Boxster 987 2.9 vs 981 2.7 PDK - Comparison?

[RichB]

I've got a 2009 2.9 Boxster 987 Gen II manual on 18" wheels. I am considering changing it for a new 981 2.7 PDK.

Is there anyone here with experience of a direct comparison between the two? On paper the performance appears to be almost identical. The dealership I would use are 65 miles away so I can't exactly drop in for a play. Before I arrange a test drive I'm interested in personal experiences of people here. Things I'm thinking are; smaller engine, electric power steering, PDK vs manual, ride quality bigger wheels?

[RichB]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Well that's a start, thanks

I must go and test drive some cars; 2.7 PDK vs manual. As it's Sunday I was just idly asking the question. I recently had loan of a 911 3.4 Carrera Cabrio for a week and I rather liked the PDK. For an everyday car the auto/semi-auto is nice - call me lazy! Interested in your thoughts on the electric steering. You've got a 986 haven't you but I imagine the 986 & 987 steering is the same so assuming you're not just forming an opinion based on the road reports (which I don't really put much store by) what is your subjective opinion?

I guess the thing is just to go and drive one and then I'll find out if I like it!

[Gio G]

If you are going to the 2.7, I would stick with the manual. I don't think the PDK suits this engine. When test driving one head to head @ Silverstone, the manual felt better, as opposed to the PDK wanting to constantly rev.

G

[RichB]

Well I had a good session in the 981 today and rather liked it, sufficiently to consider upgrading my 987. Engine felt more or less identical and I certainly didn't notice the lack of 200cc. Brakes also felt fine to me. Steering was tad heavier than the 987 but not an issue. I liked the PDK but as I said I'm not looking at this as a sports car but more a fun car we can use as an everyday car. As has been said, it's certainly been upgraded on the inside, it's got all the toys these days.

[RichB]

Picking it up tomorrow so I'll let you know what it feels like but as always when getting a new car I'm rather looking forward to it!

[stuartmcg]

I just picked mines up last week. 2.7 manual. It's a daily driver for me.

Still need to get used to leaving in the car park when out though...

[RichB]

Picked up the new 981 yesterday and it's a lovely car. Initial impression is that it's a grown-up version of the 987 and certainly the fit and finish is improved all round. For example the bonnet lid no longer has a sharp lip around the inside edge, it is finished properly also all the covers in the front luggage space are much better fitting so I doubt the battery area will fill with leaves. Inside the new interior is a marked improvement basically the same as you get in the 911 which is very nice indeed, the cabin feels more spacious, I don't know if it is but the impression is that the "gearbox tunnel" (I know but what else do you call it) isn't as wide giving more space for driver and passenger. I really like the sat-nav being displayed in the right hand instrument dial, my last 987 didn't have sat-nav so I am still getting used to its foibles but I like it! To drive as has been said, being PDK, it feels more digital than the manual 987 but for us that's what we wanted. Ride is a marked improvement because even though the 987 was on 18" tyres it always felt choppy whereas the 981 on 20" tyres rides smoothly. The steering feels heavier but not in an unpleasant way. I'll post up some pictures in due course...

[FrankCayman]

Congratulations on your new purchase!

I've had my 981 2.7 manual since last April...covered nearly 40K...love the thing to bits!

I am still amazed how smooth it rides on the 20" alloys....so much so, I may be tempted to fit the x73 sports suspension in a few years time (perhaps, if I decide to keep the 981 and buy a Golf GTi for my daily tasks).

Look forward to seeing some pictures. Perhaps we need to start a new thread for 981 2.7's now that there are a few more about...

[juansolo]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Nailed on 987 vs 981 as far as I'm concerned.

Both lovely things. As an only car I'd like a 981, as a toy a 987.

[RichB]

RichB said:

I'll post up some pictures in due course...

Bit slow getting some snaps but here it is in the dealer if that counts

Edited by RichB on Sunday 31st August 21:02

[Ozzie Osmond]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

....is an absolute bargain. Genuine modern sportscar for just a few ££ more than the ancient Lotus Elise.

[VladD]

RichB said:

RichB said:

I'll post up some pictures in due course...

Bit slow getting some snaps but here it is in the dealer if that counts

Edited by RichB on Sunday 31st August 21:02

Looks great Rich. As you've had both, is the 981 bigger externally? I've seen a couple on the road and they look a fair bit larger than a 987 to me, but that may just be an optical illusion.

[RichB]

VladD said:

Looks great Rich. As you've had both, is the 981 bigger externally? I've seen a couple on the road and they look a fair bit larger than a 987 to me, but that may just be an optical illusion.

Thanks, I'm really impressed with it. It certainly "feels" bigger especially inside where the tunnel is smaller making more space for driver and passenger but the blurb says it's only about 3cm wider and longer. It may well be an optical illusion.