carrera s tiptronic vs manual and cab vs coupe

[muz911]

Hi guys let me just start by saying I have searched and most people are discussing turbos or not the same sort of question. It will be an evening and weekend car, so to nip to the shop and to put a smile on my face when im board down some lanes.

1.) New to the forums never owned a Porsche before and am looking to buy an 05-06 model carrera S or Carrera 4s but cant decide whether to go manual or tiptronic, never had an auto before, test drove a tip the other day and found it pleasant enough but dont know if im missing out on some of the performance, economy, pleasure of its manual bother. does it create more or less clutch wear, can I still enjoy a brisk country lane drive, whilst putting up with the monotonous traffic jam I live in called london?.

2.) Convertibles does it ruin the porsche experience? my sales man tells me not at all but he would say that as they are more expensive. I know the looks are debatably worse but still attractive and there is nothing like having the roof off in the sun. Does it ruin handling and acceleration? resale?

Thank you guys really appreciate it hopefully i will be part of the fold soon.

 

[muz911]

I will be doing a nurberg ring trip shortly after purchase (my friends are waiting on my purchase) so would like it to not ruin my first experience. but i wont be doing track days often.

 

[tscaptain]

Welcome to the forum!
I think I might be right in saying you will get a right mix of opinions as everyone has their favourite combination. The bottom line will always be that which suits your needs the best, so you need to get out a try a number of different versions of the 997. If you're interested in my opinion the best combo for a Gen 1 car is C2S coupe, manual, Sports exhaust, short shift for starters and then as many goodies as you're lucky enough to find specced!
Happy hunting!
PS If you were in the market for a Gen 2 car then PDK, not manual![]

Edit - Having just seen your second post I might suggest that is a brave move - unless you are familar with the place![]

 

[garyw]

I've done the ring in both a Tip and a manual [] really enjoyed both occasions.

The living in the city is what would make my choice, Yes I feel I may be missing possibly 5% of what the manual feels like (that 5% being a feeling more than a response) but would make the car so much more usable in the city.

When driven hard the gearbox learns how you are driving and anyhow you can select the gears from the steering wheel, overall it is a great experience..
The manual does give that bit more of a feel of accomplishment and involvement though.

I've done the ring in a Cabriolet and a Coupe []
Cabriolet is a lifestyle thing which I'm quite into but agree the coupe is the prettier of the two in my opinion.
Again if driven really hard I think the chassis does reveal its a cabriolet but for normal road use I'd say the Cabriolet no way distracts from the drive and feel, it adds to it in the fact you can hear the engine more..[]
Some of the best sounds were my (admittedly Turbo) Cabriolet on full chat with the roof down

I do think the Tip become better the longer you drive the car

garyw

 

[mmylonas]

not sure if 993 owners are allowed to post on the 997 forum but if it helps, I bought a 993 cab 5 years ago having debated the cab/coupe question briefly. As a weekend car the cab is great fun but I hardly drive it over the winter and in general do less miles than if it was a tintop. It makes a difference that I have other cars for daily commuting and longer more boring runs.

I was a reasonably active track day driver and took the 993 out several times (Goodwood, Rockingham, Bedford Autodrome etc) and it was great fun despite being short on horsepower compared to all the other cars I have - I suspect max velocity in the 997 cab is still more than enough for some entertainment on the track.

Am currently looking to rationalise car holdings and may end up going with a 997 cpe or an R8 for more regular driving but for your advertised aim of weekending I wouldn't give up on the cab.

Finally - you will have read of the RMS problems with the 997. I understand the risk diminishes with more recent cars but you're best to ask others specifically about that issue.

Best of luck

 

[mmylonas]

Sorry - should have added that I wouldn't ever buy Tiptronic and certainly seems to have an adverse effect on second hand prices. PDK on the other hand gets a lot of support.

 

[Lancerlot]

Carrera 2 S manual Coupe - no question. []

Tipronic loses a gear ratio which is missed a lot in this model. However, tipronic has no clutch - hence no wear. PDK is splendid and worth the extra if the budget allows.

Coupe is faster, stiffer, easier to maintain and better looking - but hairdressers prefer Cabriolet. [8|]

Regards,

Clive

 

[paulmichele]

Welcome. Always ignore people who do post purchase rationalistion but I bought a manual C2S as my (re) entry into Porsche ownership.

I've only owned one soft top (for about two years or so) and as Gary said, its a lifestyle thing - I did get the roof down a reasonable amount.

2S v 4. Definitely a personal preference - though don't IMHO be tempted for the 3.6 engined "2".

Manual v Tip. I've had a couple of blasts in Tip cars and was impressed but for me, a gear stick is an integral part of driving and I think that that attitude affects residuals. Of course, if you aim to keep the car for a while, that's not that important. If I was buying a Gen2, though I think that PDK is the way to go.

But above all else, take each variety for a long test drive, preferably back to back (or close to it) and work out what works best for you.

Have fun... I'm just off out for a spin with the usual smile on my face

 

[ds7_uk]

It will be an evening and weekend car, so to nip to the shop and to put a smile on my face when im board down some lanes.

as previous post manual CS2 coupe - no question

The 2wd will put a bigger smile on your face, as will the shape of the back end when you park it up and walk away and look back.

for the use you will have I wouldnt worry about the toys, the heated seats and multi function steering I unfortunately have I dont recall added much in the way of smile, just more weight and stuff to go wrong.
would go for a gen 2 over a gen 1, having had both, there is quite a difference.

living in London a coupe has obvious security advantages - unless you have a garage

enjoy- you will

Darren