997 v 991 v Boxster 987 advice.
Discussion
Merry Christmas!
I’m thinking of buying myself a present. May just be Christmas Day boredom. But I’d appreciate some advice.
I had a 997 gen 2 for a short period. Didn’t really get on with it - the tyre/ road noise got on my nerves and it wasn’t noisy enough in a good way, even with PSE.
I swapped it for a 987 boxster black edition. Lovely little car. But I don’t use it very much. I always go to work in my other car (alpina) as it so much better on motorways. So the boxster comes out for the occasional blast or trip to the shops, which seems to be a bit of a waste.
So, the question is, would a 991 be a step on from the 997 in terms of ’noises’ so that I could use it a bit more as a daily - give the Alpina a bit of a rest?
Or am I just bored and should go and crack open the drink?
Thanks for your thoughts.
I’m thinking of buying myself a present. May just be Christmas Day boredom. But I’d appreciate some advice.
I had a 997 gen 2 for a short period. Didn’t really get on with it - the tyre/ road noise got on my nerves and it wasn’t noisy enough in a good way, even with PSE.
I swapped it for a 987 boxster black edition. Lovely little car. But I don’t use it very much. I always go to work in my other car (alpina) as it so much better on motorways. So the boxster comes out for the occasional blast or trip to the shops, which seems to be a bit of a waste.
So, the question is, would a 991 be a step on from the 997 in terms of ’noises’ so that I could use it a bit more as a daily - give the Alpina a bit of a rest?
Or am I just bored and should go and crack open the drink?
Thanks for your thoughts.
I'm not sure if I would use a 981 any more than the 987. I have a dilemma that I like the openness of the boxster (so I wouldn’t have a cayman) but I don’t like the feeling of vulnerability, I suppose, when on a motorway, even with the roof up. Could well be an age thing.
So I’m thinking that a 991 with a sunroof would seem a bit usable. Targa sounds a bit complicated and lardy, but maybe I’m wrong.
I know that the answer is to try them , but I did that with the 997, got seduced by the whole test drive experience and then regretted it literally on the drive away on the collection day.
So, if there’s a 991 owner out there who recognises these symptoms, I’d love to hear what they think.
So I’m thinking that a 991 with a sunroof would seem a bit usable. Targa sounds a bit complicated and lardy, but maybe I’m wrong.
I know that the answer is to try them , but I did that with the 997, got seduced by the whole test drive experience and then regretted it literally on the drive away on the collection day.
So, if there’s a 991 owner out there who recognises these symptoms, I’d love to hear what they think.
I went from five years ownership in a gen 2 997 to a 991.1s. The first thing my partner noticed was how quiet the cabin was compared to the old car. At motorway speeds (80-90) conversation in the 997 was strained..sometimes having to shout depending on the type of road surface. The 991 is much much quieter..allowing easy conversation at same speeds. To be honest I don't notice a huge difference in comfort, the car still has a hard ride and jars over badly repaired city streets. My car has sports exhaust..in my opinion a waste...the car has a good unassisted wail over 5k....the sports exhaust makes it a bit unbearable and at motorway speeds creates a horrid drone. My cars are daily's and had 991 15 months now so long enough to appreciate the improvements over the 997 range. The 991s is a great driver for me...serene , easy drive home when tired but has enough poke for fast fun when giving it the beans. My opinion ..991 over a 997 any day. . Festive cheer to you. .
Edited by Polome on Thursday 26th December 12:19
The problem with refinement, most noticeable on longer journeys, is the poor state of most U.K. roads, and the noisy motorway road surfaces (compared with Europe).
I did find the 991 a marked improvement over the 997 in terms of motorway road noise, although certain tyres are better/worse for this.
IMO the 981 Cayman models are very good on U.K. roads - size, handling, refinement, nice noise. The Boxster and Cabs will obviously be noisier, roof up. But, roof down on the right day, you get that lovely extra intimacy.
I’ve found the GT models quite tedious on long journeys.
I did find the 991 a marked improvement over the 997 in terms of motorway road noise, although certain tyres are better/worse for this.
IMO the 981 Cayman models are very good on U.K. roads - size, handling, refinement, nice noise. The Boxster and Cabs will obviously be noisier, roof up. But, roof down on the right day, you get that lovely extra intimacy.
I’ve found the GT models quite tedious on long journeys.
The 991/981 is a massive step up in NVH over the older models, especially tyre roar.
It can be difficult to hold a conversation at 70mph in the older cars, the newer ones are much better in that regard. Of course reduced NVH comes at a cost, and the newer cars are more detached and don't drive as well as the older ones...so it depends what your priority is.
To answer your question about exhaust noise, the newer cars have a bit more theatre/drama, but its all very fake and synthetic. If you like that sort of thing then you'll love it, but if you think an exhaust note should be a byproduct of the combustion cycle and not sound like it does because a guy with a laptop programmed it to, then you'll hate it.
It can be difficult to hold a conversation at 70mph in the older cars, the newer ones are much better in that regard. Of course reduced NVH comes at a cost, and the newer cars are more detached and don't drive as well as the older ones...so it depends what your priority is.
To answer your question about exhaust noise, the newer cars have a bit more theatre/drama, but its all very fake and synthetic. If you like that sort of thing then you'll love it, but if you think an exhaust note should be a byproduct of the combustion cycle and not sound like it does because a guy with a laptop programmed it to, then you'll hate it.
Edited by SkinnyPete on Thursday 26th December 14:14
Like some others here I've just changed from a 997.2 to 991.1. The 997.2 was a great car, and if you are only going to use it on weekends it might fulfil all your needs. For me I was driving it every day and I just got tired of it. The 997 PDK is OK, but not great and the 991.1 version is like a different gearbox. Interior on 991 is streets ahead as well. I've found the 991 to be a better car on all fronts. Not hating at all on the 997, I loved that car however if you are looking to put miles on it there isn't a comparison.
Hawmaws said:
Merry Christmas!
I’m thinking of buying myself a present. May just be Christmas Day boredom. But I’d appreciate some advice.
I had a 997 gen 2 for a short period. Didn’t really get on with it - the tyre/ road noise got on my nerves and it wasn’t noisy enough in a good way, even with PSE.
I swapped it for a 987 boxster black edition. Lovely little car. But I don’t use it very much. I always go to work in my other car (alpina) as it so much better on motorways. So the boxster comes out for the occasional blast or trip to the shops, which seems to be a bit of a waste.
So, the question is, would a 991 be a step on from the 997 in terms of ’noises’ so that I could use it a bit more as a daily - give the Alpina a bit of a rest?
Or am I just bored and should go and crack open the drink?
Thanks for your thoughts.
I've had a 987 "S", a 997 "C2S" and a 997 GT3, plus a 981 "S" and now I have a 991.1 C2S, so I think I'm qualified to answer. In essence the 991 is a substantial leap on from all you mention in terms of NVH - but it won't be as quiet as your Alpina in terms of tyre roar. My RS5 was about a third quieter, but nowhere near the fun - which is why I swapped to mine, which is one of the last of the naturally aspirated ones. I picked her deliberately as she howls like a banshee and at 7,600rpm - I reckon is louder than my GT3 was. Not to mention just as quick! Oh and I had the PSE added - but you can turn it off when you want it to be more soothing. But when hot and "on it" - it makes a great noise - inside and outside!I’m thinking of buying myself a present. May just be Christmas Day boredom. But I’d appreciate some advice.
I had a 997 gen 2 for a short period. Didn’t really get on with it - the tyre/ road noise got on my nerves and it wasn’t noisy enough in a good way, even with PSE.
I swapped it for a 987 boxster black edition. Lovely little car. But I don’t use it very much. I always go to work in my other car (alpina) as it so much better on motorways. So the boxster comes out for the occasional blast or trip to the shops, which seems to be a bit of a waste.
So, the question is, would a 991 be a step on from the 997 in terms of ’noises’ so that I could use it a bit more as a daily - give the Alpina a bit of a rest?
Or am I just bored and should go and crack open the drink?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Drink helps, but once you have the itch, no amount of scratching will save you ......
Where abouts do you live in Berkshire? I'll happily take you for a spin, including on the motorway, where they generate the most road noise.
Edited by MadMark911 on Friday 27th December 15:13
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