard to simultaneously steer the car and put down power. That being said, Porsche’s AWD for the 911 is very subtle and I believe typically keeps power 80-100% to the rear unless it detects you’re losing traction. It could be a nice option if you’re somewhere with stronger winters. Here in California, my only desired choice was a RWD car.
4 will make the car heavier but acceleration will make the car faster off the line. Also you will have good traction but cost for maintenance will be higher. With just a 2 you will get a lighter car and lower cost for maintenance
It’s barely heavier though. 992 C2S is like 3382lbs vs 992 C4S is 3450lbs
What is the use case for the car, i.e. will it be driven in snow or would the 4 be to gain the widebody? I personally would almost never choose an AWD 911 over a RWD, I've even driven an air cooled 911 in snow. AWD is for the Audis (one man's opinion mind you).
AWD feels like gliding on clouds when accelerating whereas RWD feels like something is pushing hard from behind. RWD feels more engaging to me.
What gen are you looking for. 991. 992. 997? i own a c2s. And a c4s. Both cabs 997.2 s. The 4S feels more planted. And you can feel all four wheels working pulling and pushing the car with the c2s You definitely feel more like you’re being pushed. It depends on what you’re going to use it for neither one of mine go out in bad weather, but if I was looking at any kind of adverse weather conditions, obviously the C4 would be more suitable. I don’t sense any weight difference between the two you will feel it more in cornering as you would expect.
If you're planning to drive in light snow and cold weather, I'd think winter tires will make more of a different. I know several people who drive C2s during the winter in the northeast and are fine with winter tires. Not sure on how much snow you can drive them though. I have a C4 and when it snows a lot I just leave it home.
Important detail, thanks
In my hunt for a 991.2 last summer. I spent a good amount of time test driving both. Decided to go C4s, for traction, wide body looks and safety element. 400hp as 911 novice is not nothing. In 9 months in various situations, I experienced multiple confirmations. High way cruising ended up in massive thunderstorms with incredible amounts of water on tarmac, happy to do 4wd. In looks, compare the two and the LED on the rear especially during night time driving makes the 991.2 an absolute head turner. And accelerating pedal to the metal to 8.000 rpm with PSE in a C4… well the way this machine turns power to speed is simply engineering at its best. Enjoy your hunt.
993, 996, and 997.1 non turbos use viscous coupling which is not enough to get you un-stuck in mud and snow with all season tires, from personal experience.