997S to 981S
01-02-2014, 12:15 AM
#16
Three Wheelin'
I went from a 997S to a base 981 which I like better than the 911. These are really good cars. Really good. BTW, I had the red top ordered but photos scared me off and I changed mine to black. In person the red looks superb and I wish I had kept my original order.
01-02-2014, 12:30 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
My DD is a new Boxster S.
This is my second one (first one was a base and a great car) and logged 14,000 miles on the first one and as of now 4,000 on current through sun, rain and snow.
Enjoy it!!
This is my second one (first one was a base and a great car) and logged 14,000 miles on the first one and as of now 4,000 on current through sun, rain and snow.
Enjoy it!!
Last edited by Bullitt44; 01-02-2014 at 12:49 AM.
01-02-2014, 01:39 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Awesome shot Jon. Glad I won't need snow tires for at least a few years, since I'll be driving her in the Southwest. 
Those wheels remind me of a set of gold ones my friend used to have on his old MR2. What are they?
Those wheels remind me of a set of gold ones my friend used to have on his old MR2. What are they?
01-02-2014, 02:07 PM
#21
Burning Brakes
The wheels are Volk TE37.
01-02-2014, 05:35 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
Those that have swapped out your 997 for a 981, have you notieced any appreciable drop in quality or feel of sturdiness? This is my one fear of going to a lighter weight 981. Your thoughts please...
01-02-2014, 08:13 PM
#23
Instructor
Quality? Most of the parts are the same. The 981 in particular can be specced with a very nice interior if you so choose.
Sturdiness lost from lighter weight? The 981 is a smaller car than the 997 with a smaller engine and smaller convertible top since it doesn't need have back seats to encompass. For all that it's only 165 lbs lighter. I've only driven a 997s coupe and a Boxster Spyder, but I don't think you'll find a lack of sturdiness.
Sturdiness lost from lighter weight? The 981 is a smaller car than the 997 with a smaller engine and smaller convertible top since it doesn't need have back seats to encompass. For all that it's only 165 lbs lighter. I've only driven a 997s coupe and a Boxster Spyder, but I don't think you'll find a lack of sturdiness.
01-02-2014, 08:56 PM
#24
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
For all intents and purposes the interiors of 997/987 & 991/981 are identical and in most instances interchangeable. The only difference is the dash, pod and air vents. Exterior trim is also made of the same exact materials. Anyone who says the 911 has better construction is kidding themselves, Porsche intentionally duplicates parts for cost savings.
01-02-2014, 08:58 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
The 981S is a great car. As for solidity, it is tighter and virtually rattle free. Unlike 911 cabs which all exhibit a certain degree of creeks, rattles and resonances. The 981S is definitely more fun to drive, handles better and more connected to the driver than any naturally aspirated 911, whether it is a 996, 997.1 or .2. It takes a GT 3 or 997 Turbo to provide a more thrilling ride.
I do not feel the same of the 987, especially the base model which I found severely underpowered. The S was significantly more exhilarating but not as tight, solid or as responsive as the new Boxster.
I do not feel the same of the 987, especially the base model which I found severely underpowered. The S was significantly more exhilarating but not as tight, solid or as responsive as the new Boxster.
01-02-2014, 11:32 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
My 997 had full leather, and while it was nice the fit and finish on the 981 top it in every respect. The weight savings come mostly from the lightening of the chassis, but the suspension is well-damped and isolates from bad roads. I was reading elsewhere that the 20" wheels actually give a better (!!) ride than the 18/19" combos due to their larger contact patch offering more damping. Don't know if that's true but the car feels Brinks vault-solid and has higher quality touch points everywhere.
Then again, I'm comparing a seven year old car to a new one, and the 997 had great fit and finish.
Then again, I'm comparing a seven year old car to a new one, and the 997 had great fit and finish.
01-06-2014, 09:27 PM
#28
Instructor
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Congratulations
Hi everyone!
Took the plunge and traded my 997S on a new 981 Boxster S this weekend. My 997 was and is still a fantastic car, but I'm headed for warmer climes and wanted an open-top car. the new Boxster is just incredible. Doesn't have the kick in your pants acceleration of my 911, but the handling, poise, comfort and looks are just what I want in my first daily driver Porsche. After owning a 986S I can say this car is on another level, and not one bit of a downgrade from my 997.
The car is silver over red, full leather, premium and infotainment, stick. Saw one in Agate Gray with the lovely Carrera S III wheels in Platinum, but the silver/red reminds me of the Boxster show car I fell in love with as a teenager. And as nice as the new car's standard interior is, the full leather is inviting and truly luxurious. I had black full leather on the 997 and it somehow wasn't as exotic, maybe it's the bright red that makes it pop.
Don't know how much I'll track her, but my plans are to finally buy a race car and roll down the slippery slope that entails. My wife never knew how much of a car-loving fool I was until it was too late for her to back out, so I'm thankful that she puts up with me.
If anyone has those platinum wheels and wants to swap for perfect Carrera Classics, hit me up on PM.
Out with the old...
Attachment 791915
Attachment 791916
In with the new...
Attachment 791913
Attachment 791914
Attachment 791917
Attachment 791918
And goodbye to a cherished friend.
Attachment 791919
Attachment 791920
Took the plunge and traded my 997S on a new 981 Boxster S this weekend. My 997 was and is still a fantastic car, but I'm headed for warmer climes and wanted an open-top car. the new Boxster is just incredible. Doesn't have the kick in your pants acceleration of my 911, but the handling, poise, comfort and looks are just what I want in my first daily driver Porsche. After owning a 986S I can say this car is on another level, and not one bit of a downgrade from my 997.
The car is silver over red, full leather, premium and infotainment, stick. Saw one in Agate Gray with the lovely Carrera S III wheels in Platinum, but the silver/red reminds me of the Boxster show car I fell in love with as a teenager. And as nice as the new car's standard interior is, the full leather is inviting and truly luxurious. I had black full leather on the 997 and it somehow wasn't as exotic, maybe it's the bright red that makes it pop.
Don't know how much I'll track her, but my plans are to finally buy a race car and roll down the slippery slope that entails. My wife never knew how much of a car-loving fool I was until it was too late for her to back out, so I'm thankful that she puts up with me.
If anyone has those platinum wheels and wants to swap for perfect Carrera Classics, hit me up on PM.
Out with the old...
Attachment 791915
Attachment 791916
In with the new...
Attachment 791913
Attachment 791914
Attachment 791917
Attachment 791918
And goodbye to a cherished friend.
Attachment 791919
Attachment 791920
Be safe
Patty
01-06-2014, 09:28 PM
#29
Instructor
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Boxster...
Be safe and enjoy.
Patty
01-07-2014, 06:04 PM
#30
Congrats on upgrading to a mid-engine Porsche. Something all sports cars drivers really must experience at least once in their lives.
Based on your color choices I can see you are very intelligent person of impeccable taste and beloved by many friends.
Based on your color choices I can see you are very intelligent person of impeccable taste and beloved by many friends.
