997 Non S drive
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
997 Non S drive
Yesterday I drove a 997 non S coupe that did not have PASM or the Sport Chrono options to get an idea as to the feel of the new car. I am considering ordering an S version with the Sport Chrono and am wondering how much difference a car so equipped will feel. The one I drove was very soft and not at all to my liking ...any thoughts??? The GranSport is looking pretty good at the moment.... I can already feel the flames but the information will hopefully be worth the pain 
Many thanks and sorry if anyone will take offense
Many thanks and sorry if anyone will take offense
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,690
Likes: 385
From: Valencia, Spain
What the hell is a GranSport, a Buick?
As far as PASM and Sport Chrono, not sure what to tell you. My car feels about as far from "soft" as is possible and when I engage PASM it's EXTREMELY stiff, too much so for any roads around here. Sport mode remaps the throttle response curve and trips PASM on, along with slowing down the interuption of PSM. I run in Sport all the time, with PASM off. The car has MUCH crisper throttle response, but it doesn't effect the "feel" of the car other than that..
I can't imagine the 18" (vs my 19's) makes that much of a difference, but maybe some 18" non-S guys can chime in?
As far as PASM and Sport Chrono, not sure what to tell you. My car feels about as far from "soft" as is possible and when I engage PASM it's EXTREMELY stiff, too much so for any roads around here. Sport mode remaps the throttle response curve and trips PASM on, along with slowing down the interuption of PSM. I run in Sport all the time, with PASM off. The car has MUCH crisper throttle response, but it doesn't effect the "feel" of the car other than that..
I can't imagine the 18" (vs my 19's) makes that much of a difference, but maybe some 18" non-S guys can chime in?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,690
Likes: 385
From: Valencia, Spain
Originally Posted by MMD
PASM in sport mode is supposedly very harsh ride; unless you're on perfectly paved roads you can't stay there for long. Am I right?
Absolutely correct... I'll let you know how it feels at Watkins Glen!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 957
Likes: 3
From: USA
Huge difference. I test drove multiple 997s. PASM-equipped 997s (S or not) are lower to the ground and have different ride characteristics than a non-PASM 997 IMHO. The flipside is that there was almost no difference in handling between the 997 with PASM/Chrono and the 997S.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: good old England
Sorry if this sounds obvious, but the only way to find out is to test one.
I mean, you could be spending a reasonable amount of money.
I drive mine with PASM on all the time, but if the girlfriend is with me, I turn it off for the rougher roads.
I mean, you could be spending a reasonable amount of money.
I drive mine with PASM on all the time, but if the girlfriend is with me, I turn it off for the rougher roads.
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 11
From: Hailey, ID
Here is some more of the same:I am driving a 997 non-S with PASM and Sport Chrono. Rarely find a road that allows an extended run with PASM on due to harshness, Sport mode on most of the time. I can not imagine a situation on public roads where PASM would be necessary. Fun yes, necessary no. You can run way faster than common sense allows with the PASM off. Going to the track or AX? Teriffic.
Trending Topics
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,705
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
first of all everyone has an opinion ... but a Gransport??????? i truly doubt that you could ever compare the two.
I have a non s, the car is fantastic on the track. It will hold its own to most any car on the track. yes im sure the s is stiffer in sport mode ... hmmmm wondering what that will cost to fix after warranty??? you cant wash the car with out return to workshop fault...lol but I wouldnt call the non s soft. it is very well balanced with great turn feel the car is very stable at high speeds. but what do I Know. Try the S you will like it
I have a non s, the car is fantastic on the track. It will hold its own to most any car on the track. yes im sure the s is stiffer in sport mode ... hmmmm wondering what that will cost to fix after warranty??? you cant wash the car with out return to workshop fault...lol but I wouldnt call the non s soft. it is very well balanced with great turn feel the car is very stable at high speeds. but what do I Know. Try the S you will like it
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches
Verdad Gallardo
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand
Verdad Gallardo
I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner
Joe Kucinski
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Thanks for all of the input. I am surprised to hear all of the comments regarding what I take to be excessive harshness of the PASM / Sport Chrono combination...I really must try harder to find one to drive as the car I drove felt more like a Lexus than a sports car. As regards the GranSport, take it from someone who has driven one, they are serious and highly enjoyable driving machines, not at all like the standard Maser Coupe which , to me, has a similar feel to the base 997...Buick indeed 
and you should hear the music it makes!!!
I am sure that the properly equipped "S' will be a great car and rewarding to drive.Hopefully, I will be able to find one to drive before I write any checks.
Thanks again for all of your thoughtful comments..I hope I have not offended anyone as that is not my intention. I have owned and enjoyed several Porsches including an X-51 C4 S and a GT 2 and will surely have others in the future.
and you should hear the music it makes!!!I am sure that the properly equipped "S' will be a great car and rewarding to drive.Hopefully, I will be able to find one to drive before I write any checks.
Thanks again for all of your thoughtful comments..I hope I have not offended anyone as that is not my intention. I have owned and enjoyed several Porsches including an X-51 C4 S and a GT 2 and will surely have others in the future.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,101
Likes: 1,679
From: Florida Space Coast
Not to make anyone feel like they are inadequate, but let me ask a question or two.
So far everything everybody has said has been subjective. One man's or women's definition of harsh is another's soft.
How many of those that have responded are first time Porsche owners? How many other Porsches have you driven or owned? How many track their cars?
The answer isn't really important as the notion that their isn't a quantitative answer to the question because everyone has had different experiences and everyone has a different definition for soft and harsh (just ask my wife
).
DAB, I think only you can answer your question. Of course, you will need to drive all the different models to get a fair perspective.
Marv
So far everything everybody has said has been subjective. One man's or women's definition of harsh is another's soft.
How many of those that have responded are first time Porsche owners? How many other Porsches have you driven or owned? How many track their cars?
The answer isn't really important as the notion that their isn't a quantitative answer to the question because everyone has had different experiences and everyone has a different definition for soft and harsh (just ask my wife
).DAB, I think only you can answer your question. Of course, you will need to drive all the different models to get a fair perspective.
Marv
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Before you guys send down the assassins, I should mention that I am in South Florida and do indeed drive on silky smooth roads;perhaps that's the difference in our perspective...Besides, I believe you will find Carmine and Guido both drive Maseratis'...LOL.
Just as reference, the Porsche that seems closest the the GranSport in overall road/ seat of the pants feel and performance, based upon my experience, is the GT 3. I was hoping that the 997 S with the Sport Chrono would approach this in a bit more modern package...it sounds, from what has been said here, as though it might indeed.
Thanks again.
Just as reference, the Porsche that seems closest the the GranSport in overall road/ seat of the pants feel and performance, based upon my experience, is the GT 3. I was hoping that the 997 S with the Sport Chrono would approach this in a bit more modern package...it sounds, from what has been said here, as though it might indeed.
Thanks again.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,638
Likes: 0
I have a 03 Boxster S with 18s (which have same sidewall thickness as a 997S with 19s)
It has the so-called stiffer "S" sport suspension. On some roads the ride is so harsh I wonder, after I run out of expletives, why we buy these gadgets at all !!
Can somebody tell me why we're such gluttons for punishment? I mean, my July-build car will never see the track, Sport mode will just be a curiosity, speeding is almost a crime around here, and I HAD HAD HAD to order the S!!
It has the so-called stiffer "S" sport suspension. On some roads the ride is so harsh I wonder, after I run out of expletives, why we buy these gadgets at all !!
Can somebody tell me why we're such gluttons for punishment? I mean, my July-build car will never see the track, Sport mode will just be a curiosity, speeding is almost a crime around here, and I HAD HAD HAD to order the S!!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 97
From: Connecticut
I just have to say honestly I love the sport chrono and the PASM. It stiffens the steering to the point where you now for the moment have a different car. You went from a 911 to a grand prix 911. It's not harsh, it's sporty. I love the way it responds around the curves and sticks to the road. Now mind you this is my first Porsche and I've only been driving it for a week, but I love every aspect about my driving machine. Going into a tight turn I just take my foot off the accelerator, allow the transmission to slow the car on its own, no need to hit the brakes, and take the turn with vigor and precision aided by my PASM. This is my opinion, but as I previously stated this is my first Porsche and I may be somewhat biased.
Jay
Jay
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis, MD
Agree with everyone else, drive both and decide for yourself. However I recently returned from the PDE in Alabama. Most of the experience is in a standard 911 and it ran smooth and tight in all of the exercises. We did get to drive the 911S on the track also and the only difference I noticed was in the brakes (it had the ceramic), it stopped much faster. I have a standard 911 and for all of the driving I do it is more than adequate.