Got it!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 95
From: Atlanta, GA
I'm just telling you what I have experienced. Nothing more, nothing less. Had over 14k miles with the GT3 and only 500 with the 981. I'm sure there are smarter people than me out there with a better understanding of the differences.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 473
Likes: 14
From: Rhode Island
I've read this observation in many magazine reviews and on various forums, but I have to admit that I find it puzzling especially when a term like "electric steering" is used. That term would clearly indicate that you believe the 981 has a steering by wire setup.
The steering system in the 981 and 987 are identical with the exception of how power steering is supplied. In the 981 the hydraulic pump is replaced by an electric motor. So there is no longer a power steering pump connected to the crankshaft in a 981. Other than that the steering shaft is connected into a steering rack that goes out to ball joints and knuckles in both the 987 and 981.
The steering system in the 981 and 987 are identical with the exception of how power steering is supplied. In the 981 the hydraulic pump is replaced by an electric motor. So there is no longer a power steering pump connected to the crankshaft in a 981. Other than that the steering shaft is connected into a steering rack that goes out to ball joints and knuckles in both the 987 and 981.
Addict
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,015
Likes: 815
From: Temecula, CA
Having said that, the 981 is a fantastic car with incredible handling, plenty of power and a musical exhaust. It would definitely be at the top of my list if the Spyder didn't exist.
Race Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 219
No offense to the OP in this thread since his observations are shared by so many others, but I have to wonder how many could discern a differance if the electric system were retrofitted on some 987s. The experiment would be to have six 987s: 3 retrofitted with the electric motor and 3 unchanged. Of course the drivers would not be told which were modified with the electric motor. I would love to test some of the journalists who have been the most outspoken on this issue.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,955
Likes: 114
Your 'Platinum' option only costs $845 and represents a unique color just for the wheels! It is also a 'value' (as far as Porsche prices go), hides brake dust a tad better and is a solid color (without the silver lip that some dislike)! It has only been offered on the 981 and 991, so it sets it apart!
Congratulations on your 981. I am partial to 'red' interiors (as some of you may know).
Saludos,
Eduardo
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 95
From: Atlanta, GA
Good point and thanks, Eduardo. Don't know if anyone noticed, but, platinum silver is no longer offered on the Porsche configurator. The new color is Rhodium Silver Metallic. Has anyone seen the it?
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 7,804
Likes: 193
From: Bay Area
My 2 cents on the whole electric steering thing:
Yes, at slow speeds it does feel more numb. You can't feel every rock/pebble you run over. The steering wheel is easier to turn when you are at a standstill too.
However, once the car is up to speed I can't tell the difference. I certainly didn't notice it at the track with my BRZ, and when I drove my friend's 981 through a mountain run.
If steering feel is important at standstill and slow speeds, then it might bother you. Although, I can't see why that would....?
Yes, at slow speeds it does feel more numb. You can't feel every rock/pebble you run over. The steering wheel is easier to turn when you are at a standstill too.
However, once the car is up to speed I can't tell the difference. I certainly didn't notice it at the track with my BRZ, and when I drove my friend's 981 through a mountain run.
If steering feel is important at standstill and slow speeds, then it might bother you. Although, I can't see why that would....?
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Banned
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta Ga
It has been reported with some frequency that the electric system does not have the same tactile feedback, I'm confident the writers were saying the same thing when manual racks were changed to power steering. Still, given that this and the start stop technology are in actuality attempts to placate cafe mileage standards, I'm not enthusiastic about the technology as a steering advance.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 4
From: Orlando
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 95
From: Atlanta, GA
Race Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 219
My 2 cents on the whole electric steering thing:
Yes, at slow speeds it does feel more numb. You can't feel every rock/pebble you run over. The steering wheel is easier to turn when you are at a standstill too.
However, once the car is up to speed I can't tell the difference. I certainly didn't notice it at the track with my BRZ, and when I drove my friend's 981 through a mountain run.
If steering feel is important at standstill and slow speeds, then it might bother you. Although, I can't see why that would....?
Yes, at slow speeds it does feel more numb. You can't feel every rock/pebble you run over. The steering wheel is easier to turn when you are at a standstill too.
However, once the car is up to speed I can't tell the difference. I certainly didn't notice it at the track with my BRZ, and when I drove my friend's 981 through a mountain run.
If steering feel is important at standstill and slow speeds, then it might bother you. Although, I can't see why that would....?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 385
From: Oklahoma City
+1. Imagine my delight, I figure that the demise of plat silver metallic in combination with the black painted wheels, probably makes my car more valuable today than when I took delivery!
I wonder why the plat silver has been dc'd
I wonder why the plat silver has been dc'd
