992 the regular Carrera or an S? - Page 3 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

As the 2030 deadline looms, I'm looking to order a new 992 to keep for life. My main question here is do I push on to the S? I'm not taking the car on track (I use other people's metal for that!) and I plan to use it most days. I will cover around 8000 miles per year in it. I do like a car to give some comfort, I don't want a stripped out track racer feel in my road cars. However, will the regular Carrera give me the ompf I'm looking for when I put my foot down or will I always feel short changed? I've got an M340i Touring (which I'm keeping for dog duties and passengers) as my daily at the moment and it feels quick in most circumstances, but I would like a little more from the 911. Going for the S starts to get me into £115K once I've got the spec I want, so it's quite jump up from the same spec S2. Thoughts from 992 owners please. NB: I've driven an S at Silverstone and was totally blown away by the performance, which has made me wonder if the S2 would be just fine in real world road driving conditions.

Why not a 992T? Nicely specd comes in around £105k new

I don't think the T is for me. I don't like the lack of choice on the wheel options alone.

Respected journalists seem to think that the standard Carrera is the sweeter model. There is a considerable upgrade path from that model via Litchfield should you feel you need more ooomph later on.

I don't think the T is for me. I don't like the lack of choice on the wheel options alone.

Not an owner, but there's a decent data point online on the Carwow channel. They did a drag race between a 992 C2 and the G80 M3 - the 992 beat it off the line and over the 1/4 mile, although the M3 did claw it back at higher speeds. On a rolling race from 50mph, the M3 pulled away from the 992, but not wildly so. Therefore, I think if the 992 C2 doesn't get embarrassed by a 500bhp M3, it's probably going to be and feel quicker than your M340i, but not light years quicker. The performance seems important to you, the C2S already blew you away, it'll be your forever 911 and your dog duties car already has 370bhp. Get the S.

I have a very similar plan in mind and have an upper limit of ~£120k. Looking to keep the car for a long time and use for daily driver duties and touring on the continent, so the C2S specific options: SPASM, RWS, PDCC don't really appeal to me. I haven't driven a C2S, but have had a go in a GTS, GTS4 & C2 and decided that I would rather a C2 optioned heavily to my taste. Put an order in last year for a C2 with planned spec: - 18w Seats - LW & Noise insulated glass - Matrix headlights - Burmester - Extended leather on doors & Dash - 360 camera - Adaptive Cruise (maybe Innodrive) All in, probably one of the highest option base cars going, but will be exactly to my (perhaps peculiar) specifications!

What delivery time were you advised?

I'm exactly the same situation as you and opted for 992 GTS. My car for life! Electric and hybrids just not my bag.

I’d say the key point here is to get the car you want with the options that will fit in with how you want to use the car. The base C2 is more than quick enough and I don’t think that anyone configuring one as they want it would be disappointed. I sold my 991.1 C2S in July 2021 and ordered a C2S, however at the time the dealer only had a heavily optioned C2 available for a test drive but I was very impressed with the whole package and it was easily as fast, if not faster than my 991. Due to supply issues my 992 S didn’t materialise (long story) but I have just taken delivery of a C2 GTS which I have optioned to use regularly and keep forever!

E46Rob said: I have a very similar plan in mind and have an upper limit of ~£120k. Looking to keep the car for a long time and use for daily driver duties and touring on the continent, so the C2S specific options: SPASM, RWS, PDCC don't really appeal to me. I haven't driven a C2S, but have had a go in a GTS, GTS4 & C2 and decided that I would rather a C2 optioned heavily to my taste. Put an order in last year for a C2 with planned spec: - 18w Seats - LW & Noise insulated glass - Matrix headlights - Burmester - Extended leather on doors & Dash - 360 camera - Adaptive Cruise (maybe Innodrive) All in, probably one of the highest option base cars going, but will be exactly to my (perhaps peculiar) specifications! Lovely spec!

Lancs Jag Boy said: What delivery time were you advised? 18-24 months, a year ago!

Oh bloody hell! I’d better get ordering. Some good advice and points coming out on this thread. Keep them coming!

I have GTS 4 Cab arriving in Jun and test drove a 4S Coupe and base cab. My daily is a BMW M135i and I did not think the base 911 was that dramatically quicker than the BMW. The base 911 was a lot louder which gave the impression of speed. Last week I was on the autobahn in my m135I with an X3 M40i just behind me and as a comparator performance of the 2 BMWs seemed similar as we cruised along up to 230 kph - so your BMW would be just that bit quicker. More power is always useful, but bear in mind I am not restricted to 70mph and have since 2011 been a Brit driving on, at times, 2 lane autobahns where 220kph seems pretty relaxed in an M135i, but which would loose me my licence in the UK! My M135i is too fast for the UK and also teh grip way beyond my driving levels. Edited by DC1960 on Tuesday 28th March 15:33 Edited by DC1960 on Tuesday 28th March 16:23

I bought a 992 CS it was delivered the first day of lockdown in 2020, I kept extras to 10% of the cost of the car, recently sold it to WBAC for about £10K less than I paid for it. I found it on a OPC site going for less than £200 than I paid back in 2020 it was on their site for about 2 weeks… Brilliant car buy the best you can and what you want especially if it’s a long term purchase.

Bed time reading to help you choose, money not being too much of an issue (through Chrome for translate): https://www.autobild.de/artikel/porsche-911-kaufbe...

If I were in your shoes I'd buy the approved used C2 GTS on the other thread for £115k rather than spend £120k on a C2S which will be worth circa £90k in 2 years. If the lack of leather dash bothers you on that example then a retrim would cost well under the £10k price difference to the next most expensive one, plus you can customise the interior to your tastes since it would be a keeper

ClubsportStr said: Ive had a C2 for about 6 months and it’s as fast as you need for everyday sports car. Yes it doesn’t do 0-100 in 6 secs it takes approx 9 . But I can say on uk roads Ive never found it wanting. I love every drive, it’s as good at doing normal motorway speeds and 30mpg town driving as it is going for a countryside blast. I spec mine with sport plus seats and upgrade wheels and it looks the part. The only thing that disappoints is the standard stereo system and the wind noise with the glass sunroof is fully back. I will be sad to see it go. I would say go and test drive a C2 you won’t be disappointed for under 100k new I don’t think you can buy a better every day sports car. Good luck and enjoy what every model you buy. Agreed, mine has done 50k now and is perfect. The list of cars that do 0-100mph in under 6 seconds is an £exclusive one! Unless you have a £million or two to spend. I nicked this from somewhere. Koenigsegg One 1 5.1 V8 Twin Turbo - [2014]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 4.5 seconds SSC Ultimate Aero TT - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 4.6 seconds Porsche 9FF GT9R - [2009]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 4.9 seconds Caparo T1 3.5l V8 - [2007]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.0 seconds Koenigsegg Agera 5L V8 - [2011]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.1 seconds Koenigsegg CCX R Special Edition 4.8 V8 S - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.1 seconds Koenigsegg CCR 4.7 V8 Supercharged - [2005]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.2 seconds Koenigsegg CCX 4.7 V8 Supercharged - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.2 seconds Koenigsegg CCX 4.7 V8 Supercharged - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.2 seconds Hennessey Venom GT 6.2L V8 - [2010]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.3 seconds Ultima GTR 720 - [2000]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.3 seconds Ariel Atom V8 500 - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.4 seconds Caparo T1 2.4 V8 - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.5 seconds Porsche 9FF GT9 - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.5 seconds Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 - [2005]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.7 seconds Ascari A10 5.0 V8 - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.8 seconds Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 - [2011]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.9 seconds

Dynamically the C2 will be a huge leap forward over the 340, but if you need the extra punch you could push to the S. Another option is to tune it in due course as there’s huge reserve in this now proven engine. You’ll need the S (or T) if you require a manual gearbox.

Full disclosure- I’m biased as I have an S on order (placed order last summer advised 2024 delivery). I’m buying this as a forever car, as soon it will be impossible to buy petrol-only sports cars. I “had” to go for an S as I wanted a manual, but even if that hadn’t been the case I’d have gone for the S as it’s very very rapid. It’s going to be a step up from my 996 Carrera 4…. My opinion, buy an S.

Lancs Jag Boy said: I don't think the T is for me. I don't like the lack of choice on the wheel options alone. It’s got a choice of 3 types of wheel and different colours.

Ive had a C2 for about 6 months and it’s as fast as you need for everyday sports car. Yes it doesn’t do 0-100 in 6.6 secs it takes approx 10. But I can say on uk roads Ive never found it wanting. I love every drive, it’s as good at doing normal motorway speeds and 30mpg town driving as it is going for a countryside blast. I spec mine with sport plus seats and upgrade wheels and it looks the part. The only thing that disappoints is the standard stereo system and the wind noise with the glass sunroof is fully back. I will be sad to see it go. I would say go and test drive a C2 you won’t be disappointed for under 100k new I don’t think you can buy a better every day sports car. Good luck and enjoy what every model you buy. Edited by ClubsportStr on Tuesday 28th March 19:58 Edited by ClubsportStr on Tuesday 28th March 20:02 Edited by ClubsportStr on Tuesday 28th March 21:14

PinkHouse said: If I were in your shoes I'd buy the approved used C2 GTS on the other thread for £115k rather than spend £120k on a C2S which will be worth circa £90k in 2 years. If the lack of leather dash bothers you on that example then a retrim would cost well under the £10k price difference to the next most expensive one, plus you can customise the interior to your tastes since it would be a keeper This. And you can have it straight away.

I drove a carrera and an s back to back at the Porsche experience Centre at silverstone. The s was mildly faster but the difference was marginal and not night and day. At the end of the day buy what makes you happy but performance wise on the road there is noting in it

Nice to see so many having these as their "forever" / "keeper" cars. I'm exactly the same and mine's a keeper and specced it accordingly.

Why not test drive both on the road? OPCs will have demonstrators although you might have to go to two dealers for each variant.

Some very good rational thinking here. Given that it'll be a forever car (well played on that front) it may be worth doing a couple of emotional tests: If you buy the very excellent base model: How would you feel when an S pulls up next to you at the lights? Would you ever feel the need to explain to those who admire the car why you went base and not S?

First Sea Lord said: How would you feel when an S pulls up next to you at the lights? Would you ever feel the need to explain to those who admire the car why you went base and not S? Perhaps the OP doesn't care about other people's view on his choice of car. If he gets a S and a Turbo pulls up etc etc

I have always found the simplicity and purity of the base model 911s - 2wd, manual, coupe - very endearing. Much closer to the original 911 ethos and all many buyers would ever need in the real world.

nickfrog said: First Sea Lord said: How would you feel when an S pulls up next to you at the lights? Would you ever feel the need to explain to those who admire the car why you went base and not S? Perhaps the OP doesn't care about other people's view on his choice of car. If he gets a S and a Turbo pulls up etc etc Maybe he doesn't. Hopefully not. The above questions will help him decide

politeperson said: Agreed, mine has done 50k now and is perfect. The list of cars that do 0-100mph in under 6 seconds is an £exclusive one! Unless you have a £million or two to spend. I nicked this from somewhere. Koenigsegg One 1 5.1 V8 Twin Turbo - [2014]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 4.5 seconds SSC Ultimate Aero TT - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 4.6 seconds Porsche 9FF GT9R - [2009]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 4.9 seconds Caparo T1 3.5l V8 - [2007]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.0 seconds Koenigsegg Agera 5L V8 - [2011]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.1 seconds Koenigsegg CCX R Special Edition 4.8 V8 S - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.1 seconds Koenigsegg CCR 4.7 V8 Supercharged - [2005]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.2 seconds Koenigsegg CCX 4.7 V8 Supercharged - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.2 seconds Koenigsegg CCX 4.7 V8 Supercharged - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.2 seconds Hennessey Venom GT 6.2L V8 - [2010]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.3 seconds Ultima GTR 720 - [2000]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.3 seconds Ariel Atom V8 500 - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.4 seconds Caparo T1 2.4 V8 - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.5 seconds Porsche 9FF GT9 - [2008]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.5 seconds Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 - [2005]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.7 seconds Ascari A10 5.0 V8 - [2006]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.8 seconds Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 - [2011]0-100 mph (0-160 kph) - 5.9 seconds There are some newer cars missing from that list. 992 turbo s (5.3 seconds!?) Various McLarens Etc

nickfrog said: First Sea Lord said: How would you feel when an S pulls up next to you at the lights? Would you ever feel the need to explain to those who admire the car why you went base and not S? Perhaps the OP doesn't care about other people's view on his choice of car. If he gets a S and a Turbo pulls up etc etc Agreed, I've really never understood that line of thinking. However, I guess First Sea Lord meant it's a subtle way of eliciting whether you are indeed settling or not. If you were happy with your choice, you wouldn't care to justify/defend it?

I’ve no interest in the upper models TBH. It really boils down to a c£9k difference of spending and will I really feel that performance on a daily basis, or will I find it just a little lacking. Hardcore drive is not my thing, so is the C2 the easier ride on UK roads and is its performance adequate? If it’s as fast a 500bhp M3 up to 70/80mph, then the C2 will be quick enough.

I suppose some people like more ´bling and show’ with cars, watches, etc, where as others are more subtle. But the difference between a 992/992S/992T/992GTS is minimal, especially as many are debadged. Only a Porsche ‘anorak’ would know the difference. The base car is probably the most comfortable.

Lancs Jag Boy said: I’ve no interest in the upper models TBH. It really boils down to a c£9k difference of spending and will I really feel that performance on a daily basis, or will I find it just a little lacking. Hardcore drive is not my thing, so is the C2 the easier ride on UK roads and is its performance adequate? If it’s as fast a 500bhp M3 up to 70/80mph, then the C2 will be quick enough. Based on your requirements, the base Carrera 2 will be more than enough. Some good vids online of a base Carrera showing up the current gen M3/M4 Comp. I particularly liked this one: https://youtu.be/N_5X9iGhVQA

I had BMW for 20+ years and had same dilemma as you. We went for a C2 with 10k of extras to add things we wanted for touring. So for same price as a base C2S we have enough power for any road - Autobahns and Alpine passes included - plus things like glass sunroof; super adjustable seats, even colour matched Rimowa luggage. Good luck with your purchase, you won't want to go back to BMW! Edited by Roaringopenfire on Friday 31st March 23:36

If it is truly ‘forever car’ I would think usability and durability would be more important than 1-100 mph. I think C2 specced to your heart content lends itself better.

Schuey_911 said: Based on your requirements, the base Carrera 2 will be more than enough. Some good vids online of a base Carrera showing up the current gen M3/M4 Comp. I particularly liked this one: https://youtu.be/N_5X9iGhVQA Good car reviewers. I like these guys a lot more than the ‘why I sold ‘X’ car’ brigade that have too many followers.

OK, so order is now placed - after the price increase unfortunately. Crayon Turbo wheels Chrono pack 14 way seats with ventilation Glass roof Sports exhaust Power steering plus Heated wheel Park assist with cameras Comfort access Painted sides skirts Upgraded leather Porsche filler cap (for my pleasure when filling up and nobody else's!) Elec mirrors Windscreen top tint The thing I'm now thinking is should I go for the Bose sound system. Is it worth it. I've had B&O in an S4 and I didn't think it was much to write home about and my current B&W system is also pretty average. I am going to be disappointed with the regular system, or do I need to Bose as a minimum for it sound anything near average?

Re the BOSE, I have it in my May build, but if I am honest the test drives I have had the cars are much noisier than my 8 series, as an example, and therefore listening to high quality audio unless engine off seemed almost an impossibility. However, I got carried on the wave of forums opinions and potential impact on re-sale and bit the bullet! Sam from Seen Thorough Glass had a video of driving a limited spec 911 through Europe and he stated at the end the std sound system was good enough. Seems most of us ignored this and opted for the Emperors New Clothes!

The stereo sound in these cars is not great. I had the bose and it wasn’t great - very thin sounding and it’s meant to be better than the standard. In contrast now my gt4 stereo is way better sounding so the shape/wheel arches of the 911 make for a noisy cabin it seems. I’d be specing the best stereo they offer especially if it’s a keeper personally.

The Bose system is better and certainly a worthy upgrade ,but compared to other cars it’s not great .The road noise is a big thing in any 911 and if you want cruise around listening to music a 911 is not the best car for that .

Lancs Jag Boy said: OK, so order is now placed - after the price increase unfortunately. Crayon Turbo wheels Chrono pack 14 way seats with ventilation Glass roof Sports exhaust Power steering plus Heated wheel Park assist with cameras Comfort access Painted sides skirts Upgraded leather Porsche filler cap (for my pleasure when filling up and nobody else's!) Elec mirrors Windscreen top tint The thing I'm now thinking is should I go for the Bose sound system. Is it worth it. I've had B&O in an S4 and I didn't think it was much to write home about and my current B&W system is also pretty average. I am going to be disappointed with the regular system, or do I need to Bose as a minimum for it sound anything near average? So… S or Carrera?

I 8 a 4RE said: So… S or Carrera? Carrera. I went for the options I really wanted. A quick look at the 992 upgrade from Litchfield made me realise that there was future power at a very modest cost should I want it post warranty.