My take is that due to the long gearing, the S suits the PDK better, whereas the base car suits either gearbox. If you like to rev a car out within legal limits, and don't mind working for momentum, maybe the base manual is for you. I agree that for road use, you don't really need to worry about options, although IMO the SportDesign steering wheel is very much preferred with PDK, and it's very expensive to retrofit. Otherwise, most were spec'd without PASM or PSE and are just fine. However, if you want rev matching with your manual, you need Sport Chrono, BUT the early cars don't have it; I think you need to look for a 2014 or later car. For track use, you probably want PASM and Sport Chrono. PSE is a matter of personal taste, and can be retrofitted. Some people get hung up about a leather dash, but it shouldn't be a deal-breaker, and I think it's nice to have for free, but I wouldn't pay a lot extra for it. Unless you don't care about colour, or want a monochrome colour, you could be looking a long time for a specific colour combo AND all of your preferred options. Lastly, most base cars were spec'd with Alcantara seat centres, which IMO makes the interior look cheap. As always, YMMV.
Hi Nigel, thank you very much for your detailed input. Some really good points. It's been a while since I last drove the 3.4 tbh, so not really in a position to make a fair comparison. The Sports Design wheel really is a must if you like using paddles with the PDK, as the standard wheel as the totally counterintuitive shift 'buttons' which do the same thing on either side and are pretty much hopeless. This then forces you to use the shift for manual shifts which is set up backwards. I have gotten use to it in my own car (which has a standard wheel and PDK), but it took some getting use to. I actually really like the size of the standard wheel now. Funny how things grow on you over time. Letting the car rev match is a shame, as the pedals really are perfect for H&T and it's a nice thing to master over time. I totally agree about waiting for the right colour & spec - as well as a good car with sound provenance, especially as they age. I've not once missed PASM over the last 12k miles, although I would have preferred the lower ride height. PSE was a 'must' for me at the start, (I actually ordered it from Porsche, but was on back order) but have now grown very fond of the car just as it is, with the abundance of intake noise, uninterrupted by the crackling/popping that comes with the Sports Exhaust. Think I need an 981S to review soon! Stephen
I have a 981 with PDK and agree its up there with the best duel clutch 'box ever, but the manual in the 981 is a lovely box to chop through and for a weekend car, it does give an extra level of involvement. Stephen
Having fun with a redundant left leg is half the fun of two legs and selecting your cogs as you heel and toe blasting through the twist road as the flat six sings to the redline. The level of engagement is on a different level of intensity, I get the PDK and its computer aid but nothing replaces analog Porsche drive.
Hi Dave, I'd get that checked, defo shouldn't be. If you're local, you're more than welcome to visit and try our manual 981 to see the difference. Stephen
@@JamesGlenCarSales1982 Where's "local"? I'm in NZ. Car is an approved Porsche vehicle and came with a 12month warranty from the biggest Porsch Dealer in NZ. I'll speak to some of the PCNZ people over the weekend and see what they say. I had a 986 for 16yrs prior to purchasing the 981 and it had a heavy clutch as well. To me, it's normal.
Great review from a fellow Scot 💙. How many 981’s do you normally sell within a year both the 2.7 & 3.4 versions, Looking to purchase one in the next year or two.
@@JamesGlenCarSales1982 No translator haha but you are well spoken anyway mate so all good :). I like the 987’s but the only thing that throws me off is the higher tax band and the issues with potential bore scoring & IMS. I know you mentioned you own a base 981, what are the general annual servicing costs?
I like your reviews but wow it is a challenge to understand, If you want to have a laugh, click on the CC and see the subtitles but they certainly interpret things hillariously such car comes out as cow
Fantastic content keep up the good work 👏
Thank you! 👍 Giving it a good go at least! :)
My take is that due to the long gearing, the S suits the PDK better, whereas the base car suits either gearbox. If you like to rev a car out within legal limits, and don't mind working for momentum, maybe the base manual is for you. I agree that for road use, you don't really need to worry about options, although IMO the SportDesign steering wheel is very much preferred with PDK, and it's very expensive to retrofit. Otherwise, most were spec'd without PASM or PSE and are just fine.
However, if you want rev matching with your manual, you need Sport Chrono, BUT the early cars don't have it; I think you need to look for a 2014 or later car. For track use, you probably want PASM and Sport Chrono. PSE is a matter of personal taste, and can be retrofitted. Some people get hung up about a leather dash, but it shouldn't be a deal-breaker, and I think it's nice to have for free, but I wouldn't pay a lot extra for it.
Unless you don't care about colour, or want a monochrome colour, you could be looking a long time for a specific colour combo AND all of your preferred options.
Lastly, most base cars were spec'd with Alcantara seat centres, which IMO makes the interior look cheap.
As always, YMMV.
Hi Nigel, thank you very much for your detailed input. Some really good points. It's been a while since I last drove the 3.4 tbh, so not really in a position to make a fair comparison. The Sports Design wheel really is a must if you like using paddles with the PDK, as the standard wheel as the totally counterintuitive shift 'buttons' which do the same thing on either side and are pretty much hopeless. This then forces you to use the shift for manual shifts which is set up backwards. I have gotten use to it in my own car (which has a standard wheel and PDK), but it took some getting use to. I actually really like the size of the standard wheel now. Funny how things grow on you over time. Letting the car rev match is a shame, as the pedals really are perfect for H&T and it's a nice thing to master over time. I totally agree about waiting for the right colour & spec - as well as a good car with sound provenance, especially as they age.
I've not once missed PASM over the last 12k miles, although I would have preferred the lower ride height. PSE was a 'must' for me at the start, (I actually ordered it from Porsche, but was on back order) but have now grown very fond of the car just as it is, with the abundance of intake noise, uninterrupted by the crackling/popping that comes with the Sports Exhaust.
Think I need an 981S to review soon!
Stephen
PDK is FANTASTIC!
I have a 981 with PDK and agree its up there with the best duel clutch 'box ever, but the manual in the 981 is a lovely box to chop through and for a weekend car, it does give an extra level of involvement. Stephen
Having fun with a redundant left leg is half the fun of two legs and selecting your cogs as you heel and toe blasting through the twist road as the flat six sings to the redline. The level of engagement is on a different level of intensity, I get the PDK and its computer aid but nothing replaces analog Porsche drive.
The clutch in my 981S is really, really heavy (22,000km). Curious. Maybe the difference is due to engine size.
Hi Dave, I'd get that checked, defo shouldn't be. If you're local, you're more than welcome to visit and try our manual 981 to see the difference. Stephen
@@JamesGlenCarSales1982 Where's "local"? I'm in NZ. Car is an approved Porsche vehicle and came with a 12month warranty from the biggest Porsch Dealer in NZ. I'll speak to some of the PCNZ people over the weekend and see what they say. I had a 986 for 16yrs prior to purchasing the 981 and it had a heavy clutch as well. To me, it's normal.
Manual all day everyday 🎉
And it really is such a mega 'box in these too.
Great review from a fellow Scot 💙.
How many 981’s do you normally sell within a year both the 2.7 & 3.4 versions, Looking to purchase one in the next year or two.
Hi Paul, thanks! So you don't need a translator then :) 981s? Hmmm... Usually only 2/3 per year tbh. More 987s
@@JamesGlenCarSales1982 No translator haha but you are well spoken anyway mate so all good :).
I like the 987’s but the only thing that throws me off is the higher tax band and the issues with potential bore scoring & IMS. I know you mentioned you own a base 981, what are the general annual servicing costs?
2.7?
Hi George, yes it was
I’m going to cheat
Pdk for everyday use
Manual when on a weekend hoon 😂
So I guess I need both .
Well, we can sell you the manual one! :)
@@JamesGlenCarSales1982
Don t temp me , it is very nice 😂
I like your reviews but wow it is a challenge to understand, If you want to have a laugh, click on the CC and see the subtitles but they certainly interpret things hillariously such car comes out as cow
Thank you! But I'm afraid I can't do much about my accent !