7 days with a Boxster, comparing to my FRS.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by brzaapi

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.

Interesting. I have driven a 981, and to me it wins decisively over the FRS in terms of fun (though not by a big margin, and my MR2 Spyder was more fun than the Porsche, but even more lacking than the FRS in refinement). I assumed a 987 would be pretty nice with the shorter wheelbase, so I strongly considered getting a used one, but I decided to just get an FRS to save some money and so I could get a slightly newer model year car.

I feel like there's definitely something to be said for how Porsche makes a reasonably nice riding, quiet car, that also has a fantastic engine note and tight chassis feel, and I haven't even sat in a PASM equipped car yet.

[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...

[brzaapi]

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

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...

I agree completely. Its adaptation and conditioning. But if you take money out of the equation, I would 100% prefer the 981S. Now with money in the equation, a used 987 is a very compelling argument. In answer to an earlier question...no, I do not have PTV (torque vectoring). In fact my 981S has no options whatsoever except 20in wheels. I have changed brake fluid and installed a short shift kit. My 981 was a demo that was the cheapest car on the Porsche lot. I got a great deal and they were fair with my 3 trade in vehicles. But I can honestly say that I have zero buyers remorse. I really am that happy with my purchase. Of course , other guys in my local PCA feel like I settled. So I don't know if the 981 is the answer for everyone, but it was for me. Only took me 5 years and about 10 damn cars to find the right car. Yes I am moron, but I have learned a lot in my journey.


But I still love the BRZ/FRS(maybe even a touch more than my P-cars) for one giant reason. I can't really work on my 987/981s, but I can do everything on my BRZ/FRS except alignment. Cars I can work on, I always have a special bond with. My BRZs (and S2000 for that matter) are like my wife who I really take care of and listen too. My P-cars are like my hot girlfriend who is always fun and I just buy nice (expensive)things for her.



Anyways, that sums up my thoughts.

[WolfpackS2k]

Just out of curiousity, but why don't/can't you work on your Porsche? Given that it has a factory warranty, I can understand there's no need for you to work on the car anyway. Or are you talking about performing aftermarket modifications?

I'm no mechanical expert, but I've done my fair share of mechanical maintenance/repairs to my 987 in the two years I've owned her, with just instructional guidance found on the Porsche forums.

sidebar: My car is also a bit of a stripper! My car has 2 options: Sport Chrono and painted wheel center crests, haha.

[brzaapi]

Well it comes down to facilities and equipment. Yes I want to be able to do aftermarket mods to my car, along with continue my education (and I am still very green) of tuning fundamentals. A BRZ, you can tune to your hearts content. Changing out suspension components, no problem. Hell pulling the engine, you just need time and an engine hoist.


But with our mid engine beauties you need a proper lift, and then a secondary lift (transmission or otherwise) to drop the engine assembly. Which you and I both know means pulling out( or down) the engine, tranny and entire rear suspension assy as a whole unit. Its beautiful, but not something I take lightly or can do in my garage.


The pricepoint: if I screw up my BRZ and open a can of worms, I wont cry. But on the Porsche, yeah I might just cry. I mean bleeding the brakes, changing pads or oil changes are doable.....but without a doubt the BRZ (Miata, S2000, Corvette, Camaro) are all much easier to work on than my 987s were.


My 987s were also strippers with only the Sport Chrono package. It is a must for 987s. Luckily on the 981s you get sport mode standard on the car. My car is always in sport mode, but on the 981s I feel that sport plus mode is twitchy (of course I have only driven a PDK in sport plus mode), so I don't miss the sport chrono on it.
But if you have a 987, I highly suggest the sport chrono option.


Anyways, I hope that all makes sense. Other than that the only reason I can give to you all about why I wont attempt to do more work on my P-cars is.....




I'm a pansy.


Besides if I broke the Porsche my wife would kick my ass.