996 3.6 vs 997.1 – suspension/ride/spring rates
12-16-2012, 02:23 PM
#1
996 3.6 vs 997.1 – suspension/ride/spring rates
I’m in the market for a 996 (3.6 liter) or a 997.1, and I’m looking for advice about ride quality for European/ROW suspensions, as I’ve heard conflicting reports.
Here’s what I know so far: I initially assumed a PASM equiped 997.1 would be best. But my first ride in a PASM car was an unpleasant surprise. It was a Boxster S on 19s and the ride was just not good. I’m still waiting to try either a 997.1 or Boxster S on 18s on local roads – partly because PASM equiped 997s were never sold with 18s (except as extra winter wheels). As for what I’ve read, Evo said the 996 rides better than the PASM equiped 997.1, and supposed the non PASM 997.1 with 18s would be better than the PASM car. But their 996 vs 997 test involved a 3.4 liter 996 versus a PASM 997 w. 19s, so it doesn’t directly address my question.
There is a lot of praise for the 997 suspension on this forum, but without specifying whether the posters have the US suspension, or ROW, or … , nor what they compare it to. The most interesting post I saw was by Porky in 2007 who says the best 997 ride is on the base model with 18s, which is better than the 996 C4S, and that his ride is incredibly comfortable – but with PASM in the normal setting, which is where I got lost, because the base car does not have PASM or, so far as I can tell, 18s.
By the way, although I will use the car on track from time to time, my main concern is comfort because I will mainly use it on the road and I’ve learned the hard way that too harsh a ride means less grip, less speed, and less fun on local back roads, plus constant annoyance (and embarassment when I have passengers) in the city. The Boxster S on 19s I mentioned failed this test. In short, I’m concerned about the ride in two situations, city roads at city speed (30-45 mph / 50-70 kph), and country roads at 74 – 94 mph/120-150 kph.
If 997.1 with PASM can really compete with the 996 on ride quality, then I can see spending extra for the benefits of PASM on track. Whereas if only the non-PASM 997 can compete with the 996’s ride, then for me there is little point to paying extra (unless the 997 without PASM is much better, and I have reservations about the 996 ride).
I’d appreciate any insight into ride quality comparison between later (3.6 liter) 996s and 997.1s, both with and without PASM, ideally all with European/ROW suspensions, since I’m not in the US.
And I’d especially appreciate insight re. the models I would consider buying: 996 Targa, 997.1 Targa 4, 997.1 Targa 4S, and maybe, in case of a complete failure of willpower, a 996 turbo :-). (I guess this matters – I’ve read that the 997 Targa has a softer suspension than the regular 997 (and wondered if this isn’t just Porsche’s backwards way of saying that it has a softer ride because we left it on the same suspension as the lighter coupe).)
P.S. I found the following spring rates for 997 coupes – presumably 997.1:
Base suspension: 27 N/mm
PASM suspension: 33 N/mm
Sport chassis (-20mm): 36 N/mm
I’m sure more searching would yield more results, but if anyone knows rates for the 996s and the targa’s …
Thanks!
Here’s what I know so far: I initially assumed a PASM equiped 997.1 would be best. But my first ride in a PASM car was an unpleasant surprise. It was a Boxster S on 19s and the ride was just not good. I’m still waiting to try either a 997.1 or Boxster S on 18s on local roads – partly because PASM equiped 997s were never sold with 18s (except as extra winter wheels). As for what I’ve read, Evo said the 996 rides better than the PASM equiped 997.1, and supposed the non PASM 997.1 with 18s would be better than the PASM car. But their 996 vs 997 test involved a 3.4 liter 996 versus a PASM 997 w. 19s, so it doesn’t directly address my question.
There is a lot of praise for the 997 suspension on this forum, but without specifying whether the posters have the US suspension, or ROW, or … , nor what they compare it to. The most interesting post I saw was by Porky in 2007 who says the best 997 ride is on the base model with 18s, which is better than the 996 C4S, and that his ride is incredibly comfortable – but with PASM in the normal setting, which is where I got lost, because the base car does not have PASM or, so far as I can tell, 18s.
By the way, although I will use the car on track from time to time, my main concern is comfort because I will mainly use it on the road and I’ve learned the hard way that too harsh a ride means less grip, less speed, and less fun on local back roads, plus constant annoyance (and embarassment when I have passengers) in the city. The Boxster S on 19s I mentioned failed this test. In short, I’m concerned about the ride in two situations, city roads at city speed (30-45 mph / 50-70 kph), and country roads at 74 – 94 mph/120-150 kph.
If 997.1 with PASM can really compete with the 996 on ride quality, then I can see spending extra for the benefits of PASM on track. Whereas if only the non-PASM 997 can compete with the 996’s ride, then for me there is little point to paying extra (unless the 997 without PASM is much better, and I have reservations about the 996 ride).
I’d appreciate any insight into ride quality comparison between later (3.6 liter) 996s and 997.1s, both with and without PASM, ideally all with European/ROW suspensions, since I’m not in the US.
And I’d especially appreciate insight re. the models I would consider buying: 996 Targa, 997.1 Targa 4, 997.1 Targa 4S, and maybe, in case of a complete failure of willpower, a 996 turbo :-). (I guess this matters – I’ve read that the 997 Targa has a softer suspension than the regular 997 (and wondered if this isn’t just Porsche’s backwards way of saying that it has a softer ride because we left it on the same suspension as the lighter coupe).)
P.S. I found the following spring rates for 997 coupes – presumably 997.1:
Base suspension: 27 N/mm
PASM suspension: 33 N/mm
Sport chassis (-20mm): 36 N/mm
I’m sure more searching would yield more results, but if anyone knows rates for the 996s and the targa’s …
Thanks!
12-16-2012, 09:37 PM
#2
What kind of tires did the Boxster S have? Tires at the correct air pressure make a big difference.
My comparison points are a 997.1 with 19s no pasm and new pirelli rosso ( harsh and rough) compared to 997.1S with 19s and pasm on new michelin PS2 ( smooth, firm ride and much quieter). Neither car is anything near sedan quiet.
Drive several cars/ models before you buy.
My comparison points are a 997.1 with 19s no pasm and new pirelli rosso ( harsh and rough) compared to 997.1S with 19s and pasm on new michelin PS2 ( smooth, firm ride and much quieter). Neither car is anything near sedan quiet.
Drive several cars/ models before you buy.
12-17-2012, 07:42 PM
#3
Thanks for the insight. Re. the Boxster, I've unfortunately no clue about the tires. I drove it a few months back. And while I will drive several cars before I buy, that will mainly be on much smoother roads than those I'll mainly drive on after I buy. I'll be lucky enough if I have a chance to test drive a 997.1 targa on 19s on local roads. Finding one on 18s is too much to hope for.
Anyway, do I understand correctly that while you preferred the ride of the 997.1S with PASM, it's not clear whether the reason was the PASM or the tires?
Anyway, do I understand correctly that while you preferred the ride of the 997.1S with PASM, it's not clear whether the reason was the PASM or the tires?
