I really think I only need a base 997 (non S). I will never track the car, and the 3.6 has plenty of HP for me.

However, getting a non-S allocation is proving to be very difficult. In my inpatience, I'm wondering if I should just get the S version of the car I'm looking for and otherwise have optioned.

I have researched the other threads, and I know some of this has been covered. But if anyone can offer me adivce on the following, it would be appreciated:

S (3.8 engine) - will I really notice the upgrade, just driving around town?
PASM - is this ever used on normal roads (vs. the track). I plan on keeping the car for a long time, including out of warranty. Is this feature a complication I won't ever use, and will just be a PITA for me. Or, will it be good for something?
19" Wheels - besides looks, how does this affect performance. Is it unnecessarily a rougher drive on normal roads? Do the replacement tires on 19's cost a lot more?
Xenon - I'm getting these anyway, so not an issue.

I'm completely new to this whole Porsche world. I've test driven S vs non-S, with and without PASM on, etc. But there were so many other variables I was checking out (handling, etc.) that I could not really objective evaluate all this stuff.

Sorry for repeating basic questions. I'm not too worried about the extra cost (or resale value), but would rather not spend money on the S if I don't really need it. But I want to get a car, and right now an S is a lot easier to find.

Thanks for your help!

 

I had a financial constraint and found myself in a situation where I had to make choices. One choice was S or non-S from a pure performance perspective. There were 30 more HP, bigger brakes, adaptable suspension, 19 inch wheels.

The other choices I had to make were regarding the interior. This is a place I’ll spend just about all of my time with the car. Did I want to spend the extra 10K on performance at the expense of the interior or not?

I chose to mix it up which means compromise. I selected a non-S, added the 19’s, Xenon’s and spent the rest upgrading the interior. I am very pleased with the results. Do I wish I had extra power? You bet. Who wouldn’t? But I bet the S guys would say the same of the Turbo (wait, that’s the car I REALLY want!) etc…

You can’t loose with any choice. The cars are really awesome. And I bet we’d all agree to that!

Good luck and keep us posted

Matt

 

If you're new to a rear engine rear drive vehicle the PASM will help you out considerably. The Bi-Zenons are a must in my opinion.

Certainly 19s will cost more to replace than 18s. Performance wise, you may be very happy with 18s. I went with a cabriolet this time and I think I'm glad I did because the ride is not as harsh as the coupe's. I don't think I would want to deal with that amount of harshness in my ride.

 

9k more for the S for the value I think it's a very good deal.

If all offered, add up the costs individually and I think you would easily pass 9k:

* Xenon headlights (great for driving in the mountains at night with no moonlight)
* Bigger breaks
* Aluminum trim gauge cluster
* 19" wheels (which I could take or leave)
* PASM which I use on and off the track
* 3.8 liter, +30 hp and low-end torque

For me the only thing questionable option were the 19" wheels. A lot of us could have done without them, since they have little to no sidewall protection. I use my car almost everyday and it is surprisingly comfortable on the street and highways.

 

Another thought - although you mention you plan to keep for a long time. Depending on how long, you may get all your money back on the S anyway. If you look at wholesale prices on used 997S vs 997, right now the spread is at least $9K. I'd go with the S for sure. I really think you'll get your money back on the backside.

 

if you drove em back to back and did not notice the power difference perhaps you can be comfortable with the non-s version. I would suggest the PASM either way. I like the optional Carrera sport or sport design wheels but that is just personal preference. The 5 spoke 18s look very good, too. 19 inch tires will be more costly and less to choose from than 18s.

The S has bigger brakes and those can not be opted for on a non-s car. Can not go wrong either way. Good luck

 

Both cars have much more than enough power for "just driving around town".

I would not want a computer-controlled suspension out of warranty. PASM softens the ride a bit, and firms it up during aggressive driving. Some find this ideal; personally I hate second-guessing a computer.

19s are for vanity. I put them on my non-S because they look better, but they don't perform any better, and are much more expensive to replace.

 

You will be completely happy with the 3.6.

Attend PDE, what is the primary car that you drive..the 3.6 w/18"
It is no slouch!

 

The S also has a self adjusting clutch...GR

 

dOh forgot about that!

The S also has those little sprayer thingamajigs in front of the xenon lights.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I did notice the diff in potential power of 3.8 over 3.6, but it's hard to tell if that will really mean anything while driving over time. That is, when I pushed the 3.6 it was plenty fast enough for me. And then why not the X51, the the TT, the GT3, etc...

Okay, so what is a "self-adjusting clutch"??

 

Honestly, the base 997 is plenty of car. The ONLY reasons I went with the S was for the engine and brakes - for track duty. If I had my way, my S would have come standard with halogen lights (can't stand the xenons - cut off is terrible), 18" wheels (looking to get rid of these harsh riding 19s - terrible roads here in CT), and no PASM (the stock 997 suspension is sweet and can easily be modified if wanted).

I may not be the norm - I'm an efficiency fan and don't like things for Bling or other marketing reasons (xenons, 19s, PASM).

For street driving, the 997 is a fantastic car and if you can find one and save $10k, be comforted that you are getting an incredibly potent street car. On the other hand, if you can't find one, then it really isn't an option... Next best, get what I did - a stripped 997S.

 

These cars are ALL more powerful than one can use on the street and certainly fast enough to easily land one in jail.
That said..more torque is noticeable in everyday driving and the 3.8L has more torque.

The S caught me eye and was sitting there. All it took was a wheel swap, a clear bra install and a
gut wrenching check write. Only hurt for a second. The pleasure is now all mine.

 

There is NO DOUBT....I bought the C4S and am so happy that I did..IMHO, no brainer from the performance to the "hips"...the car is an absoulte winner...unless you want a 930 Targa Slantnose.....................

 

Like Matt, I too wanted to spend the $ more for comfort than for PASM systems. I have the base model and love it! Plenty of power for me. Weekend driving mostly and spent a lot of time prior to purchase deciding on S or non-S. Wanted a coupe and dealer only had one in stock, but it had options we wanted, so got one on the lot. We spent $ on full leather, power/heated seats and Bi-xenons, etc. and have no regrets. Hope this helps