bernpep

Hello, I really want to own a new 911s. My local dealer had only a base 911 which I test drove and was undewhelmed with the bumpy ride quality. I went to an out of state dealer & test drove a 911S & came away feeling better about the ride comfort. My question is : does anyone here feel that the ride quality improves that much more with the 911S adaptive suspension? The power of both cars was fantastic. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

cvazquez

I'm the proud owner of a 2006 base 911. My attraction for the base model was ride quality as expressed in excellence magazine comparing the base to the S model. They found that the adaptive was intrusive… However, perhaps on the 2009 and later models this has changed. AND, yes the base provides a harsh ride compared to the S model. The extra expense of repairs on adaptive suspension turned me off to the S model.

Best of luck with your search!

AM993

Did the base 911 you tried have standard 18" or optional 19" rims? Mine has the standard 18" / no PASM and I find the ride very compliant. 19" without PASM would definitely not be as comfortable.

cvazquez

For the record I have the 19" without the PASM...

bernpep

The model i drove had no pasm. I can't believe the difference could be so different in ride quality. I don't even intend to use it as a daily driver but coming from a 2003 M3 the base model ride seemed very harsh.
It would keep me from buying it honestly. Funny because I used to mod BMW 2002's with bilstein sport shocks back in the day. I must be getting old or soft. Can a 2011 911S carrera be a decently comfortable weekend cruiser?

Zeus993

It depends on what speed you are driving it at. The faster you go, the softer it feels. I have the C2S and love it and have gotten use to it's ride by driving it relatively fast around the city. A highway cruiser? Me thinketh not...

ADias

The S has PASM. The Carrera suspension is between PASM Normal and PASM Sport. Note though that PASM is adaptive and given your reaction, I suspect that you would still consider PASM Normal harsh on bumpy roads, and forget about PASM Sport.

If you allow me... if you find the mechanical suspension of the Carrera harsh, I am afraid this is not the car for you.

hpowders

I have the 19" wheels, base Carrera and yes, the ride can be jolting. It's a sports car.

zanwar

I drive an 07 4S with PASM. I had a base Carrera cab for a couple of days earlier this year, and I thought the ride quality was much firmer than my car. After experiencing the difference, I wouldn't buy another 911 without the adaptive suspension.

LastMezger

I have a base Carrera WITH PASM and 19-inch wheels and I find the ride very comfortable. If anything...it's a bit too soft. Sport setting helps a bit.

Dartmouth

I own a Carrera 4 and will tell you that the ride when I first got the car was almost untolerable. Welcome to the ride of a sports car. I've adjusted tire pressure and driven my car as much and as often as possible as a second car. Now I have a different opinion and I am very satisfied with the ride and it's slightly bumpy nature but that is the ride of a Porsche, a sports car. But all roads aren't riddled with potholes and imperfections. Smooth roads are as great a driving pleasure as imaginable in my cab. Driving my Porsche is what I wake up thinking about every day and it's surely a feeling I will always treasure.

bernpep

Thank you everyone for your input. I have only owned BMW's for the last 30 years and want to upgrade to a porsche 911S. I have a daily driver so the 911S would be a part time car. Ilove the look, quality,speed and most importantly to me the streering feel of the porsche. However,even though I enjoy a firm suspension i feel the 911S may be too stiff. I won't know till I part with the 100 or so thousand & live with it for a while. The only other car I am interested in is the new v8 M3. I just want to be sure befre I take the plunge.

MG's Fast Fish

I bought a new 09 911 C2. No PASM, 18" wheels. The ride is much, much more comfortable than a 2011 BMW 328 xdrive with runflats (i didn't keep the car that long). The 18's do give you some cushion.

My road suck, and I'd say the suspension in my car would be decent enough for daily driver. If you have other problems like lower back, the seats can be killer. The suspension though, is fine IMO.

In 09, I did test drive a C2S with PASM (launch PDK model) and it did seem to ride really well for 19" wheels. More comfortable than the 328.

Mike in CA

I would agree.

mdrums

If you did not drive both cars on the same road then really can't compare them. Also make sure the deal airs down the tires to stock 2 people air pressure. Lots of dealers have way too much air in the tires because cars sit and can flat spot the tires