billh1963

I've been shopping for a 993 for a few weeks now and keep getting my attention diverted by "S" cars. (I like the backend view). I've never driven an "S" car nor even seen one in person. Other than aesthetics are there really any SIGNIFICANT differences to cause me to justify spending $10K more than what I wanted to?

I would assume that long term collectability is better as well as the "Wow" factor (which is useless but has some "bling" factor).

What am I missing? Should I look at "S" cars because I like them or is there some real substance there? I won't track my car and it'll be a Sunday driver (my BMW 530i and Ford F-150 are my commuters.

Thanks for all advice!

Skytop

"Are the S cars worth it?"
That decision depends on YOU.

When you order an ice cream, do you order the extra toppings or is the ungarnished ice cream what you really enjoy?

Many can list the differences but it is a personal decision. The Porsche experience is identical for S and non S cars.

neunelf

Personally I am not drawn to the body on 'S' cars.

What I am drawn to are the goodies on the c4s.

Given the choice of a c2 or a c2s I choose a c2.
Given the choice of a c2 or a c4s I choose a c4s.

Tone

There are things beyond asthetics to consider:

1. They are more limited in #s, there fore will demand more $$. Note you kept getting drawn to them...

2. They do have extra equip. upgrades: better brakes, firmer suspension, wider body, interior trim details and i think a few other things I can't think of (I'm sure another poster will chime in here)

3. Point was well made on the previous post though, from a "worth it" perspective:
- is a 96+ worth it compared to a '95
- is an S worth it
- is a turbo worth it

It really is your call and get what you like and are comfortable paying for. Happy hunting!

ESL

As others have said it's a personal decision. There are a few extra goodies with an S than without but those which are important to you could always be aftermarketed. It's a purely personal choice. For me, the "schwing" (props to Wayne's World) factor was worth the extra money, for other's there may not be as much of a "schwing" so not worth it.

Mike in Chi

I love 'em all, and I do like the muscular look of the S cars, but I find the proportions on the narrow-body most pleasing.

decisions, decisions, decisions...

(You could, of course get one of each)

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

M in C

Mike in Chi

Oh yeah-- and that 10,000 beans would go a long way to a 944/951 race car

M

STLPCA

[quote]
...are there really any SIGNIFICANT differences ... I would assume that long term collectability is better ... I won't track my car and it'll be a Sunday driver<hr></blockquote>


The significant differences for your expressed useage are all aesthetic. E.g., the 4S Big Red brakes offer no benefits for street driving. So, the only real issue is if you like the wide butt, get an S. If not, any other desired standard S features can be added to a narrow body for (likely) cumulatively less than the price differential. Further, the S cars (except TT S) are NOT rare among 993s so I disagree with your "collectability" assumption. An S will likely continue to garner a premium when sold, but the cost to buy is also more. Looking forward I don't think the fair mkt value as a percentage of purchase price will be much different - wide or narrow body.

Here's just one of the many archived threads that have discussed this issue - then as now, the decision remains one of personal preference.

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=003741" target="_blank">How to decide: C4 or C4S </a>

Terry Adams

The irony is, going into '97 Porsche had about 2500 Turbo bodies left over, as that model was not then meeting sales forecasts. So in early '97 they started turning those Turbo bodies into NA "S" body cars, at no MSRP premium over the non S bodies. I shopped 5 dealers and ordered mine for $2500 less than MSRP. The 993 of any year, in any configuration is already an awesome car. Color, options, brakes and butt are all personal tastes, as is the extra $ in the wallet. Wish I had been so prescient about tech stocks, but I don't care about resale value of my car. It is not an investment. If I should expire before the car, I hope it has lots of miles on it.

993,951,944

The 4S offers the same goodies as the turbo, although it
doesn't have the turbo.... One significant difference is
the "S" series have the "Varioram" intake which boosts
HP up from 270-272 to 282-285. More significant to the
power increase is low rpm torque is much more improved.
I tested both and noticed the difference. I prefer the 4S as
it has 40/60 weight ratio compared to 38/62 ratio.
It also launches better and is useful on wet pavement.
Most important is the wide body.....
Buy what makes you happy.....
Enjoy your Porsche....
Good luck....

Phil

96,97,98 NON S have varioram too

Mike in Chi

Terry, (edit: oops, sorry Terry, meant to say David -- like Dan says below)

My understanding is that all 993 models had Varioram starting in '96.

M

STLPCA

[quote]Originally posted by 993,951,944:
<strong>One significant difference is the "S" series have the "Varioram" intake ...</strong><hr></blockquote>

No flame intended & just as a timely observation, but many readers have come to expect and rely upon this Board as a source of accurate information, sound advice & well reasoned opinion. Please exercise care to verify the validity of posts, if only with a quick archive search. You can't always rely upon others to catch mistakes.

As said, Varioram was standard on all 96+ 993s & is totally unrelated to the "S" body.

BTW, does AWD really add enough weight to the front wheels to shift distribution 2% from the rear to the front? According to my owner's manual, the total weight gain from C2 to C4S is 133 pounds. When corner balanced, my C2 was 39/61.

993,951,944

I heard this Varioram information from a dealer.
I should have checked other sources, as I recently
heard from the same dealer the 928 S4 has 4WD.
LOL...I should look up the facts B4 I post.....


As for the weight ratio, here are the 4S numbers:

GVWR: 1675/2359. (Owner's Manual) ratio: 41.5/ 58.5

Curb weight: 1312/1885 ratio: 41.04/ 58.96

Matt Vaughan

"I like big butts and I cannot lie"!

Errr... something like that.

The S cars have more room for bigger shoes, and you know what they say about cars with bigger shoes.