i drove both and didn't really notice much of a difference. i am not tracking it so that reference point is out. that said, there was a "minor" butt dyno difference in the S model, but it was so minute in my usage that it seemed a "star-bellied sneeches" issue more than anything else. I'd rather put the money towards some wheels i really liked than a minor hp bump that wasn't going to make much of a difference in MY usage scenario—which is really what matters as the buyer/driver. if the small bump in hp/tq will really matter to you then do it, but if it's a badge issue then weight the true benefit.

 

As I was shopping for my C2S my local dealer had two cars with almost identical options in an S and non-S version. Since I was struggling with the extra $10k for the S he let me test drive both back to back. The difference is noticeable when compared consecutively - the pickup and handling are better on the S. However, given a few days in between I doubt I would have noticed a difference. However, the S, has a better resale value and if he intends to track the car, much better suited for it.

If his budget allows, get the S, he won't regret it.

 

Before I bought my car last year, I test drove both a 997.1 C2 and a 997.1 C2S. All I can say is you can feel the kick out of the C2S... Maybe on paper the 0-60 times are pretty much the same but on the street you can feel it. The C2 that I test drove had Sport Chrono option; even with the jumpy, and aggressive feel that I was looking for. No offense to the C2 owners...

You can do upgrades on a C2 as well as Utkinpol said, I already swapped my PASM to Bilsteins.

It all depends on what the buyer will do with the car, if the owner will just drive it around like an old lady on the weekends and just buy a Porsche because of the brand then go for the C2.

If he likes to track his car, enjoys slamming the throttle every chance he gets then I believe he should get an S.

One thing is certain, if he was going to be an enthusiastic driver he would have joined the forum and did the research on himself. So I think he should get the C2 and save some $...

 

I know that everyone's butt dyno is different, but I don't see how one can drive an S and a non-S one after another could say that they are about the same. The difference is huge to me.

Having said that, the non-S 997 is a great sports car as well. If the price delta is an issue, just drive the non-S first. If you don't yearn for more, then you've found your car.