Why do I need an S and what year

[johnsimion]

Originally Posted by Boxster101

No one "needs" an S. However, often men with small.... oh, never mind.

I think you went a little far with that one. It's all in how you use the car. You need an "S" if you are tracking it or trying to impress other Porsche owners. The "S" model could blow my doors off in a drag race or on the track, but so what, I don't drag race or go to the track. Personally I don't know very darned many Porsche owners who do. Many talk, few act. On the streets where I live, my base Cayman is every bit as fast as an "S" any place I drive within the speed limit. In fact, it doesn't even matter because some kid in a Corolla will always go faster than you on the highway just because I won't risk a speeding ticket. Waste of money for an "S." For me, that is. YMMV.

[MileHighBoxster]

Originally Posted by johnsimion

... On the streets where I live, my base Cayman is every bit as fast as an "S" any place I drive within the speed limit. In fact, it doesn't even matter because some kid in a Corolla...

True. My S is just as fast as every other car doing 55, 65, or 75. No need to impress anyone but me. There are plenty of cars on the road faster than mine but, I am currently undefeated in races with Vipers, AMG's, Cobras, Z06 Vettes and Chevettes............because I don't race any of them.

[stephen wilson]

"To S or not to S"........is an entirely personal decision, there is no right or wrong. I chose a base model because I wanted a newer, lower mileage car, at a given price point. If cost wasn't an issue, for me, H.P. is like money; you can't have too much of it!

[Perfectlap]

I'v always thought this argument is backwards. for the track or autocross, the 2.7 and 2.5 engines are more than enough power to get you into the same trouble that a 3.2 and 3.4 will land you in.

For real world situations, like overtaking cars on the merge lane, getting past a minivan with some nearly 300 HP engine and the improved S brakes (same as on the Carrera) could be the difference between avoiding a near miss accident -- an insane number of accidents would be avoided if the driver had just one extra second to react. I see more benefits to the extra power and braking on the street than most realize, granted they are also great in competition and instruction.

Originally Posted by johnsimion

I think you went a little far with that one. It's all in how you use the car. You need an "S" if you are tracking it or trying to impress other Porsche owners. The "S" model could blow my doors off in a drag race or on the track, but so what, I don't drag race or go to the track. Personally I don't know very darned many Porsche owners who do. Many talk, few act. On the streets where I live, my base Cayman is every bit as fast as an "S" any place I drive within the speed limit. In fact, it doesn't even matter because some kid in a Corolla will always go faster than you on the highway just because I won't risk a speeding ticket. Waste of money for an "S." For me, that is. YMMV.

[WhipE350]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I'v always thought this argument is backwards. for the track or autocross, the 2.7 and 2.5 engines are more than enough power to get you into the same trouble that a 3.2 and 3.4 will land you in.

Good point! I know if I start tracking I'll want to start with less power, probably will keep me out of a ditch