When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Wow, that is a great build, almost exactly how I would spec a base Carrera in every detail. If that were local, I'd be inclined to trade in my Cayman S on that and go forward with two 991s, one manual and one PDK.
Hey all- need some help. I've been wanting a 911 for a long time. The base car is in my budget, and I am seeing some terrific cars available. I love the handling and intend to buy a car with a manual transmission and sport chrono. So here's my issue- do you sometimes feel the car needs some more grunt, like the S would provide. I test drove the base car a few times, and felt the car had enough power, but as time goes on, would I wish for more of a beast. My current car is a Mercedes E550 cabriolet with the biturbo V8, and speed is just so easy, but the handling stinks.
Thoughts, opinions, rants would be appreciated.
The choice is a personal decision guided by intended use, personality and budget. As you can see from my signature, this is my second base. For me, certain options were worth more to me than the extra 50 hp which frankly makes no difference either on the track or the street. I routinely run even with or faster than S cars on various tracks. As you can see, I chose to put my money into things like Sport PASM PTV+, PDK, tuned exhaust & Aero Cup kit to improve stability further at higher speeds (125+). If you feel you will be a lesser P-car owner, then go with a higher powered car. Alternatively, if you prefer to concentrate on driving skills, the extra HP will do you no good until learn to master how to really drive into and out of corners. By the time you have acquired these skills, you will be on to a different car. Just my 2c!
PJ
I got a base '13 with MT and am completely satisfied. I like the high reving character and purity without all the electronic aids. Could you go faster with more power and higher tech suspension? Sure. If money were no object I'd get a GTS and check every box. But the base car is completely wonderful and well balanced, including financially. It probably borders on too much power to be useable for the street, but maybe I'm just trying to wear out the P0's so I can justify a new set of Michelins. I guess a C4 would fix that too, but its not the driving experience I'm looking for.
Apart from my engine stumble issue, I'm completely satisfied with my 3.4. I have an older 911 (1986) that I was trying to match with my 991, so I got some simple options like the color (Agate Grey to match Metoer Grey), 7MT, and a sunroof. It's a pretty minimal 991, but I didn't want any fancy options. The power is enough for me, and I don't track it (that's my 1986 911's job now). I also had a total budget for the entire car, and that included a trip to Germany to pick it up, so that ate into any available option dollars for me.
I've had my 2015 base 911 (7MT) for almost 8 months. I enjoy it immensely. It is super fun to drive. I never even considered a bigger engine when deciding what to order.
Having said that, I do occasionally have second thoughts about whether I should have gone with the S model. Those thoughts occur, not surprisingly, when I come to this forum, which is daily, and read everyone's posts about the S and the GTS. Then, and only then, do I have those second thoughts.
Final answer though, when I get behind the wheel and go for a drive, I'm totally satisfied with my base 911. No regrets.
I've had my 2015 base 911 (7MT) for almost 8 months. I enjoy it immensely. It is super fun to drive. I never even considered a bigger engine when deciding what to order.
Having said that, I do occasionally have second thoughts about whether I should have gone with the S model. Those thoughts occur, not surprisingly, when I come to this forum, which is daily, and read everyone's posts about the S and the GTS. Then, and only then, do I have those second thoughts.
Final answer though, when I get behind the wheel and go for a drive, I'm totally satisfied with my base 911. No regrets.
The 'S' envy is something most experience. But once in the car it's forgotten.
very happy with my base 911 (2015 model). My first 911 and got it new 2mo ago as end of year deal. Since already in showroom, I got was already built and am very happy with acceleration and also the auto PDK transmission. MSRP was $94K so no added options other than PDK, 20in wheels and sunroof plus some odds and ends that have no impact on car handling. Use the "sport" mode in town and am happy
I did a test drive of a base C4 and at highway speeds I found the acceleration lacking. I got the revs to 5K and floored it and mentioned to the salesman that it felt kind of weak. He told me the S was way better. Anyway I am going for the 991.2 2S.
Thanks all- I really appreciate the advice and hearing about your experience with the 911. I am going to keep shopping. I've got one kid finishing school in the spring, and I can up my budget pretty soon. I'd like to even order a 991.2 base, which sounds like it runs with the current S.
The real issue is with Mrs. PJ- I bought the Mercedes last year and she's pretty annoyed that I'm ready to trade it so soon. So, if I want to get out of the 911 for any reason, I'm either dead or single.
I did a test drive of a base C4 and at highway speeds I found the acceleration lacking. I got the revs to 5K and floored it and mentioned to the salesman that it felt kind of weak. He told me the S was way better. Anyway I am going for the 991.2 2S.
I drove a C4 as well and felt the same issue. The extra weight of the drive line must reduce the responsiveness. A recent test drive in a C2 felt much better.
I have a 2014 C2 with PDK and 20" wheels and nothing else. It's as base as base can be.
I echo what everyone else has been saying. It's plenty fast on the street. I've never thought, "Wow, this car is slow, I wish it had more power." I mean it can break every speed limit in Canada in 2nd gear. You can't redline 3rd without being heavily in illegal territory. It's more than quick enough.
I do keep the SPORT button permanently on though. Appreciate the quicker throttle response and I like to do my own shifting so it's always on the manual side of the PDK gate.
This thread desperately needs more pictures of the base 991 though, so here's my car.
12-04-2015, 01:25 PM
