simsgw

No objection to your real points, but just to keep the record clear, rpilot, I bought my first Porsche in 2009. You probably saw the year 2007 mentioned in one of my posts comparing a 2007 Carrera to the 997.2's that we tested in 2009. And like technovc, the back-to-back comparison is what sold us on PASM and made Porsche ownership practical at our age. The enhancement PASM brings to sport activities didn't appear until I tracked that 997.2 and this 991.

Gary

mtbscott

I had test drives in base models with 19" wheels/standard suspension, and with 20" wheels/PASM. In short, "real world" day to day driving, I don't think there was much difference. I bought the one with 19"s and no PASM and have not regretted my decision. No track days yet but definitely some "spirited" driving on some curvy roads at both low and higher speeds, and I think it works fine. I might have ordered PASM if I hadn't bought a lot car, but I think the base suspension works fine.

chuck911

Wait, so now you're posting while driving? And not goofing off at work like the rest of us? Probably with some hands-free voice-recognition doo-dad and heads-up holo-display too....

hlee1169

I started with 997.1, and did not like the PASM on it at all, the reaction is always a tad slower, but it is the first generation of PASM. I got 997.2 because I noticed the PASM is much improved, and get rid of the floating feeling. Now I have the 991, and the PASM is improved so much that I can't imagine not having it. It makes the car an excellent daily driver because the suspension is compliant and tight at the same time, and on track the stiff setting is not so aggressive that tires will lose contact with the road over bumps.

My advice: go for PASM.

fast1

The intent of PASM is to provide the best of both worlds: provide a comfortable drive when used in the normal mode and provide a firm suspension for track use. As to whether or not some one could differentiate between a 991 with and without PASM would depend upon where the car is driven. For example I test drove a 2011 997 with sports suspension and I was surprised how comfortable the ride was, but the roads were in great shape. I expect that the experience would have been far different on roads in need of repair, and unfortunately that is getting to be the norm in many communities.

991Dreamer

Am I correct in assuming you wouldn't notice any difference with PASM in either the C2 or C2S?

Bob Rouleau

FWIW I have driven the 991 with PASM and 20 inch wheels and another without PASM and 19 inch wheels. The 20 inch wheel car with PASM in normal mode felt about the same as the non PASM car with 19 inch wheels. This makes me think that PASM in normal mode provides a more compliant ride than the regular suspension. FWIW, road noise was higher with the 20 inch wheels which I found annoying. SO when I ordered my new Boxster S for April delivery I went PASM and 19 inch wheels since it will be a 3 season DD. I have my RS for the track. I am not pleased with the trend to larger diameter wheels and stupidly expensive tires to fit them. I wish there was an 18 inch wheel option.

991Dreamer

Excellent observations Bob. I too am not sold on the 20" and go between the C2 w/Pasm & 19" or the C2S. I really don't want the road noise that seems to come w/the 20's. I'm currently driving a '02 BMW 530 and love how smooth and quiet it is.

chuck911

I have some 16" Fuchs I could sell you guys. Kinda narrow but so much the better for mounting nice soft quiet all season tires!

Noah Fect

Has anyone asked their dealer about the possibility of special-ordering 19" wheels for an S? I, too, have no use for 20" wheels and would never order them intentionally if given a choice.

917k

This is so spot-on I am lost. Ultimately when my time comes - so far away right now or mentally trying to be so as I promised my wife - I think I'm going to opt for parsimony as I'm cautious that more options (especially perf. options) simply add complexity that will bedevil one later on - if not planning to roll over every 3 or so years.

There's a reason why there's so many 1960s-70s 911s runniing around I'd hazard as a %/production units there'll be more of those oldies but goodies running today than 997s/991s still in fighting form in 40 years' time.

To OP, I suspect PASM will be one option I would likely select: (1) my current fun sled has the BMW equivalent, EDC - and I use it, especially the soft setting as the secondary roads around me are crap (2) it's not an expensive option and does offer some handling range.

991Dreamer

You're right 917k, at just under $2.1k it's not that much to add PASM to the Base. Helps to create the issue of just going with the S though. By adding PASM the difference between the two models is now only $9k for my build. I get better low end torque (it's noticeable right?) with the S, save almost $3k by leaving off the PSE which I think is not as crucial on the 3.8, and get (it certainly sounds like it) a more fun car to drive as well as being more desireable 10 years down the road when it's time to sell. I may sound as confused as ever but believe me, all of your comments are helping to get this dialed in. I know some of you are tempted to write "JUST GO DRIVE THE F___ING CARS ALREADY" and I'm about to. Just want to be prepared as much as I can so I'm ready to order after the test drives. Plus I have to travel to test drive and I need to find a dealer that has all of the combos I'm considering. Thanks to all. I hope your insights keep coming.

docmalone

Dreamer-you bring up a good point to hash; if you have gotten your two choices to within 9K of each other, I would say the S is the way to go because for such a big purchase you are talking about a 10% difference in cost for something you stated you will have for years; so considering with the S you get the engine adding 50 hp, the suspension you want, upgraded exhaust, upgraded brakes, 20" wheels (although I saw you prefer 19)and the PTV.

991Dreamer

doc,
I think I'm right there with you. The questions I have are slowly being resolved and I think I'm in the fine tuning phase. Thanks to your great pics I know white is the way to go for me. There doesn't seem to be too much of a difference between the 19" and 20" to get in a twist about so I'd say I'm strongly leaning towards the S with the final determination to be the test drives and what a dealer is willing to discount. Thanks to all for your imput up to this point.

chuck911

Dig up Gary Sims post on the 19/20" difference, which he calculates as less than the difference in tread thickness between a new and somewhat worn tire. Keep strongly leaning and don't let the 3/32" (or whatever it is) deter you.