kskpsu

Well, financial sense eventually sank in for me. With 1,500 miles on my 981 in one year of ownership, I regretfully elected to pass her on to someone that will enjoy her more and tie up less money in a weekend car for 6 months out of the year. She was a looker....GT Silver with Spyder Classic interior and LWBs. The 987 spec is a gem and a relative clone...2k miles, Artic Silver w/ natural Carrera Red, carbon fiber buckets, manual transmission, sport chrono, and Porsche Sports Exhaust. I have seen her for a couple hours and drove her for a whopping 5 miles. Initial impressions when comparing key elements for me:

Interior/Exterior looks: 981
Sound: 981 (by a massive margin)
Steering: 987
Transmission: Tie (clutch/shifting to 981, gearing to 987)
Ride/handling: No idea yet

That's all I can comment on at this stage. I hope my 987 grows on me, that 981 was damn special. Seems like quite a few 987 Spyder diehards on here...maybe I will become one. For now, I miss my 981.

Pep!RRRR

I know where you are coming from on this, and think you made a good move, especially given the outstanding condition of your 987. Congrats!

JAhmed

Congrats on your new purchase. Both are stunning cars!

kskpsu

Thanks for the comments. I am gazing upon my beautiful 4 yr old daughter, and that most of all, reinforces the decision. The money will serve her well, and she seems to think the cars are at parity :-)

john weires

Both Spyder's are stunning. I have a white 987 with LWB, PSE and manual that I just love.

Personally I prefer the appearance of the 987, one reason I did not upgrade to the 981. The other reason was I felt the 987 offered more value at 2/3's the msrp.

I have not heard the 981's exhaust but would agree the 987's sound is a bit reserved. The 987's hydraulic steering kills the electric steering in either my past 2014 GT3 or my current 2014 911S.

Enjoy your new Spyder. Either car is a winner.

terbiumactivated

Agree with John and although I like the sound of my car I think PSE should have been much louder.

spyderphile

Congratulations, kskpsu. It looks super clean. You are gonna love it. The steering feel is the best Porsche ever offered! And, possibly will never happen again, though I really hope that happens! After you put on some miles, please share us thoughts on 987 vs 981. Wondering how many have gone back to 987 from 981, regardless of the reasons.

We didn't get a chance to meet and go for a drive last season. Hopefully, we can do so this season.

Zeus993

Now THIS is an interesting thread! Congratulations KSKPSU! I totally can see your move as the 987.2 Spyder ticks so many boxes. Sure it doesn't have the power BUT it is such a balance almost perfect little car. Love your colour combination. Pssst... don't tell any one but I'm stalking one as we speak. I miss the steering and sheer tossibility of the Gen-1 Spyder. And the roof is way better too!

Have fun and thanks for posting.

JEI-Porsche

I owned both at the same time and kept the 987 in manual & buckets. Yes, sound is an issue. PSE & headers get it to a very good level though. Everything else from steering, gearing, size, seats, power delivery & true lightweight roof construction is much preferred on the 987.

Between the sinkhole mid range power gap, too long gearing, too light steering and the lack of brake/suspension parts that you get for the same money on the GT4, the 981 was a big disappointment for me.

spyderphile

As for the gearing, is there a substantial difference? A while ago, one of the forum members posted first three or four gears' speed. I thought I saved them; but, can't find. The speeds were very close to 981 Spyder's, give or take a few miles. In practical terms, didn't seem to have much difference.

Here are 981 Spyder's, approx.:
1st: 48 mph
2nd: 82 mph / 132 km
3rd: 114 mph / 184 km
4th: 145 mph / 233 km

Would be a fun exercise for a 987 Spyder driver to find an open road and get some #s!

simchanova

you buy this one from Michael F in Houston?...he is a GREAT guy!...your car is gorgeous!...use in best of health !, stuart

Marvinta

Nice upgrade.

vantage

Nice 1M too!

Both are stunning cars.

jeanrabelais

Congrats! Can you talk about your 987 Spyder buying experience. What's out there on the secondary market? What did you 'hear' from the owners?

jvmax

Take the back window/panel out of the 987.2 Spyder and then tell us which one you like?! Silver over red is a classic color combo, I like it! Looks like you picked up this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-Porsche...vip=true&rt=nc