Carrera 2 vs Carrera 2S
Discussion
I own a C2 and have driven an S extensively. At the time I went for aC2 as could get better condition/ lower mileage for a fair bit less than a comparative S. Also the C2 pretty much covered me for most types of driving that I was ever likely to do, have no particular interest in tracking it. 18 months on and overall I am happg with that decision, its loads of fun, feels nimble and chuckable, I use it every day and always have a big smile on my ugly mug!
So to the S, you will notice the extra grunt,esp at the top end, must admit there have been a few occasions when ive pined for that extra 30bhp, the brakes are better and probably most noticeable the standard PASM on the S makes for tighter cornering, and a more compliant, sporty ride though the C2 certainly ain't sloppy in that department. There are other spec difference s inc xenons and 19 s s standard on the S.
Longer term the S is likely to be easier to sell so should hold it value better if that's a consideration. Looking at the market now there's been lots of movement down and you can pick up a very nicely spec d S for 30k and less and theres not that much of a premium over a c2, so at the lower end id say go for an S if you can. Further up the price band esp for gen 2 s the price delta is more marked. In the UK 997 c2s outsold the non s by something like 3 to 1so that accounts for much of the market forces.
So in conclusion mostly comes down to the spec and condition that youre after and your budget. Both are great the S is just that bit better!
So to the S, you will notice the extra grunt,esp at the top end, must admit there have been a few occasions when ive pined for that extra 30bhp, the brakes are better and probably most noticeable the standard PASM on the S makes for tighter cornering, and a more compliant, sporty ride though the C2 certainly ain't sloppy in that department. There are other spec difference s inc xenons and 19 s s standard on the S.
Longer term the S is likely to be easier to sell so should hold it value better if that's a consideration. Looking at the market now there's been lots of movement down and you can pick up a very nicely spec d S for 30k and less and theres not that much of a premium over a c2, so at the lower end id say go for an S if you can. Further up the price band esp for gen 2 s the price delta is more marked. In the UK 997 c2s outsold the non s by something like 3 to 1so that accounts for much of the market forces.
So in conclusion mostly comes down to the spec and condition that youre after and your budget. Both are great the S is just that bit better!
NorthDave said:
Hi
Anyone driven the two back to back? In the market for a 911 and wondering if it is worth holding out for the S over the usual Carrera?
I drive a 335i at the moment and would like a decent performance gain.
Gen 1 or Gen 2?Anyone driven the two back to back? In the market for a 911 and wondering if it is worth holding out for the S over the usual Carrera?
I drive a 335i at the moment and would like a decent performance gain.
Gen 2 C2 is around the same speed as a C2S in my experience. My first 997 was a C2 PDK, and now I've got the GTS PDK. The GTS is faster but not massively so. The C2 PDK was a brilliant car and 350hp with a much faster gear change, so in real life, I'd recon it's faster than a Gen 1 C2S with 355hp.
I was in the same position as you 3 years ago! I test drove the Carrera down in Manchester. I was impressed with it, however i'd done a bit of research and really wanted to compare it with an S. The salesman was really pitching hard for me to buy the standard carrera! However i asked if they had an S and they told me they didn't "but you really should buy this lovely carrera!" So i headed back home and contacted Edinburgh. Who kindly gave me a test drive in the S. I'd have to say (in my opinion) it's like night and day! The S is better in almost every way. Do yourself a favour and buy an S! 6 months after buying the carrera, you'll kick yourself for not getting an S! Good luck with your purchase whatever you buy.
Keep looking at 997s Gen 1 and will probably look to buy some time this year, not even considering the C2 to be honest, they seem to be much harder to sell on so I cannot be alone.
C2 made no sense new really, by the time you added 19", PASM, xenon, other bits you weren't far off S price without the power gain, brakes and nicer 4 exhausts
Ratio seems to be more like 5:1 if classifieds are anything to go by
C2 made no sense new really, by the time you added 19", PASM, xenon, other bits you weren't far off S price without the power gain, brakes and nicer 4 exhausts
Ratio seems to be more like 5:1 if classifieds are anything to go by
Lots of people will tell you that the 30bhp difference between the two doesn't count for a lot and that there isn't much in it. However, the stronger, flatter torque curve of the "S" makes the engine more flexible in everyday day use and as others have pointed out, the better standard spec costs very little more when buying used. 
MM.
MM.
I went for the non S due to lower running costs - especially the tyres, and it being the right spec/colour/OPS warranty/mileage etc.
I really do not need an extra 30bhp that much. Lower running costs: tyres are a lot less, brakes are less, road tax is less. That said, my non S has the same spec as the S without the 19s or the engine. It suits me down to the ground, and I dont expect to regret it at all. Its a 911 and that's that. Its also a mahoosive 1mpg more econmonical.
Having changed car 4 times in 14 months, it's time to keep it a while, so resale concerns are not so great.
So, if the S badge is really important, go for it, howevever I personally didnt think it was so important for me, and Im quite happy with using *only* 325 horses on the very rare moments I get chance to.
Mark
I really do not need an extra 30bhp that much. Lower running costs: tyres are a lot less, brakes are less, road tax is less. That said, my non S has the same spec as the S without the 19s or the engine. It suits me down to the ground, and I dont expect to regret it at all. Its a 911 and that's that. Its also a mahoosive 1mpg more econmonical.
Having changed car 4 times in 14 months, it's time to keep it a while, so resale concerns are not so great.
So, if the S badge is really important, go for it, howevever I personally didnt think it was so important for me, and Im quite happy with using *only* 325 horses on the very rare moments I get chance to.
Mark
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff