Is the 981 a "worthwhile" upgrade from a 987?
Discussion
been thinking about this. it cost me about £30k to change my 4 year old, 29k miles, owned from new, 987.1 RS60 Spyder for a new mildly specced 981S.
Was it worth it? Bearing in mind £30k earns not very much interest at the bank, and bearing in mind my love of all things flat 6 ...
Yes, definitely worth it. 981 is a quantum leap ahead in all areas (possibly not the case with 987.2 with DFi engines). Absolutely everything is substantially and noticeably improved.
Even steering, for me. When going briskly, the steering is as fantastic and precise (perhaps more so) as ever. I quite like the fact that it no longer jiggles about as much as before.
The non PASM ride is stunningly comfortable (occasionally it gets slightly rattled on the nastiest roads, but nothing serious), yet the handling is incredibly sporty and agile. It feels utterly alive and connected on the road. Superb achievement. The chassis is so stiff you really do not notice any flex at all even on the bumpiest roads. What you do notice is the incredible confidence into, through and out of bends, at quite crazy speeds. The balance and poise is of a higher order. You almost do not have to brake. 987 is club class, 981 is first class. Other cars on the road appear to be designed for going straight only.
The engine is wonderful. Extremely free revving, eager and more responsive. It feels appreciably more powerful and stronger too. And I have yet to take it past 4.5k rpm.
The non PSE exhaust is music to my ears: it's a more mechanical, rather than rorty, slightly boomy exhaust sound that my PSE equipped RS60 produced. It makes its presence felt more than adequately. I had the roof down in country lanes last Saturday .. it sounded amazing, air cooled almost, and for me, plenty vocal enough. It’s an honest unamplified sound. Love it.
With the roof up, it is much much quieter and refined. You can hear the BOSE sound so much better, and there is no need to have music loud to drown the wind and road noise out. I was considering getting a Cayman as I had after 4 years, grown tired of the noise and roar with roof up on my 987. I can now have my cake, eat it and eat it again and again.
Gearbox: love the manual gearbox. Precise, perfectly damped and not at all notchy even when cold. As the gearstick is that much closer to you, it feels racier and quicker. Utter dream. At first I thought it felt too light, but now I think the feel and weighting is spot on. I had OEM short shift on my RS60, which was more recalcitrant.
Looks: I took my 981 on a sea kayaking trip. 4 of my sea kayaking mates who have no interest in cars was all over mine. 1 was even stroking it!! They all wanted a ride, which unfortunately for them time did not allow for. I like the rear 3/4 view the best. And I love the size, design and intricacy of my standard 19” wheels. The paint on the wheels also seem to be of higher quality than on 987 wheels.
Things I don't like:
1. seat belt buckle strap no longer on seats – passenger seat buckle hits the plastic part (previously carpet) on ‘b’ pillar and rattles. A few sticky felt pads has thankfully sorted this out.
2. the roof is not well designed for rain -- when I opened the door after the car was in heavy rain, droplets fell repeatedly onto the switch for opening the front boot. A serious design issue.
3. the gearstick's position at times makes it difficult to reach the heating and ac controls.
4. the misaligned near side bumper.
Was it worth it? Bearing in mind £30k earns not very much interest at the bank, and bearing in mind my love of all things flat 6 ...
Yes, definitely worth it. 981 is a quantum leap ahead in all areas (possibly not the case with 987.2 with DFi engines). Absolutely everything is substantially and noticeably improved.
Even steering, for me. When going briskly, the steering is as fantastic and precise (perhaps more so) as ever. I quite like the fact that it no longer jiggles about as much as before.
The non PASM ride is stunningly comfortable (occasionally it gets slightly rattled on the nastiest roads, but nothing serious), yet the handling is incredibly sporty and agile. It feels utterly alive and connected on the road. Superb achievement. The chassis is so stiff you really do not notice any flex at all even on the bumpiest roads. What you do notice is the incredible confidence into, through and out of bends, at quite crazy speeds. The balance and poise is of a higher order. You almost do not have to brake. 987 is club class, 981 is first class. Other cars on the road appear to be designed for going straight only.
The engine is wonderful. Extremely free revving, eager and more responsive. It feels appreciably more powerful and stronger too. And I have yet to take it past 4.5k rpm.
The non PSE exhaust is music to my ears: it's a more mechanical, rather than rorty, slightly boomy exhaust sound that my PSE equipped RS60 produced. It makes its presence felt more than adequately. I had the roof down in country lanes last Saturday .. it sounded amazing, air cooled almost, and for me, plenty vocal enough. It’s an honest unamplified sound. Love it.
With the roof up, it is much much quieter and refined. You can hear the BOSE sound so much better, and there is no need to have music loud to drown the wind and road noise out. I was considering getting a Cayman as I had after 4 years, grown tired of the noise and roar with roof up on my 987. I can now have my cake, eat it and eat it again and again.
Gearbox: love the manual gearbox. Precise, perfectly damped and not at all notchy even when cold. As the gearstick is that much closer to you, it feels racier and quicker. Utter dream. At first I thought it felt too light, but now I think the feel and weighting is spot on. I had OEM short shift on my RS60, which was more recalcitrant.
Looks: I took my 981 on a sea kayaking trip. 4 of my sea kayaking mates who have no interest in cars was all over mine. 1 was even stroking it!! They all wanted a ride, which unfortunately for them time did not allow for. I like the rear 3/4 view the best. And I love the size, design and intricacy of my standard 19” wheels. The paint on the wheels also seem to be of higher quality than on 987 wheels.
Things I don't like:
1. seat belt buckle strap no longer on seats – passenger seat buckle hits the plastic part (previously carpet) on ‘b’ pillar and rattles. A few sticky felt pads has thankfully sorted this out.
2. the roof is not well designed for rain -- when I opened the door after the car was in heavy rain, droplets fell repeatedly onto the switch for opening the front boot. A serious design issue.
3. the gearstick's position at times makes it difficult to reach the heating and ac controls.
4. the misaligned near side bumper.
Good to hear you are enjoying it and consider it a step up, especially considering how much you've lost transferring over (surprised there is that much gap).
Interesting some of the bad points because they are pretty much the same with the outgoing versions
Wonder if anyone has managed to grab a 981 for a 24 hour test yet...I'll certainly consider one in the future (if they launch a more powerful version), so might make some enquiries with my OPC's (would have to be really special to steal me away from the CR though).
Interesting some of the bad points because they are pretty much the same with the outgoing versions
Wonder if anyone has managed to grab a 981 for a 24 hour test yet...I'll certainly consider one in the future (if they launch a more powerful version), so might make some enquiries with my OPC's (would have to be really special to steal me away from the CR though).
Edited by iandews on Monday 25th June 20:52
just a shame it's bigger.
Every car model and brand always bloody bigger.
If they kept it the same size it could have been lighter.
The issue for me is it weighs more than my Boxster has less BHp and electric steering.
All gone a bit trendy now with a massive NO from Porsche to increase the Bhp.
Great car if you just want a nice daily but imo it's not for the real enthusiast.
Bhp is the big killer though for people wanting to upgrade from a 987.2 car, what's the point ?
Now if it had 350BHp then I would have prob ordered one.
Every car model and brand always bloody bigger.
If they kept it the same size it could have been lighter.
The issue for me is it weighs more than my Boxster has less BHp and electric steering.
All gone a bit trendy now with a massive NO from Porsche to increase the Bhp.
Great car if you just want a nice daily but imo it's not for the real enthusiast.
Bhp is the big killer though for people wanting to upgrade from a 987.2 car, what's the point ?
Now if it had 350BHp then I would have prob ordered one.
Edited by mrdemon on Monday 25th June 20:51
Mr Demon
It is lighter than the 987... And the difference between the Spyder and 987 is negligible given the new chassis handles so much better. Spyder flame suit on.
I do agree though 350hp and I'd have placed an order instantly. But if you've driven one you realise how amazing the new car is, how much better than the 987 it is, and why HP isn't everything.
My RS60 has 303 and the 981 has 315 - but the drive is worlds apart. It's a new car, and SFO's analysis is spot on.
It is lighter than the 987... And the difference between the Spyder and 987 is negligible given the new chassis handles so much better. Spyder flame suit on.
I do agree though 350hp and I'd have placed an order instantly. But if you've driven one you realise how amazing the new car is, how much better than the 987 it is, and why HP isn't everything.
My RS60 has 303 and the 981 has 315 - but the drive is worlds apart. It's a new car, and SFO's analysis is spot on.
mrdemon said:
just a shame it's bigger.
Every car model and brand always bloody bigger.
If they kept it the same size it could have been lighter.
The issue for me is it weighs more than my Boxster has less BHp and electric steering.
All gone a bit trendy now with a massive NO from Porsche to increase the Bhp.
Great car if you just want a nice daily but imo it's not for the real enthusiast.
Bhp is the big killer though for people wanting to upgrade from a 987.2 car, what's the point ?
Now if it had 350BHp then I would have prob ordered one.
As has been mentioned its lighter than the outgoing Boxster and if you compare it against the Spyder there is .4 of a sec difference to 100mph, but how many Spyders actually are bought in basic spec?. Most seem to have air con, stereo/pcm etc so the weight saving and therefore performance gains are all but wiped out. Every car model and brand always bloody bigger.
If they kept it the same size it could have been lighter.
The issue for me is it weighs more than my Boxster has less BHp and electric steering.
All gone a bit trendy now with a massive NO from Porsche to increase the Bhp.
Great car if you just want a nice daily but imo it's not for the real enthusiast.
Bhp is the big killer though for people wanting to upgrade from a 987.2 car, what's the point ?
Now if it had 350BHp then I would have prob ordered one.
Edited by mrdemon on Monday 25th June 20:51
A turbo version is rumoured so I can see why they have not gone for a power hike yet.
Anyway mine turns up in a few days and it will be interesting comparing it to my old Spyder and TTRS
has anyone heard a 981 with PSE? even though the spyder with PSE sounds better than a 981 without, the 981 sounds good in stock form whereas a spyder without PSE sounds pretty lame. The 981 has the stiffer chassis and has great balance and whilst the spyder may be quicker in a straight line, I'm not sure a spyder will pull away by much in the corners (if at all). The game has moved on in terms of outright speed I think. Where the spyder has the edge is that it is more hardcore and noisier, therefore there is a greater sense of occasion.
The 981 is a great car and sure to be a great hit for many years to come. I'm still partial to the 987.2 headlights and slim body but I can definitely see the 981 as a better all rounder..... especially if the roof can come up or down in 9 sec and all via a button.
The 981 is a great car and sure to be a great hit for many years to come. I'm still partial to the 987.2 headlights and slim body but I can definitely see the 981 as a better all rounder..... especially if the roof can come up or down in 9 sec and all via a button.
iandews said:
Chins said:
A turbo version is rumoured so I can see why they have not gone for a power hike yet.
Where? That is news to me but certainly of interest.Unless its an 'eco style'
2.0 Turbo entry model with around 240bhp.MTR
Edited by mollytherocker on Monday 25th June 22:30
Chins said:
A travesty.It's a luxury sports car, a very very nice one.
Not really in the same ball park as a Spyer IMO.
All depends what you want, a nice daily which is mass market sales, or some thing exciting for the weekend.
The main thing which made me sell the TTRS was this new electric steering thing, worse thing about the car, other stuff could have been fixed, but not the steering feel.
Cars are so dull these days,, auto boxes, ESP, vector control, electric steering, PASM etc etc
Which is very nice for the wife to drive to work, but not for getting all excited about.
Not really in the same ball park as a Spyer IMO.
All depends what you want, a nice daily which is mass market sales, or some thing exciting for the weekend.
The main thing which made me sell the TTRS was this new electric steering thing, worse thing about the car, other stuff could have been fixed, but not the steering feel.
Cars are so dull these days,, auto boxes, ESP, vector control, electric steering, PASM etc etc
Which is very nice for the wife to drive to work, but not for getting all excited about.
Chins said:
Globs said:
Sorry - I find this extremely doubtful.
I'm sure it's a great car, but the 987 handling is sublime.
Its reported to be about 12 secs quicker round the ring and as the power hike is small it must be something making it quicker than the 987. Handling might just be itI'm sure it's a great car, but the 987 handling is sublime.
I'm not convinced about measuring handling by lap times anyway TBH, more about how planted and stable it feels to drive at realistic speeds though. The problem with modern cars (including the 987) is that to get any fun out of then a lot of the time it's into license losing territory but on small roads the 987 had a nice mix of character that allowed you to enjoy it at any speed.
mrdemon said:
It's a luxury sports car, a very very nice one.
Not really in the same ball park as a Spyer IMO.
All depends what you want, a nice daily which is mass market sales, or some thing exciting for the weekend.
The main thing which made me sell the TTRS was this new electric steering thing, worse thing about the car, other stuff could have been fixed, but not the steering feel.
Cars are so dull these days,, auto boxes, ESP, vector control, electric steering, PASM etc etc
Which is very nice for the wife to drive to work, but not for getting all excited about.
I tend to agree with you on the TTRS. It was very clinical and even with Sports Exhaust it couldn't match the Spyder in the noise department. Not really in the same ball park as a Spyer IMO.
All depends what you want, a nice daily which is mass market sales, or some thing exciting for the weekend.
The main thing which made me sell the TTRS was this new electric steering thing, worse thing about the car, other stuff could have been fixed, but not the steering feel.
Cars are so dull these days,, auto boxes, ESP, vector control, electric steering, PASM etc etc
Which is very nice for the wife to drive to work, but not for getting all excited about.
It will be interesting to see how I find the 981. I've not gone for PASM or Vector, but do have 20" wheels and PDK. I'm pretty certain I will need to retrofit PSE in a few months, didn't add to the spec in case it delayed build.
I'm hoping the 981 will be a nice place to be after a flight back to the UK where I want piece, quiet and a relaxing drive home and then fun at the weekend, top down etc. Not managed to keep a car more than 8 months in 15 years. Will this one set a record?
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