[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by brzaapi

The first time I test drove a 981, I felt it was faster than my 987(s). And, that the engine was much more willing to rev and felt more powerful while doing it. But I thought the EPS was shit, numb and not near as communicative as my 987.


Second test drive was pretty much the same. I loved the acceleration and the rev happy nature of the car. My 987 was close but felt lacking after the test drive. "Oh well", I thought, "my steering is superior".


Then I rode and drove one at a small track. I fell in love with it. My 987 felt lacking in many ways after that. Now, we are talking small differences....but I knew there were definite improvements that my car didn't have. I still thought the steering was kind of numb, but lap times didn't lie. I was much faster in the 981, despite the fact that I had more seat time in my 987.


So I picked up a 981. I would say within 60 days my problem with the EPS was nil. I love the steering of the 981 now. I know exactly what the car is doing, we talk to each other perfectly. I still spend some time in 987s, but I am thrilled with my 981 and I don't miss my 987(s) at all. Okay , sometimes I miss my '06 cause it had a TPC turbo kit on it. But that's not a fair comparison.


Another fun tidbit I noticed after driving the 981 for the last 5 months. I loved my 987(s) on the track and it was fun on the roads. But I didn't have as much fun in my 987 just driving it around town. I preferred my BRZ. It was fun at just about any speed. I think most would agree. Now, I don't know how Porsche made the 981 more fun to drive at sane speeds than my old 987. I mean the car is smoother and technically more refined, how could this be. I don't know, maybe its the seating position. Maybe its the lower front cowl. I don't know, but what I do know is that I get a greater sense of speed(fun) in my 981 than I did my 987.


Another observation. While my wife and I usually AX together, she would take the 987 and I was in my BRZ. While in my BRZ I never missed my 987. But I was 50/50 split on the 981/BRZ. So I guess you could say I enjoy the 981 and BRZ more than I enjoyed either of my 987(s) sans turbo kit.


ANyways, that's my two cents. The 981 chassis is fracking superior to the 987. However, it would be interesting to put a hydraulic unit on the 981. Best of both worlds. But I wont be the guinea pig.


In the end, my thought is the steering of the 981 is something that you will hate on test drives. You wont get over it till at least 60 days of ownership, maybe less. But once you bond with the car it is a fantastic machine. I have never hopped in a car and been able to heel-toe so easily. I am not advocating EPS, but I now don't feel its a problem on my 981 in anyway. It just takes time.

Did you option out your 981 with the active rear differential? From what I've read that's the only thing that gives it an advantage over the 987 (dynamically speaking). It has a longer wheelbase for stability, and the active differential to negate the loss in nimbleness.

As to steering, sure you get used to it and like it; it's conditioning. It's just like people that stop drinking regular Coke and stick with Diet Coke. And then tell you they enjoy Diet Coke more than Coke...