GTS 4.0 SPASM OR PASM?
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
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For those ordering one of these amazing new NA machines, are you going with SPASM or PASM and why?
I am on the fence, my previous 981S with x73 handled and looked amazing but rode rough and clearance could be tricky
it seems like SPASM is really just bringing with it a better asethetic...but apparently still rides comfortable?...so the only thing making me hesitate about spasm are clearance issues
I am on the fence, my previous 981S with x73 handled and looked amazing but rode rough and clearance could be tricky
it seems like SPASM is really just bringing with it a better asethetic...but apparently still rides comfortable?...so the only thing making me hesitate about spasm are clearance issues
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09-12-2020, 04:13 PM
Burning Brakes
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- A wider selection of exterior colours
- A wider selection of wheels and wheel colours
- More interior options, including the ability to avoid Race-Tex/alcantara/ultrasuede altogether
- No rear wing
- Additional steering wheel options, including multi-function
- Two zone climate, seat heating and carplay included
- Smaller brakes (more wheel choices, including my existing 18" winter wheels)
- Narrower, less expensive tires
- About $20 grand
#2
Burning Brakes
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PASM. The clearance issue is the main reason. I note that I had the standard suspension on my 981 and even with that, the car could corner a lot better than I could. I won't miss not having SPASM
#3
Rennlist Member
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The standard option, so I guess SPASM.
It has been some time since my last sport car, but I’m well versed on taking bumps and driveways slow and at an angle.
My only fear is my wife curbing a door!
It has been some time since my last sport car, but I’m well versed on taking bumps and driveways slow and at an angle.
My only fear is my wife curbing a door!
#4
Racer
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Daily driver or track toy? Both suspension options are purportedly more comfortable than the X73 you're familiar with, so really it's about how you plan to use the car and your visual aesthetic preference.
#5
Racer
Thread Starter
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yes x73 looked great but it was sometimes a chore to get around in the city with, so I am torn
#6
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I assume for purposes of this discussion SPASM refers to the stock 20mm drop while PASM refers to the 10mm version.
I will be using my on order Boxster GTS as a fun non track driver (as I continue to do with my 2000 Boxster S) so while on the fence I was comforted with the recently added description Porsche put on the website:
"Both 718 GTS 4.0 variants are fitted with sports suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damping system as standard. This lowers the body of the Boxster and Cayman by 20 millimetres. For drivers who prefer more comfort, the PASM suspension is available as an option, which lowers the body by 10 mm. When combined with the modern chassis layout and the enhanced high-performance braking system, this results in a remarkable balance between sporty firmness and long-distance comfort."
I particularly like them referring to (what I believe) the 10mm option as "a remarkable balance between sporty firmness and long-distance comfort"
I have the 10mm drop on order due to local road conditions. Before Porsche posted the above quoted information online I did some sleuthing and determined that even with the 10mm drop the new Boxster GTS has the same ground clearance (or even slightly lower?) than a 911. In other words if that height is good enough for the 911 it will be fine for the Boxster.
As for aesthetics and looks I can't really see how someone will notice a difference between a 20mm vs. 10mm drop. 10 mm is .39 inches - will it really be visible?
Even if it is for me it will not matter. Compared to my 20 year old Boxster S the new one looks like a modern miracle. I hope it's performance and reliability will be the same as I have experienced - absolutely bullet proof.
I will be using my on order Boxster GTS as a fun non track driver (as I continue to do with my 2000 Boxster S) so while on the fence I was comforted with the recently added description Porsche put on the website:
"Both 718 GTS 4.0 variants are fitted with sports suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damping system as standard. This lowers the body of the Boxster and Cayman by 20 millimetres. For drivers who prefer more comfort, the PASM suspension is available as an option, which lowers the body by 10 mm. When combined with the modern chassis layout and the enhanced high-performance braking system, this results in a remarkable balance between sporty firmness and long-distance comfort."
I particularly like them referring to (what I believe) the 10mm option as "a remarkable balance between sporty firmness and long-distance comfort"
I have the 10mm drop on order due to local road conditions. Before Porsche posted the above quoted information online I did some sleuthing and determined that even with the 10mm drop the new Boxster GTS has the same ground clearance (or even slightly lower?) than a 911. In other words if that height is good enough for the 911 it will be fine for the Boxster.
As for aesthetics and looks I can't really see how someone will notice a difference between a 20mm vs. 10mm drop. 10 mm is .39 inches - will it really be visible?
Even if it is for me it will not matter. Compared to my 20 year old Boxster S the new one looks like a modern miracle. I hope it's performance and reliability will be the same as I have experienced - absolutely bullet proof.
Last edited by buzzlulu; 09-11-2020 at 12:38 PM.
#7
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SPASM
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AlexCeres (09-12-2020)
#9
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Currently have a 2.5 gts with PASM. No issue with ground clearance but I do wish it felt a little bit more “sporty” but without the GT3/4 feel (had a 3 as well and a bit too low, raw, and noisy for just tooling around on the street although it is an absolute joy on track). Going for SPASM this time and hope it is the right balance for my intended use.
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~el~jefe~ (10-29-2021)
#10
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SPASM and probably LWBS for 95% back-roads fun drives. My concern is that the Spyder/GT4 are already too compliant, judging from some of the comments.
#11
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For those ordering one of these amazing new NA machines, are you going with SPASM or PASM and why?
I am on the fence, my previous 981S with x73 handled and looked amazing but rode rough and clearance could be tricky
it seems like SPASM is really just bringing with it a better aesthetic...but apparently still rides comfortable?...so the only thing making me hesitate about spasm are clearance issues
I am on the fence, my previous 981S with x73 handled and looked amazing but rode rough and clearance could be tricky
it seems like SPASM is really just bringing with it a better aesthetic...but apparently still rides comfortable?...so the only thing making me hesitate about spasm are clearance issues
![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
I have SPASM on my 718 CS and have zero issues with ground clearance.
I also added a DCS Sport controller and the "normal" mode is much more compliant than stock and yet performs better.
I plan to change out to a new GTS 4.0 at some point and will definitely stay with SPASM.
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baege (09-11-2020)
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
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...coming back to a P car again? ![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
I have SPASM on my 718 CS and have zero issues with ground clearance.
I also added a DCS Sport controller and the "normal" mode is much more compliant than stock and yet performs better.
I plan to change out to a new GTS 4.0 at some point and will definitely stay with SPASM.
![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
I have SPASM on my 718 CS and have zero issues with ground clearance.
I also added a DCS Sport controller and the "normal" mode is much more compliant than stock and yet performs better.
I plan to change out to a new GTS 4.0 at some point and will definitely stay with SPASM.
![Big Grin](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#13
Instructor
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For those ordering one of these amazing new NA machines, are you going with SPASM or PASM and why?
I am on the fence, my previous 981S with x73 handled and looked amazing but rode rough and clearance could be tricky
it seems like SPASM is really just bringing with it a better asethetic...but apparently still rides comfortable?...so the only thing making me hesitate about spasm are clearance issues
I am on the fence, my previous 981S with x73 handled and looked amazing but rode rough and clearance could be tricky
it seems like SPASM is really just bringing with it a better asethetic...but apparently still rides comfortable?...so the only thing making me hesitate about spasm are clearance issues
I have the 10 mm drop with 19" wheels and 40 series tires on my 718 Cayman S and I like it a lot. The ride is comfortable and I don't have to worry about scraping. It is a set-up with which I have experience.
So I have specified the 10mm drop on my new 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 as well. I imagine the 20" wheels with 35 series tires will be stiffer than the Cayman S. I have a set of Porsche Tequipment 19" winter wheels and tires that I will use during the cold weather months. Hope this helps.
Stay Safe!
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mithiral67 (06-30-2024)
#14
Instructor
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I was going back and forth on this as well. Mine has a good shot of ending up being my daily driver. I am not as much worried as ground clearance but ride comfort. The 2019 GTS I drove was noticeably rougher than my 991, but it didn't seem by much and still felt livable. Right now I'm thinking 20mm, but I wish there was a 10mm car I could drive. My guess is I wouldn't notice a meaningful difference, but I wish I could be sure.
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seahack (09-13-2020)
#15
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Slightly concerned by the posts in this thread preferring a higher, softer, more compliant car. Am I the only one considering a Boxster 4.0 for (strictly, 95%) back-roads carving and almost no daily utility/duty? Has consensus delegated (strictly) back-roads carving to the Spyder and daily duty to the GTS 4.0?