Hello all. I'm still new here and new to Porsche (Porsche reality that is). First time buyer and I've posted a few questions in the recent past about an 997.1 S versus 99.2 base. Also, please keep in mind I started out with a used Boxster budget but that grew real fast! The 09 base helps me stay in a reasonable budget and get some "goodies" option wise, while getting the newer tech. Well, yesterday I got to test drive the well optioned base (PDK) right after driving the 08S (6sp). The 08S seemed have a bit more "pull" but I'm not sure it would matter all that much for general spirited driving. Either one sure beats my Highlander! And with the Chrono plus/PASM sport settings, the 09 kicked my butt. Hell, I was afraid I'd break it when I tried the sport mode and it wanted to hold the shift 'til redline. I didn't even try the launch mode!

But, in reading the plethora of posts, it would seem that I am the only person in the world who would own a non S (or 4S or Turbo or GT). Is it like high school all over? If I don't have the "S" I can't hang with the cool kids? Just wondering? Does anybody simply enjoy their Carrera's or do you constantly regret not joining the "S" club? Is my (likely) future pre-owned car that optioned out to (MSRP) almost $108K now the current "poor man's Porsche? Sorry for the long rant but I am stewing over the final decision to buy now or wait another (fill in the blank) ___ months to find an affordable, extremely clean, not beat up, well optioned 997.2 "S."

Some feedback from base car owners would be appreciated! You know, there is a part of me wanting to look in to the potentially near future, where I look in MY garage and tell myself to "quit your bellyaching, there's an "f__in" Porsche in your garage!

 

I own a non S and have never regretted it. I got a great deal on it, have modded it the way I wished and enjoy it on and off the track. The "S" is slightly faster, has better brakes, better suspension, but there is something neat about keeping the non-S in the right rev range that I like.

 

I drive an 08 Carrera base nicely optioned. Do I regret not getting an S? Not at all.

At the time I was window shopping, Price difference between a non S vs. S was more than $10k which I thought was steep for additional bells and whistles.

IMHO, Do what is right for your finances now not later. Life is too short, enjoy it.

At the end of the day it's your money, no need to listen to others (including me).

I'm blessed to have a Porsche in my garage.

 

Thanks for responding Buck. Would like to hear some more comments.

 

The base model is plenty of fun. You are asking questions on an enthusiast forum so naturally the higher HP cars will get more attention. It doesn't matter which car (Base, S, Turbo), people here will still be looking for more power.

One point about your original post, I'm not sure the base model has launch control. Outside of a dragstrip, I'm not sure where you would use it anyway.

 

Nothing wrong at all with a Carrera. They are a good bit less, car for car, and are still a real Porsche 911. This being your first Porsche, it will get you in the game and you'll love it no matter what.

As time, miles, and experience build, you may be pulled to more performance as most have been. When/if that happens, think how much fun and excitement you'll have chasing down your next Porsche. I'm on my 22nd now, so I know of what I speak.

Bottom line; get the car that "moves" you and puts a smile on your face every time you approach it in the garage. What it says on the deck lid is secondary.

Good luck, remember to post lots of pics when you get yours.

 

Thanks again for the continued responses. Not sure on the launch (saw that in another post too). The technician at the dealer "said" the car had it and I needed to try it, at least once. I told him "maybe after a little bit more time in the seat."

 

No one will fault you for driving a base Carrera but there is enough difference between an "S" and an non-"S" that you owe it to yourself to try out both.

 

I have been driving hot cars for over 50 years. There is one thing I have learned. Someone will always have a faster car than you. Buy what you can afford and have a ball with it.
As time goes on you wil get a faster car because they keep making them faster. But no matter someone will have one faster.

 

i own a 997.1 base Carrera.


it is modded to Outpeform a S model, and looks like a GTS with turbo brakes.

i will have pictures up soon ..
don't think twice about a base C2.

a 911 is a 911.

 

oh and it is plenty fast, i have beat countless 500 hp cars and 600cc motorcycles.

also two Carrera S .1's.




keep in mind the 3.6 motor is lighter, the 911 is already balanced more to the rear and the 3.8 doesn't help being more heavy in the rear.

 

Hello, C2 owner here. What kind of performance mods? I am curious...

 

Probably depends on what you want to do with it. Wife's C4 is her daily driver and she rarely exceeds the speed limit. Besides, it is one of ony a few 911's around and is a fishing lure for cops. And, as someone said earlier, no matter what you've got, someone is going to beat you.

 

The C2 is lighter than the C2S (about 50 lbs) but not due primarily to the engine being lighter.

 

I have a base Carrera, and it's great! I have a few friends with "s" cars, and I don't really feel like I am missing out, especially after doing a few mods to make mine different.

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