997.1 Non S regret ?
02-13-2015 | 04:30 PM
#62
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 13
From: Pacific Northwest
I purchased a 997.2 because I did not want nor needed all of the standard stuff that came with the 997.2 S. No regrets.
02-13-2015 | 06:49 PM
#63
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 21
Drove 997 S today and like it . They didn't have non S . I'm Going to drive non S next. I'm pretty much set on getting 997.
When I started this journey I was torn between m3 and 997 . All my friends and son said m3 . Me wanting to be different and being Porsche lover , considered the 997. The more I read this thread the more I was leaning towards 997 non S.
When I started this journey I was torn between m3 and 997 . All my friends and son said m3 . Me wanting to be different and being Porsche lover , considered the 997. The more I read this thread the more I was leaning towards 997 non S.
02-13-2015 | 08:56 PM
#64
Cruisin'
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
When I purchased my 911 a little over a year ago I also went for the 'base' 997 and have often wondered whether or not I made the right decision. I live in Germany and over here, the ratio between 3.6L and 3.8L cars is about 1:1, which does not apply to the US or other regions as far as I'm aware. This means that the 'base' is a lot more common over here and that there are more (and more varied) cars on the market. After hunting for over 6 months, I finally found the car I wanted with regard to color, equipment, mechnical condition and mileage - though it was sadly 'just' the 'base'. After driving the 'S', I decided to go for the base due to the fact that the, to me quite negligible, power difference was not worth additional hunting and waiting (contrary to popular belief, there are not that many 911s in Germany). Considering the price I paid, I would also have been able to get an 'S', though either with more miles or less extras.
As a sports car, the 'base' is an entirely adequate proposition - do not let people tell you otherwise.
Nevertheless, not 'having the S' can be a psychological barrier (I know that it was, and to some extent still is, for me). If you're a person that lets people on forums (who may or may not have a clue) nag at you, then, by all means, go for an 'S' - as you may regret the purchase if you do not. If you're only worried about how other people will see your car (which is rather childish) then there is, however, no need to worry as the great majority of people will not be able to tell a Carerra from a Carrera S. Most will not even be capable of differentiating between a Carrera and a Turbo, many cannot even distinguish between a Boxster/Cayman and a 911 - you have to realize that most people are not car enthusiasts or angry old men on Porsche forums. I've never heard a bad comment about my 'base' model and don't know any owner that has.
From an objective standpoint, however, the 'S' is probably only worth the surcharge (if there is a substantial surcharge in your market) for the bigger brakes and other standard features that come with it and not the 10% increase in HP. In a comparison test against the Corvette C6 from about the time these cars were launched, C&D measured the 'base' 997 at 4.3s 0-60, 10.5s 0-100 with the quarter mile at 12.8s. This compares to 4.1/10.2/12.6 values for the Carrera S. A negligible difference, if we're being honest, and not one anyone will honestly notice during normal, and even spirited, driving. Faster track times on the 'S' will primarily be due to the tires, bigger brakes and PASM, which you can also get on the Base. Though these times may not seem like much, it should not be underestimated that these engines exhibit fundamentally different characteristics and, as such, the 'S' may be perceived as quicker than it actually is - the perception of acceleration is something that is entirely subjective.
It also cannot be overstated that the 'base' with the MT transmission is by no means the slowest of the 997 model lot. A cab, Targa, or AWD with the 3.6 is always slower (and in case of the Targa, the 3.8 is slower as well). A tiptronic (which I know many people here also like - and that is FINE) is a substantial performance hit to the extent that the Carrera S will be a good bit slower than a 'base' MT. In fact, according to numbers alone, it takes a WLS (Werksleistungssteigerung), also known as the X51 Power Kit, to bring a Tiptronic 'S' to 'base' levels - though it will undoubtedly feel quite powerful from a subjective perspective. I'm just mentioning this, since I've seen this discussion unfold on many forums - particularly whenever somebody with the intention to purchase a 997 asks this no doubt very important question. In the end, I always have to chuckle when that person happily declares having purchased the superior 'S'...with a Tiptronic. Now I know many people love their autos, and (as I have said) that is cool (and undoubtedly much more enjoyable in traffic), but if we're talking about performance (and said performance is the reason the person in question opted for the 'S'), then going for the Tiptronic becomes a strange decision.
PDK changes all that, of course. A 997.2 'base' with PDK is faster than 997.1 'S' while the manual draws even. This is also something that's funny on many Porsche forums..whenever there's an 'S' or 'Non-S' discussion concerning facelift models, some people always hate on that 'base' model as well, which they also consider 'insufficient'. Now, I wonder, why isn't the 997.1 'S' also 'insufficient' - it puts down the same numbers, after all? Perception is all it is. Some also argue that the 3.6L engines are less prone to bore scoring and possibly other issues of this generation - though I'm not convinced this is the case...the fact that more 3.8s break is more likely due to the fact that more 3.8s were built.
02-14-2015 | 11:47 PM
#65
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 376
Likes: 48
From: Foothill Ranch
DonJuan, I was in the same boat, considering pretty much everything from Classic hot rods to M3 to AMG to 996, then 997, then back to 996 then 993 then finally a 997. Couldnt be happier. The 997 is just an incredible car.
Drove 997 S today and like it . They didn't have non S . I'm Going to drive non S next. I'm pretty much set on getting 997.
When I started this journey I was torn between m3 and 997 . All my friends and son said m3 . Me wanting to be different and being Porsche lover , considered the 997. The more I read this thread the more I was leaning towards 997 non S.
When I started this journey I was torn between m3 and 997 . All my friends and son said m3 . Me wanting to be different and being Porsche lover , considered the 997. The more I read this thread the more I was leaning towards 997 non S.
02-15-2015 | 01:39 AM
#66
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 133
Likes: 2
From: boston
Chrono? That wasn't standard on an S either and the Alcantara Headliner is standard on all 997s.
When I purchased my 911 a little over a year ago I also went for the 'base' 997 and have often wondered whether or not I made the right decision. I live in Germany and over here, the ratio between 3.6L and 3.8L cars is about 1:1, which does not apply to the US or other regions as far as I'm aware. This means that the 'base' is a lot more common over here and that there are more (and more varied) cars on the market. After hunting for over 6 months, I finally found the car I wanted with regard to color, equipment, mechnical condition and mileage - though it was sadly 'just' the 'base'. After driving the 'S', I decided to go for the base due to the fact that the, to me quite negligible, power difference was not worth additional hunting and waiting (contrary to popular belief, there are not that many 911s in Germany). Considering the price I paid, I would also have been able to get an 'S', though either with more miles or less extras.
As a sports car, the 'base' is an entirely adequate proposition - do not let people tell you otherwise.
Nevertheless, not 'having the S' can be a psychological barrier (I know that it was, and to some extent still is, for me). If you're a person that lets people on forums (who may or may not have a clue) nag at you, then, by all means, go for an 'S' - as you may regret the purchase if you do not. If you're only worried about how other people will see your car (which is rather childish) then there is, however, no need to worry as the great majority of people will not be able to tell a Carerra from a Carrera S. Most will not even be capable of differentiating between a Carrera and a Turbo, many cannot even distinguish between a Boxster/Cayman and a 911 - you have to realize that most people are not car enthusiasts or angry old men on Porsche forums. I've never heard a bad comment about my 'base' model and don't know any owner that has.
From an objective standpoint, however, the 'S' is probably only worth the surcharge (if there is a substantial surcharge in your market) for the bigger brakes and other standard features that come with it and not the 10% increase in HP. In a comparison test against the Corvette C6 from about the time these cars were launched, C&D measured the 'base' 997 at 4.3s 0-60, 10.5s 0-100 with the quarter mile at 12.8s. This compares to 4.1/10.2/12.6 values for the Carrera S. A negligible difference, if we're being honest, and not one anyone will honestly notice during normal, and even spirited, driving. Faster track times on the 'S' will primarily be due to the tires, bigger brakes and PASM, which you can also get on the Base. Though these times may not seem like much, it should not be underestimated that these engines exhibit fundamentally different characteristics and, as such, the 'S' may be perceived as quicker than it actually is - the perception of acceleration is something that is entirely subjective.
It also cannot be overstated that the 'base' with the MT transmission is by no means the slowest of the 997 model lot. A cab, Targa, or AWD with the 3.6 is always slower (and in case of the Targa, the 3.8 is slower as well). A tiptronic (which I know many people here also like - and that is FINE) is a substantial performance hit to the extent that the Carrera S will be a good bit slower than a 'base' MT. In fact, according to numbers alone, it takes a WLS (Werksleistungssteigerung), also known as the X51 Power Kit, to bring a Tiptronic 'S' to 'base' levels - though it will undoubtedly feel quite powerful from a subjective perspective. I'm just mentioning this, since I've seen this discussion unfold on many forums - particularly whenever somebody with the intention to purchase a 997 asks this no doubt very important question. In the end, I always have to chuckle when that person happily declares having purchased the superior 'S'...with a Tiptronic. Now I know many people love their autos, and (as I have said) that is cool (and undoubtedly much more enjoyable in traffic), but if we're talking about performance (and said performance is the reason the person in question opted for the 'S'), then going for the Tiptronic becomes a strange decision.
PDK changes all that, of course. A 997.2 'base' with PDK is faster than 997.1 'S' while the manual draws even. This is also something that's funny on many Porsche forums..whenever there's an 'S' or 'Non-S' discussion concerning facelift models, some people always hate on that 'base' model as well, which they also consider 'insufficient'. Now, I wonder, why isn't the 997.1 'S' also 'insufficient' - it puts down the same numbers, after all? Perception is all it is. Some also argue that the 3.6L engines are less prone to bore scoring and possibly other issues of this generation - though I'm not convinced this is the case...the fact that more 3.8s break is more likely due to the fact that more 3.8s were built.
When I purchased my 911 a little over a year ago I also went for the 'base' 997 and have often wondered whether or not I made the right decision. I live in Germany and over here, the ratio between 3.6L and 3.8L cars is about 1:1, which does not apply to the US or other regions as far as I'm aware. This means that the 'base' is a lot more common over here and that there are more (and more varied) cars on the market. After hunting for over 6 months, I finally found the car I wanted with regard to color, equipment, mechnical condition and mileage - though it was sadly 'just' the 'base'. After driving the 'S', I decided to go for the base due to the fact that the, to me quite negligible, power difference was not worth additional hunting and waiting (contrary to popular belief, there are not that many 911s in Germany). Considering the price I paid, I would also have been able to get an 'S', though either with more miles or less extras.
As a sports car, the 'base' is an entirely adequate proposition - do not let people tell you otherwise.
Nevertheless, not 'having the S' can be a psychological barrier (I know that it was, and to some extent still is, for me). If you're a person that lets people on forums (who may or may not have a clue) nag at you, then, by all means, go for an 'S' - as you may regret the purchase if you do not. If you're only worried about how other people will see your car (which is rather childish) then there is, however, no need to worry as the great majority of people will not be able to tell a Carerra from a Carrera S. Most will not even be capable of differentiating between a Carrera and a Turbo, many cannot even distinguish between a Boxster/Cayman and a 911 - you have to realize that most people are not car enthusiasts or angry old men on Porsche forums. I've never heard a bad comment about my 'base' model and don't know any owner that has.
From an objective standpoint, however, the 'S' is probably only worth the surcharge (if there is a substantial surcharge in your market) for the bigger brakes and other standard features that come with it and not the 10% increase in HP. In a comparison test against the Corvette C6 from about the time these cars were launched, C&D measured the 'base' 997 at 4.3s 0-60, 10.5s 0-100 with the quarter mile at 12.8s. This compares to 4.1/10.2/12.6 values for the Carrera S. A negligible difference, if we're being honest, and not one anyone will honestly notice during normal, and even spirited, driving. Faster track times on the 'S' will primarily be due to the tires, bigger brakes and PASM, which you can also get on the Base. Though these times may not seem like much, it should not be underestimated that these engines exhibit fundamentally different characteristics and, as such, the 'S' may be perceived as quicker than it actually is - the perception of acceleration is something that is entirely subjective.
It also cannot be overstated that the 'base' with the MT transmission is by no means the slowest of the 997 model lot. A cab, Targa, or AWD with the 3.6 is always slower (and in case of the Targa, the 3.8 is slower as well). A tiptronic (which I know many people here also like - and that is FINE) is a substantial performance hit to the extent that the Carrera S will be a good bit slower than a 'base' MT. In fact, according to numbers alone, it takes a WLS (Werksleistungssteigerung), also known as the X51 Power Kit, to bring a Tiptronic 'S' to 'base' levels - though it will undoubtedly feel quite powerful from a subjective perspective. I'm just mentioning this, since I've seen this discussion unfold on many forums - particularly whenever somebody with the intention to purchase a 997 asks this no doubt very important question. In the end, I always have to chuckle when that person happily declares having purchased the superior 'S'...with a Tiptronic. Now I know many people love their autos, and (as I have said) that is cool (and undoubtedly much more enjoyable in traffic), but if we're talking about performance (and said performance is the reason the person in question opted for the 'S'), then going for the Tiptronic becomes a strange decision.
PDK changes all that, of course. A 997.2 'base' with PDK is faster than 997.1 'S' while the manual draws even. This is also something that's funny on many Porsche forums..whenever there's an 'S' or 'Non-S' discussion concerning facelift models, some people always hate on that 'base' model as well, which they also consider 'insufficient'. Now, I wonder, why isn't the 997.1 'S' also 'insufficient' - it puts down the same numbers, after all? Perception is all it is. Some also argue that the 3.6L engines are less prone to bore scoring and possibly other issues of this generation - though I'm not convinced this is the case...the fact that more 3.8s break is more likely due to the fact that more 3.8s were built.
Extremely well said and well written.
02-15-2015 | 09:27 AM
#67
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 18
997.1 base model
Have had my base 997.1 for a month. My decision was based on my budget - I am Very happy and had a nice drive yesterday with the sunroof open and windows down in our 70 degree weather we had. It has been lowered and has 19 inch wheels. That is how it came - I have not done any mods. I tracked it the first 2 weeks I had it - very intense and I have a lot to learn. There was a Mini Cooper lapping a lambo. The base model has plenty of power - it's all about the driver.
Last edited by tlisotta; 02-15-2015 at 09:46 AM.
02-15-2015 | 07:47 PM
#68
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 832
Likes: 179
From: Long Beach, CA
I went from a 997.2 Targa 4 to a 997.2 C4S, primarily due to my other half not liking the Targa roof. The T4 felt quick enough, and I think the non 'S' cars have the stigma as the poor relation, hence you can pick one up for a lot less than a comparable 'S' car.
On the two cars I've had, the power difference was only really noticeable once the 'S' was over 6k rpms, and the torque felt the same even though the bigger engine has more.
I'd focus on finding the right car, (miles, price, color, maintenance) and if its a 'S', its a bonus!
On the two cars I've had, the power difference was only really noticeable once the 'S' was over 6k rpms, and the torque felt the same even though the bigger engine has more.
I'd focus on finding the right car, (miles, price, color, maintenance) and if its a 'S', its a bonus!
02-15-2015 | 10:18 PM
#69
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 306
From: NoVa
One regret now that I think about it. I hate by 997.2 base brakes. My cayman S brakes were nice and red and the pads could be changed in about 2 minutes.
I really never understood why he base 911 didn't have nicer looking brakes. Oh well. I don't even think they'd look nice powder coated. Oh well. That's about it really.
The 997.2 has alcantara headliner on the base so that's cool.
I wonder how many people would take a 997.1S over a 997.2 base or. 997.2S over a 991 base ....
I really never understood why he base 911 didn't have nicer looking brakes. Oh well. I don't even think they'd look nice powder coated. Oh well. That's about it really.
The 997.2 has alcantara headliner on the base so that's cool.
I wonder how many people would take a 997.1S over a 997.2 base or. 997.2S over a 991 base ....
02-16-2015 | 11:14 PM
#71
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 1,292
The 997.2 base had equivalent power to the 997.1 S and I believe better torque and delivery. That is just the beginning of the generational change. Someone linked the 2009 press release on this Forum. I don't have the link right now, but maybe someone else can supply it. Items included brakes, power, mpg, PDK, weight, drive trains, interior, electronics, no IMS, DFI pointed into the intake valve (for cleaning), camshafts, cooling, brake pre-fill, TPCM, head lights, as well as things I am sure I'm forgetting.
Both generations are 997s, but they are different cars.
Both generations are 997s, but they are different cars.
02-17-2015 | 01:50 PM
#73
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
From: Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Perfect! I own a "basic" carrera now and it seems to me fasted than the previous 997.1 S. And with all features a "S" offer. And you are absolutely right - most people doesn´t know the difference between a carrera and a Cayman. Finally, my Carrera is already too fast to me...
02-17-2015 | 11:15 PM
#75
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 788
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, TX
Chrono? That wasn't standard on an S either and the Alcantara Headliner is standard on all 997s.
When I purchased my 911 a little over a year ago I also went for the 'base' 997 and have often wondered whether or not I made the right decision. I live in Germany and over here, the ratio between 3.6L and 3.8L cars is about 1:1, which does not apply to the US or other regions as far as I'm aware. This means that the 'base' is a lot more common over here and that there are more (and more varied) cars on the market. After hunting for over 6 months, I finally found the car I wanted with regard to color, equipment, mechnical condition and mileage - though it was sadly 'just' the 'base'. After driving the 'S', I decided to go for the base due to the fact that the, to me quite negligible, power difference was not worth additional hunting and waiting (contrary to popular belief, there are not that many 911s in Germany). Considering the price I paid, I would also have been able to get an 'S', though either with more miles or less extras.
As a sports car, the 'base' is an entirely adequate proposition - do not let people tell you otherwise.
Nevertheless, not 'having the S' can be a psychological barrier (I know that it was, and to some extent still is, for me). If you're a person that lets people on forums (who may or may not have a clue) nag at you, then, by all means, go for an 'S' - as you may regret the purchase if you do not. If you're only worried about how other people will see your car (which is rather childish) then there is, however, no need to worry as the great majority of people will not be able to tell a Carerra from a Carrera S. Most will not even be capable of differentiating between a Carrera and a Turbo, many cannot even distinguish between a Boxster/Cayman and a 911 - you have to realize that most people are not car enthusiasts or angry old men on Porsche forums. I've never heard a bad comment about my 'base' model and don't know any owner that has.
From an objective standpoint, however, the 'S' is probably only worth the surcharge (if there is a substantial surcharge in your market) for the bigger brakes and other standard features that come with it and not the 10% increase in HP. In a comparison test against the Corvette C6 from about the time these cars were launched, C&D measured the 'base' 997 at 4.3s 0-60, 10.5s 0-100 with the quarter mile at 12.8s. This compares to 4.1/10.2/12.6 values for the Carrera S. A negligible difference, if we're being honest, and not one anyone will honestly notice during normal, and even spirited, driving. Faster track times on the 'S' will primarily be due to the tires, bigger brakes and PASM, which you can also get on the Base. Though these times may not seem like much, it should not be underestimated that these engines exhibit fundamentally different characteristics and, as such, the 'S' may be perceived as quicker than it actually is - the perception of acceleration is something that is entirely subjective.
It also cannot be overstated that the 'base' with the MT transmission is by no means the slowest of the 997 model lot. A cab, Targa, or AWD with the 3.6 is always slower (and in case of the Targa, the 3.8 is slower as well). A tiptronic (which I know many people here also like - and that is FINE) is a substantial performance hit to the extent that the Carrera S will be a good bit slower than a 'base' MT. In fact, according to numbers alone, it takes a WLS (Werksleistungssteigerung), also known as the X51 Power Kit, to bring a Tiptronic 'S' to 'base' levels - though it will undoubtedly feel quite powerful from a subjective perspective. I'm just mentioning this, since I've seen this discussion unfold on many forums - particularly whenever somebody with the intention to purchase a 997 asks this no doubt very important question. In the end, I always have to chuckle when that person happily declares having purchased the superior 'S'...with a Tiptronic. Now I know many people love their autos, and (as I have said) that is cool (and undoubtedly much more enjoyable in traffic), but if we're talking about performance (and said performance is the reason the person in question opted for the 'S'), then going for the Tiptronic becomes a strange decision.
PDK changes all that, of course. A 997.2 'base' with PDK is faster than 997.1 'S' while the manual draws even. This is also something that's funny on many Porsche forums..whenever there's an 'S' or 'Non-S' discussion concerning facelift models, some people always hate on that 'base' model as well, which they also consider 'insufficient'. Now, I wonder, why isn't the 997.1 'S' also 'insufficient' - it puts down the same numbers, after all? Perception is all it is. Some also argue that the 3.6L engines are less prone to bore scoring and possibly other issues of this generation - though I'm not convinced this is the case...the fact that more 3.8s break is more likely due to the fact that more 3.8s were built.
When I purchased my 911 a little over a year ago I also went for the 'base' 997 and have often wondered whether or not I made the right decision. I live in Germany and over here, the ratio between 3.6L and 3.8L cars is about 1:1, which does not apply to the US or other regions as far as I'm aware. This means that the 'base' is a lot more common over here and that there are more (and more varied) cars on the market. After hunting for over 6 months, I finally found the car I wanted with regard to color, equipment, mechnical condition and mileage - though it was sadly 'just' the 'base'. After driving the 'S', I decided to go for the base due to the fact that the, to me quite negligible, power difference was not worth additional hunting and waiting (contrary to popular belief, there are not that many 911s in Germany). Considering the price I paid, I would also have been able to get an 'S', though either with more miles or less extras.
As a sports car, the 'base' is an entirely adequate proposition - do not let people tell you otherwise.
Nevertheless, not 'having the S' can be a psychological barrier (I know that it was, and to some extent still is, for me). If you're a person that lets people on forums (who may or may not have a clue) nag at you, then, by all means, go for an 'S' - as you may regret the purchase if you do not. If you're only worried about how other people will see your car (which is rather childish) then there is, however, no need to worry as the great majority of people will not be able to tell a Carerra from a Carrera S. Most will not even be capable of differentiating between a Carrera and a Turbo, many cannot even distinguish between a Boxster/Cayman and a 911 - you have to realize that most people are not car enthusiasts or angry old men on Porsche forums. I've never heard a bad comment about my 'base' model and don't know any owner that has.
From an objective standpoint, however, the 'S' is probably only worth the surcharge (if there is a substantial surcharge in your market) for the bigger brakes and other standard features that come with it and not the 10% increase in HP. In a comparison test against the Corvette C6 from about the time these cars were launched, C&D measured the 'base' 997 at 4.3s 0-60, 10.5s 0-100 with the quarter mile at 12.8s. This compares to 4.1/10.2/12.6 values for the Carrera S. A negligible difference, if we're being honest, and not one anyone will honestly notice during normal, and even spirited, driving. Faster track times on the 'S' will primarily be due to the tires, bigger brakes and PASM, which you can also get on the Base. Though these times may not seem like much, it should not be underestimated that these engines exhibit fundamentally different characteristics and, as such, the 'S' may be perceived as quicker than it actually is - the perception of acceleration is something that is entirely subjective.
It also cannot be overstated that the 'base' with the MT transmission is by no means the slowest of the 997 model lot. A cab, Targa, or AWD with the 3.6 is always slower (and in case of the Targa, the 3.8 is slower as well). A tiptronic (which I know many people here also like - and that is FINE) is a substantial performance hit to the extent that the Carrera S will be a good bit slower than a 'base' MT. In fact, according to numbers alone, it takes a WLS (Werksleistungssteigerung), also known as the X51 Power Kit, to bring a Tiptronic 'S' to 'base' levels - though it will undoubtedly feel quite powerful from a subjective perspective. I'm just mentioning this, since I've seen this discussion unfold on many forums - particularly whenever somebody with the intention to purchase a 997 asks this no doubt very important question. In the end, I always have to chuckle when that person happily declares having purchased the superior 'S'...with a Tiptronic. Now I know many people love their autos, and (as I have said) that is cool (and undoubtedly much more enjoyable in traffic), but if we're talking about performance (and said performance is the reason the person in question opted for the 'S'), then going for the Tiptronic becomes a strange decision.
PDK changes all that, of course. A 997.2 'base' with PDK is faster than 997.1 'S' while the manual draws even. This is also something that's funny on many Porsche forums..whenever there's an 'S' or 'Non-S' discussion concerning facelift models, some people always hate on that 'base' model as well, which they also consider 'insufficient'. Now, I wonder, why isn't the 997.1 'S' also 'insufficient' - it puts down the same numbers, after all? Perception is all it is. Some also argue that the 3.6L engines are less prone to bore scoring and possibly other issues of this generation - though I'm not convinced this is the case...the fact that more 3.8s break is more likely due to the fact that more 3.8s were built.
This sums up my feelings.
I am coming from a heavily modified 996TT and a very highly modified VW Golf R (430+hp).
I could have purchased an earlier model S, or one with more miles than my base. I opted for the most I could afford. Power difference and brakes make really little difference in 997.1 and 997.1S models. I picked up a very low miles, well kept black base with Sport back seats, HIDs, chrono package and Bose. Down the road i added factory aero kit, and some minor subtle changes, made it my own.
HOWEVER, next will be an S car, because I want a GTS Aero car.