Jack's dad

Hi Folks,

Sold my 993 a few months back and Porchelessness is proving to be more painful than I had expected. After considering 911 or Cayman have pretty much settled on the 911. I am debating whether to go with the base car or S. No plans to track to the car or race anyone; just looking for a great drive. I can swing the difference but not sure there's any reason to. Any base car owners who wish they'd gone for the S, or vice versa?

I'd really appreciate insights from those who have wrestled with this question already. In return, I promise to post pictures when I get the car. Most likely it will be speed yellow - again.

Thanks,

Steve

crispenigl

Try test driving the Cayman S, 997 and 997s.

See which you like the most.

Crazy Canuck

I'm extremely happy with my 911 S. The power is nice but so are the brakes.

fer2367

I was there when I was looking for my car. I think that if you wished your 993 had more power after the initial period of getting to know the car...then you should get the S. Don't get me wrong, the base has to be great, just like my old 996 was. I remembered my first trip after taking delivery of the car I was amazed. But after a year I began thinking of a turbo and eventually sold it to get the 997S.

Coochas

I think you'll be happy with either car Jack's Dad.,...as long as it's Speed Yellow - GOOD MAN.

PogueMoHone

997S

Why?

It will be much more appealing on the resale market.

The difference in performance is well worth the extra $$ up front, as well. This opinion is based upon driving both cars at Barber Motorsports track

docjackson1

steve-i have owned 8 porsches-i am currently at the end of a lease on an 03 twin turbo. my advice would be to buy the 997s, if you can afford it. any porsche is purchased because you are looking for a hi qualty, hi performance sports car. the more power, the better. if you just wanted transportation, you would buy a ford escort. i have driven both the 997 and 997s (along with the c4s) and i can tell you that you can feel the performance difference of the 997s. they both handle well, the s just has a bit more pop. for the 10k difference, i think that you also get some other items that are standard (halogens, 19" wheels?) if you search the porsche web site and check the dealer's inventories around your region, you will find some dealers who have had carreras in stock for a while, where you can get a good deal. you should be able to get 4-5k off, if you buy carefully.

Bullet

Go to the Porsche Driving Experience in Alabama where they use non-S 997's. That'll give you an idea of just how incredible the base 997 is. Most people want more and more power, but the truth is that most of them don't use the car to anywhere near it's potential.

While it's true that the S package is reasonable value for the money (given the better brakes, bixenon lights, 19 inch wheels and rubber, etc), it may well be that you find the standard Carrera to be an enjoyable handful and still save yourself 10 G. I am convinced that most (if not all) of the appreciable performance difference between S and non-S is due entirely to the exhaust note of the S, which is much nicer.

I think the advice to try a Cayman S out is very good too!

It's not an easy decision (unless the money is no object).

-B

docjackson1

bullet-i understand your reasoning, but i still maintain that you don't buy a porsche for practicality. if that was the case, you should advise him to buy a vette to have all the performance he can handle, and save 20k or more. a cayman s isn't a bad idea, but if he can afford the 997s, go for it.

Edgy01

If you subtract all the included features in the S model you will find that it may be ultimately the best deal. I would like to see what their production numbers are like,--997 vice 997S. I'm guessing most people are opting for the S.

dan

boolala

Here's a contrary opinion: the performance between the two is very small at legal speeds. There is only a 0.2 sec difference in 0 - 60 times. I doubt you could tell this small difference by the seat of your pants. Residuals for the base models is slightly better both percentage wise as well as on an absolute dollar basis.

Some people stretch their resources just buying the base model but if 10 K is small change for you then go for the S. Either way I think you'll be happy.

By the way we looked at the sales numbers: they're almost identical for the base and S.

Mikla

I have a Carrera (non S) which I bought with 15.000 kms and I'm extremly happy with it. Its performance is more than enough and it runs on PASM and 19" wheels.

If I were to buy it new, I'd go for the S due to its better standard equipment. But if you plan for a low-mileage car, then a basic Carrera will be more than tempting...

crg1717

Boolala,
what is the best site to see sales/production figures? thanks. crg

bravocharlie

I'm not sure this is the best site, but here are the stats.

Porsche Sales - December 2005

WJS

4k-5k discount is reasonable with dealer inventory. I just got 3k discount placing an order for a March build. C4S, loaded - 107 MSRP.