"S" vs non-"S" vs driver skill.

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Aug 27, 2009 | 11:54 AM

#46

RiceEater

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RiceEater is infamous around these parts

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntlgnt1

I'm really surprised by all the sensitivity on this subject. Owning a Porsche, no matter what model, is a huge accomplishment and something to be proud of in my opinion. They are all great cars and the focus should be on enjoying them. I think this forum may be tilted toward the 'S' model only because the sales numbers lean that way as well. That is a result of Porsche marketing more than anything else.

+1 great post.

1. Stop being sensitive

2. All Porsche's are great cars. The classist Porsche snobs (S vs non-S, GT1 block vs 9A1 "consumer" block, GT_ vs all other 911's, Turbo vs all other 911's) need to relax. Pride is good. Feeling special about what you own and pushing it on other's to belittle them is childish. Let's please not go down the BMW road of M3 vs 335 vs 328. They are all the same frickin' car, just as a 911 is a 911.

3. It's your money. Do what you want with it and buy what you want. We're not all rich! Have you guys seen the automobiles for sale thread here?! Seems like many people can use the extra cash, despite still being able to "afford" a luxury "weekend" car.

4. Group hug

Last edited by RiceEater; Aug 27, 2009 at 12:11 PM.

Aug 27, 2009 | 07:56 PM

#47

buck986

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. B

Seems to be that this discussion shouldn't be about "S" vs. "non-S" cars but more about driver skill.

I am a track Instructor and an SCCA racecar driver. I agree with your Birmingham Instructors. The most important thing to work on is driver skill.
I always tell my students that they will learn more in a slower car. You can find the limits of a slower car more quickly, and once you know what the limits are you can move to faster and faster cars.

So, I think you did exactly the right thing in getting a "non-S" car.
I would speculate that you would learn faster on something like a Miata, which make great track cars.
Mr. B

Mr b,

Thanks...and your are right about the miata being another great learning car.

It's funny; I just got back from a terrific DE at NJMP with an instructor who was an ex-pro driver. He was a great teacher and I leanred a great deal from him over the two days.

He was there running a miata (with a small block) in a the red group. He also mentioned the same thing about the miata being a great car have to learn to drive on the track.

He also took my car out on the trrack and boy was it an eye opener.
I will never approach what my instructor was able to do. I'm too old and it will take way too many years. But it was great to see what the car can truly do.

It's all the car I will ever need.

Aug 27, 2009 | 11:22 PM

#48

jherbias

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Go to a driving event hosted by Mazda (where they let you test drive all their cars) and drive the Miata. It's very light and reacts much faster to steering input than most cars. I don't know much about the hardtop convertible, though.

But I don't understand why a non-S driver has to defend his or her purchase with a thread like this. From my brief time here I have never seen a "Carrera S is better than non-S" thread. Just buy what you want or can afford and leave everybody else alone. Hell, I can't even afford a Boxster S.