Base 992.2 or 992.2 S
Discussion
After some advise.
Currently have a Macan S, and looking to upgrade to a 911. Not interested in second hand, as want new.
I'd had a test drive of a base 992.2, and TBH it felt plenty quick enough. Have yet to try a Carrera S though.
My dilemma is. I've specced a base car to just under £124,000, and has everything I think I want spec wise.
Same spec pretty much on an S is coming out just under £140,000. So a £16,000 difference.
I keep reading that you shouldn't spec a base Carrera by very much above list. Why is that? Do they lose more money in depreciation (percentage wise) over an S?
Those that are experienced in both models. Can you really tell the difference between the 2 cars on the road. Does that 80bhp make it a better car, or makes it too fast and less fun on the road over a base Carrera?
Is spending the additional £16,000 for an S worth it?
Won't be doing track days in it.
Currently have a Macan S, and looking to upgrade to a 911. Not interested in second hand, as want new.
I'd had a test drive of a base 992.2, and TBH it felt plenty quick enough. Have yet to try a Carrera S though.
My dilemma is. I've specced a base car to just under £124,000, and has everything I think I want spec wise.
Same spec pretty much on an S is coming out just under £140,000. So a £16,000 difference.
I keep reading that you shouldn't spec a base Carrera by very much above list. Why is that? Do they lose more money in depreciation (percentage wise) over an S?
Those that are experienced in both models. Can you really tell the difference between the 2 cars on the road. Does that 80bhp make it a better car, or makes it too fast and less fun on the road over a base Carrera?
Is spending the additional £16,000 for an S worth it?
Won't be doing track days in it.
Edited by Wab1974uk on Sunday 24th August 13:09
You will notice 80 bhp. If you need it or not is another matter but I have a turbo s so not the person to ask !
There are often brand new 992.2 on the Porsche site at a decent discount and no wait.
Bear in mind all you spend on extras on not really recoverable. It may sell a bit faster but not for much more money.
You " need " sport chrono in my view. The dial to change mode is really useful. The clock on the dash has no use but comes with it. You may want different wheels but it won't go any faster.
Seats can give you things like comfort entry ( seats go back and wheel up ) which is reasonably useful.
Bose is sort of de facto ( they may include it now I don't know ) as reports on the base audio are poor and you won't find any cars with it.
Dont go overboard!
There are often brand new 992.2 on the Porsche site at a decent discount and no wait.
Bear in mind all you spend on extras on not really recoverable. It may sell a bit faster but not for much more money.
You " need " sport chrono in my view. The dial to change mode is really useful. The clock on the dash has no use but comes with it. You may want different wheels but it won't go any faster.
Seats can give you things like comfort entry ( seats go back and wheel up ) which is reasonably useful.
Bose is sort of de facto ( they may include it now I don't know ) as reports on the base audio are poor and you won't find any cars with it.
Dont go overboard!
Crumpet said:
For what it’s worth I have a 992.1 GTS and I don’t think it would be less enjoyable with 100bhp less as it’s too quick for the road as it is. I’d happily entertain a T or a base and I’d certainly go PDK next time with the softest suspension.
Hi,Thanks for the response. Exactly the type of response I'm after. It's that dilemma, push myself for an S, and then maybe not enjoy it as much, as 5 seconds full throttle in an S, you're travelling much faster than in a base Carrera. Will it be more fun thrashing the base Carrera. It's not exactly slow itself.
Maybe add a bit more spec onto a base Carrera to make it feel a bit more special. Cognac interior is a strong want !
I also think with nearly 500bhp, a Carrera 4S would be better over an S. I live in Cumbria, and it can rain a lot here. But then, that's another £7k on top.
I’ve just bought an early C2S 992.1. I was keeping an eye out for both the C2 and the S and it came down to a question of spec, condition and # of owners.
After a week I can say the C2S is too quick for the roads but enormous fun. I don’t regret a bit.
Various OPC’s I’ve spoken to suggest the C2S is easier to resale and retains more value but options get wiped out value-wise.
I’d have been similar to you and in an ideal world would like to spec myself and go slightly overboard. That said, mine has a very considered but not overboard spec and having spent a decent time behind the wheel, I think the previous owner got the balance just right.
I’d say testdrive the S variant and see what you think. It’s a lot of money and think you should understand categorically what the difference is.
For the record I have 18 way adaptive seats, adaptive cruise (surprisingly good), BOSE, sunroof, normal LED headlights, folding mirrors, RS Spyder wheels and a few other bits I’m struggling to remember. Feels like the right spec.
After a week I can say the C2S is too quick for the roads but enormous fun. I don’t regret a bit.
Various OPC’s I’ve spoken to suggest the C2S is easier to resale and retains more value but options get wiped out value-wise.
I’d have been similar to you and in an ideal world would like to spec myself and go slightly overboard. That said, mine has a very considered but not overboard spec and having spent a decent time behind the wheel, I think the previous owner got the balance just right.
I’d say testdrive the S variant and see what you think. It’s a lot of money and think you should understand categorically what the difference is.
For the record I have 18 way adaptive seats, adaptive cruise (surprisingly good), BOSE, sunroof, normal LED headlights, folding mirrors, RS Spyder wheels and a few other bits I’m struggling to remember. Feels like the right spec.
Wab1974uk said:
Hi,
Thanks for the response. Exactly the type of response I'm after. It's that dilemma, push myself for an S, and then maybe not enjoy it as much, as 5 seconds full throttle in an S, you're travelling much faster than in a base Carrera. Will it be more fun thrashing the base Carrera. It's not exactly slow itself.
Maybe add a bit more spec onto a base Carrera to make it feel a bit more special. Cognac interior is a strong want !
I also think with nearly 500bhp, a Carrera 4S would be better over an S. I live in Cumbria, and it can rain a lot here. But then, that's another £7k on top.
Another option is to have a device to allow you to map your carrera to >500bhp, but switch it back to standard for when you take it to the dealer. You can have several mapping options if you wish.Thanks for the response. Exactly the type of response I'm after. It's that dilemma, push myself for an S, and then maybe not enjoy it as much, as 5 seconds full throttle in an S, you're travelling much faster than in a base Carrera. Will it be more fun thrashing the base Carrera. It's not exactly slow itself.
Maybe add a bit more spec onto a base Carrera to make it feel a bit more special. Cognac interior is a strong want !
I also think with nearly 500bhp, a Carrera 4S would be better over an S. I live in Cumbria, and it can rain a lot here. But then, that's another £7k on top.
When choosing between the 992.1 base and s I chose the s.
The s was just notably more potent in straight line. I would add however, that I drove a base c4 and a c2s. Honestly, I just didn’t get the grin factor from the c4. I wanted to like it more, it was cheaper and I liked the idea of 4wd re the wet too.
I live in the north and the s is good in the rain, but I do make proper use of wet mode if it’s belting it down. It’s very confidence inspiring to hoon it about in wet mode.
The s was just notably more potent in straight line. I would add however, that I drove a base c4 and a c2s. Honestly, I just didn’t get the grin factor from the c4. I wanted to like it more, it was cheaper and I liked the idea of 4wd re the wet too.
I live in the north and the s is good in the rain, but I do make proper use of wet mode if it’s belting it down. It’s very confidence inspiring to hoon it about in wet mode.
Wab1974uk said:
Hi,
Thanks for the response. Exactly the type of response I'm after. It's that dilemma, push myself for an S, and then maybe not enjoy it as much, as 5 seconds full throttle in an S, you're travelling much faster than in a base Carrera. Will it be more fun thrashing the base Carrera. It's not exactly slow itself.
Maybe add a bit more spec onto a base Carrera to make it feel a bit more special. Cognac interior is a strong want !
I also think with nearly 500bhp, a Carrera 4S would be better over an S. I live in Cumbria, and it can rain a lot here. But then, that's another £7k on top.
I think you need to get in a few really and work out what it’ll take to make it feel ‘special’. Thanks for the response. Exactly the type of response I'm after. It's that dilemma, push myself for an S, and then maybe not enjoy it as much, as 5 seconds full throttle in an S, you're travelling much faster than in a base Carrera. Will it be more fun thrashing the base Carrera. It's not exactly slow itself.
Maybe add a bit more spec onto a base Carrera to make it feel a bit more special. Cognac interior is a strong want !
I also think with nearly 500bhp, a Carrera 4S would be better over an S. I live in Cumbria, and it can rain a lot here. But then, that's another £7k on top.
I’ll be totally honest, despite the GTS being undeniably capable I can’t think of a time I’ve laughed out loud or grinned from ear to ear in it. Hitting the point where it’s ‘fun’ is at speeds that can be inappropriate for the road. With its grey interior, Audi-like smell and materials it feels anything but special to me. It does look the nuts from the outside, though.
But even in rear wheel drive with a manual gearbox it’s too capable. It’s too fast, the gears are far too long (75ish top of second), the ride is too firm, the steering has no feel and it sounds crap unless you’re at 7000rpm or more. I’m actually amazed how they’ve managed to engineer something so fast to be so dull. It’s not particularly fun and I can imagine a ‘4’ would be even duller, at least the RWD gives it a bit of playfulness.
I think my point is that all the reviews in the world can say one thing but what works for you in your world is totally different. You need to get out and drive different variants and see different interior specs. Clearly I bought the wrong car for me and I’d sell it tomorrow if I could - you definitely want to avoid the same.
I totally agree that a Cognac / tan interior will lift it and make it feel more special but I think I’d spec it more towards a GT-like spec than B-road blaster. But then there are far superior GT cars out there…..
Spuffington said:
I’ve just bought an early C2S 992.1. I was keeping an eye out for both the C2 and the S and it came down to a question of spec, condition and # of owners.
After a week I can say the C2S is too quick for the roads but enormous fun. I don’t regret a bit.
Various OPC’s I’ve spoken to suggest the C2S is easier to resale and retains more value but options get wiped out value-wise.
I’d have been similar to you and in an ideal world would like to spec myself and go slightly overboard. That said, mine has a very considered but not overboard spec and having spent a decent time behind the wheel, I think the previous owner got the balance just right.
I’d say testdrive the S variant and see what you think. It’s a lot of money and think you should understand categorically what the difference is.
For the record I have 18 way adaptive seats, adaptive cruise (surprisingly good), BOSE, sunroof, normal LED headlights, folding mirrors, RS Spyder wheels and a few other bits I’m struggling to remember. Feels like the right spec.
Thanks for your response.After a week I can say the C2S is too quick for the roads but enormous fun. I don’t regret a bit.
Various OPC’s I’ve spoken to suggest the C2S is easier to resale and retains more value but options get wiped out value-wise.
I’d have been similar to you and in an ideal world would like to spec myself and go slightly overboard. That said, mine has a very considered but not overboard spec and having spent a decent time behind the wheel, I think the previous owner got the balance just right.
I’d say testdrive the S variant and see what you think. It’s a lot of money and think you should understand categorically what the difference is.
For the record I have 18 way adaptive seats, adaptive cruise (surprisingly good), BOSE, sunroof, normal LED headlights, folding mirrors, RS Spyder wheels and a few other bits I’m struggling to remember. Feels like the right spec.
Yeah, need to test drive an S. Might need to go to another dealer for that, as current one only has a base Carrera in as a demo. Said they very rarely get an S in. Mainly Base or GTS.
Base too slow Sir. Try a GTS. Too fast? You need an S.
Spec wise, I'm looking at 18 way seats, Pano roof, Cognac interior, Bose, sports exhaust, 360 parking, and a few other options. Working out around £18k of options.
Crumpet said:
Wab1974uk said:
Hi,
Thanks for the response. Exactly the type of response I'm after. It's that dilemma, push myself for an S, and then maybe not enjoy it as much, as 5 seconds full throttle in an S, you're travelling much faster than in a base Carrera. Will it be more fun thrashing the base Carrera. It's not exactly slow itself.
Maybe add a bit more spec onto a base Carrera to make it feel a bit more special. Cognac interior is a strong want !
I also think with nearly 500bhp, a Carrera 4S would be better over an S. I live in Cumbria, and it can rain a lot here. But then, that's another £7k on top.
I think you need to get in a few really and work out what it’ll take to make it feel ‘special’. Thanks for the response. Exactly the type of response I'm after. It's that dilemma, push myself for an S, and then maybe not enjoy it as much, as 5 seconds full throttle in an S, you're travelling much faster than in a base Carrera. Will it be more fun thrashing the base Carrera. It's not exactly slow itself.
Maybe add a bit more spec onto a base Carrera to make it feel a bit more special. Cognac interior is a strong want !
I also think with nearly 500bhp, a Carrera 4S would be better over an S. I live in Cumbria, and it can rain a lot here. But then, that's another £7k on top.
I’ll be totally honest, despite the GTS being undeniably capable I can’t think of a time I’ve laughed out loud or grinned from ear to ear in it. Hitting the point where it’s ‘fun’ is at speeds that can be inappropriate for the road. With its grey interior, Audi-like smell and materials it feels anything but special to me. It does look the nuts from the outside, though.
But even in rear wheel drive with a manual gearbox it’s too capable. It’s too fast, the gears are far too long (75ish top of second), the ride is too firm, the steering has no feel and it sounds crap unless you’re at 7000rpm or more. I’m actually amazed how they’ve managed to engineer something so fast to be so dull. It’s not particularly fun and I can imagine a ‘4’ would be even duller, at least the RWD gives it a bit of playfulness.
I think my point is that all the reviews in the world can say one thing but what works for you in your world is totally different. You need to get out and drive different variants and see different interior specs. Clearly I bought the wrong car for me and I’d sell it tomorrow if I could - you definitely want to avoid the same.
I totally agree that a Cognac / tan interior will lift it and make it feel more special but I think I’d spec it more towards a GT-like spec than B-road blaster. But then there are far superior GT cars out there…..
I was initially thinking of getting a T. But, that long gearing really puts me off. Think it's 80 in second. I have a GR-Yaris, and at 80, you're getting into 4th. Plus, the Missus needs to drive it too, and where most of us get used to a new clutch bote point after the first or second gear change, she doesn't. So, PDK it is.
It's to pretty much replace the Macan, and while a 911 will never ride as well as a Macan on Air-suspension, or be a nice quite motorway mile muncher like the Macan, I've always wanted to buy a 911. And now I'm in that position.
But, yeah, spec wise, deffo GT rather than B-Road Blaster. Cognac will definitely make it feel much more special over every other 911 with Black leather and Crayon stitching.
Wab1974uk said:
I've always wanted to buy a 911. And now I'm in that position.
I know you say you want brand new but I really do wish I’d tested the 911 waters with something like a 997/991. They’re obviously very popular cars with lots of people but I think buying brand new you need to make sure you’re one of them. I don’t think I am, hence my disappointment with the car. Great all-rounders, possibly the best, but I’d rather have a flawed overall car that is utterly magic in one specific area - noise, steering, handling, comfort - than something that’s a 7/10 for everything. But then the warranty, reliability, resale value all adds up to make them a compelling proposition.
Anyway, we’re incredibly fortunate to be in positions where the spec of our 911s is an issue!
I was in the same situation in May - went C2S.
I completely acknowledge and agree C2 is fast enough for the road, but psychologically I knew I'd have "buyer’s remorse" if I didn't go for C2S
Because I wanted a GT build, then GTS with SPASM and reduced sound insulation, was never an option. Fortunately.
I completely acknowledge and agree C2 is fast enough for the road, but psychologically I knew I'd have "buyer’s remorse" if I didn't go for C2S
Because I wanted a GT build, then GTS with SPASM and reduced sound insulation, was never an option. Fortunately.
I think if looking 992.1 then an 's' makes sense but the 992.2 are hugely expensive, you can get a really well equipped base for £110k (innodrive/matrix/18 way etc) . The 'S' versions seem to be more like £145k so there is now a huge gap, basically the price of a GTS (which I also don't want due to harder ride).
Before everyone jumps in I'm sure you can find some with 15k gap but there is normally something wrong/different.
If you really want the fastest then nothing will allow you accept a base but day to day, nothing really in it. All the magazines had said the base is the sweet spot.
Before everyone jumps in I'm sure you can find some with 15k gap but there is normally something wrong/different.
If you really want the fastest then nothing will allow you accept a base but day to day, nothing really in it. All the magazines had said the base is the sweet spot.
If I was buying new now id have to try as many variants as possible as even the slightest spec difference can change your perspective, the base will be a cracking car (the 992.1 is) but from a cost perspective I’m not sure that you’re getting your moneys worth anymore.
I’d be tempted to hunt down a discounted delivery miles 992S which can probably be had for the cost of a brand new base.
I’d originally ordered a S but due to Covid and parts issues I ended up with a new 2023 GTS which I love and after 10k miles I don’t find it too harsh (maybe down the 18 way seats and running the tyres at a lower pressure)
Try a few before committing and good luck.
I’d be tempted to hunt down a discounted delivery miles 992S which can probably be had for the cost of a brand new base.
I’d originally ordered a S but due to Covid and parts issues I ended up with a new 2023 GTS which I love and after 10k miles I don’t find it too harsh (maybe down the 18 way seats and running the tyres at a lower pressure)
Try a few before committing and good luck.
I am afraid this won’t help the debate of base v S
But my first ever porsche was a 992.1 S and I could bored stupid as it just wasn’t an event. It was stupidly fast, good looking, not comfortable on the base seats but it was just boring.
Now in a Spyder RS.
Now I know it isn’t apples for apples but if you want your new sports car to be an event the 911 isn’t it (well it wasn’t for me)
You are spending a lot of money. Be very sure. The cost of exiting a new 992.2 no matter what it is will be horrific
But my first ever porsche was a 992.1 S and I could bored stupid as it just wasn’t an event. It was stupidly fast, good looking, not comfortable on the base seats but it was just boring.
Now in a Spyder RS.
Now I know it isn’t apples for apples but if you want your new sports car to be an event the 911 isn’t it (well it wasn’t for me)
You are spending a lot of money. Be very sure. The cost of exiting a new 992.2 no matter what it is will be horrific
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