Why do I need an S and what year

[Perfectlap]

For all its years of production the standard Carrera didn't cross over the 300 HP mark until about 5 years ago.

The U.S. 1999 BMW M3 E36 had less power than 986S. The most a non-turbo BMW engine had ever had until 2000 was 343 HP.

I always scratch my head when people say the BoxsterS was underpowered in 2000.
Actually even now, for the chasis it's way more power than most driver's can handle once the steering is actually used.
You'll losee 250 HP in a second if you're not up to it. I'd say car like a 150 HP NA Miata are closer to the 'benign power' category.