Cayman 981 GTS - what’s not to like! - Page 5 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi all I posted on a 981 Boxster GTS related post a week or two ago albeit was more expressing my interest in getting into a Cayman variant. After a bout of covid struck us down I finally managed to get out in a pdk car this morning for an unaccompanied test drive. As background we’ve previously had a manual Cayman R, 981S PDK and 718 GT4 PDK so do have a bit of experience with the the platform. I’m going to go out on a limb and say this was the the best blend of the lot. That’s not to say the best at everything, but it felt like a fantastic package for what would daily. Probably the most stark difference for me was how much better it was than a 981S - anyone saying there isn’t much in it can simply not have driven both imho. Rest assured the search has commenced for what I think will be a fantastic daily for my purposes. Really after something pretty low mileage with a warranty, approved opc not much available and not sure if I can face a white one.

What’s not to like about white? It was seeing a white one that made me want an Caymen, albeit it was a Rhodium one I later found.

RichDS said: Hi all I posted on a 981 Boxster GTS related post a week or two ago albeit was more expressing my interest in getting into a Cayman variant. After a bout of covid struck us down I finally managed to get out in a pdk car this morning for an unaccompanied test drive. As background we’ve previously had a manual Cayman R, 981S PDK and 718 GT4 PDK so do have a bit of experience with the the platform. I’m going to go out on a limb and say this was the the best blend of the lot. That’s not to say the best at everything, but it felt like a fantastic package for what would daily. Probably the most stark difference for me was how much better it was than a 981S - anyone saying there isn’t much in it can simply not have driven both imho. Rest assured the search has commenced for what I think will be a fantastic daily for my purposes. Really after something pretty low mileage with a warranty, approved opc not much available and not sure if I can face a white one. Having owned MANY P cars over the years including GT models i'm massively smitten with my 981 BGTS. I did once own a 981 GT4 so im a fan of the 981 platform so the GTS i was sure was the best model for me and i;m certainly not disappointed. Oddly enough i drove a white manual car from OPC Portsmouth with PCCB but it never had the alcantara that i prefer. I ended up buying an absolute peach of a 981GTS in Carmine with satin wheels and PDK and i'm not yeaning for a 718 GTS. I wouldnt be put off by white TBH but that said i love my carmine car. Good luck in your search and i didnt know there was such a bigger difference between the S and the GTS cars

RichDS said: Hi all Probably the most stark difference for me was how much better it was than a 981S - anyone saying there isn’t much in it can simply not have driven both imho. Apart from the GTS trim differences, in what way is it better than a 981S? Genuinely curious, as a long time 981S owner but I've never driven a 981GTS.

DRH986 said: Apart from the GTS trim differences, in what way is it better than a 981S? Genuinely curious, as a long time 981S owner but I've never driven a 981GTS. Yeh, it’s not better except a few years ago (and perhaps again in the future) residual value. GTS on a 981 is a trim level. I tested both and the options on the S I chose made it better for me than the couple of GTS cars I saw. At the time, the price difference was probably 17-19k (low 30s vs 50k for low milers in summer 2020). Difficult one to justify on a keeper.. In my manual S I have all the GTS options - SC, PASM, PTV, PSE, plus 18-ways, plus Burmester, extended leather (I dislike alcantara) and every interior bell and whistle… haven’t found a GTS I’d swap it for. Sublime cars, though - as long as you’ve got a good’n. Edited by Royal Jelly on Sunday 17th November 09:36

I'm looking at Caymans (Caymen?), and the 981 GTS is, I find, something of a conundrum for me, for one reason only: I don't like alcantara. I know you sometimes see a GTS without it, which I assume means the first owner didn't spec the GTS Interior option. But such cars are quite rare, and some people are a bit sniffy: "Oh, it doesn't have the GTS interior? Shame....." Alcantara apart, I do think the GTS package is very appealing. A used GTS appears to be around £7k more expensive than an S with similar mileage, which IIRC was around the premium when brand new. I imagine that that premium will continue, opinions?

Used to own a 981 Cayman GTS, Sapphire Blue, PDK, PCCB., after that a 718 GT4 Gentian, PDK, PCCB, LWB , and now owning a GT4RS Oak Green, PCCB etc For the 981 GTS I loved the sound, the most free revving engine ever (no OPF/GPF), the fantastic interacting PDK, the car was sublime on those territories. But; But the steering, I disliked it verry much, TBH; It was awful indeed. It was te 1st generation EPS, and it was far from good. The steering GT4/ RS is on a whole other level.

I had cayman GTS 2014, just didn’t like lack of torque, hard work to make progress unless committed. Think it has 15bhp more than “s” which no one can tell I’m sure.

Romo said: Used to own a 981 Cayman GTS, Sapphire Blue, PDK, PCCB., after that a 718 GT4 Gentian, PDK, PCCB, LWB , and now owning a GT4RS Oak Green, PCCB etc For the 981 GTS I loved the sound, the most free revving engine ever (no OPF/GPF), the fantastic interacting PDK, the car was sublime on those territories. But; But the steering, I disliked it verry much, TBH; It was awful indeed. It was te 1st generation EPS, and it was far from good. The steering GT4/ RS is on a whole other level. The RS totally different gravy for sure and well done you. For me (old now) the BGTS 981 i find a cracking car to drive especially with the roof down for those lovely early summer drives. How do you find the RS copes with our crappy roads? Edited by Esquire on Sunday 17th November 16:54

Esquire said: The RS totally different gravy for sure and well done you. For me (old now) the BGTS 981 i find a cracking car to drive especially with the roof down for those lovely early summer drives. How do you find the RS copes with our crappy roads? Edited by Esquire on Sunday 17th November 16:54 I live in the Netherlands, we don`t have crappy roads as in the UK, so the RS copes magnificent !

Romo said: I live in the Netherlands, we don`t have crappy roads as in the UK, so the RS copes magnificent ! Lucky you . I can see why people in the UK are opting for cars with a more forgiving setup

When I bought my Boxster S I was looking for either an S or a GTS, I wanted a low mileage OPC/warranty car and both were in budget. I drove both and what decided it for me was effectively the spec, I cannot stand alcantara and at the time all the GTS cars I saw had it. I tried to convince myself it would grow on me but then I thought why not just buy what I liked in the first place, a leather interior. Having driven both I also didn’t see any difference between the badges, just the spec and I have been and still am delighted with what I have. They are all used cars and apart from a few retro fit options the cars are what they are, you either like what you see or not, you pays your money you takes your choice.

The 981 GTS is a peach. Having had both Boxster and Cayman, I'd always go Boxster again. The 3.4 is a peach of an engine, really need to rev it out. The car is just fun on the road. Steering and long gearing was the only let down in my opinion, although I did keep the BGTS for 3 years which is a long time for me. I drove a 718 GT4 the other day and was left disappointed, no where near as much fun as the 981 GTS on the road, obviously its more capable on track. A lot of modern cars are just too good for the road, once could say a Cayman R is probably the one for all out driver fun or the 987 Spyder as it retains the hydraulic steering.

responding directly to the thread title, like some others, my answer would be "pretty dead steering feel on the road" but bear in mind i came from around 8 years of air-cooled pork & this was my first experience of electric steering in a sports car. it just never seemed to weight up at all in the corners. and barely any info coming through it. although on track it wasn't an issue for me - perhaps as the forces are that much more than road-driving, that the steering wheel came alive a bit more.

n12maser said: responding directly to the thread title, like some others, my answer would be "pretty dead steering feel on the road" but bear in mind i came from around 8 years of air-cooled pork & this was my first experience of electric steering in a sports car. it just never seemed to weight up at all in the corners. and barely any info coming through it. although on track it wasn't an issue for me - perhaps as the forces are that much more than road-driving, that the steering wheel came alive a bit more. Your right, the steering has no feel. Honestly I worked around it, it was still a pleasure to drive and didn't ruin the drive. Although back in a Hydraulic steering car now and not sure I could go back.

I had a 981GTS Cayman 64 plate/white and put around 40k miles on it across 6 years, had a 987.2 Boxster before that and it's a night and day difference, but the steering was the big let down on the newer 981. The GTS was a great car, such a good all rounder. I had a car or two after the 981 but in a 718GT4 now and it's moved on again, the front end is so much more confidence inspiring over the 981, I know I am not comparing apples with apples also.

Freakuk said: I had a car or two after the 981 but in a 718GT4 now and it's moved on again, the front end is so much more confidence inspiring over the 981, I know I am not comparing apples with apples also. switching to Michelins from the awful Pirellis transformed the car for me and it finally felt/handled the way i always imagined it should can't believe it's coming up to 8 years that i got mine, and i still get a buzz whenever i get in and start the engine https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

JasonSteel said: switching to Michelins from the awful Pirellis transformed the car for me and it finally felt/handled the way i always imagined it should can't believe it's coming up to 8 years that i got mine, and i still get a buzz whenever i get in and start the engine https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Lovely spec

JayK12 said: . A lot of modern cars are just too good for the road, once could say a Cayman R is probably the one for all out driver fun or the 987 Spyder as it retains the hydraulic steering. Had both of those and a GT3, definitely agree. For road use, Cayman R is the one you can get the most out of and have huge amounts of fun without doing stupid speeds. Followed by the 987 Spyder. The 981 GTS however is probably the best all rounder Porsche I’ve had. Superb chassis, great engine, great soundtrack, lovely interior, fast, balanced and good looking. Great sports car.

MrVert said: Had both of those and a GT3, definitely agree. For road use, Cayman R is the one you can get the most out of and have huge amounts of fun without doing stupid speeds. Followed by the 987 Spyder. The 981 GTS however is probably the best all rounder Porsche I’ve had. Superb chassis, great engine, great soundtrack, lovely interior, fast, balanced and good looking. Great sports car. I concur and i also come from a few GT cars and a 987 Spyder I concur and i also come from a few GT cars and a 987 Spyder

Found this on a random Facebook page for those that might be interested in such data

Bit of an update on this and good to see plenty of positive views on the GTS on here. I do understand the comments about the steering and it is the weak point in relative terms. I think it is a great all rounder and in PDK with good spec will be a lovely daily for me and sit well alongside the Mrs Rangie. I have been working hard and enquiring on a few cars and have managed to snag a grey one with pretty big spec which some may have seen fleetingly appear on the Ashgood website - long week ahead pending collection. Question - doing 10k miles a year are the protective front zunsport grills a must - clearly a good idea but I really don’t like the look of them..

I’ve 2 friends with 981 GTS...one PDK & one manual. Regardless of the gearbox, they both say the drive and exhaust sound is great with the switchable system...the noise better than a GT4 of a similar era apparently (the GT4 owners’ words) - Both have had 996s and other cars and reckon they’re probably for the money an optimum choice.

Always a lot of 981 GTS fawning reviews on this site, lots selling. Fact remains it’s a massively overrated car in my view. And old. If you’re buying now buy as recent as possible, that means 718, great cars 4.0 or the turbos, all vastly better than any older 981. The ‘sellers’ views will differ, of course…

MrC986 said: I’ve 2 friends with 981 GTS...one PDK & one manual. Regardless of the gearbox, they both say the drive and exhaust sound is great with the switchable system...the noise better than a GT4 of a similar era apparently (the GT4 owners’ words) - Both have had 996s and other cars and reckon they’re probably for the money an optimum choice. Isn't it the Sound Symposer that 'enhances' the exhaust sound piping it into the cabin over and above the 'S' yet both sound the same from the outside?

Johnson897210 said: Always a lot of 981 GTS fawning reviews on this site, lots selling. Fact remains it’s a massively overrated car in my view. And old. If you’re buying now buy as recent as possible, that means 718, great cars 4.0 or the turbos, all vastly better than any older 981. The ‘sellers’ views will differ, of course… A four pot turbo is better than a screaming 6 cylinder ? Really ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j0Ilwu1cXA https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O0dUM0GG8CY&t=5s In terms of being "old" , yes its older than the 718 4 pot but its the same reason some buy, and prefer, the aircooled cars. The new GTS 4.0 is a vastly improved car over the 4 pots and over the 981 but then it still doesn't have the sound of the 981 which goes back to people liking the aircooled over the 996 models that replaced them. If you like the 4 pot then great and there's no denying they drive brilliantly but they do lack the soul of the 6 cylinder. Edited by Esquire on Saturday 23 November 08:55 Edited by Esquire on Saturday 23 November 09:04

I think it's fairly clear the 981 is bought if you prefer that aesthetic and sound from factory, whilst willing to accept the gearing/steering issues. You buy the 718 if you prefer that aesthetic and have additional funds to get closer to the sound whilst enjoying the incremental chassis, tech and stats improvements... Absolute stats and modernity is represented with the newer cars always The argument for vfm and character is harder and best left in the "subjective" cupboard. When I bought I didn't have the funds to make a 718 sound as good, but loved the more defined looks. Didn't test drive one so I've no clue what the chassis/steering feels like...thank fully. Owning a 981, I do not feel the need to 'upgrade', it'll always be more than I can make use of, and it'll be rarer.

Everybody will have different opinions on the 981 and the 718 Cayman. I test drove a 718 Cayman first. This was my first drive in any Porsche. It was a very well specified 68 plate car, 10k miles, silver metallic with full light grey leather inside including the dash. I travelled from the North West to Colchester to view and drive it. This is just my opinion, but it felt like any other new car. It just did not feel "special" It sounded like a VW Scirocco that i owned and it just disappointed me. So much so even after travelling all that distance i walked away. I continued my search over the next 6 months and test drove a 981 GTS from Porsche Chester. Wow ! ......now i realised what a Porsche should drive and sound like. Paid my deposit and collected the car some 2 weeks later. Did a trip this Sept 2024 through France and on into the Swiss alps and the Italian lakes. The car on the Swiss mountain passes was sublime, the best driving experience i have had so far. The 718 is a very good car im sure.......just not for me.

Quickmoose said: I think it's fairly clear the 981 is bought if you prefer that aesthetic and sound from factory, whilst willing to accept the gearing/steering issues. I wouldn’t mind betting that some of the people (not aimed at you) who highlight the ‘steering issues’ wouldn’t even know they have a flat tyre if the sensors didn’t point it out - but that doesn’t stop them talking about it.

Although I set out to find a white Cayman GTS I ended up in a black one, purely because of the spec and history, mine came with some fantastic options including X73 and PTV/LSD which I will make the most of when I hit the track. I read all the complaints about the steering feel and the long second gearing, but upon trying, those elements aren't a deal breaker for me, especially with the approach of no car is perfect (perfect spec/behavious usually doesn't mean perfect price) so I find a balance and I can certainly see myself living with it happily for a long time. The most frustrating thing about the car is the 2014 infotainment system and lack of carplay, although you can drop an upgrade board in for this I just haven't bothered and instead use a phone mount for Waze with bluetooth connected for streaming audio. Car sounds incredible, goes plenty fast enough for UK roads and is great on fuel (some long runs net 43mpg) although obviously, I didn't buy the car to be economical even though its a great unexpected side benefit.

Johnson897210 said: Always a lot of 981 GTS fawning reviews on this site, lots selling. Fact remains it’s a massively overrated car in my view. And old. If you’re buying now buy as recent as possible, that means 718, great cars 4.0 or the turbos, all vastly better than any older 981. The ‘sellers’ views will differ, of course… Not just on this site though is it? Evo, Autocar and Top Gear all released extremely good reviews of it. None of these cars are that cheap and they can all throw sickening bills, so you need to buy the one that tugs at you. If that's the 718 for you then crack on and enjoy. But there's no need to get your knickers in a twist every time you stumble across one of the many fawning reviews of the 981 GTS.

981Boxess said: I wouldn’t mind betting that some of the people (not aimed at you) who highlight the ‘steering issues’ wouldn’t even know they have a flat tyre if the sensors didn’t point it out - but that doesn’t stop them talking about it. I think one person made it up, typed it here, and others thought it must be right and copied it. I've driven both 981 and 718 (test for CAR magazine at launch) and don't feel an urge to change to the later car. Oh... and PASM is superior on the 981. The 718 suspension in Comfort is set more firmly. Too firm to be comfortable (subjective). A factory technician came with the 718 and confirmed this was the case after I commented on it to him.

Johnson897210 said: that means 718, great cars 4.0 or the turbos, all vastly better than any older 981 "vastly better" thanks for the lols Edited by JasonSteel on Tuesday 26th November 09:27

Good to see some lively debate. Going back to my question on Zunsports - are they a bit of a must for 10k miles pa albeit i don’t like the look of em?

DJMC said: I think one person made it up, typed it here, and others thought it must be right and copied it. I've driven both 981 and 718 (test for CAR magazine at launch) and don't feel an urge to change to the later car. Oh... and PASM is superior on the 981. The 718 suspension in Comfort is set more firmly. Too firm to be comfortable (subjective). A factory technician came with the 718 and confirmed this was the case after I commented on it to him. Good post from someone that tested both , thank you

Esquire said: DJMC said: I think one person made it up, typed it here, and others thought it must be right and copied it. I've driven both 981 and 718 (test for CAR magazine at launch) and don't feel an urge to change to the later car. Oh... and PASM is superior on the 981. The 718 suspension in Comfort is set more firmly. Too firm to be comfortable (subjective). A factory technician came with the 718 and confirmed this was the case after I commented on it to him. Good post from someone that tested both , thank you Would suggest trying an Emira or 987 with proper hydraulic steering if you want a real comparison, feedback is night and day. Early epas was quite poor which is why they fitted the faster rack on the 718. PASM on the 718 is fine in comfort mode in my view, but the non PASM passive suspension is fairly firm. Edited by jimbo761 on Tuesday 26th November 20:28

Esquire said: Found this on a random Facebook page for those that might be interested in such data Questionable figures overall e.g. there are actually around 220 981 Spyders in the UK and my new white one in 2015 was the first registered.

RichDS said: Good to see some lively debate. Going back to my question on Zunsports - are they a bit of a must for 10k miles pa albeit i don’t like the look of em? I've done 25k in mine, no issue with damage to radiator without the grills. Guess it's down to luck but any more likely than a windscreen being hit?

cay said: I've done 25k in mine, no issue with damage to radiator without the grills. Guess it's down to luck but any more likely than a windscreen being hit? As long as you keep them clean to avoid corrosion, then it’s about luck. That said, my Zunsports have taken 2 hits which would’ve probably trashed the condensers. On that basis, I’d recommend. Mine was warrantied with them, too.

Royal Jelly said: As long as you keep them clean to avoid corrosion, then it’s about luck. That said, my Zunsports have taken 2 hits which would’ve probably trashed the condensers. On that basis, I’d recommend. Mine was warrantied with them, too. I nearly bought one from OPC Portsmouth but when I questioned the grills they said they couldn't warranty the car with them on. May I ask were you got your warranty from ?

cay said: I've done 25k in mine, no issue with damage to radiator without the grills. Guess it's down to luck but any more likely than a windscreen being hit? 70k miles from new, no grills and no issues. I do have a chip in the windscreen though..

Esquire said: I nearly bought one from OPC Portsmouth but when I questioned the grills they said they couldn't warranty the car with them on. May I ask were you got your warranty from ? Initially the previous owner at OPC Southampton and then 2 renewals at OPC Teesside.

As one that owns a couple 997’s, one with Zunsport grills the other without, I honestly think we over think these grills. Yes Porsche fit them on the GT models but surely there’s a reason why they don’t fit grills on the lesser models. Also have a look at the Lamborghini Revuelto - gapping hole for radiators of some description and not a set of Zunsport anywhere. Just saying.

Royal Jelly said: Initially the previous owner at OPC Southampton and then 2 renewals at OPC Teesside. Cheers

jimbo761 said: cay said: I've done 25k in mine, no issue with damage to radiator without the grills. Guess it's down to luck but any more likely than a windscreen being hit? 70k miles from new, no grills and no issues. I do have a chip in the windscreen though.. And a counter to that. I managed less than 2,000 miles in my brand new 718 GTS 4.0 before a stone burst the aircon condenser in mine, Zunsport now fitted! (£1,200 bill after some grumpy discussions with the service centre)

RichDS said: Good to see some lively debate. Going back to my question on Zunsports - are they a bit of a must for 10k miles pa albeit i don’t like the look of em? I have the fronts as standard on my 981....and have been/am debating getting the sides. For Porsche themselves not to fit them tells you something (not essential) but after swapping out the air filters myself, the detritus that was in there was quite disturbing... not just damaging stuff like stones of varying sizes, but fag ends, leaves, twigs etc...and that was not long after an OPC service which should have seen those intakes clean and clear.... I can't make up my mind... I only do circa 6k a year.... a plain pretty much invisible black mesh that matches the fronts can only help right..?

Esquire said: I nearly bought one from OPC Portsmouth but when I questioned the grills they said they couldn't warranty the car with them on. May I ask were you got your warranty from ? That's interesting. I've used Portsmouth for years with two different 981s, both with grilles. Never had any issues during service, MOT, warranty claims or warranty renewals with zunsport fitted. Not even mentioned as an advisory.

Strikes me the Porsche warranty situation is as much as about an individual than it is a location, let alone a company wide directive. Ridiculous. I saw value and comfort in it all when I bought my car in 2022. The fact I have a well regarded and highly qualified specialist on my doorstep is making me lean away from OPCs completely... the money I save aside for any future drama...

Esquire said: I nearly bought one from OPC Portsmouth but when I questioned the grills they said they couldn't warranty the car with them on. May I ask were you got your warranty from ? Purchased my Cayman from Porsche Chester complete with Zunsports as fitted by the previous owner. 2 year OPC warranty no problem. After 12 months the car was due a service so took it in to Porsche Preston and whilst there extended the warranty for another 12 months, again no problems.

TJC46 said: Purchased my Cayman from Porsche Chester complete with Zunsports as fitted by the previous owner. 2 year OPC warranty no problem. After 12 months the car was due a service so took it in to Porsche Preston and whilst there extended the warranty for another 12 months, again no problems. Good to know thanks. Hopefully no issues when i take my car to OPC Colchester

Thanks all Given I won’t have an opc warranty and think the grills look c**p, whilst I understand why people have them I think I’ll pass

RichDS said: Thanks all Given I won’t have an opc warranty and think the grills look c**p, whilst I understand why people have them I think I’ll pass The Zunsports only clip in, they take about 5 mins to remove with no residual evidence. Buy the car, not the grilles! I have then on my 2016 CGTS, i never even notice them to be honest.

andygo said: The Zunsports only clip in, they take about 5 mins to remove with no residual evidence. Buy the car, not the grilles! I have then on my 2016 CGTS, i never even notice them to be honest. Indeed. Not having the OPC warrant is probably all the more reason to have them, too.

981Boxess said: I wouldn’t mind betting that some of the people (not aimed at you) who highlight the ‘steering issues’ wouldn’t even know they have a flat tyre if the sensors didn’t point it out - but that doesn’t stop them talking about it. The obvious solution to anyone having steering issues is to get the GT3 steering flash as the parts are the same on both cars

1781cc said: The obvious solution to anyone having steering issues is to get the GT3 steering flash as the parts are the same on both cars Remember hearing about this a year or so ago, anybody on here had it done and was it worthwhile?

1781cc said: 981Boxess said: I wouldn’t mind betting that some of the people (not aimed at you) who highlight the ‘steering issues’ wouldn’t even know they have a flat tyre if the sensors didn’t point it out - but that doesn’t stop them talking about it. The obvious solution to anyone having steering issues is to get the GT3 steering flash as the parts are the same on both cars and switch to Michelins the Pirellis feel like rocks in comparison, especially in the colder months

Milnsey said: Remember hearing about this a year or so ago, anybody on here had it done and was it worthwhile? interested in this too

Seems a thing in the states, needs PIWIS to do it.

I agree about Michelins, massive difference, always hated Pirelli tyres, had them on my S8, terrible things. I know a few people in the states who have done it and its on my list of things to do, along with the rear duct mod and a few other bits. But talking to friends stateside they said the difference is night and day, loads up nicely, very responsive.

1781cc said: 981Boxess said: I wouldn’t mind betting that some of the people (not aimed at you) who highlight the ‘steering issues’ wouldn’t even know they have a flat tyre if the sensors didn’t point it out - but that doesn’t stop them talking about it. The obvious solution to anyone having steering issues is to get the GT3 steering flash as the parts are the same on both cars You are assuming they actually know they have steering issues, it would seem the only reason every single Porsche owner isn't driving for Red Bull is because they don't fancy a pay cut

I don't get why some get so defensive about steering and try to mock anyone raising it as an issue. If you go from 987 hydraulic* steering to an early EPAS like the 981 it will feel dead in comparison. If don't believe me just try it! * or another other hydraulic system

Johnson897210 said: I don't get why some get so defensive about steering and try to mock anyone raising it as an issue. If you go from 987 hydraulic* steering to an early EPAS like the 981 it will feel dead in comparison. If don't believe me just try it! * or another other hydraulic system I went from a 987 to a 981. Yes, the steering on the 987 is better, but the 981 is fine. It's just part of the car which is competent, rather than outstanding. They need to go to an electric system for emissions, tax reasons or whatever.

JasonSteel said: interested in this too A guy on this very forum had it done. It seems a cheap and easy change to make ! Thread here if you're interested: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Quickmoose said: I think it's because like most things, there are good and bad in all systems. I remember unassisted hydraulic steering in 1980's Fords... heavy, painful and awful What is unassisted hydraulic steering?

I think it's because like most things, there are good and bad in all systems. I remember unassisted steering in 1980's Fords... heavy, painful and awful I've driven loads of other stuff since and never really given it a thought...last car was an S2000 and I loved that Current car is a 981 Spyder, and yes when I was loaned a 986 whilst it was in for service I DID feel the difference, and I DID think to myself...ooh my car doesn't have the same 'feel' I've also noted that yes, the gearing is long. But actually, I'd far rather a slightly lengthy 2nd gear over a PDK, and I'm willing to accept the steering in the 981, because literally everything else is so on-point. The VFM these things offer from 2.7 to 3.8 is really very very strong. There are cars that have better gearing, there are cars that have better steering, there are cars are better suited to track, there are cars that are better suited to road, faster, better looking, more commodious, less German... but pound for pound for 2 seater sports driving, during rush hour, open B-road, on track, cross continent or with a more sonorous sound track... you'll be hard pushed...bearing in mind its a mid engine'd 911 underneath.. I think that's why. The OP is discussing his Cayman - An Alpine has it beat in many areas, but you can't get manual and the power plant is less characterful. An Emira is super close too in all areas...apart from build quality maybe A Supra is a great left field choice too... But to get best in class in some areas, and very close in all the others, (accepting subjectivity about looks) the 981 objectively is a perennial winner.... sadly it means having to decide if steering feel and gearing are issues that make you want the 2nd or 3rd place choice...which actually, thankfully, a lot of people make, and I love seeing those cars on the road. Move the discussion to a Boxster and open top competition is even less obvious... all that's required then is to put up with tired cliches that come with that name.... Edited by Quickmoose on Friday 29th November 08:35

981Boxess said: Quickmoose said: I think it's because like most things, there are good and bad in all systems. I remember unassisted hydraulic steering in 1980's Fords... heavy, painful and awful What is unassisted hydraulic steering? A typo is what it is.. thanks

Picked the GTS up from Ashgood on Saturday morning. Not the greatest day to pick up a new car a the weather down south was even worse than in Cheshire. The car had new Pilot 4S all round in the last 3k miles and behaved impeccably on the very wet roads on the way back up. Pretty economical on a long steady run too! Did manage to open the taps a little once off the M6 and do feel that the engine / gearbox combo is lovely and whilst I’ve had many faster cars this is a nice amount of t of poke for the public highway. The spec was even higher than I’d realised which was also a bonus! Unlike my 718 GT4 the 18 ways actually have memory plus electric steering column… Looking forward to racking up some miles on the car and seeing how I get on with it. First stop is Ninemeister tomorrow for a passenger airbag deactivation kit install.

[Image-only or quote-only post; no author-written text.] https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/537864/202412087549666?resize=720

Good video by Project 981 on the merits of having the steering remap done from GTS to GT4

Milnsey said: Good video by Project 981 on the merits of having the steering remap done from GTS to GT4 Tks I'll take a look HNY

RichDS said: Picked the GTS up from Ashgood on Saturday morning. Not the greatest day to pick up a new car a the weather down south was even worse than in Cheshire. The car had new Pilot 4S all round in the last 3k miles and behaved impeccably on the very wet roads on the way back up. Pretty economical on a long steady run too! Did manage to open the taps a little once off the M6 and do feel that the engine / gearbox combo is lovely and whilst I’ve had many faster cars this is a nice amount of t of poke for the public highway. The spec was even higher than I’d realised which was also a bonus! Unlike my 718 GT4 the 18 ways actually have memory plus electric steering column… Looking forward to racking up some miles on the car and seeing how I get on with it. First stop is Ninemeister tomorrow for a passenger airbag deactivation kit install. Congrats, enjoy in good health. In a shameless plug, my GTS is up for sale

Swine Enthusiast said: Congrats, enjoy in good health. In a shameless plug, my GTS is up for sale Out of interest what's the details ?

Esquire said: Out of interest what's the details ? Here's the ad: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17853420

Looks lovely.

Swine Enthusiast said: Here's the ad: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17853420 That's bloody lovely and great advert .

Swine Enthusiast said: Here's the ad: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17853420 That looks stunning! On another note, I had a manual Cayman R for 10 years and have just swapped into a 981 GTS with PDK (both have buckets) Yes the steering in the 987 is better, but the difference is nothing to shout about. I am NOT missing the R at all currently.

Blimey, quite the statement….

Esquire said: That's bloody lovely and great advert . Thanks, shame most messages are from scammers

Quickmoose said: Blimey, quite the statement…. I must admit, the steering on my 987.2 CS was lovely and talktative, but on longer journeys on peage routes, it just wouldn't shut the eff up. The EPAS isn't that bad, not great but decent enought, people act as if it's like steering a car with a bowl of soup. Feels to me similar to the air cooled/water cooled debate. Then again, I am a no pilot, so never press on enough to really notice.

I skipped 981 and went from 987.1s to 718s. Very different in terms of feel and as I had them both for a short while it was obvious when swapping between them that the more analogue 987 had advantages and felt more directly connected, but overall I would rate it well in favour of the newer car.

Swine Enthusiast said: Here's the ad: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17853420 My old steed! I preferred it with the platinum wheels but glad to see it still in good condition and pampered. I adored this car and tried to buy it back a couple of times. On the comments on steering above. I had this and a Cayman R (also on PCCBs) and found them to be actually very similar in feel. The 981 just had a nicer smell...... I was quite disappointed the R wasn't anywhere near as raw as I thought it would be. If anything it was still way too competent. And both had long gearing. The 981 steering wasn't anywhere near as bad as a ND MX5 though. I never thought steering would kill my interest in a car until I drove one.

Almost 2 months and 2k miles into ownership! Touch wood no issues at all thus far but a couple of quirks I haven’t been bothered to research yet - maybe someone has the answer on here: 1 - aircon comes on at full beans and max temp every time start up 2 - I have the 18 ways but these also default to a relaxed far back position and I have to press and hold ‘1’ to get it back in my saved position Will post some thoughts when get time, as the mileage suggests, plenty of motorway and commute plodding but today managed a blast and reminded myself what a great car

Sounds like you have the memory package too. Set the car the way you want in terms of seats, ac, fan etc then save to key using door panel controls