981 vs 981s discussion with a twist
Discussion
Coming from a V8 with Quattro, i'm not interested in traffic light grand prix's anymore. Especially since the roads in the UK are in such s
t shape.
I'm buying a Porsche because it's a Porsche.. it looks and feels nice to drive. As you've probably guessed I don't do track days either.
So the only issue in a 981 vs a 981 S is the sound. Is there much difference between the two? One being a bigger engine.
And extra question.. is PSE worth it?? Seems like a gimmick.
t shape. I'm buying a Porsche because it's a Porsche.. it looks and feels nice to drive. As you've probably guessed I don't do track days either.
So the only issue in a 981 vs a 981 S is the sound. Is there much difference between the two? One being a bigger engine.
And extra question.. is PSE worth it?? Seems like a gimmick.
Edited by Crispystork on Wednesday 21st November 11:15
From a purely sound perspective there isn’t a great deal of difference between the 2.7 and the 3.4. As for PSE it depends very much how important the engine sound is to you, the engines sound good without the PSE but they are quiet and if you are interested in pops and crackles you get very little of that.
Most with PSE seem to appreciate it, many wouldn’t be without it. A few that do motorway mileage and also have PDK find the PSE is too boomy.
Most with PSE seem to appreciate it, many wouldn’t be without it. A few that do motorway mileage and also have PDK find the PSE is too boomy.
Personally sound wise not much in it if anything 2.7 best. I would say imo the 2.7 doesnt have enough torque to cope with a twin clutch box. So I enjoy the 2.7 as a manual but not as a pdk. If your going pdk i would say get the 3.4.
I had pse on mine but got bored of the silly noises but then Im old now. Very difficult to get under the radar when pressing on so i short shifted all the time. Now have a non pse 987 3.4 and it is a bit quiet but overall it suits my driving better and I extend it more.
I had pse on mine but got bored of the silly noises but then Im old now. Very difficult to get under the radar when pressing on so i short shifted all the time. Now have a non pse 987 3.4 and it is a bit quiet but overall it suits my driving better and I extend it more.
Good choice. I'd have a Cayman over an M3 all day long personally.
Both engines sound lovely with minimal difference. Manual really gets the best experience from them.
PSE is very important to me, I've had a car without it but now I have it I probably wouldn't buy a car without it in future.
Both engines sound lovely with minimal difference. Manual really gets the best experience from them.
PSE is very important to me, I've had a car without it but now I have it I probably wouldn't buy a car without it in future.
V800MJH said:
Good choice. I'd have a Cayman over an M3 all day long personally.
Both engines sound lovely with minimal difference. Manual really gets the best experience from them.
PSE is very important to me, I've had a car without it but now I have it I probably wouldn't buy a car without it in future.
You got the base or S? If you got the base is it enough power for you? Both engines sound lovely with minimal difference. Manual really gets the best experience from them.
PSE is very important to me, I've had a car without it but now I have it I probably wouldn't buy a car without it in future.
I tested 2.7 and 3.4 Cayman 981 before I chose the 2.7.
I like that I get to hear the engine noise more often as I have to use the revs more. Also the better mpg when I don't (36mpg long-term average).
I didn't like the 3.4s ability to "cruise" around whilst unwittingly going over the speed limit.
Last three "performance" cars 2012 TTS (nasty lag/overrun); 2003 E46 330ci (great chassis/engine, just got old); 1997 DB7 (style, power, no poise).
I wouldn't swap my 2.7 for a 3.4. Love the sound, agility, speed off the line. Who needs 0-60 under 5 seconds?
I like that I get to hear the engine noise more often as I have to use the revs more. Also the better mpg when I don't (36mpg long-term average).
I didn't like the 3.4s ability to "cruise" around whilst unwittingly going over the speed limit.
Last three "performance" cars 2012 TTS (nasty lag/overrun); 2003 E46 330ci (great chassis/engine, just got old); 1997 DB7 (style, power, no poise).
I wouldn't swap my 2.7 for a 3.4. Love the sound, agility, speed off the line. Who needs 0-60 under 5 seconds?
DJMC said:
I tested 2.7 and 3.4 Cayman 981 before I chose the 2.7.
I like that I get to hear the engine noise more often as I have to use the revs more. Also the better mpg when I don't (36mpg long-term average).
I didn't like the 3.4s ability to "cruise" around whilst unwittingly going over the speed limit.
Last three "performance" cars 2012 TTS (nasty lag/overrun); 2003 E46 330ci (great chassis/engine, just got old); 1997 DB7 (style, power, no poise).
I wouldn't swap my 2.7 for a 3.4. Love the sound, agility, speed off the line. Who needs 0-60 under 5 seconds?
Oddly I agree with what DJMC says relatively the difference - but I went for the 3.4. If you are happy to be "on it" all the time the 2.7 is fast enough and is a sweeter engine. But the gearing (even with PDK) is just too high when you aren't in the mood for banzai driving. Depends how you use the car - for a DD the extra torque makes the 3.4 easier to live with. For a weekend bit of fun - and you want to keep your license - the 2.7 is really nice. But be sure you can live with the gearing.I like that I get to hear the engine noise more often as I have to use the revs more. Also the better mpg when I don't (36mpg long-term average).
I didn't like the 3.4s ability to "cruise" around whilst unwittingly going over the speed limit.
Last three "performance" cars 2012 TTS (nasty lag/overrun); 2003 E46 330ci (great chassis/engine, just got old); 1997 DB7 (style, power, no poise).
I wouldn't swap my 2.7 for a 3.4. Love the sound, agility, speed off the line. Who needs 0-60 under 5 seconds?
I have the 3.4S and with the PSE it really is becoming a keeper. I have a BMW M4 Competition Pack as my daily car and despite it having around 140bhp more the Boxster just brings a bigger smile more of the time.
I have never driven a 2.7 so I can't say if i would find that just as much fun but I do know I would never have a Boxster without the PSE. I just get in mine and click Sport every time without fail. The screaming engine and exhaust note just puts my BMW to shame.
The one thing with these naturally aspirated engines is that they require you to wring the nuts off them. They are not for the turbocharged generation who want to ride a wall of torque. Firstly you want to make it scream to get the car feeling fast and secondly you need to do it to hear that sublime engine note.
I had a recent test drive in a Cayman GT4 and thought that it was amazing in every sense but it did not quite have the same screaming sound from the exhaust/engine. Whilst it is quite markedly a superior car I am now doubting whether I ever need to swap the Boxster for one.
As for the M4 it is getting the old kick to touch without hesitation just as soon as I can think of something else to run as a daily.
I have never driven a 2.7 so I can't say if i would find that just as much fun but I do know I would never have a Boxster without the PSE. I just get in mine and click Sport every time without fail. The screaming engine and exhaust note just puts my BMW to shame.
The one thing with these naturally aspirated engines is that they require you to wring the nuts off them. They are not for the turbocharged generation who want to ride a wall of torque. Firstly you want to make it scream to get the car feeling fast and secondly you need to do it to hear that sublime engine note.
I had a recent test drive in a Cayman GT4 and thought that it was amazing in every sense but it did not quite have the same screaming sound from the exhaust/engine. Whilst it is quite markedly a superior car I am now doubting whether I ever need to swap the Boxster for one.
As for the M4 it is getting the old kick to touch without hesitation just as soon as I can think of something else to run as a daily.
jjr1 said:
I have the 3.4S and with the PSE it really is becoming a keeper. I have a BMW M4 Competition Pack as my daily car and despite it having around 140bhp more the Boxster just brings a bigger smile more of the time.
I have never driven a 2.7 so I can't say if i would find that just as much fun but I do know I would never have a Boxster without the PSE. I just get in mine and click Sport every time without fail. The screaming engine and exhaust note just puts my BMW to shame.
The one thing with these naturally aspirated engines is that they require you to wring the nuts off them. They are not for the turbocharged generation who want to ride a wall of torque. Firstly you want to make it scream to get the car feeling fast and secondly you need to do it to hear that sublime engine note.
I had a recent test drive in a Cayman GT4 and thought that it was amazing in every sense but it did not quite have the same screaming sound from the exhaust/engine. Whilst it is quite markedly a superior car I am now doubting whether I ever need to swap the Boxster for one.
As for the M4 it is getting the old kick to touch without hesitation just as soon as I can think of something else to run as a daily.
OP here, i'm actually struggling to choose from an M3/4 and the Cayman. Reason i didn't mention was cus its a different topic. My car will be my DD AND my weekend car unlike you (lucky bI have never driven a 2.7 so I can't say if i would find that just as much fun but I do know I would never have a Boxster without the PSE. I just get in mine and click Sport every time without fail. The screaming engine and exhaust note just puts my BMW to shame.
The one thing with these naturally aspirated engines is that they require you to wring the nuts off them. They are not for the turbocharged generation who want to ride a wall of torque. Firstly you want to make it scream to get the car feeling fast and secondly you need to do it to hear that sublime engine note.
I had a recent test drive in a Cayman GT4 and thought that it was amazing in every sense but it did not quite have the same screaming sound from the exhaust/engine. Whilst it is quite markedly a superior car I am now doubting whether I ever need to swap the Boxster for one.
As for the M4 it is getting the old kick to touch without hesitation just as soon as I can think of something else to run as a daily.
d) i can only afford one... which would you prefer if you had to choose one? (if you didn't have kids)I run my 981 Boxster GTS as a daily and couldn't be happier. Two decent sized boots to cover most uses. Anything larger or longer can go into the passenger compartment with the roof off (which it is 90% of the time anyway!)
Many years ago I had a BMW E46 328CI (for the missus) and ran it alongside my then daily, a TVR 5.0 Chimaera. I was astonished at the number of times, when I couldn't fit "normal" stuff into the BMW, I just opened up the boot on the TVR and slotted it straight in. I promised myself then that I'd never run a saloon again. Hatch, yes, estate, yes, saloon, no! If you don't have kids ask yourself the same question I asked myself; How often do you need more than two seats? On those rare occasions, is there someone else present who has 4 seats available? As a consequence I have run 2 seaters as my dailies for the last 20 years without issue. As a happy aside, it's amazing how many times it gets you out of doing taxi duty too
Many years ago I had a BMW E46 328CI (for the missus) and ran it alongside my then daily, a TVR 5.0 Chimaera. I was astonished at the number of times, when I couldn't fit "normal" stuff into the BMW, I just opened up the boot on the TVR and slotted it straight in. I promised myself then that I'd never run a saloon again. Hatch, yes, estate, yes, saloon, no! If you don't have kids ask yourself the same question I asked myself; How often do you need more than two seats? On those rare occasions, is there someone else present who has 4 seats available? As a consequence I have run 2 seaters as my dailies for the last 20 years without issue. As a happy aside, it's amazing how many times it gets you out of doing taxi duty too
Flyferrari said:
I run my 981 Boxster GTS as a daily and couldn't be happier. Two decent sized boots to cover most uses. Anything larger or longer can go into the passenger compartment with the roof off (which it is 90% of the time anyway!)
Many years ago I had a BMW E46 328CI (for the missus) and ran it alongside my then daily, a TVR 5.0 Chimaera. I was astonished at the number of times, when I couldn't fit "normal" stuff into the BMW, I just opened up the boot on the TVR and slotted it straight in. I promised myself then that I'd never run a saloon again. Hatch, yes, estate, yes, saloon, no! If you don't have kids ask yourself the same question I asked myself; How often do you need more than two seats? On those rare occasions, is there someone else present who has 4 seats available? As a consequence I have run 2 seaters as my dailies for the last 20 years without issue. As a happy aside, it's amazing how many times it gets you out of doing taxi duty too
So true.. the only time i ever have anyone in my backseats is when i'm driving 3 mates to the local shop, which is once every 2 months. And as for transporting stuff? Can't get sMany years ago I had a BMW E46 328CI (for the missus) and ran it alongside my then daily, a TVR 5.0 Chimaera. I was astonished at the number of times, when I couldn't fit "normal" stuff into the BMW, I just opened up the boot on the TVR and slotted it straight in. I promised myself then that I'd never run a saloon again. Hatch, yes, estate, yes, saloon, no! If you don't have kids ask yourself the same question I asked myself; How often do you need more than two seats? On those rare occasions, is there someone else present who has 4 seats available? As a consequence I have run 2 seaters as my dailies for the last 20 years without issue. As a happy aside, it's amazing how many times it gets you out of doing taxi duty too
t in a saloon.. the roof is bloody in the way for anything tall. I'd rather just get a 2 seater and a cheap van. bcr5784 said:
Oddly I agree with what DJMC says relatively the difference - but I went for the 3.4. If you are happy to be "on it" all the time the 2.7 is fast enough and is a sweeter engine. But the gearing (even with PDK) is just too high when you aren't in the mood for banzai driving. Depends how you use the car - for a DD the extra torque makes the 3.4 easier to live with. For a weekend bit of fun - and you want to keep your license - the 2.7 is really nice. But be sure you can live with the gearing.
I agree completely. I also have the 3.4 and as mine is a daily driver I find it easy to drive lazily, it still lights up over 4K revs but there is still enough below that for decent progress. The 2.7 is a great drivers car, but does need the revs.Crispystork said:
jjr1 said:
I have the 3.4S and with the PSE it really is becoming a keeper. I have a BMW M4 Competition Pack as my daily car and despite it having around 140bhp more the Boxster just brings a bigger smile more of the time.
I have never driven a 2.7 so I can't say if i would find that just as much fun but I do know I would never have a Boxster without the PSE. I just get in mine and click Sport every time without fail. The screaming engine and exhaust note just puts my BMW to shame.
The one thing with these naturally aspirated engines is that they require you to wring the nuts off them. They are not for the turbocharged generation who want to ride a wall of torque. Firstly you want to make it scream to get the car feeling fast and secondly you need to do it to hear that sublime engine note.
I had a recent test drive in a Cayman GT4 and thought that it was amazing in every sense but it did not quite have the same screaming sound from the exhaust/engine. Whilst it is quite markedly a superior car I am now doubting whether I ever need to swap the Boxster for one.
As for the M4 it is getting the old kick to touch without hesitation just as soon as I can think of something else to run as a daily.
OP here, i'm actually struggling to choose from an M3/4 and the Cayman. Reason i didn't mention was cus its a different topic. My car will be my DD AND my weekend car unlike you (lucky bI have never driven a 2.7 so I can't say if i would find that just as much fun but I do know I would never have a Boxster without the PSE. I just get in mine and click Sport every time without fail. The screaming engine and exhaust note just puts my BMW to shame.
The one thing with these naturally aspirated engines is that they require you to wring the nuts off them. They are not for the turbocharged generation who want to ride a wall of torque. Firstly you want to make it scream to get the car feeling fast and secondly you need to do it to hear that sublime engine note.
I had a recent test drive in a Cayman GT4 and thought that it was amazing in every sense but it did not quite have the same screaming sound from the exhaust/engine. Whilst it is quite markedly a superior car I am now doubting whether I ever need to swap the Boxster for one.
As for the M4 it is getting the old kick to touch without hesitation just as soon as I can think of something else to run as a daily.
d) i can only afford one... which would you prefer if you had to choose one? (if you didn't have kids)jjr1 said:
Without a shadow of a doubt if I could only have my Boxster or my M4 it would definitely be the Porsche. Far more of a fun sports car in every sense and much more of an occasion on a drive. Two boots on the Cayman and Boxster also make them fairly practical so unless you absolutely had to have 4 seats I would just get the Cayman (in your case) and enjoy!
Yeah i'll just get a cayman/boxster and a cheap rusty white van for practicality plus it doubles as a bollard for thieves Crispystork said:
You got the base or S? If you got the base is it enough power for you?
I've got a Cayman R now with PSE, had a 997 C4S before without PSE.My friend had a 2.7 for 6 or 7 years (without PSE) and I drove it extensively. It was an epic car.
I've also driven to Germany in mine, PSE on when you want it and off when you don't is a lovely decision to have. Not droney in the slightest.
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