Hello all, obviously new to the forums, and just as much to Porsche in general. Finally got the coin together to go out and buy my first Porsche. I have a little problem on deciding though, which I'd rather order, the base or S Carrera.

Considering base price and options, I could basically build an S model minus the horsepower I think for a lot less. I'll list the options I want below on each model, maybe some of you can help me figure out why I'd want to drop 9K more on a car that will result in 50 more hp.

Base Carrera 82100

-- Burmester Audio $5010
-- Prm Pkg w/ seats plus $6155
-- Agate Grey Ext. $710
-- Black/Grey Int $3760
-- Sport Chrono Pkg $1850
-- PTV $1320
-- PASM Sport Sus. $ 2980
-- 20" Carrera Wheels $1560
-- destination fee $950

TOTAL $106,395


Carrera S 96400

-- Audio $5010
-- Prm w/ seats plus $6155
-- Ext color $710
-- two tone interior $3760
-- Sport Chrono $1850
-- PASM Sport $890
-- Dest $950

TOTAL $115,725


Am I missing something with the options I'm selecting> I compared both models side by side. Minus the engine size and horsepower, with the base build I have listed, I won't be missing anything the S version has.
If anything, I'll gain a hook on the back to hang dry cleaning with

I'm open to input to help me make a final choice.

 

You've done a good job balancing the two builds. With the base car you're missing the 2 stage intake resonance, the quad exhaust, the 50HP and that S on the rear deck. Is that stuff worth $9K? Only you can decide; it will be a wonderful car either way. FWIW, here's my $0.02. When I'm spending that much on that kind of car, I'll go the extra 10% on the price for the "premium" model; it helps guarantee "no regrets" down the road. Also, If you're tight on the budget, you could save $2500 on the audio and skip the Burmester. A beautiful system and worth the money if you're auditioning it in a quiet listening room, not in a sports car with 75+db of ambient noise from road, tires, exhaust, engine, etc. Strictly my opinion. Enjoy the process of buying your first Porsche!

 

The S also has the red brake calipers and new for the 991 6-piston fronts.
Lots of points of view on this, but I'd only go base on a lightly equipped car. (which I did!)

 

in addition to the above (which is a lot), the S has better and bigger brakes as well as getting SPASM cheaper. I say go S without a doubt.

 

THere is probably less of a gap between the 991 Base and S model than in any other version. You have already leveled teh fiels with the 20" wheels and PASM Sport, but here is a recap of the other differences you can't get on the Base model.

Model-------------Base---------------Carrera S
Engine-----------3.4L------------------3.8L
HP----------------350------------------400
Torque-----------287------------------325
Brakes----------- 4 piston F/R -------6 piston F and 4 piston R
Brake Discs------12.99" F/R --------13.39" F and 12.99" R

 

"less of a gap"? do you mean more of one? the performance gap has increased with the 991, imo.

The added torque (38 ft/lbs in a 3100 lb car is very noticeable) alone is a lot, not to mention the 50 HP.

 

Good point on the brakes; I neglected to mention them.....

 

Thanks for the quick responses. I overlooked the brakes myself.
So many thoughts, so many choices.... not really but it's a lot to toss up in the air. I guess either way, when you're at 6 figures on a car, might as well go all in. What's another 9K?

I still have time to decide. I'm on a two year plan which expires early fall this year. Basically saved to buy my car in cash (been a b@#ch scooting around in a Civic the past 15 months)
Got lucky that it's a total redesign as my initial intent was to get a slightly used GT3. I'm really liking the 991 though.


Thanks again for the input everyone!

 

If it were me, I'd take out the audio, prem seats, & 2-tone. That saves about $15k making the S cheaper than the base. Also, not sure why you need the SC w/o PDK (another ~$2k). I just got the Jan EVO, and there is a nice Chris Harris write-up on the 991S and the GT3, where the 991 gets most of the vote. My only hesitation is that I have not heard a whisper about the base, making me concerned that it will be either terrible or a better "buy" than the S. Last input-larger (20") wheels add rotational mass. I got rid of my 19" lobsters and went with 18" C3s. It made a big difference to me. Having said all this, this is probably one of the most subjective and emotional, perhaps more than marriage, decisions you will make and we will only add more anxiety to the process.

 

I'm a sucker for a good sound system in any car. I realize the engine may override it at times, but to me it's something that I think I'll enjoy. The premium seats and two/tone to me just add a little personal touch. On the website when I build it, it looks really nice.
As far as the SC, I'm not sure. It seems in past models, it's been something others seek in resale. For me, the 2K might make the difference 3 years down the road when I'm ready to upgrade.
Regarding the wheels, I like the styling of the Carrera S wheel, much better than the others. Guess I'll have to suck up the fact they're so much bigger.

I appreciate the input though. Helps me take a look back to see if I'm wasting money on certain items that I probably won't use all the time while driving it.
I had thought about the folding mirrors, and crest in the headrests, but those seem pointless to me as others have stated in other threads. So I take all input that'll help

 

I lean towards not adding anything that doesn't improve performance. I just saw that you did not include PSE. I've heard a lot of good things about the new PSE. Cheers.

 

Think you just saved me 5 grand my friend. I went back and took a look and made some changes. Thanks!!

Now I gotta go see what PSE is.

 

I assume you mean the exhaust. Would there not eventually be a better aftermarket exhaust that would sound just as nice, if not better in the future? No reason to buy it twice.

 

A lot of opinions around this; here's mine. I think Porsche's sport exhaust typically has the best balance between sound and liveability. You know it will be perfectly integrated into the car, is warrantied, and will cause no issues with emmisions certification, resale, or anything else. I've been down the road with aftermarket exhausts several times and have decided factory is the way to go for me. YMMV.

 

I wouldn't load up a base car. Thats a ton of money for a car without the S on the rear.
If resale is ever to be in your mind, your loaded up base car will appeal to a much more narrow group of buyers than a S will.
If I were to buy the base car, I would add just a few performance options and leave it as the great car it is.
But if this is the one and only 911 you will buy and it will stay in the family forever...then do whatever you like and enjoy !