Boxster 987 2.9 vs 981 2.7 PDK - Comparison?

Boxster 987 2.9 vs 981 2.7 PDK - Comparison?

Author
Discussion

RichB

Original Poster:

51,646 posts

285 months

Sunday 10th August 2014
quotequote all
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? scratchchin

RichB

Original Poster:

51,646 posts

285 months

Sunday 10th August 2014
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Well that's a start, thanks wink

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! biggrin

RichB

Original Poster:

51,646 posts

285 months

Thursday 14th August 2014
quotequote all
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. smile

RichB

Original Poster:

51,646 posts

285 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
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! biggrin

RichB

Original Poster:

51,646 posts

285 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
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... smile

RichB

Original Poster:

51,646 posts

285 months

Sunday 31st August 2014
quotequote all
RichB said:
I'll post up some pictures in due course... smile
Bit slow getting some snaps but here it is in the dealer if that counts biggrin




Edited by RichB on Sunday 31st August 21:02

RichB

Original Poster:

51,646 posts

285 months

Monday 1st September 2014
quotequote all
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.