DRIVEN: The Verdict Is In — Is Porsche's All-New 911 (991) Carrera 4 Worth The Extra $?

So, if you're wondering how a Porsche 911 can — possibly — get any better than it already is, then the all-new Carrera 4 may be your answer. In my experience, the two-wheel drive version is exceptional. It's so good I named it my number one pick for 2012.

But if you happen to live in a snow belt, you likely want a bit more security. Having a rear-wheel drive 911 isn't exactly ideal for the white stuff or any slippery conditions.

That's why the Carrera 4 exists. And the first reviews are coming in.

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What is it like?

Assured. The truth is, if your new 911 is going to be used most days, all year round, you should probably pay that premium.

Those who carp on about rear-driven 911s lacking for little on traction are right to do so. In the dry, 99 per cent of the time, you won’t even know that the front wheels of your Carrera 4 are being called into service for anything other than steering. In more slippery conditions, though, they begin to earn their money.

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Should I buy one?

If your car is for general, everyday use, yes. For what it’s worth, though, if you’re going to save your 911 for summer trackdays and occasional holiday amusement, you’ll be better off sticking with rear-wheel drive and spending the £6.5k on optional kit.

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PUGPROUD - 1/26/2013 1:14:47 PM

+2 Boost

The new Porsche in person is beautiful and the company will be making big bucks/big margins. While I understand why and from its viewpoint Porsche's strategy makes excellant business sense, I have issues as a consumer. It makes little sense to me as a consumer to have to pay 50% over the base price to get all the driver's options that make a Porsche an enthusiast's car. I would take one in a nanosecond as its that good but I cannot see paying current prices for options to make it my own. I can spend considerably less for cars that light my performance fire in different ways that still satisfy.

quizz - 1/28/2013 12:38:53 AM

+1 Boost

You just don't get it. When people start paying over $100,000 it's about passion for a brand, not about the "best deal" or the best performance. Many men grew up dreaming of owning a 911, others a Ferrari, you grew up dreaming of owning an EVO, to each their own.

Lexus - 1/27/2013 1:59:07 AM

+1 Boost

I'm pretty sure this new Porsche will be a really fun sports car to drive both on the street and track but for that kind of money I get a 2013 or 2014 Nissan GT-R instead.

pcar4evr - 1/27/2013 11:55:06 AM

+2 Boost

The reason why many folks will buy the 4 or 4S has nothing to do with driving in the wet or traction. They love the looks of the wide body Porsches, especially the 991 with that new rear light strip.

quizz - 1/28/2013 12:39:36 AM

+1 Boost

Bingo. Put me in this camp.

mini22 - 1/27/2013 3:02:57 PM

+1 Boost

AWD is the one thing I see that the 911 can offer but the Cayman cannot offer. So if you plan on using your 911 regularly during the winter and you live in the snow belt it then makes sense to go for the AWD version.However if you are going to go for a base RWD Carrera would it not make more financial sense to wait and spend 30 grand less for the new Cayman S. Even a base 911 costs around 100 grand with "average" options. A Cayman S can probably satisfy you just as much as a base Carerra for under 80 grand with average options. I would probably be even more frugal and buy the 6 speed manual, standard seats and stereo and just opt for the sport exaust.Then your probably at or near 70 grand for a very satisfying drivers car.However if I would really want the 911 and had the money it makes more sense to go for the AWD S. You do get the wider track, slightly different rear styling, supposidly more feel to the electric power steering.The Cayman and Boxster S are so close in performance to the standard 911 that it makes no sense to own one. 30 grand extra for 2 rear jumps seats is crazy to me.