Greetings,
Trying to decide between 2012-2013 991 S or Base model. I have never driven the S and wonder if anyone with practical experience can tell me if the extra $$ for the S is worth it? I never really understood the fuss over Porsche and had no desire to own one until a friend sold me his new 997 Cab with 5,000 mi on the clock. He tried to sell it to me for 60K, I offered him 70K and we argued for a while. He finally agreed to 65K, I gave him a check for 67K. Best Car I have ever driven to date! I ended up trading the car for a dog (long story) but now I really want to get a 991. Nothing fancy, just a coupe, manual tranny.
If I get the base model, am I going to be kicking myself for not getting the extra 50 HP of the S? Are there any other practical differences I would notice driving the S such as “feel” or sound?
Thanks much for your comments.
-Bo

 

this has been discussed at length in other threads. Some people prefer the S but I drove both and I went with the base car, manual tranny. Although you will find it different than your 997 ( and only you can decide if it's a good difference) the 991 is a very competent car. If you are going to spec a base car order it with the 20 inch wheels and other than the absence of red brake calipers there will be no discernable visual difference from the S (if you get the model designation delete as I did). At the end of the day it's a personal choice so I suggest you drive both.

 

Both are great cars, If you care for PASM, 20"s and red calipers then go for the "S".
Power wise, you will not notice the 50hp+ under normal driving conditions IMO, and there are a few reviews out there that are not crazy about PASM in this car.
My base is a comfortable DD and a beast when pushed hard.
I am very impressed and I absolutely love everything about it, besides its color.

 

They are the same car.... S has more power and more money.... The only time it doesn't make sense is if you start adding a lot of options.... Then S is a better idea...

 

The base is more than enough car for almost everyone.

If you buy a base what you must be able to do is block out views of a few posters here that are...how can i say it properly.... are performance and driving skill experience lacking.

Some reviewers and owners think the base is a better driving car since you need to be engaged with it more..others think its not worth the efforts to be engaged.

good luck with whatever you choose.

 

that is a very good point...

 

why don't you like your white car? Mine is white too and I love it with teh blue interior.

 

I was going to ask that also..but he may be mad at me and I didn't want him to think i was starting any trouble!

I think the 991 is gorgeous in white

 

If you are going to track it (and want to win), get the S with the performance options including PDCC, and PDK. If not, get the base. I would consider getting the 20" wheels and I would also drive a PDK car before you decide. I turned up my nose to any automatics for years until I drove a PDK.

ChuckJ

 

Thanks to all for your help! I will get the base. It's just going to be a daily driver, with the wife also driving sometimes. I understand the PDK is better but I still prefer shifting. No track time at my age!

I'm thinking the 19" wheels are better for me as they might ride smoother than the 20" wheels.

thanks again

 

Manual gearbox is the way to go and I agree with 19" wheels. Good luck.

 

A base car, MT is what I picked and I have no regrets. Get the 20" wheels and add PASM. The ride is far superior to my 997.2.

 

Silver was my first choice, but since there were no pure silvers in the Porsche color pallete (Blueish or goldish tones blah, blah), I ordered white based on everyones opinion of how good it looked in the 991.
Now that I've seen a Platinum Silver in the flesh which BTW looks absolutely stunning, I am kind of dissapointed for not ordering it.

White seems to be a very popular choice and I know is a great color, but IMO it doesn't show the lines of my 991 like a brighter metallic paint would do. No offense but it looks too plain and simple, maybe that is a good thing, but OTOH, it doesnt look like a $100K+ car to me.


Haha, not at all buckwheat, I always appreciate a polite and inteligent discussion.

 

Your car is beautiful! And next time you can treat yourself to silver- and maybe a CAB if they are really stiff enough.

ChuckJ

 

So what up with the dog, it sounds like a good story.