987Holland72

Lucky me got the opportunity to go and test drive a brand new 981 S manual.

Currently own a mint 2006 987 S sport chrono, 19" rims and sport exhaust.

So here are my thoughts..

The 981 has a great ride, PASM works very well indeed, light clutch, more cabin space.. Big difference in terms of space for my feet, size 12 / 46 can be a problem in my car, and I cant get as fare back as I would like in my own, but no problem in the new Boxster. Very nice dashboard and interior trim, nice navigation and layout. Much better and more comfortable ride..

But... dont like the steering wheel, nor the wheel design.. and I fell that the gear leaver is placed way to high.. the electric steering is great in town, but lack feel on the open road.
Really cant feel the hp increase, could be cause I cant hear it .. but what really let the car down was the sport exhaust button.. Really made no difference, only noticed it when I down changed, nice burble, but other than that I is a 2000 euro 2500 USD rip off option..

Don't get me wrong, the car was great, and fare fare better than mine, just not 30000 euro 40000 USD better.. Or perhaps I am just looking for a reason not to put down a deposit...

Anyone else have similar thoughts or am I wayyy off??

Specialanthony

I can't comment on the driving characteristics, but the more I see them the less I like the overall shape and size. It feels too big to me now (as do the 991s), it looks too big, and the sexy hip curves are gone. I'm more than happy with my 987.2. The Boxster/Cayman to me is supposed to be that super small nimble little sports car. Bigger is not always better.

Keadog

Never sat in a Boxster before this car. Last 4 P cars were 911s ('87, '88, ,97, '98).
To me, shifter is perfect. Also never liked augmented exhaust unless it actually increased HP. Stock exhaust is fine with me.
It's kind of big, but so fun to drive!

hf1

If size/fit is a problem for you with the 987 then get the 981. If not, stick with the 987. I too have an 06 S since new and don't plan on changing it for a while.

clutchplate

The sport button, not the sport exhaust button is what fully activates the PSE. Pushing just the PSE button makes only a small difference in the sound. For me the 987, or any other Boxster aside from the Spyder was never an option as I never liked their look.

987Holland72

I know what to press, and the exhaust was in full "sport" mode, it did sound well, but not enough.. Anyway only my 2 cents.. sure many like it just as it is..

tortoise944

I am slightly biased as I have a 981 S, but....

I really love the extra space and the upgraded interior.

Having driven it for a while, I love where the stick is and the whole center console part.

No real issues with the electronic steering. It is what it is... very smooth. Some people think its too smooth, but I am fine with it.

I agree on the sport exhaust, which is why I didn't order it. At least it is an option!

Oh, if you didn't test drive it with the sport button on, I would go do another drive with it on. I really figured it wouldn't do much for a 6MT, but boy was I surprised. Its much quicker with it on.

Dino944

I have a 2008 Boxster RS60, which came with 19" wheels, sport exhaust, and PASM. I recently spent 4 days/600 miles in a new 981S. The car is simply fantastic and a tremendous improvement over the 987s.

My main criticisms, were I did not like that some of the buttons were placed ahead of the shifter. It made them difficult to see or reach. I prefer them to be on the vertical part of the dashboard that hangs above the transmission tunnel/shifter as on the 987. I also did not like the door panels/door pulls, which I though were a bit over stylized.

As for driving experience, the car I drove was a 981S with PASM and 20" wheels. In normal it soaked up bumps far better than my car with 19s and PASM set on normal. Yet it was stiff enough for winding back roads to be enjoyed. IMHO it also felt much quicker and more responsive than my car. I know lots of others complain about steering feel, but I just didn't have an issue with it. IMHO, the car is just a better driving experience and I thought even more fun to drive than the 987s.

I often considered getting an air cooled 911, but after driving this car...I am seriously considering going to a 981S instead.

RobSpyder

987.2 Spyder > 981S

Drove both, much preferred the raw, tight and special feel of the Spyder. Just an epic, one of a kind car. Not a daily driver though (no roof), so as an all rounder I suppose the 981 wins.

Marine Blue

That is exactly how I felt after spending 30 minutes driving a 981S manual last year.

I have to admit though that the new Cayman is very attractive and if I didn't have the Spyder I would have a hard time choosing. The Spyder is very much a fun car for the soul purpose of driving pleasure. Taking it to the supermarket or using it for "chores" is definitely not its forte.

terbiumactivated

I wouldn't park a 981 at a supermarket either so I guess in that sense the spyder & 981 would be the same. The only marked advantage is the ability to put the top up and down quickly and easily.

RobSpyder

I use it as a grocery getter all the time. Small groceries, that is

Bocatrip

I've been obsessing over the 981 Cayman for the last few months. After taking an extensive test drive last week I was disappointed in the excessive road noise. The Cayman had 19" Pirellis but the issue seems to stem from the steel structure of the Cayman's design enclosing the engine and rear wheels. The 981 Boxster owners don't seem to have this issue. Unfortunately, a tire swap does not seem to be the remedy. Other than the noise, I really love this car!