Drove a 981 'S' tonight... - Page 3 - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

particlewave · 07-02-2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhipE350

Particle - I'm sure both you and I can agree on one more thing...

P O R S C H E on the trunk above the word Boxster

Oh yeah!

Sorry for putting this Box down. I know its probably not the popular opinion, just mine.

NoGaBiker · 07-02-2012, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

For the 1467th time...the headlights, man, the headlights! Lame! Your opinion is valued.

Is that supposed to be a response to my reasoned and articulate post?

I get that you don't like the headlights,no problem with you having such an opinion on them. I too like the carrera's lights better.

But think, man! If the boxster lights looked like the prettier 911's, according to your logic buying one would indicate "insecurity" on the part of the buyer, who is obviously trying to convince people he has a 911!

So,ugly though they be, ugly they must remain, since rounding them just produces more insecurity.

Banana S · 07-02-2012, 07:43 PM

I was disappointed that the S no longer has a center radiator, but instead has a fake scoop where the center radiator would have been. Ugh. I like everything else about the car, though... Lower curb weight, more power, better fuel efficiency, and great looks.

ekam · 07-02-2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banana S

I was disappointed that the S no longer has a center radiator, but instead has a fake scoop where the center radiator would have been. Ugh. I like everything else about the car, though... Lower curb weight, more power, better fuel efficiency, and great looks.

987s don't have center rad either...

particlewave · 07-02-2012, 07:55 PM

Why, yes. Yes it was. Next time, I'll be sure to clarify that.

My point was never about them looking like a GT's lights, it was that they look generic. The GT post was about something else completely.

Later, bud!

blue2000s · 08-18-2012, 05:38 PM

Drove Panameras, 991s and 981s on track today.

Panameras are very capable but boring. I suppose the performance should impress me, but I just don't care. The 991 and 991S are very close in engine performance. The extra 50hp is very hard to feel. Grip is fantastic. Boxsters are very solid and the balance is fantastic. All the new cars sound great. What an improvement in engine music both inside and outside of the car. PDK is impressive and it's nice to not have to worry about shifting on the track, but the loss of involvement isn't worth it. The 981 is even bigger sitting next to a 986 than pictures show. The 986 looks graceful and purposeful next to the hefty 981. The electric assist steering in both new cars, I don't care what they tell you, is more numb and lighter effort.

The new interiors are WAY too overstyled. Too much jewelry, too many unnecessary angles and creases. Seating position is nice and the seats are hard but feel great though.

There's no comparison, the 986 is much more communicative and connected. The new cars are fast and capable but clearly more isolated from the road, for a fun car on the road, NO contest, 986 hands down.

RandallNeighbour · 08-19-2012, 08:35 AM

Blue, thanks for your insights.

As I age, I want a Porsche that is easy to drive yet has gobs of power when I want to use it.

The direction the designs are going are in my direction, although they are obviously engineering the visceral feel and look out of their vehicles.

This may be strategic though and not a mistake. The cars are no longer great for the track, but they will have stripped down versions for more money for sale for that purpose (Cayman type R for example)

Thoughts?

blue2000s · 08-19-2012, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Blue, thanks for your insights.

As I age, I want a Porsche that is easy to drive yet has gobs of power when I want to use it.

The direction the designs are going are in my direction, although they are obviously engineering the visceral feel and look out of their vehicles.

This may be strategic though and not a mistake. The cars are no longer great for the track, but they will have stripped down versions for more money for sale for that purpose (Cayman type R for example)

Thoughts?

They are better track cars than ever. They are also bigger, more numb, more comfortable, and overstyled. They are GTs. Awesome GTs. I like GTs, but I LOVE sports cars.

kls · 08-19-2012, 12:03 PM

Blue; Somehow you seem to have answered most of the questions I've had about the new models. I have a 986 base with a stick and within a couple of years I'd like to get either a 981S or a 991 base coupe. I've never really wanted a 911 before, but the 991 coupe is, IMHO, stunning. What were your thoughts about the differences in between the 981 and 991?

Your comment about the PDK pretty much resolves my belief that I'm going to have to stay with a stick to get the sports car feel. Maybe if I was 30 years younger I'd get the same sensation from the PDK, but too old to change.

blue2000s · 08-19-2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kls

Blue; Somehow you seem to have answered most of the questions I've had about the new models. I have a 986 base with a stick and within a couple of years I'd like to get either a 981S or a 991 base coupe. I've never really wanted a 911 before, but the 991 coupe is, IMHO, stunning. What were your thoughts about the differences in between the 981 and 991?

Your comment about the PDK pretty much resolves my belief that I'm going to have to stay with a stick to get the sports car feel. Maybe if I was 30 years younger I'd get the same sensation from the PDK, but too old to change.

My advice is to keep the base 986 and ignore everything you see about any newer model. They never got better.

But to answer your question, I prefer the balance of the Boxster. Every 911 I've driven, from 1977 to 2013, has a quirky extra push on the rear wheels through significant corners. I feel it in every 911. It's clearly discernable that the engine is in the wrong place.

On the street, 400hp is totally useless. Even 315hp is overkill. I didn't get to drive any non-S 981s, but they're probably 99% of what you get in the S. Unless you need to prove that you are significant to everyone else, don't bother with the Carrera.

kls · 08-19-2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2000s

My advice is to keep the base 986 and ignore everything you see about any newer model. They never got better.

But to answer your question, I prefer the balance of the Boxster. Every 911 I've driven, from 1977 to 2013, has a quirky extra push on the rear wheels through significant corners. I feel it in every 911. It's clearly discernable that the engine is in the wrong place.

On the street, 400hp is totally useless. Even 315hp is overkill. I didn't get to drive any non-S 981s, but they're probably 99% of what you get in the S. Unless you need to prove that you are significant to everyone else, don't bother with the Carrera.

Good advice - thanks. (But I still crave 315 HP!)

Dragonwind · 08-19-2012, 05:02 PM

At first I completely hated the new design, and even when I saw it at the NYAS. However, it had to be the color because I have seen two on the road now and the first time it was nearly dark and it it wasn't for the roof I thought it was a Carrara GT...even the sound as it screamed by. The second one was similar and in the daylight. I have grown to really like this new model!

Chris

Ghostrider 310 · 08-19-2012, 05:08 PM

Lower, meaner, cheaper, faster

EDIT* this is what I was looking for

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1159150&d=11853.24240&nmt=#seperator

Ghostrider 310 · 08-19-2012, 05:53 PM

The new car will do great, is likely a phenomenal ride and might raise the Boxster to the podium it always belonged on. That will be especially true given the new 911 cost and the reality that the mid-engined platform is superior, period. Still don't get the automatic dis of the 987, I have less weight more HP how is it that the 987 still "pales in comparison"? Especially when a new S can approach 95K if you hang enough options on it.

kls · 08-19-2012, 07:21 PM

I am satisfied with my 986, and the longer I can keep telling myself that, the better off I am. Everything I read about the 981 is good, except a little whining about the steering, and there is nothing about the styling that I don't like. I was looking at one at a dealership a few days ago and they pulled a ruby red 991 coupe next to it and it took my breath away. I have never been a big 911 fan, but this year it's perfect. (No clue what it drives like, but from everything I've read so far, the Boxster is more fun to drive.)

Did I mention that I AM SATISFIED WITH MY 986? I AM SATISFIED WITH MY 986! I AM SATISFIED WITH MY 986......

jacabean · 08-20-2012, 09:47 AM

I think the only down fall for the new car is its high price . The dealer near me has had one S model on the lot for about a month. not going to sell in volume like the old 986.

jacabean · 08-20-2012, 09:50 AM

if porsche decides to make a light weight version of the new car i'm sure it will surpass the 987 spyder easily (hopefully with a better roof)
.

Ghostrider 310 · 08-20-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacabean

if porsche decides to make a light weight version of the new car i'm sure it will surpass the 987 spyder easily (hopefully with a better roof)
.

Sure it will, I don't know about easily but time marches forward. They will keep tweaking the HP and weight to make sure every new buyer has performance bragging rights and to keep their competition at bay.

However, for now speaking for myself I'm even more convinced I made the right choice. As for the roof, it's just fine maybe a touch more noisy but it is purposeful. Either you embrace the spirit of the car or not, it's not for everyone to say the least. I've had it on three times all summer so I'll take the weight savings and total lack of all that mechanized linkage that causes fits as the cars age; I also think it will last longer (always out of the sun) and will be so easy to duplicate any boat canvass maker worth their salt could make you a better than OEM version.

Perfectlap · 08-20-2012, 12:26 PM

All the reviews I've read are underwhelming on the electronic steering. The engineers make a very good argument for it, safer (no highly flamable fluids anymore), doesn't divert HP, saves gas at stop lights, etc. but it still means that the 987 Boxster Spyder will always be the best handling Boxster from a driver's perspective.

The new Boxster front end looks the best of any Porsche sold today (imho). But the doors still look really gimmicky to me and the cruise ship captain's cockpit is totally out place for a roadster. I can see it working in Panamera or Carrera (cars for fat cats).

jacabean · 08-20-2012, 01:05 PM

one drive in that cruise ship cockpit and you will get a real sense of how old and outdated the 986 is. their is nothing wrong with some luxury in a sports car. let's face it 99% of us use the car on public roads . I actually find the 986 steering to be annoying at times with all its "feel" . their are things you want to feel and things you don't. Porsche knows this and has been dialing out all the annoying stuff with each model update. I think I would prefer the new steering.