Is the 981 a "worthwhile" upgrade over the 987?
Yes, definitely worth it. 981 is a quantum leap ahead in all areas (possibly not the case with 987.2 with DFi engines). Absolutely everything is substantially and noticeably improved.
Even steering, for me. When going briskly, the steering is as fantastic and precise (perhaps more so) as ever. I quite like the fact that it no longer jiggles about as much as before.
The non PASM ride is stunningly comfortable (occasionally it gets slightly rattled on the nastiest roads, but nothing serious), yet the handling is incredibly sporty and agile. It feels utterly alive and connected on the road. Superb achievement. The chassis is so stiff you really do not notice any flex at all even on the bumpiest roads. What you do notice is the incredible confidence into, through and out of bends, at quite crazy speeds. The balance and poise is of a higher order. You almost do not have to brake. 987 is club class, 981 is first class. Other cars on the road appear to be designed for going straight only.
The engine is wonderful. Extremely free revving, eager and more responsive. It feels appreciably more powerful and stronger too. And I have yet to take it past 4.5k rpm.
The non PSE exhaust is music to my ears: it's a more mechanical, rather than rorty, slightly boomy exhaust sound that my PSE equipped RS60 produced. It makes its presence felt more than adequately. I had the roof down in country lanes last Saturday .. it sounded amazing, air cooled almost, and for me, plenty vocal enough. It’s an honest unamplified sound. Love it.
With the roof up, it is much much quieter and refined. You can hear the BOSE sound so much better, and there is no need to have music loud to drown the wind and road noise out. I was considering getting a Cayman as I had after 4 years, grown tired of the noise and roar with roof up on my 987. I can now have my cake, eat it and eat it again and again.
Gearbox: love the manual gearbox. Precise, perfectly damped and not at all notchy even when cold. As the gearstick is that much closer to you, it feels racier and quicker. Utter dream. At first I thought it felt too light, but now I think the feel and weighting is spot on. I had OEM short shift on my RS60, which was more recalcitrant.
1. seat belt buckle strap no longer on seats – passenger seat buckle hits the plastic part (previously carpet) on ‘b’ pillar and rattles. A few sticky felt pads has thankfully sorted this out.