It’s easy to forget that Porsche still offers a base Carrera version of the 911 as its most powerful and track-focused siblings are the ones that usually steal all the headlines.

However, thanks to Harry Metcalfe, we get a rare look at what a ‘base’ Porsche 992 Carrera feels like. Despite press cars being usually loaded to the brim with all the toys, Porsche UK is currently running a 911 Carrera in its fleet with effectively no extras added to it, and that car has landed at Harry’s Garage.

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With the whole 911 range (excluding the upcoming GT3 and GT3 RS) using turbocharged engines, it’s safe to say that the latest Carrera offers plenty of performance. This is after all a sports car capable of doing 182 mph flat out and hit 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4 seconds).

The flat-six engine is the same turbocharged 3.0-liter unit as used in the Carrera S, only here it makes 379 HP (385 PS) and 331 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque instead of the Carrera S’ 444 HP (450 PS) and 390 lb-ft (530 Nm). Porsche’s decision to offer the base Carrera only with the eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission is rather odd though, as a seven-speed manual is a no-cost option in the Carrera S.

There’s nothing ‘entry-level’ about the way the 992 Carrera drives, featuring the sort of almost flawless and engaging driving character you’ve come to expect from a modern 911. The rear-engine layout has been developed to the nth degree by Porsche, retaining the character of its core sports car but leaving aside most annoying traits.

One drawback to consider however is the very noisy ride. Metcalfe is surprised that there’s so much buzz from the tires inside the 992 Carrera and Carrera S, arguing that these two models should be much quieter given owners are going to use them as daily drivers.

Taking into account the significant price difference between the ‘base’ Carrera and the Carrera S ($99,200 over $115,100 in the US), Metcalfe says that he would pick the entry-level 911 as it doesn’t make you feel like you’re missing out and still offers all the performance you want. However, his overall pick would be a Cayman GTS with the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which is even cheaper (at $86,800 in the US) and arguably even more exciting to drive.