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I’ve got a couple of question for any 992 owners with SPASM, or even 991 owners. I’m wondering if the difference in PASM / SPASM is more pronounced in the 992 (or 991 if that’s all you’re familiar with) than it was in the 997. If you’re not able to make that differentiation (maybe you didn’t drive all 4 configurations), could you at least compare 992 (or 991) SPASM with 997 SPASM.
Both of my 997s had SPASM and I’m trying to figure out if it is progressively stiffer or comparatively stiffer in the newer cars. I found it perfectly acceptable (with or without sport mode on) for daily driving, and I’m not sure I can manage a back-to-back comparison drive before ordering.
I had a 997.2 C2S with standard PASM, my 992 C2S has SPASM. So not exactly what you’re asking about but I don't find the 992 overly firm. In fact on the 997 there were some roads when I switched the shocks to the firm range to improve the ride because the normal setting couldn’t cope with the undulations. Not sure this exactly helps but anyway.
I had a 997.2 C2S with standard PASM, my 992 C2S has SPASM. So not exactly what you’re asking about but I don't find the 992 overly firm. In fact on the 997 there were some roads when I switched the shocks to the firm range to improve the ride because the normal setting couldn’t cope with the undulations. Not sure this exactly helps but anyway.
It is helpful, thanks! Any kind of frame of reference is useful.
For what it's worth, SPASM has a wider range on the 992 than 991. In comfort, it is more compliant and sport it is stiffer. This was part of Porsche's 992 marketing and I think owners generally agree.
I have limited 997 seat time, but if you enjoyed it on 997 I think you'll be happy with it on 992.
Edit: That's the adaptive dampers in general, but speaks to the range of adjustment in either PASM or SPASM.
I had multiple 991s with and without SPASM. It is a noticeable difference, and that adaptive system could only adjust at the top or bottom of the stroke. The new system can adjust much quicker and mid-stroke. I have only test drive time in a 992 but my 2021 will hopefully be here end of this week and I'll report back with more detail.
For what it's worth, SPASM has a wider range on the 992 than 991. In comfort, it is more compliant and sport it is stiffer. This was part of Porsche's 992 marketing and I think owners generally agree.
I have limited 997 seat time, but if you enjoyed it on 997 I think you'll be happy with it on 992.
Edit: That's the adaptive dampers in general, but speaks to the range of adjustment in either PASM or SPASM.
Originally Posted by ryandarr1979
I had multiple 991s with and without SPASM. It is a noticeable difference, and that adaptive system could only adjust at the top or bottom of the stroke. The new system can adjust much quicker and mid-stroke. I have only test drive time in a 992 but my 2021 will hopefully be here end of this week and I'll report back with more detail.
Great info, thanks guys! I look forward to hearing your first hand thoughts.
I would say I am pleasantly surprised by the SPASM (with helper springs) on my GTS.
I was expecting things to be much stiffer but it’s quite compliant in Normal setting. Sport is quite stiff mind you and better suited for high speed driving on the Autobahn here in Germany.
So I agree that road condition matters. But I’d go for SPASM again.
Just returned from a ~4k km 6 day road trip on all sorts of roads. My car is optioned with SPASM and have tire pressures set in comfort range. It drove like a champ!
I’ve got a couple of question for any 992 owners with SPASM, or even 991 owners. I’m wondering if the difference in PASM / SPASM is more pronounced in the 992 (or 991 if that’s all you’re familiar with) than it was in the 997. If you’re not able to make that differentiation (maybe you didn’t drive all 4 configurations), could you at least compare 992 (or 991) SPASM with 997 SPASM.
Both of my 997s had SPASM and I’m trying to figure out if it is progressively stiffer or comparatively stiffer in the newer cars. I found it perfectly acceptable (with or without sport mode on) for daily driving, and I’m not sure I can manage a back-to-back comparison drive before ordering.
I have an S and can’t really tell the difference with SPASM turned on or off. Definitely soft enough for daily in both settings, and I’m at about 35/39 psi. Roads around my house are in pretty good shape tho.
I specced my Carrera S with regular PASM - no regrets. I drive exclusively with suspension on comfort setting. Even on comfort setting on city streets it's quite firm (more firm than my RS3 on stiff setting). A few roads I take regularly are not in best shape, and the ride is quite harsh even on comfort setting. The extra ground clearance is also appreciated. I did a test drive on a car with SPASM, and it felt okay, but the the test drive route was on very well maintained roads.
I have an S and can’t really tell the difference with SPASM turned on or off. Definitely soft enough for daily in both settings, and I’m at about 35/39 psi. Roads around my house are in pretty good shape tho.
SPASM = lower ride hight due to shorter, stiffer springs. It does not turn off or on as the ride hight is not adjustable.
The PASM mode settings affect the speed of rebound of the shocks, and Sport Plus mode increases stiffness of the engine mounts, both of which affect the ride stiffness.
SPASM is what I expect a 911 to feel like.
I put more than 35k miles on my SPASM equipped 992C4S. It’s very compliant and perfect for day-to-day. If your priorities are “sports car”, I’d certainly spec it. There’s a reason why the GTS has SPASM plus helper springs as standard equipment.
I’ve driven exotics and modified cars with much stiffer and less usable suspension on the street.
11-01-2020, 11:32 PM
PASM vs. SPASM
