91C2wrencher

Rob, Oh no ya don't! mine is definitly
NOT for sale. But you can see pics of it over on the Pelican board. Not that I'm trying to desaude you from the Honda but I remember what a friend and 944 turbo owner told me when I was shopping around for my mid-life crisis car, Dave he said " 300Z, RX-7 and rest of'em all girly cars! If it ain't from the black forest it ain't worth a sh@t!" I do like that the s2000 can rev to something like 11K......and oh yea, I knew instantly that this C2 was the car for me......

waybrig

Rob,

I've been hanging out with an S2K club locally for about the past 6 months since I was trying to make the same sort of decision you are. Most of them are the people I would have pictured driving Porsche's: middle aged, financially doing well and the S2K is their play car. There are a few young "ricer's" around, but we're trying to beat them into submission.

My recommendation would be to get the car that fits what you want rather than the car that will make the best impression on others.

By the way, if you want a side by side impression of what an S2K is like to drive versus a 993, let me know. I had the pleasure of driving both back to back when I swapped cars with a friend.

Tim Ashfield

911 v S2000
Stuttgart v Japan
Porsche v Honda
Absolute legend v ???

Don't get me wrong Honda build very very good machines I have owned several - but, and it is a big but, the 911 (and the 964 is a brilliant version) is THE definitive sports car, bar none.

As a friend of mine loves to say " If it isn't built in Stuttgart it isn't worth having ".

All IMVHO, at the end of the day you pay your money and make your choice, and that is the real point the choice has to be right for you and you alone.

Best of luck with your decision. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

ebfox

Rob,

You need to take a personality test to determine the correct answer for you. If you prefer the beautiful, high maintenance woman whom everyone looks at and envys, and who will take you to the heights of pleasure (while at times costing you money and driving you crazy), then buy the Porsche. If you want the loyal, steady, high school librarian who will always be there for you; who doesn't turn heads but you don't expect her to, then go for the Honda.

There's nothing wrong with either choice, but everyone ought to go for the 911 at some time in their life. I do think that Andy makes a valid depreciation point. The Honda will lose more on resale- the 911 will cost you more on monthly maintenance.

E. B. Fox
91 C2 Targa

AK

Rob,

You run into an interesting dilemma that I had about a year ago. The S2k was one of the cars on my short list as well. That and the M Roadster. In the end I wanted the torque and sound of a 6. From there it was just as others have mentioned. I have always wanted a 911. If you are in that group then you will eventually wish that you got one. And that my friend is why I am here.

Allen

RSAErick

From what I can tell, there really is no comparison. Since the depreciation of the S2k will MORE than outweigh the repair costs of the 964, it really comes down to what you want to be driving. So what are your criteria?

Performance? <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />
I've been on the track several times with the local S2k club track junkies. As a results, I've logged many laps on several different tracks with multitudes of S2k's. Performance-wise, their cars are a shadow of the 964. The S2k handles quite well (maybe even marginally better than a 964???), but 153 lb/ft. of torque? Come on?!?! What a joke. You'll be driving around S2k's all day long. On the street, where the S2k won't be able to get in it's "torque" band (or lack thereof <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ), the difference will be compounded.
ADVANTAGE: 964

Style? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
The S2k is indeed a pretty car. I would even argue that few people appreciate the classic lines of the 964 as beautiful. However, which one turns more heads?
ADVANTAGE: Tie? This is very subjective, but I know what I prefer.

Comfort? <img border="0" alt="[icon107]" title="" src="graemlins/icon107.gif" />
I'm assuming this isn't a factor, so I won't put too much thought into it. However, I'm not a big fan of soft-tops, so...
ADVANTAGE: Tie?

The 'Cool' factor?
If you drive an S2k, you are definitely cool. If you drive a 964, you are a god.
ADVANTAGE: 964. In a landslide.

The 'new car' feel? <img border="0" alt="[sleep]" title="" src="graemlins/sleep.gif" />
If a brand new car is what you crave, then I think you will end up with the S2000. It looks new and smells new.
ADVANTAGE: S2000

As many have indicated, I would guess that a drive in both will tell you which one you need to have. However, my guess is that any blind comparison will allow you to see the difference between a $30,000 (2003 dollars) car and a $70,000 car (1993 dollars).

Good luck with whatever you choose.
Erick

RobMc

Great insight guys. I have a gut feeling that I know what the right choice for me to make is. I haven't made the trip to look at the 964 (its 3 hours away) yet because I know if I see it drive it I will buy it. It sounds <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" /> but it makes sense to me. I really want a new car and I love the s2k just like the 911. I can't buy a new 964 but I can buy a new s2k. If I wait to buy a new s2k they may restyle and I may not like it. However next year and the year after that I can still get the 964. I believe tomorrow may be the deciding day but you never know. After doing research on this site I must say I heartily RESPECT the 964 and when the subject of the 964 comes up in conversation I will defend it mightily such as you all have done in this thread and others. Hold your heads high Gents!

Phil Raby

The problem with a new car is that it doesn't remain new...

DaveK

There is also "something" about the 964 (and I guess other Porsche) which seems to make you fall in love with them once you own them - at least it did me. When I bought mine, I wasn't convinced by 911s - thought they were pretty expensive for what they were - but fancied trying one. Since I didn't get a PPI, it's cost me a fair bit of money since and had several visits to the garage. After a few months I was getting fed up of fixing the previous owners neglect and I seriously considered selling it - I even posted on Smartgroups asking people to convice me why I shouldn't.

It worked, and I kept the car - I've now had it 18 months and love it. If I wanted to replace my car now, Porsche would be at the top of the list. I don't think an S2K would do that for me - I used to have a TT Supra which I liked, but not like this.

Richard H

I'm with E B Fox 100%.
I agree, you have to own a 911 at least once in your life, problem is once you've got it you won't want to go back. Nothing else matches up!

Remember buy well and it doesn't have to be high maintenance.

Richard

91C2wrencher

Oh Boy! Rob looks like all these guys are pro P-car. Well what did you expect? I only wish I knew what the boys over on the S2K board were saying? Maybe that the 964 is an "old, ugly, orphan of a car", maybe that it's "old technology", maybe that its gonna be a maintenance nightmare", maybe they've never driven one and maybe they forget that at every stage the 911 is on the cutting edge of the currently automobile technology. Maybe they're compensating for something like..oh ummm the fact they to secretly wish that they had bought a Porsche...... There is no substitute...
Good luck in which ever you choose, after all its about being into motoring/driving/joy. Let us know which you choose and you'll always be welcome here anytime!

AK

Not sure that I would say the 964 or any 911 for that matter was on the cutting edge of technology for its time. It seems more like a mastery of past technology. Honda introduced variable valve timing in the 91 Integra GSR!

I must say one of my favorite things about the S2k is that it was badged a Honda. I have seen a few NSX's with Honda badges on them. Always makes my smile a bit.

Allen

tom964

Rob,
I know I'm late to this post, but it is interesting that you say you haven't driven the 964. A few years ago I was looking to buy an open top sports car and was looking at a couple, including the M roadster. I had not been looking at the Porsche because I assumed it would be too expensive to buy and maintain, etc. But I was on my way to the BMW dealer one day and pulled into the Porsche dealer across the street where they had a 91 C2 on the lot. The dealer didn't even try to talk to me about the differences between the M and C2, he just gave me the keys. In a few miles, there was NO going back. Three years later I'm still thrilled every time I get in it or look at it and all other cars seem less. It's also proven to be a rugged, reliable car.

Jared W.

My dad recently had to look for a new car. He bought a 964 back in 1991, has put 130k miles on it, loved it, but just needed something new.

It took him over a year to find anything that "put a smile on his face" like the 964 did. It ended up being the GT2. Even the new 996 felt "lethargic" to him after so many years in the 964.

In the process of finding the GT2, he drove everything. BMW M5 and Z8, Ferrari 360 and 550, Aston Martin Vanquish, Porsche C2, C4S, Turbo, etc. The only car that came close to the viceral experience of the 964 for him was the 360, which was just to flashy for him. Everything else felt too heavy or too "dull". He drove the GT2 almost by accident, and found what he was looking for.

My point is, not much out there, even the high end stuff, can give you the feel of a Porsche 964. Good luck in your search !

Andy Roe

Rob,

Have you also chimed in on some S2000 forums to get some views of S2000 owners? I found one <a href="http://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?s=704a381a8b5f6f0d6d853a82e9fec69e&threadid=119384" target="_blank">http://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?s=704a381a8b5f6f0d6d853a82e9fec69e&threa did=119384</a>

Hopefully this will help you decide!!