Leather vs. Stock dash. What's your impression?
05-03-2005, 05:03 PM
#1
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Leather vs. Stock dash. What's your impression?
I ordered the non-leather dash on my 997S insted of leather because the added stitching lines of the leather rattled my obsessive minimalist tendencies.
It's been a while since I've seen either and am now wondering if I should change my order (getting close to no more changes).
What do you guys think of Porsche's "vinyl" dash? All my BMWs have had "vinyl" and it never bothered me.
Some guys say once you see the Porsche leather, the vinyl looks bad.
Oh, BTW, my interior will be black (Antracite?).
It's been a while since I've seen either and am now wondering if I should change my order (getting close to no more changes).
What do you guys think of Porsche's "vinyl" dash? All my BMWs have had "vinyl" and it never bothered me.
Some guys say once you see the Porsche leather, the vinyl looks bad.
Oh, BTW, my interior will be black (Antracite?).
05-03-2005, 05:20 PM
#2
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You mean you've never seen a full leather interior at your dealership??? .... Well, the first thing you'll notice once you first sit inside is the rich, unmistakably luxurious scent of fine leather. Then you'll notice the finely crafted stitching throughout that bespeaks quality of construction. Next comes the feel of this fine material as you find it irresistible to keep from running your hands and fingers across the sumptuous upholstery that fine leather makes.
So yeah, go with full leather. You'll love it!
So yeah, go with full leather. You'll love it!
05-03-2005, 07:06 PM
#3
If you like leather and can fork up the $$, go for it. Leather is definitely more handsome and luxurious. If you don't plan on keeping it long (lease), you save money sticking w vinyl.
Only down side to leather is longevity in the long run against sun.
I don't mind the vinyl since the extra money is too much for me. I do prefer leather is money is of no object.
Only down side to leather is longevity in the long run against sun.
I don't mind the vinyl since the extra money is too much for me. I do prefer leather is money is of no object.
05-03-2005, 07:13 PM
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MMD, I'm with you. I'll take leather surfaces on items I actually spend time touching, and don't subject to harsh sunlight and superheated temperatures. Like home furnishings. The leather dash may look nice in the showroom, but the standard dash will look much better over time, especially if you actually use your car and/or live in a warm climate.
The standard dash looks great in a simple, purposeful, but high quality way. A far cry from 986/996 hard plastic, and not unlike current Audis.
The standard dash looks great in a simple, purposeful, but high quality way. A far cry from 986/996 hard plastic, and not unlike current Audis.
05-03-2005, 07:52 PM
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the 996 is not hard plastic, but like 'elephant' skin...i had full-leather w/ french seam stiching--its was a huge improvement over vinyl. the 997's vinyl is a huge improvement over the 996s, but i'd still have full-leather. you're buying (or leasing) a $90k+ car...the incremental difference in cost is negligible.
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05-03-2005, 09:13 PM
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If you use a car cover whenever you park it in the sun (e.g. while at work) as I intend to do, and are fastidious when it comes to regular upkeep (as I am) or at least have some pride of ownership that motivates you to maintain your car's good looks, inside and out, then preserving it and making it last should not be a problem at all. But if that sounds like it's not worth it to you, then go with the vinyl. As other's have pointed out, it's one of the best vinyl dashes around. Bottom line: it's simply a matter of personal taste and choice. Now if really want leather but are concerned about the $$$, go ahead and get it, you'll be glad you did, long after you have forgotten about the cost.
05-03-2005, 10:22 PM
#13
Originally Posted by fahren affair
full-leather also buys you alcantara headliner--it always got noticed.
05-03-2005, 10:22 PM
#14
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Although I don't have my car yet I hear the full leather looks sharp. From what I've seen in photos the full leather appears very nice. It all depends if you think the extra investment is worth it. Either way it's still a Porsche.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
05-03-2005, 10:42 PM
#15
The standard dash does come with the alcantara headliner. I have the standard dash in black and it looks just fine. But I was cheap when I bought my 997. Total out the door price excluding sales tax was around $69k. Frankly, where I live no one knows the difference, they just say "Nice Porsch (without the e)". Either way, you'll love the car. 