How can two 981s be so different?
Discussion
A few weeks ago I test drove a 981 S. I thought it was utterly fantastic.
Having test driven an M2, Evora, TTRS, 987, F-Type etc I felt this 981 S stood out as being one of the best cars I’ve ever driven, so I made it my goal to find one in the right spec for me.
I then test drove one which was in the right spec for me, the only difference is that this one had PASM and the sport design steering wheel, the other didn’t.
I was so disappointed, the steering was mushy (similar to the M2) and not very direct, it was a lot lighter and didn’t give any feedback at all.
Is there a difference in steering between specs at all?
The cars were identical apart from the two features I mentioned.
Thanks
Having test driven an M2, Evora, TTRS, 987, F-Type etc I felt this 981 S stood out as being one of the best cars I’ve ever driven, so I made it my goal to find one in the right spec for me.
I then test drove one which was in the right spec for me, the only difference is that this one had PASM and the sport design steering wheel, the other didn’t.
I was so disappointed, the steering was mushy (similar to the M2) and not very direct, it was a lot lighter and didn’t give any feedback at all.
Is there a difference in steering between specs at all?
The cars were identical apart from the two features I mentioned.
Thanks
For what it's worth, my 981S has base suspension and sport steering wheel. It's always felt very "secure" on the road. The steering is heavy and precise albeit not strong on feedback.
When the car's been in for service they've lent me various 981s in different spec and also a 718. I've never noticed any material difference in the way they feel (apart from the obvious 981/718 engine character).
On the other hand when in the past I've been buying used cars (not Porsche) I've been amazed how different one apparently identical car can feel from another. I've always put down to how much wear and tear the particular car has received. I think some drivers are much heavier on cars than others.
When the car's been in for service they've lent me various 981s in different spec and also a 718. I've never noticed any material difference in the way they feel (apart from the obvious 981/718 engine character).
On the other hand when in the past I've been buying used cars (not Porsche) I've been amazed how different one apparently identical car can feel from another. I've always put down to how much wear and tear the particular car has received. I think some drivers are much heavier on cars than others.
maybe PASM was in "soft" mode?
also EPS in very early models may have had some issues that later models didn't suffer from. there's some useful steering discussion here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
also EPS in very early models may have had some issues that later models didn't suffer from. there's some useful steering discussion here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Lexington59 said:
981 had the early EPS, is a noted issue. When I tried it after coming from my hydraulic 987 I must say it was quite disappointing.
They appear to have fixed the latest EPS in the 718 however. It’s no hydraulic but I’d say it is vastly improved.
Completely missed the point.They appear to have fixed the latest EPS in the 718 however. It’s no hydraulic but I’d say it is vastly improved.
Sounds like it could be that PASM wasn’t in sport mode. Mine has PASM, and compared to standard, it’s sharper than standard in sport mode and less sharp in normal to me.
Another thing that sharpens things up is the Sport+ mode; the dynamic mounts stiffen and the throttle response sharpens and PASM automatically goes to Sport. Perhaps Sport+ mode was on?
If that’s not it then the usual suspects - tyres & pressures, wheel size, condition of bushes all have an effect... oh, and geometry!
I’d advise trying another with the above in mind...
n12maser said:
Did the first car (that you loved) have PASM?
Or was it either the standard suspension, or perhaps even sports suspension (x73)
The first car I liked didn't have PASM.Or was it either the standard suspension, or perhaps even sports suspension (x73)
It was this car specifically that I liked:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104221...
There could be many reasons - and doesn’t just apply to Porsches.
Two identical cars can feel different, and even the same car can feel different on different days. Could be the roads or even the weather.
One thing I have noticed is that, very often, a base model with fewer options can feel nicer than a highly specd model. And, from personal experience, most Porsches improve with mileage.
Two identical cars can feel different, and even the same car can feel different on different days. Could be the roads or even the weather.
One thing I have noticed is that, very often, a base model with fewer options can feel nicer than a highly specd model. And, from personal experience, most Porsches improve with mileage.
Koln-RS said:
There could be many reasons - and doesn’t just apply to Porsches.
Two identical cars can feel different, and even the same car can feel different on different days. Could be the roads or even the weather.
One thing I have noticed is that, very often, a base model with fewer options can feel nicer than a highly specd model. And, from personal experience, most Porsches improve with mileage.
Interestingly the second car was better specced as it had PASM.Two identical cars can feel different, and even the same car can feel different on different days. Could be the roads or even the weather.
One thing I have noticed is that, very often, a base model with fewer options can feel nicer than a highly specd model. And, from personal experience, most Porsches improve with mileage.
Also, the second car had the exhaust popping and banging the entire time when in Sport Plus Mode, the first car didn't do that despite having Sport Chrono and the Sports Exhaust, is that a map or do they all do that?
Toltec said:
It could be the PASM, I saw a review of a TTRS where it was noted that the car without the Audi equivalent seemed to have better steering feel and feedback. It could equally well be the geometry setup differences between the two cars.
I really hope it is, I've been ruling out cars as they don't have PASM but maybe I'd prefer it without.AlexNJ89 said:
Interestingly the second car was better specced as it had PASM.
Also, the second car had the exhaust popping and banging the entire time when in Sport Plus Mode, the first car didn't do that despite having Sport Chrono and the Sports Exhaust, is that a map or do they all do that?
Here’s the sport vs sport plus summary:Also, the second car had the exhaust popping and banging the entire time when in Sport Plus Mode, the first car didn't do that despite having Sport Chrono and the Sports Exhaust, is that a map or do they all do that?
S+ is really only for the track imo. There is a benefit of having the PSM kick in much later in the intermediate mode however, but if you have chrono it may be worth keeping a warranty as there appears to be a design fault with dynamic engine mounts failing periodically.
AlexNJ89 said:
Interestingly the second car was better specced as it had PASM.
Also, the second car had the exhaust popping and banging the entire time when in Sport Plus Mode, the first car didn't do that despite having Sport Chrono and the Sports Exhaust, is that a map or do they all do that?
Pops and bangs in sport and sport+.Also, the second car had the exhaust popping and banging the entire time when in Sport Plus Mode, the first car didn't do that despite having Sport Chrono and the Sports Exhaust, is that a map or do they all do that?
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