New AWD Models Join the 992.2 Lineup

Porsche has recently added a new range of all-wheel-drive models to the facelifted 992.2-generation 911.

The Carrera 4S is priced at ¥23.52 million, the Carrera 4S Cabriolet at ¥26.06 million, and the Targa 4S at ¥26.33 million. All three are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 480 horsepower—the same output as the pre-facelift GTS. They may also be among the last of the purely gasoline-powered 911s. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed PDK transmission, helping the Carrera 4S Coupe accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds.

With these new models as a prompt, it’s a good time to take another look at a familiar question: What’s the difference between AWD and RWD in the Porsche 911—and which one should you choose?

The Appeal of AWD—and What It’s Like to Own One

Before buying a Porsche, the models I was most drawn to were actually the AWD versions.

The reason I was so attracted to cars like the Carrera 4S and Carrera 4 was simple: a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout sounded inherently unstable to me. I’d never driven one, but I’d convinced myself that sending power to all four wheels had to make a car more stable.

I still remember being captivated by the 996-generation Carrera 4S when I spotted one on the highway.

I loved the elegant full-width rear light bar and the muscular rear view. AWD 911s have often come with the wider body, giving them an especially broad, dramatic stance. Later, I owned a pre-facelift 991 Carrera 4 GTS and went on to experience RWD models and a 964 as well—giving me the chance to feel the differences for myself.

The 911 AWD Experience: Confidence-Inspiring Stability

The defining quality of an AWD 911 is its remarkable stability.

As you exit a corner and get back on the throttle, the traction is tremendous. With the engine already sitting over the rear axle, the car naturally puts plenty of weight over the rear tires. The AWD system adds another layer of drive by pulling from the front, too. The result is a feeling of launching out of every corner as if fired from a catapult.

That composure is just as noticeable on the highway. Another pleasant surprise is the ride quality. It’s not that the suspension is soft; rather, the AWD system is so well managed that it does an excellent job of keeping fore-and-aft pitching in check. For anyone thinking of a 911 as a car for date nights and longer drives, that reduction in the back-and-forth motion is a real advantage. Even when you pick up the pace on a mountain road, the car feels reassuring, with less of that seesawing sensation.

All-weather ability is another major draw. In heavy rain or light snow, an AWD 911 feels almost unstoppable—as long as the tires are up to the job. If you were to name the car that can be driven fastest in almost any weather, the AWD Porsche 911 would be a strong contender. The Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S may well be the true all-weather sports cars.

AWD Trade-Offs: Weight and Feel Compared with RWD

That said, AWD models do have their drawbacks.

The most noticeable is weight. Compared with an RWD 911, an AWD model feels distinctly more substantial. It doesn’t feel as top-heavy as a Targa, but the way it grips the road so firmly can have a downside: the confidence it inspires can also take some of the tension out of the drive. Whether you enjoy that solid, planted feel or find it too stable to be exciting comes down largely to personal preference.

The difference becomes even more apparent when you push hard on a winding road. The AWD car is so composed that it feels as though nothing much happens; there’s less room for the driver to influence the car through skill alone. In that respect, an RWD 911 can be more rewarding to drive. If you enjoy the confidence of a stable car, AWD is a great fit. If you’re after a lighter, more agile feel, RWD is likely the better choice.

Choosing Your First Porsche 911

I’m often asked which to choose: a Carrera 4 or a regular RWD Carrera?

My answer is straightforward. If you want to get to know the Porsche 911 and experience what makes it special, I recommend starting with an RWD model. It gives you a chance to understand the fundamentals: what rear-engine, rear-wheel drive feels like, and what makes a 911 a 911.

Then, for your second or third Porsche, consider an AWD model. Its planted stability brings an almost unbeatable sense of security. Experiencing the cars in this order can help you appreciate each one’s character even more.

Of course, this is largely a matter of personal taste. Do you find confidence-inspiring stability more enjoyable, or do you prefer a light, agile feel? The most important thing is to work out which kind of driver you are before choosing. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy everything that makes the Porsche 911 special—but knowing your own preferences first can help you find the right one.