I only have the limited experience of test drives on public roads, but I have to say that so far, I prefer the base engine. To me it sounds better and I like the way you have to work it just a bit to make it fly. On the street, I think that is actually more fun (I have full race cars for the track) given the limited speeds that make sense there. I'm not suggesting this is a universal taste, but just wanted to add another POV and see if anyone else has this experience.

 

Great looking car Spourreza! What's your feeling on how the S (or even the base w/pasm) looks with the lower profile? Also good to read your comments about the silver car you saw at the dealer. My SC was silver w/the black Fuchs and I really want to have black rims again.

 

With my living in Germany background and coming from a manual 997 chrono, I totally agree,albeit in a 991S with PDK now. Your words were spot on, technovc.

 

Don't get my post wrong. I think the Carrera without all the performance goodies is a fantastic car. I test drove it one on the street and pushed one (once) at the track. I think it is dynamically a major advance on the 997. The engine is super sweet in the upper range. It offers far more performance than most owners will ever experience, and the "911 feel" is right there. I think it is very cool that one can build a 991 to taste and not really go wrong.

 

Love the lower profile. But that said, my wife had trouble telling the difference as I did at the dealer (both cars parked next to eachother) and I would think non porschefiles would also. But there is a bit of difference visually. Again, NJ roads are bad. Lots of small pebbles/rocks everwhere. My stone guards have several small rock chips and it bugs me. If my car was lower with spacers, goodnight! In my view, my car doesnt need to be any lower than it is. But to some, they like even a lower look. Thats whats great about Porsche. You can do whatever you want with options. Endless...

 

Great advice (I def do this when buying new - drive and drive again) and info re discount - thx.

 

In your opinion, is not having PASM to get slightly better ground clearance on the 3.4 C2 a slightly better option than getting PASM for comfort on these now typical American roads?

 

If planning on keeping it many, many years I'd be more inclined to 'de-spec' it: the more electronic gewgaws the more potential issues later. Even the NAVi can become a money pit (I know from harsh experience).
I think after driving the base and S then get the comfort options you really need; and maybe PASM.

If I were planning on rolling into a new car in 3 or so years be a different issue & be more inclined to add content.

 

Interesting takes from everyone. I'm about 90% sure at this point of going with the Base (but there is that nagging voice that is saying it's better to find out you bought more than you needed that to realize you bought less than you wanted) and the only thing I'm unsure of is to get PASM or not. I saw a post today on another thread that recommended the 20 inch wheels on the Base and leave off the PASM. Any thoughts?

 

Obviously I still need to drive both to make a better decision. Can anyone out here on the west coast recommend a dealer they are VERY happy with? Looking for a great discount if possible. Again, local dealer has offered $4500 off MSRP right off the bat.

 

Could you discern any difference in comfort while driving in normal mode, in terms of less engine vibrations , etc filtering into the cabin with Dynamic engine mounts (Sport Chrono)?

 

Not really. Maybe if they were installed on my 997.2 I could tell the difference. But not on the 991.

 

Duxsi I have heard rumors of a 15K kick back on 2012 Ss on the lot, IF you find one you like on the lot
that would be enough for you to get a S and have money is your pocket!!!!!(compared) to the S.
We are heading into winter so be prepared to go east young man and have the car shipped.
That way you get the S you want with NO regrets to last you for years.

 

Dynamic mounts aren't there to provide greater isolation from engine vibration than the base mounts. They are there to provide real-time adjustable isolation that ranges from base level compliance all the way up to Cup Car bolted to the chassis stiffness. Because they adjust based on need the most likely thing you will notice between the two cars is when you stomp on the throttle base model accelerates snap-fast, while the dynamic mount car the snap is so visceral it feels like being rear-ended. There's more to it of course but the cornering/handling/ride benefits are harder to differentiate from the snap-throttle response which is flat-out amazing.

 

I agree, and similarly PASM doesn't provide a softer ride, instead it can automatically firm up the shocks to stabilize the chassis when driving aggressively and allows a "sport" mode providing this firmer ride nearly all the time (basically useful only on very smooth roads or on track).