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    Nov 30, 2006 4:04:48 PM

    Le Chef
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    Le Chef
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    Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    "Should I go S or 4S?" is a sure fire 2-page hot topic on most forums, yet I can never get my head around why it's so important in a sports car. If it's so important why do Aston Martin's, BMW's M-Series, the Corvette, Ferrari's, Maserati's, M-B AMG's, etc., NOT have awd?

    You're looking at cars that are highly regarded and succesful in the sports car world yet I don't get the sense that owners and would be owners are clamouring for awd, so why do 911 owners and would be owners debate this topic so much and with so much fervor?

    Nov 30, 2006 4:33:07 PM

    Hurst
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    Reply to: Le Chef

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    AWD is pretty muc known to be unecessary for a sports car. Added weight, drivetrain power loss, less driver direct control.

    However, when power escalates into the 400+ region, it starts entering the discussion as an aide to help the novice driver, whos ability to control 500hp oversteer diminishes quite rapidly...

    I'm not a fan of 4WD in anything but a beater/suv, but then again, I haven't really been driving 500hp cars a lot

    Nov 30, 2006 4:46:37 PM

    peecarfan
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    Reply to: Hurst

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    pick any and all of the following :
    it's a matter of having the "best" or the perceived notion that 4 is better than 2
    c4 sounds more expensive than c2
    it's more expensive, therefore it must be better.
    when people ask "4 wheel ?" I better not have to say..no, just 2 wheel

    Nov 30, 2006 4:55:50 PM

    jabo
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    jabo
    Loc: Delray Beach, FL USA
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    Reply to: peecarfan

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    The only reason the C4S was more desirable in years past was that it had a stronger engine than the C2S (996). 295HP C2 vs 320HP C4S

    Nov 30, 2006 5:14:10 PM

    Le Chef
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    Le Chef
    Loc: Chicago , United States
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    Reply to: jabo

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    Quote:
    jabo said:
    The only reason the C4S was more desirable in years past was that it had a stronger engine than the C2S (996). 295HP C2 vs 320HP C4S



    Not so. Were you thinking of the 993? The 996 used the same engine in the C2, C4, and C4S. There was also no C2S in the 996.

    Nov 30, 2006 6:12:47 PM

    bstew
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    Reply to: peecarfan

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    Quote:
    peecarfan said:
    pick any and all of the following :
    it's a matter of having the "best" or the perceived notion that 4 is better than 2
    c4 sounds more expensive than c2
    it's more expensive, therefore it must be better.
    when people ask "4 wheel ?" I better not have to say..no, just 2 wheel



    Good points...

    Nov 30, 2006 6:16:00 PM

    bstew
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    bstew
    Loc: NC, USA
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    Reply to: bstew

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    It's like everything else. Do we really need a twin turbo 911? No but if Porsche builds it can they sell it, yes. I drove a C4S when I was looking at buying my 997 and it was nice but I don't live in snow country so I didn't really see the need. Now did I want it sure..

    Nov 30, 2006 11:58:23 PM

    stork
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    stork
    Loc: OH and NC
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    Reply to: Le Chef

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    Don"t you just love rehashing the same topic again and again. The joy and passion of Porsche. I have a C4S. I love how my C4S handles, but the best thing about the 997 C4S is how it looks. The wide rear end is the best design feature of the car. RWDs are just bland and boring....

    Dec 1, 2006 2:17:14 AM

    frayed
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    frayed
    Loc: Austin, TX , United States
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    Reply to: stork

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    AWD on a Porsche. Bleh. I grew to dislike AWD on my C4S. Besides, it's not like the 997 narrowbody is 'narrow.'

    Dec 1, 2006 7:34:24 AM

    Georges G. Hayek
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    Georges G. Hayek
    Loc: Beirut , Lebanon
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    Reply to: bstew

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    Quote:
    bstew said:
    Quote:
    peecarfan said:
    pick any and all of the following :
    it's a matter of having the "best" or the perceived notion that 4 is better than 2
    c4 sounds more expensive than c2
    it's more expensive, therefore it must be better.
    when people ask "4 wheel ?" I better not have to say..no, just 2 wheel



    Good points...



    Add my vote

    Dec 1, 2006 8:38:38 AM

    AUM
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    AUM
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    Reply to: Georges G. Hayek

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    AWD does not deliver a fully satisfying sportscar experience. No more Turbos for me.

    Dec 1, 2006 10:14:09 AM

    MBW_UK
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    MBW_UK
    Loc: Surrey, UK
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    Reply to: AUM

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    This old chestnut again!

    I don't hold with the 'not necessary for a sport car' plenty of them out there do, but it might numb the experience at the limit a bit I agree (apparently the 4S chopps a bit when on the limit, but I've never got there!).
    Weight increase is largely/ completely off set by extra traction on AWD
    , hence the close Ring times for 2S and 4S (4S is faster).

    Some of it comes down to the fact that racing Porsches don't have AWD, but I think that's down to regulations, not choice. Interestingly I read Audi hit these problems with the R8, i.e. they can't race an AWD and there's on 2WD R8 planned.

    Swings and roundabouts I'm afraid. You'll enjoy either!

    Dec 1, 2006 5:07:30 PM

    Neil Schneider
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    Neil Schneider
    Loc: New Jersey, USA
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    Registered on: Aug 8, 2006
    Reply to: MBW_UK

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    I drove both and perfer the c2s, and I did't think it was worth the extra 7K. But I do like the wider body.

    Dec 1, 2006 5:29:19 PM

    Weasel
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    Weasel
    Loc: GA
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    Reply to: Neil Schneider

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    Quote:
    Neil Schneider said:
    I drove both and perfer the c2s, and I did't think it was worth the extra 7K. But I do like the wider body.



    I drove both and much preferred the the C4S, and I thought it was well worth the extra cash. Absolutely love the wider body!

    Dec 1, 2006 7:37:48 PM

    bstew
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    Reply to: AUM

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?

    Quote:
    AUM said:
    AWD does not deliver a fully satisfying sportscar experience. No more Turbos for me.



    What is a "satisfying sportscar experience"? That seems to be quite subjective.

    Dec 2, 2006 2:51:24 AM

    Mike (La Jolla)
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    Reply to: bstew

    Re: Why is awd such a "hot" topic?



    What is a "satisfying sportscar experience"? That seems to be quite subjective.

    There is a 'numbness' that we have decided is partially from AWD on the Turbo. Also, the weight of the Turbo is cumbersome - nearly impossible to keep up with the Elise's in the turns. I have never driven a C4S. When you are on the track with the Turbo, the weight and the AWD diminishes the experience. On the plus side, it helps keep you on the track. I'm having serious doubts that my next car will have AWD.
     
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