reginos:

 

Nevertheless, how can the difference of €60.000 (+36%) over the donor car i.e. the Carrera 4 GTS be justified in real terms?

 

Oh trust me, Porsche's pricing been out of whack for a while. Dakar isn't even the stand out, the S/T won that by a mile, outrageously over price for what it is. At least the Dakar stands out among other 911s. 

In my market, the different between the standard GTS vs the Dakar is about the same as the S/T over a GT3RS.

Both the Dakar and the S/T are mostly parts bin special, with some bespoke parts thrown in. Dakar has its own custom rear wing while the S/T got its own front fenders. Both got the same hood and roof. S/T retains the door from the 3RS while the Dakar got new front and rear bumpers and also steel skid plates. S/T went back to standard GT3 front and rear bumpers. Dakar also got a new stronger under tray while the S/T...bone stock.

At least in the Dakar's case, Porsche reengineered the suspension to work at a higher ride height, S/T has the same basic road suspension, just slightly different spring and damper rate. 

S/T got a new clutch, single mass, and some would argue a 'new' gearbox. Not really, just slightly different gearing. 

One take a look at the Dakar and instantly reminded of the glory days of Porsche's rally effort, and it looks very different than any other 911s. The S/T on the other hand, mostly look like any other 911, only the well informed will see it's a different car than a Touring. 

One get less 'equipment' in the S/T vs the 3RS while paying more while the Dakar is more or less the same level with a standard GTS, the major premium over the standard cars in either case is from the 'limited' production badge. But is that really 'limited' with 1967 cars or 2500 cars? Either number is much greater than my turbo 3.6. 

Either of these are less bespoke than my turbo s Exclusive. Also in much much greater number produced, Dakar 5  times and the S/T 4 times. 

Sound wise, the S/T wins. That 3RS engine/GT3 engine sounded really good, but I would argue it sounds even better in the 4RS. The 3.0L in the Dakar just does not sound good at all. 

Honestly if one wants a S/T, I would suggesting going for a 911R instead, the prices have come down and it's a much more limited model, and also have history, the R truly have bespoke clutch and gearbox even. The R is a smaller car so even better suited for the intended purpose, Sunday morning drives. 

If one wants a Dakar......well, there isn't another one like it, ever, from Porsche. This is the whole reason to justify the purchase premium. There is no substitute. 


--