2wd vs 4wd

Choice is a good thing. I’ve always been something of a RWD advocate, particularly now tyre technology and stability systems negate some of the advantages that four-wheel drive offers. That creep has been evident in the 4WD technology too, though. Drive a modern Carrera 4 back-to-back with a 964 Carrera 4 and the early car will feel very obviously four-wheel drive. That improved markedly with the 993, but it wouldn’t be until the 996/997 that choosing 4WD would result in a drive that’s as enjoyable as RWD.

Enjoyable, but still subtly different. I first drove a 997 C4 on the Col de Turini, PSM off, exiting hairpins with armfuls of corrective power oversteer. In a 2 I’d have needed a bit more space, with the 4 the way the drive was gently pushed forwards to help pull the car out the slide was instrumental in my ability to enjoy the 997 in such an extreme manner. The 2 would have done the same, but would need a little bit more management. Porsche’s integration of four-wheel drive to the 911 in such a natural, non-dominant fashion is something that should be hugely applauded.