Does anyone have practical experience about the performance difference in snow and wet country road conditions between the C4S and a C2S on winter tyres? My wife seem to get some psychological comfort that a 4WD is going to be better planted in the winter months. I'm not expecting Landrover levels of performance but wondered whether the C4S delivers meaningful benefits out in the sticks during the winter months. Thanks.
C4s vs C2S with winter tyres
- Thread starter henry997
- Start date
You might find this video of interest or you might consider it irrelevant as the 2wd car in the test is fwd with front engined front weight bias - everything the C2S isn't. But the test left me thinking how would the 4wd car have done on winter tyres compared to 2wd on winters.
So might you consider wanting AWD for 'x' reasons and then putting winter tyres on it should you need them if the weather where you are typically gets cold enough for long enough for you to want them also. Just a thought.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/winter-tyres-vs-4x4
So might you consider wanting AWD for 'x' reasons and then putting winter tyres on it should you need them if the weather where you are typically gets cold enough for long enough for you to want them also. Just a thought.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/winter-tyres-vs-4x4
winter boots for me everytime-i would much rather winter tyres 2wd than summer on 4wd,and to be honest i have been through some horrible weather with winter tyres in the 993 and the boxster and had no problem.
you will be fine with 2S with winter tyres-and for the 99%of the time you dont need 4wd you may prefer the lighter 2S
you will be fine with 2S with winter tyres-and for the 99%of the time you dont need 4wd you may prefer the lighter 2S
In the UK, only a tiny % of drivers change from summer to winter tyres. And, a lot of Porsche owners simply drive something more suitable if it gets too extreme.
If you've already got a C2, and are concerned, then just fit a set of recommended winter wheels/tyres from Nov to Feb. Not snow tyres - our winters are rarely that severe, and there are better cars if it gets that bad.
If you are contemplating a C2 or C4, then the latest C4 models will provide better all weather, all year round traction. In normal dry use they are virtually rwd, but under whatever conditions (dry, wet, muddy, icy....) it will distribute exactly the right amount of drive or braking to each wheel to maintain traction and stability. The latest 991 C4S is particularly impressive.
But, even with a C4 (or SUV), it's still worth fitting winter wheels/tyres if you are likely to encounter particularly bad winter conditions.
If you've already got a C2, and are concerned, then just fit a set of recommended winter wheels/tyres from Nov to Feb. Not snow tyres - our winters are rarely that severe, and there are better cars if it gets that bad.
If you are contemplating a C2 or C4, then the latest C4 models will provide better all weather, all year round traction. In normal dry use they are virtually rwd, but under whatever conditions (dry, wet, muddy, icy....) it will distribute exactly the right amount of drive or braking to each wheel to maintain traction and stability. The latest 991 C4S is particularly impressive.
But, even with a C4 (or SUV), it's still worth fitting winter wheels/tyres if you are likely to encounter particularly bad winter conditions.
akwaugh
New member
Hi,
I'd always go for 4WD, winter tyres or not. So I have a C4S and for special occasions an Audi A3Q (winter tyres too). It just makes sense.
I had a Boxster and hated putting it away for months at a time. Complete waste of a car.
To answer your question, I put winters on the Porsche early November last year and took them off at the beginning of April. They make a world of difference particularly up here in the frozen North. But - there's always a but - they will go "off" quite quickly when the road surface warms up (I'd say about +5 C and that's enough to change). I should probably have changed out by mid March but I hung on to wring the most out of the tyres before putting lovely new summer ones on.
You'll know when to change - it will feel as though you're on square wheels by the end of winter!.
(For information in the 5 months concerned I did over 3000 miles in the Porsche and under 2000 in the Audi over winter 2012, and was away for three weeks in the period.)
As for traction, the difference is amazing. Summers will slip and slide on cold greasy surfaces, I've already had some serious entertainment due to that, but you can push the winters a way further if you're brave. I guess it depends on a few things :
How you use the car (mine is a daily driver)
How precious you are about it (do you scare easily?)
Other drivers (in front and behind)
Braking distance
Winter tyres give you an edge in what is already a tremendously competent and safe car. The 911 is fantastic to drive in the winter and particularly if all the others are garage queens, you'll stand out. Brave or stupid? that's up to you. [
]
This year winter is a bit slow on the uptake so my summer tyres are still on, but the winters are nicely stacked up waiting for their turn. I'd give it to the start of December.
(If it gets really bad of course I jump in the Audi - higher ground clearance (just) and I don't care what I hit or what hits me!!)
I'd always go for 4WD, winter tyres or not. So I have a C4S and for special occasions an Audi A3Q (winter tyres too). It just makes sense.
I had a Boxster and hated putting it away for months at a time. Complete waste of a car.
To answer your question, I put winters on the Porsche early November last year and took them off at the beginning of April. They make a world of difference particularly up here in the frozen North. But - there's always a but - they will go "off" quite quickly when the road surface warms up (I'd say about +5 C and that's enough to change). I should probably have changed out by mid March but I hung on to wring the most out of the tyres before putting lovely new summer ones on.
You'll know when to change - it will feel as though you're on square wheels by the end of winter!.
(For information in the 5 months concerned I did over 3000 miles in the Porsche and under 2000 in the Audi over winter 2012, and was away for three weeks in the period.)
As for traction, the difference is amazing. Summers will slip and slide on cold greasy surfaces, I've already had some serious entertainment due to that, but you can push the winters a way further if you're brave. I guess it depends on a few things :
How you use the car (mine is a daily driver)
How precious you are about it (do you scare easily?)
Other drivers (in front and behind)
Braking distance
Winter tyres give you an edge in what is already a tremendously competent and safe car. The 911 is fantastic to drive in the winter and particularly if all the others are garage queens, you'll stand out. Brave or stupid? that's up to you. [
]This year winter is a bit slow on the uptake so my summer tyres are still on, but the winters are nicely stacked up waiting for their turn. I'd give it to the start of December.
(If it gets really bad of course I jump in the Audi - higher ground clearance (just) and I don't care what I hit or what hits me!!)
dirkjandevos
New member
I put winters on my C4S, virtually unstoppable provided the snow isn't too deep. Would always opt for the tyres over the 4wd if that's the tradeoff...4wd doesn't help you with braking
JWrigglesworth
New member
Hi All
I have the following available
Wheel offset (front) 8.5J x 19 ETSS
Wheel offset (rear) 11.5J x 19 ETSO
Tyres are (front) Pirelli Sotto Zero winter tyres 235/35 VR 19"
Tyres are (rear) Pirelli Sotto Zero winter tyres 295/30 VR 19"
Anyone interested
I have the following available
Wheel offset (front) 8.5J x 19 ETSS
Wheel offset (rear) 11.5J x 19 ETSO
Tyres are (front) Pirelli Sotto Zero winter tyres 235/35 VR 19"
Tyres are (rear) Pirelli Sotto Zero winter tyres 295/30 VR 19"
Anyone interested
Ah - the joys of mission creep. What started as a station drive at £35k ended up as a 15k miles C2S cabriolet for £51k. Amazing how the family can transmute the spec. Anyway, thanks to all for the helpful comments. Ultimately I just couldn't track down a C4S PDK cabriolet at the right price so C2S with winter tyres it is. The theory being that if the C2S on winter tyres can't make it to the station, the train won't be running into town anyway. Might as well enjoy being stuck at home.
I'm buying an approved used Porsche so the dealership will take their (deserved) spoils but I'm currently haggling on the cost of a spare set of 18" winter wheels and tyres. I'm saving the 19" turbo wheels for the summer but does anyone have any advice on which rubber to fit on the 18" winter wheels? Price quoted for wheels and types is £2,400 inclusive of VAT. Does that sound right/fair?
I'm buying an approved used Porsche so the dealership will take their (deserved) spoils but I'm currently haggling on the cost of a spare set of 18" winter wheels and tyres. I'm saving the 19" turbo wheels for the summer but does anyone have any advice on which rubber to fit on the 18" winter wheels? Price quoted for wheels and types is £2,400 inclusive of VAT. Does that sound right/fair?
dirkjandevos
New member
That sounds about right...I remember looking into it last year and for the basic 18inch wheels I remember it being around 2,400...
Winter Brochure
I'm not sure what year that brochure was issued but it has the 991 in there so can't be more than a year or so old... I just have the rubber and a guy who comes over to swap it around, at the time it was the more cost effective solution for me!
Winter Brochure
I'm not sure what year that brochure was issued but it has the 991 in there so can't be more than a year or so old... I just have the rubber and a guy who comes over to swap it around, at the time it was the more cost effective solution for me!
akwaugh
New member
Been away in sunny climes and just saw the latest post.
Don't know what Porsche dealer told you that but it's wrong.
You can get 19" winter tyres (I have a set!) - check the door post label on your car for the correct dimensions.
I'm just about to swap mine over given there's snow on the way today apparently.
Don't know what Porsche dealer told you that but it's wrong.
You can get 19" winter tyres (I have a set!) - check the door post label on your car for the correct dimensions.
I'm just about to swap mine over given there's snow on the way today apparently.
dirkjandevos
New member
I have them on 19s...just a little harder to find the right snow chains!
235/35 19 front
295/30 19 back
I have the Pirelli Sottozeros, you seem to be able to order them pretty much everywhere..I got a barely used set through Cridfords and a guy from e-Tyres comes with a van to mount them and take the other tyres away for storage!
Put mine on last week...
235/35 19 front
295/30 19 back
I have the Pirelli Sottozeros, you seem to be able to order them pretty much everywhere..I got a barely used set through Cridfords and a guy from e-Tyres comes with a van to mount them and take the other tyres away for storage!
Put mine on last week...
dirkjandevos
New member
That's an excellent deal given they threw in the wheels as well!
I've just put on James Wriggleworth's wheels and tyres on my 2006 C4S. Thank you James!
So, initial feelings: the tyres are Pirelli Sotto Zero and I have to say I am impressed. I did not expect such a change ... the air temperatures are about 10 deg, so a bit above the recommended range, but the tyres are quiet and the turn-in is impressive. The improvement on my summer tyres is remarkable.
I would not hesitate to recommend that everyone goes for winter tyres (or at least Pirelli Sotto Zeros), whether it be C2 or C4.
Graeme
So, initial feelings: the tyres are Pirelli Sotto Zero and I have to say I am impressed. I did not expect such a change ... the air temperatures are about 10 deg, so a bit above the recommended range, but the tyres are quiet and the turn-in is impressive. The improvement on my summer tyres is remarkable.
I would not hesitate to recommend that everyone goes for winter tyres (or at least Pirelli Sotto Zeros), whether it be C2 or C4.
Graeme
Pretty much covered by all , but my two cents:
1. I have Pirelli Sottozero IIs on my 997.2TT. 19" 235/35R19 on Front (same as summers) and 295/30R19 on rear (one width size smaller, per Porsche requirement)
2. Amazing traction in snow/slush
3. Stopping in similar conditions vastly improved versus my prior Audi RS4 with summer tyres
4. Friend lives in Switzerland up a mountain and it's astonishing how a 2WD VW Golf with winter tyres can scramble up a steep snow-covered hill. If you're from the UK, you wouldn't even consider it worth trying.
5. The winter tyres don't like it when it's warm and wet (7-8 deg C and beyond) - the compounds leach out 'oil' which makes them slippery.
6. The winters smell of burning rubber (it's not me - honest)
All in all, I would get them again on pretty much any car.
So, I'll provoke a debate by saying: 2WD + Winters >> 4WD with summers
However, 4WD plus winters is (obviously) outstanding. Excepting when you run out of ground clearance"¦!
1. I have Pirelli Sottozero IIs on my 997.2TT. 19" 235/35R19 on Front (same as summers) and 295/30R19 on rear (one width size smaller, per Porsche requirement)
2. Amazing traction in snow/slush
3. Stopping in similar conditions vastly improved versus my prior Audi RS4 with summer tyres
4. Friend lives in Switzerland up a mountain and it's astonishing how a 2WD VW Golf with winter tyres can scramble up a steep snow-covered hill. If you're from the UK, you wouldn't even consider it worth trying.
5. The winter tyres don't like it when it's warm and wet (7-8 deg C and beyond) - the compounds leach out 'oil' which makes them slippery.
6. The winters smell of burning rubber (it's not me - honest)
All in all, I would get them again on pretty much any car.
So, I'll provoke a debate by saying: 2WD + Winters >> 4WD with summers
However, 4WD plus winters is (obviously) outstanding. Excepting when you run out of ground clearance"¦!
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