Its pretty simple i think. I'll sumi tup as follows. The below is just my personal opinion based on my driving. i dont pretend to know actual stopwatch or specific horsepower stuff. this is all about "feel".

The RS has the CS beat in terms of performance. Its a bit quicker thru turns. Tighter handling. Less jerky. I feel like its faster from a dead stop, which could be that I think I can drive a clutch more efficiently than the F1 (road condition dependent). I think it accelerates faster on the highway.

It aint no big gap that you drive a truck thru. But it just “feels” that way. The stick shift on the Porsche RS is perfecto. I mean, the clutch weight and feel of the shifter, position of the shifter, feel o fthe shifter in your hand is all about performance.

I think the RS has some better technologies. Newer, nicer stereo, newer nicer electronics. You’re talking 2004 vs. 2007 so its not like a 993 1997 vs. 2007 but there is still a difference. I wouldn’t want a 2004 GPS/Nav system for a host of reasons. It would be good. But the 2007 GPS systems are better. That’s the analogy. Then again, in a car, its not about technology for the most part. But again, I’m just pointing out..RS has it nipped at the line.

I think, repeat “THING” the RS is more durable. First, its got a more current, longer warranty. It is more ‘driveable’. You can take it to more places. I’d feel comfortable rolling over to get some bagels and stop at the ski shop to get a hat far more than I would mozying out in the Stradale. The RS just feels more durable. I wont get into the perception or facts regarding Porsche vs. Ferrari durability, quality. That’s for each to determine for themselves. I don’t think most would argue that while Porsche has their issues, Ferrari lags them a bit, less so with the 430s and 360s than previous. But still lags a smidge. Either could cost you a $5000 ticket quite easily , apples to apples out of a warranty..but one is not out of warranty, the other is.

Heck I have to now do a major service on the CS, aware I needed to do it when I bot it….many k. worth it, I guess, since that’s Ferrari. Pay to Play. And if you wan tto play with the finest, and keep it the finest…then it will cost. Not going to shake my confidence in my choice of purchase, but it reminds you that Ferrari is a big boys’ game. Just that much bigger than the RS in warranty.

The stradale is far stiffer, more aggressive in the front end, maybe too much so for regular driving. (again, not its intended purpose, just more my application of the car).

Price wise, the RS beats the CS I think. Sticker on my CS was bout 195. RS’s run 135 for nonceramic basic cars to my green, the highest MSRP that I’ve been told that Porsche built. That Green RS I believe is 165. over the top schmaltz. I love it and hate it. Atleast I get both!

But ultimately, and this is just me, I’m not driving around counting lap times. I’m just about driving them. And in that area, the overwhelming answer is that the CS takes the cake. It was consistently right there, neck and neck with the RS in the areas above. Net tabulation to that point was RS ahead by not by big margins. RS goes into the the “swim suit” competition, what we ALL really only care about..i mean who cares if Ms. Indiana (no offense to indianites) wants to svae the planet thru use of biodegradeable degreasers….its about the swimsuit competition.
And there, the overall look , feel, responsiveness “how does it make you feel?”, “how wide is your grin?” there, the CS just overtakes the leader and pulls on the Tour De France yellow majourne, the Yellow jersey! Champion!

I mean the car just is nasty. Carbon everywhere up the Wazoo. The doors are carbon. The floor has no carpeting, just some very nice welds on the steel. There aint no pleasantries to be found throughout except for that stereo.

It sounds insane. I mean, I have had a few cars, and while I hear the CGT arriving Monday is to be off the hook, the CS is mind boggling. That engine is about 18 inches from your ear, which maybe presents some ‘safety issues’ but that’s being a worry wart. The grin-factor is incredible.

Now, listen up all you F1 junkies…I hear you..and I dig it. Its neat. Its like some space-aged wicked **** machine….they work pretty darn good. I mean of all the paddle systems I’ve tried, by far the best. BUT, end of day, I’m a guy who loves pushing on a clutch. I feel I can better control the tachometer, and especially when downshifting and engine braking..i feel a manual clutch just offers better feedback sound, control of the car….granted, if I w ere snaking through s bends on a track, I would probably more prefer to have my hands on the wheels. Heck, I’d rather have my hands on the wheels at all times, but I just like a stick. End of story. No reason to defend. Just a personal choice.

The car looks beyond nice. I’ve had a few nice car. This is by far the best car I have had. I really was turned on and impressed with the 430 coupe. Sick car. Its hard to imagine going up from a 430, but the 360CS does it. Not sure exactly why. And it could be that red which I historically haven’t appreciated..but the lines on the hood and truck are so long and elongated, unlike the curvier/bubblier pcars….red just looks so nice. some argue common. sure i'll go with that. its the only red cs in my garge. it stays.

Let me sum it up. The CS is insane. All you guys who own them that never really told everyone else how incredible they were…shame on you for not sharing such an important piece of info. To those who feel we should keep it secret, don’t crow and keep it to ourselves….well, sorry. I couldn’t help myself.
It’s a coin flip…RS vs CS...would be an impossible decision to make but either way you’d be ridiculously happy.
Ifi absolutely had to make it, like zero options otherwise, couldnt hawk my wife to keep both aroudn....RS would go.

Fyi, Monday I got an have to spend like $5k for service, probably will end up spending far more. That will for sure wipe off my sh*t eating grin.

u can see my honies at www.911flatnose.com not a single one of them is for sale.

Just figured I’d share…

 

Great writeup, always loved the CS for the above reasons!

 

Thanks for the write up, enjoyed reading it. I like the RS more than the CS.

 

Great writeup, thanks! I love the swimsuit competition comparison

 

CS all the way

 

I made the decision between the two earlier this year - The RS was the winner maybe because it was a Porsche (I haven't had one in a long time). But parameters change and the 550 is going and a Stradale will be taking its place.

The easiest decision is not to decide and get both!

 

Great write up. BTW lovin the color of your TT.

 

i have been reading/posting another thread about the CGT and proper clutch engagement.

someone posted a great article link to a jay leno article where he discusses the CTG its clutch really pushes on the concept of durability. im not goign to say i think he dislikes ferraris but he seems to overwhelmingly prefer the porsche durability more than ferrari's. good article.
as a 430 and a CS owneer i dont like hearing it, but frankly, he's probably right. doesnt mean i cant enjoy a CS in my garage...just means its gonna cost, and with an RS to carry a lof of the load...who cares.

scroll down a few posts:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d.php?t=108031

 

Thanks for the Comparison. When you have time can you compare the F430 to the CS. I would be nice to read an objective comparison from an owner.

 

Steve great writeup sure ends my decision on the 430 vs CS choice I was in., I have had a GT2 and while the RS is slightly different LWFW etc its not a world apart..I got F car I got CS nothing else. Still in the works I am close.