rodH

As I said "highest level of racing". LeMans =/= F1. Not even close. That's how audi dominates, most of the others really don't care. LeMans is usually where retired f1 and CART drivers go before the DMV takes their license away. Think senior PGA tour.

MaddMike

LOL, that is pretty funny.

ronvanr

full disclosure: I have a non S Carrera.
There was a Top Gear Episode were the host Richard Hammond (in a super/hyper car) could not beat the stig (unnamed race car driver) driving a Porsche Cayman around a race track. For most of us whether we drive a S or non-S, we the driver are the biggest variable in driving performance.

Also, no matter which one you get, I'm sure you will fall in love with it no matter how it is badged.

rodH

Yep. I totally agree. I race karts and I can't tell you how many bad drivers there are that race our series and own Porsches and Ferarris and are surprised that they really aren't that great at driving/racing. They depend on HP in their road cars which covers up a lot of driver error and mistakes.

Edgy01

Over the years I have discovered that the majority of non S models are sold overseas. The ridiculous tax rates make moving to the Carrera S models virtually insane, cost wise, for them. I don't see a lot of complaints from them, either.

Particularly with the 997.2 cars, a straight Carrera is still a very fine automobile.

Blue Chip

I have 2 strikes against me... a non-S AND a cab... and I track it.

That said - I haven't had someone pass me on the track because they had an S... they passed me because they were a better driver. One of the better drivers I know routinely beats out MUCH faster cars... with a Base.... with 90K miles.

workhurts

True but it depends on the track. You could put Hamilton in a base 911 on an F1 track and I'd likely beat him if you gave me a car with enough horsepower, downforce and electronic nannies

crazycarlitos

Haha u would still crash before beating him.

3 things we can all agree on:

1- base Carrera is a great car

2- driving skill is more important then the minuscule performance difference between the base vs S

3- if price is same and all else (options, mileage, etc) is identical, 99% of us would pick the S over base.

rodH

Don't forget the most important thing. NO team orders

phaphaphooey

I think that really sums up the entire thread. If money is no concern then everyone would opt for an S. However, for those on a budget, the base offers 99% of the thrills for 10-20% less cost depending on the cars being compared.

To the OP: if money is an issue get the base. If not get the S. Simple as that. There really is no wrong answer.

love2drive

Ok, I've held out long enough. I know this is a comparison of different gens.. but what caught my eye was that he was also comparing the 996 c2 to a 997.1 c2s. (So not really an apples to apples c2 vs c2s).. That said, the OP might want to watch this video:
Watch "Porsche 911 Carrera S (HQ) - Top Gear - Series 5 - BBC" on YouTube

My advice is still : if money is an issue, hold off, save a bit more, and get the latest S you can afford.

robh75

I think the OP already made the decision

MaddMike

You can easily get a 997.2 S for 53k. Check the sale section on this forum. A base 997.2 is $10k less.

love2drive

Here's what looks like a nice one.





There are over 105 997.2 c2s coupes on sale in US market..right now.

myw

that is CRAZY hot... gts front end too.