Porsche Carrera vs Porsche Carrera S

[WeakestLink]

Have an opportunity to get a Carrera S...which is a pretty hard car to get right now. My question is: Is it worth $10k over a standard Carrera to get:

3.8L engine vs. 3.6L
355 HP vs 325 HP
Active Suspension
19 in wheels vs. 18
Potentially better resale (b/c they don't make as many S's as standards)

FYI, the current Carrera S is NOT a widebody so it looks very similar to the standard Carrera.

Not looking to start another debate about how Porsches suck and look like frogs. Just looking for opinions regarding the value of the S model vs. non-S.

Thanks.

 

[NetViper]

I have not driven either, but my understanding from reading is the S is one hell of a car. I would go for the S. I guess it depends though on what deal you are getting. Remember there are plenty more models coming out very soon. AWD, Turbo, GT3 etc. and IMO the widebody always look better.

 

[BioBanker]

^^^I agree. The mags are saying that the S beats up on pretty much everything else in its category. If it were me, Id almost even choose a NSX (wait, I did) over the base Carrera. The S however would be an entirely different story! Widebody or not, that car looks fantastic, especially from the rear.

Best of all, it kicks some serious A$$. S forsure.

 

[WeakestLink]

Thanks for the feedback. Although I've had a few 996's, I really haven't kept up with the new 997s. This deal fell in my face so I have been scrambling to find out more info about the S. I already committed to buying it so I hope I like it. :biggrin:

 

[Jin1976]

Other than NSX and Ferrari this is the one I would love to have (no Boxter thank you). Carrera or Carrera S. If you have the money go for the S type. Its like choosing normal NSX or Type S.

 

[nsxlover]

I have a Carrera and have driven the S and there is no comparison. The S is a hands down winner. It is a hell of a car.

 

[CokerRat]

Don't know about the resale value, in fact I doubt you'd recoup the whole $10K when you go to sell it eventually. I highly doubt a few years old used S would fetch MORE than $10K over a base Carrera.

S models have always been the "track ready" type of cars. Better suspensions, etc. If you plan to take it to the track, I bet the S would be worth the premium.

 

[WeakestLink]

You' re probably right on the resale. From what I understand, Porsche has significantly cut down on production after the huge residual drops of the 996's.

In any case, the Carrera S is incredibly fast. I don't track cars so it really only helps me get from one red light to the next a little faster. The active suspension is pretty amazing as well. When I have time, I have to read the HUGE manual to figure out how to work the rest of the switches and buttons.