997 S vs 997 4S

[renos]

I am planning to change my 986 S for a 997 Carrera.

The AWD (Carrera 4) model:

Is it worth the extra money over the 2WD model?

Does it deduct from dry handling and driving pleasure at all?

Is it in real practical terms any safer in the aspect of wet handling and especially aquaplaning on wet roads, particularly highways at speed.

The car will be driven in mixed conditions, 8-9 months are dry and 3-4 partly wet.

I have heard that the rear of the 997 is so sorted that the front of the 2WD model feels overlight. Something that is rectified on the 4WD model.

Your opinions and experiences will be very welcome either on the 997 or even the 996. You see before I take this leap I want to be as sure as possible.

Thanks

Edited October 31, 2006 by renos

[nick49]

I can't speak for the 997, but this may help a little from my experience with my 996 over the last 3+ years.

It's not the extra money for me over the 2 wd, but the Cab over the Coupe is. (I know you didn't ask)

If you like to be somewhat responsible for the good handling manners, using your skill and finesse to control the car, get the 2WD. The AWD is like on rails all the time and you don't get the "911 feel" that enthusiasts covet with this car. The rear weight bias is what makes this car fun to drive.

I have had my 996 Cab 2 wd around 125mph in a terrible downpour on I-80 west of Cheyenne Wyoming. Because of the shape of the car I didn't even use the wipers. My tires were Dunlop 9000s that didn't hydroplane in the least. I've tried cornering aggressively in pouring rain, obviously at slower speeds to test the car and tires and concluded that I can drive much more aggressively in the total wet than most people do in the dry.

I feel the 2WD is extremely safe wet or dry, but the 4WD is probably more so, otherwise why would it exist?

[PAULSPEED]

Hi,

I have a 997S and my brother has a 997 4S. Hetried to go up a driveway

with snow on it and failed. The 4 wheel drive does not help

for icie roads. We both enjoy our cars and time will tell

who picked the right car. With the 4S you

will have to replace 10 CV boots someday.

Paul

[BennyGca]

I have a C2S and love the feel of it...

The 4wd system isn't for snow conditions anyway.

I've never had a traction issue with my 911.