I drove both and bought S. But I could afford to do that. They are both very good cars, buy the best you can afford.

 

i'm sure both trims are fine and probably wont notice a great deal of a difference (performance wise) unless you drive them back-to-back..

rekon what it comes down to is how much and what options are on the available vehicles... bottom line is if the PSAM, bigger wheels, and other S options are a must have, the might as well go with the S. if not and can do with a basic 911, then the non-S should suffice...

thats only my 2 cents...

 

bigger brakes, and bigger engine....

 

Having owned both (albeit a .1 C2 and a .2 C2S) I'd always go the S. Especially on a .1 car.

 

Individual priorities vary, and a sports car is a personal thing. I owned an '06 997S for a year, great car, no problems or complaints. Given the current market, if this individual is an aggressive enthusiast, one who either really loves driving, or, has some track weekends planned, a 996 GT3 might be a great alternative. I will confess a strong prejudice, as I bought one a few months back. I enjoy it more than any car I've ever owned, and there have been many. But granted, it will not please everyone, and obviously does not answer the question, sorry.

 

Really great alternative is 2010 turbo, if we choose to speak about alternatives instead of original question.

 

Well, yes, but I think a 2010 turbo costs about three times as much as an '05 GT3. But your point is taken, I should not have responded

 

Nah, it was not my point, I am just envious to those who will buy that 2010 turbo thing... looks amazing, at least, on paper.

 

I just bought an 06' s and here was my thinking. The cost difference was only a few thousand dollars and I didn't want to go with a standard 997 and ever wonder "what if?". I'm sure I would have been stoked with a standard model but would always no that I could have gotten a little more for a little more.

 

I'd say it all depends what you intend to do with the car. Personally, I want to keep it for a long time and I believe that after 5 years there is no residual value left between a 3.6l and a 3.8l engine, nor with any of the options. One reason being that new cars keep evolving in the meantime.

I wanted a 4WD and prefered C4 to C4S though I could afford it, just because you need to draw a line somewhere. For those doing tracks, I believe a GT3 is worth the difference to a C4S. On roads, you will need to drive a C4 and C4S back-to-back for it to become an issue.

Remain the options issue. True that if you take a base 997, add Xenon, PASM, 19", the price difference is about 6k or so. Again, timeframe is the key. Personally I do not want PASM. The car touches often enough on humps, PASM in comfort mode is even stiffer than regular suspensions. Moreover pneumatic suspensions can be trouble whereas good old springs work fine for ever. The same is true with 4WD systems. I'd rather have a viscous clutch than sensors and processors. Not only a question of taste. Well maintained mechanic last. Electronics fail, and evolve letting you obsolete and helpless. Compare BMWs from the 80s with current ones, for example, you'll see how "perfect" can become the enemy of "good".

So I just thought I'd draw a line and stick to the base engine. Besides I hated crab claws wheels. True, each time you turn the key you might think "why didn't I take a S?" But you might find yourself in an S and think "I'd rather have kept things simple, sticked to basics". Either way you're sure to find frustration if you're looking for it. Best is to just enjoy your beautiful car.
I guess it's a nice problem to have don't you think?

 

carrera and carrera s in my opinion has a hug difference especially in HP

 

The 997 he is looking at is a 2005 with 25k miles. Black on black with with some very nice options:

Upgraded Red Porsche Calipers

19" wheels

PSM

Xenon Lights

Bose system with 6 disk changer

Dual Powered Heated Seats

1 Car owner with clean car fax for $42K. I think it is good deal with the level of options. Similar S models are running $50k

 

couldn't upgrade to red calipers in 05 or 06, so they repainted the black ones. PSM is standard on base or S.

Maybe not in LaLa land (SF), but 42k pretty salty for a 25k 05 that probably had a MSRP less than 75 grand.

 

I own a base and love driving it to the limits of my talent on the track. I don't think at my limits those 30HP mean squat.

I say get the best deal you can within your means and you can't go wrong with either.


I do agree with utkinpol that for some similar money you can do some great mods.

 

I have a base 2005 997. Hey, I am just glad that I have joined the Porsche family with my first purchase of a 911! The base 997 is still much improved over the earlier years 911 with regards to horsepower, torque, safety etc.
Got to consider what you can realistically afford too! Non porsche owners still give me "that look" at a stop light :>)