Drive 996 Carrera C2 in Snow/Ice?

Does anybody drive their 993 or 996 C2 during the winter? If so, how good (or bad) is it if you're willing to mount dedicated snow tires? Also, what's your experience with how the car holds up corrosion-wise in the snow belt with the salted roads, etc.? I would really value your input as I'm considering buying a 99 C2 as a second car that would have to be used occasionally now in winter and, after my son takes our A4 to college, during the good part of winter. I know there are better cars for winter --but I also know there are very few cars better for the Spring, Summer, Fall! Best regards, John

I've had two C2 cabs, a '99 and now an '02. Both cars were (are) daily drivers which my wife drives to work. We live in New York City and don't use snow tires. I would say the car is fine in light to moderate snow but doesn't really too well in heavy snow because it is so low. Corrosion has not been a problem. I'd say to get the C2 because, unless you live someplace like Colorado, there won't be that many days when you have to keep it in the garage.

You will find speed-rated tires to be just awful in snow. If you just drive the car in the winter when the roads are clear, you will be OK, but in any snow at all you will wish you had snow tires or a Cayenne.

Don't drive your car with summer tires regardless of the amount of snow!!!!! You will end up wrapped around a tree or pole. Just imagine when it is snowing. Would you want to wear flat soled shoes or boots with deep lugs on the bottom when you go outside. With the flat soled shoes you'll be on your back before you know it. Its the same with tires. If your gonna drive it in the snow get snow tires adn you'll be fine. I usually throw them on during thanksgiving and take them off in the first week of march. Bobby

All tires are speed rated. I've seen some snow tires rated at 88mph. This kind of tire will spit rubber on those warm days in winter when you're haulin'. Fa getta bout traction. Even on a clear road when road is frozen (early); summer tire compound can be frozen and grab like wood (doesn't stop well). Additionally the clearances clog in lite snow, very dangerous. Even summer Pepper tires will have trouble... Get snows or all weather tires if your roads are cleared where you use the car.

If you have real snow, a C2 will be terrible in the snow as are most high torque rear wheel drive cars. NYC is not a good example for they get very little real snow except for the few occasional NorEasters...Get a C4, since it's awd and could work reasonably well and relatively safely with snow tires as long as the snow is not too deep...

If you wanna see the C2 on Snow, check this out.......(66Mb) (The Red C2 is shown approx 40 sec after the speed yellow GT2) Don't suggest you try this at home. http://analogue.net/carpron/nordschleife_winter.mpg

C2s are actually pretty good in the snow with snow tires. and C4s are amazingly good in the snow. i've driven my C4 in 2 winters in boston (including last winter which was ridiculous) with dunlop winter sport M2s and it handles better than my old jeep cherokees or 4WD pickups did. you can handle up to about 6" of snow without a problem. that video above shows you how good a C2 is in the snow. that guy is driving very FAST in a C2 with snow tires and the car is handling pretty well. of course the driver is obviously experienced in the snow, and that's the biggest factor to keep in mind. i've been out in the snow in my C4 with summer tires though and i might as well have been on ice. DON'T DRIVE IN SNOW ON SUMMER TIRES!!!

I'll reiterate what's been said above. The C2 would be decent in snow, but get snow tires!

But HEY! Rockitman! Unlike MOST high torque rear wheel drive cars, a C2 has a lot of it's weight over the rear wheels. Slap some skinny snow tires in the rear and it does a whole lot better than my F150 in 2WD. And if anyone has a 99 F150 you know that you really can't leave it in 4WD for long.