I plan on placing an order in the next few days and am trying to decide between a nicely equipped C2 or a bare bones C2S -The price difference between the two cars is about $5500. I've driven them both but not back to back and, while I agree that the extra power of the S is noticeable, I question whether it can actually be put to use on American roads without costing me my clean driving record. Which would you choose? Is resale better on the base car or the S?

Also, does anyone have experience with the stock and Bose stereo systems? Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality? Am I better off ordering the stock system and doing after market upgrades?

 

If money is an issue I would definitely look at a used Carrera S. There are plenty of nice ones out there and anyone who bought one new is now taking a bath on them as the resale is awful right now.

 

Carrera S

 

Go with the S! You get more options that are standard and the 5K difference goes away. Be sure to get the adaptive sports seats or the new folding bucket seats!

As an audiophile, the bose and stock system both sound like crap. Save your money, go with the sound package plus, and upgrade it later. You'll be better off changing the whole system.

 

I started looking at pre-owned but I am really **** and every car that I looked at had one issue or another - scratches, swirls, curb rash, mods, unknown history. I refuse to buy a car site unseen and don't have the time or desire to travel all over the country to find the right car.

This is a dream car for me and I intend to keep it for years. With the discount I've been offered, the cost of a fresh, new car is not all that much much more than a 2 -3 year old one - and I get to spec exactly what I want with no compromises and no worries of prior owner abuse. My head (and my wife for that matter) say the C2 is already more car than I need, but my heart is saying C2S. Something about the exhaust burble and red calipers just make my knees weak.

 

I say go for the non-S. I don't think the majority of people (me inlcuded) drive these cars at 5/10s of their what they capable of. I usually spring for the "better" model, but this time I went with a non-S and have absolutely no regrets.

 

thats an easy one....Carrera S.
Is there a difference in stock and Bose? its Bose there is no better.

 

I would order the exact car you want. The only time you will regret it is when you write the check, as opposed to always wishing in the back of your mind that you would have. I would spend the time to research how I want it built.

 

You are kidding right? Bose has great marketing but their systems - both home and auto - are usually not all that.

 

Very good advice.

In the industry this product line is referred to as "Buy Other Stereo Equipment"!

Don't waste your $ on it. Get the standard system and have a good shop change out the whole system.

 

I have a 997 non S with 19" carrera classic wheels, bi-xenons, bose upgrade, heated seats, and colored crests on wheels. My car retailed for 79K. Its more car than anyone needs on the street and I have yet to be beat in a straight line race. I have a friend with a supercharged mustang that dynos at 450whp and my car is still quicker than his. That being said, I would probably go ahead and get the S anyway for the minimal price difference. Resale will probably offset the difference and the S comes standard with 19" wheels and bi-xenon lights along with the extra horsepower and the red brakes you like.
I dont believe the performance of the red brakes would ever be noticable on the street but they do look cool. I would order heated seats because they are only ~480.00 and they do feel nice on a cold day. My bose system in my Chevrolet Silverado sounds better than my upgraded bose system but I dont know how difficult it would be to install an aftermarket system since its all integrated.

Andy

 

Personally, I feel that unless you are planning on attending a lot of track days, the base model is fine. The extra power and bigger brakes may be a benefit. One thing to think of though, is your option list. For instance, if you wanted to buy S wheels, xenon, PASM, and red calipers, you might as well spend a couple thousand more and just get an S model. I believe the S models tend to have a slightly lower resale (on a percentage basis) than non-S models. Remember though, that either car is far more capable than 99% of the people that drive them so the S is mostly for ego and a little extra speed.
As far as stereos, I had a Bose in my S4 and decided not to get it in my C4. The base stereo isn't the greatest, but it's acceptable (remember, the cabin isn't exactly a tomb either). Personally, now that I have the base stereo, I still wouldn't pay the extra freight for Bose. As far as swapping to after-market, my understanding is that options are very limited and you basically need to gut the whole system. Also, remember that the PCM has other functionality you will loose if you replace it.

 

I would almost rather have a fully loaded Cayman S than a base 997. IMO you should bite the bullet and get a C2S and load it up if you don't want to buy used and are getting a good discount on an ordered car.

Options on my car that I could live without - Bose, Nav and Sport Chrono.

Must have options IMO - full leather, heated seats and PSE.

 

If it's your dream car that you are going to hold onto for a few years, get the S because youre gonna want it later if you don't. I can't imagine you saying later, "I wish I got the slower version..." as for performance, better to have it and not use it than to want to use it and not have it. Just imagine how you would feel when a 2S inevitably pulls up beside you at a stoplight and you look over longingly...

Now as for the Bose... I'm a huge music and theater guy... dedicated theater/listening room in my house. Bose is not the best... but its not terrible... actually better than the upgraded HK in my BMW. I'd get the Bose rather than having some aftermarket guy messing around my car breaking pins, cutting holes etc etc.... can't believe I'm defending Bose....

 

Any decent self-respecting audiophile would never defend this brand!!! There is nothing to defend!

You maybe have been partaking of too much liquid holiday joy?