jn42887

Curious to get some opinions here on a buying decision I'm stuck on. Looking to replace our SUV lease that's ending soon with something that's a lot more fun but still practical in US Midwest weather. We're looking at two AWD cabriolets that fit the bill: 2017 AMG S63 or 2017 Porsche 911 4S. Both used are in the $90k-$105k range we're targeting. The depreciation being less harsh with the Porsche is a factor, but we can overcome it if the AMG is that much better.

A little background: in my mid 30s with no children (although that could change in a few years), able to afford either option comfortably. I've gradually become more and more of an enthusiast over the past few years and will now rent cars on Turo for fun drives on the weekend. I don't love overly harsh rides but am also looking for something more fun/sporty than our other ride, a Lexus sedan. I might be interested in taking the new car to a track, but no more than a few times a year. This is a car for us to enjoy, so flash and showing off my fancy car doesn't matter. We like the luxury stuff like heated seats/wheel, heads-up displays, Apple Carplay, massage seats, etc. The S63 seems to check more of those boxes than the 911.

I've driven both and enjoyed them both on test drives. The hard part now is deciding which will be more fun, practical, and lead to more smiles and less headaches over the next five years.

Biggest needs are that the car is fun, fast, comfortable, has luxury amenities, four seats (the backseat will be very infrequent use), all wheel drive, and a convertible top. The two I mentioned above seem to fit the bill. What do you guys think I should do?

I appreciate it!!

LargePuppy

+1 for the 911, but I am biased slightly.

points

In my view its not a question....one is a dime a dozen with no pop...the other is a classic car that will have you and the boss smiling for many years. Go Porsche.

infinitest

If you want something fun to drive, special, and practical, go with the 911.

Check out mine if having a convertible isn't a requirement.

shammerman

Have you driven both? If not, do it first thing. Secondly - the 911 back seat is good for groceries and possibly for very small kids, Not useable by adults at all and you mentioned occasional need for this.

B Russ

Sorry but I cant find the practical in my 17 4S cab

Now << car yes

KOTB

Given your requirements I would say S63 - that being said the 911 is far better fun car but does not necessarily tick all the boxes as the S63 does!

jn42887

Thanks for the responses so far! To clarify, the backseat would be for occasionally carrying around friends for quick joy rides. I'm 5'10 and was able to move the passenger seat up far and then get behind it, so I assume a smaller adult would be more comfortable. But the backseat advantage definitely goes to the S63.

As for the luxury features, the ones we've had (heated steering wheel, heated seats, nice infotainment system, etc.) are the ones we know we want, and both cars have them. It's the other things like massage seats, "neck scarves," and the crazy things in the S63 that sound great but we don't know how much we'd use.

B Russ

I rarely use the massage seats in my Panamera

scr1244

I started shopping for a base 911 last summer. Had never heard of Rennlist. In my research I discovered it. Fantastic wealth of info which convinced me a 911S was the way to go. Not to mention what features I should get and why. Was so helpful. However I would never consider asking thousands of Porsche 911 owners if I should buy one vs another brand. Of course they will say buy the most exciting and satisfying car that’s available.They are P car addicts. The 911 turned me into one. I have a a few friends that drive SL’s and they drool over my car. So my suggestion to this thread starter is buy the Benz, you don’t sound like a 911 man, and that is certainly OK. Best of luck......

T3X4S

The luxury options you are seeking = S63. Good luck.

PNW2015

I had a BMW M4 hardtop vert with neck scarves, every available option and drove it during the winters in Washington. It was an excellent car and was very fun to drive. While shopping for this, I test drove the S63. I then traded my M4 for a 991.2 Carrera S and love everyday driving it. It's just a much more fun car to drive. If you want a more comfortable cruiser then get the S63. If you want a better driving experience, take the 911.

BSO

PNW2015 sums up my feelings as well, very happy with my C4S, a pleasure to drive.

Bob Z.

991; however, ask the question here and let us know what the majority says: https://mbworld.org/forums/s63-amg-4...bles-a217-193/

Porsche911GTS'16

Yeah, you ask a bunch of Porsche enthusiasts whether to buy a Mercedes or a 911 and you are destined to get a lot of love for the 991 cab platform. As an owner of a 991.1 GTS cab, I will add to the chorus singing the 991's praises. It is not the most tech-forward car on the market; both Mercedes and BMW have more creature comforts in the car. But many of us prefer Porsche in part because it is low-frills, it is more about the drive and less about the gadgetry within the driver's compartment. The 992 has become more tech-y and perhaps that would be more to your liking? It is much more digital and less analog compared to the 991 generation. For me, the 991.2 hit the nail on the head in terms of analog and digital. The Apple CarPlay is a huge upgrade from the .1 to the .2 (I have one of each). It took me a couple test drives in the 991.1 platform to "get it." The first time I test drove a base 991.1 cab, I was like: "What's all the fuss about?" After more seat time, I "got it" and I have never looked back. I went from a base 991.1 cab to a 991.1 GTS cab and I added a GT3 Touring to the stable a year ago. Good luck with your decision - a good "tough decision" to have to make!