About a year ago, Porsche launched the Porsche 992 911, Carrera. It was the entry-level 911, and despite being the slowest of the lot, it is one of the most loved amongst fans. A bog-standard Carrera starts at $99,200 and for that, you get a lot. First of all, there is the engine. It’s a 3.0 twin-turbo flat-6 with a 0-60 of around 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 182 mph. Then, there is the driving dynamics. You get an amazing 8-speed PDK gearbox, one of the most precise gearboxes ever made. Then, you have a multi-link rear suspension which makes the car handle even better. The 992 Carrera as a whole is a very advanced car and the build quality is sublime.
The basic Carrera really has everything you need, and in all honesty, it doesn’t look too bad for a base model. You get 19-inch alloys, LED lights, a leather interior, a decent audio system, rear seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Petty loaded then right? Of course, there are a few options that you absolutely need. Things like parking sensors, sports exhausts, Sports Chrono package, alloys, and privacy glass. The base Carrera alloys are nice but the other options are so much more appealing.
Most 911’s made are pretty loaded. They’re fitted with all sorts of stuff. Sports exhaust, upgraded alloys, upgraded paint, upgraded interior, Sports Design body kit, etc. It is pretty rare for someone to order a very sparsely spec Porsche nowadays, which is what makes things pretty special. Of course, when it comes to re-sale things will be a pain since the Porsche used market is stupidly competitive, but not everyone cares about resale value.
So why should you buy a Carrera over a Carrera S? Why is the basic option actually the one which makes the most sense? Let’s find out.
picture via: carmagazine.co.uk
The Savings
picture via: cars.com
A new Carrera 911 as mentioned earlier starts at just under $100,000 which is reasonable for a high-performance exotic German sports car. The Carrera S starts at just over $115,000 which is almost $16,000 more than the Carrera 4. What’s the difference between the two cars though?
The main difference is power. The S model has 444hp which is almost 70 more than what you get in the standard model, which has only 380hp. Therefore, the Carrera S can hit 60 in 3.7 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds faster than the base model. The S model then hots a top speed of 191mph, 10 mph more than the base Carrera. The biggest difference though is transmission because you can get a 7-speed manual on the S model but not on the base model.
This to me does not make any sense. Surely you would put the more basic manual transmission in on the standard model rather than fit in with the more high-tech PDK as standard and not even offer a manual option? For enthusiasts wanting a manual 992, the cheapest one you’re going to get isn’t very cheap at all.
But back onto the point. The performance differences between the S and the base model are completely visible on the track. In the real world though, not so much. The base model has a slightly softer suspension setup so the rid is a bit more comfortable, but on most roads, it isn’t really all that noticeable and handling is still very precise. Inside both the S and the base model are identical. They have the same interior layout, same build quality, same interior space, etc.
If you want a 911 to use day in day out, get the base, Carrera. Some will argue that the Turbo S is the best choice, but hear me out. For everyday use, do you really need that sort of power? The Carrera has enough power for everyday use, and you have to remember that most people every day do not go driving through the hills or so. Most people get stuck in traffic on the highway or downtown. There are speed limits. Speed cameras. Bad roads, etc. Do you really think that extra performance is going to be justified in traffic?
If you do one day want to let it rip on the way to work, and go on the back roads then the Carrera has enough power to do so. It’s fun, it has plenty of grip and it is easy to drive fast. The brakes are also exceptionally good. The Carrera feels pretty pure and it shows you just how far Porsche has come in terms of engineering. You can upgrade your Carrera with a few options such as Sports Chrono pack (makes the car faster), Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes, lowered PASM suspension, etc.
The gearbox is perfect for everyday use. Very reliable and very precise. It doesn’t jerk or feel uncomfortable at low speeds but when you want to go fast it is sharp and on the ball. The gearbox used in the base Carrera is a little less harsh than the one in the Carrera S, but again like most differences, it is hardly noticeable.
Would We Buy One?
picture via: motor1.com
In all honesty, we would buy a Carrera. The Carrera offers so much more than it used to these days. It’s quick, comfortable and out of all the 911 models, it is the best to use every day. What’s the point of spending so much nowadays on a 911 when the Carrera does everything you want from a 911? It’s a no-nonsense car.
You can take it on the track, take it across states, use it every day, etc. It’s multiple cars in one. Sure it isn’t the fastest car by any means, but it’s fast enough for most people. Even in base format with no options, it looks classy. The base Carrera is the purists choice, and it is a shame it isn’t offered with a manual.
Servicing is pretty cheap too for a car of this calibre. Plus on new models, you do get a 3-year warranty from the factory. Depreciation is pretty low too since the 911 is always in high demand. However, if you are concerned about resale value, make sure you spec your new Carrera with a few options on it that way when it comes to selling it, you will have a car that is more competitive and that is easier to sell.