May 25, 2012 9:10:58 PM
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Alex18_996CC
- Rennteam Master
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- Loc: Madrid , Spain
- Posts: 3218, Gallery
- Registered on: Jun 13, 2004
My 981S Weekend test-drive - PJ dont look !!! :)
Hello rennteam,
Today we got the keys of a 981S for the weekend. What can I say ?, Its a mini Carrera GT 
Drove it today for 150 kms, and its just epic the improvement towards the 987S (We had a 987.1S many years ago).
Love the new CGT look, even with top up it looks very sporty.
This 981S comes full of options except PSE (too too bad its not equipped with PSE......Its my main and ONLY negative point !!! 
X 100).
As you may know we got delivery of our 991 Carrera PDK some months ago so its a nice comparison to say the least.
I would start with my brief conclusion of day 1 : Its not in the level of the 991. BUT !!! It drives like a GO-KART it literally EATS CURVES !! 
, but somehow its not in the level of the 991 (and ours is a non S) and it may drive even better than the 991, but I have the feeling something is missing vs the 991.
EXTERIOR: I love it, exterior and interior. From any angle it looks great, no matter if the top is up or down. The interior feels EXACTLY THE SAME as in a 991 . The sport steering wheel is a must !. Using the roof while driving at low speeds its GREAT too. I love the design of the rear lights with that wing design. The doors are simply a piece of art, the side vents and the depth design they have done, makes it very special when getting in.
I was afraid of the front Toyota MR2 look, and for me its a stupid opinion it looks GREAT.
ENGINE: Performance can be in the level of a 991 ( I think our 991 is faster but still the break in has not been finished ). I loved driving with the top down, manual PDK paddles and shifting down, its just THE EXPERIENCE.
My only HUGE NEGATIVE POINT is the lack of MORE exhaust sound, more pop up sound form the exhaust. There is no comparison vs our 991 PDK with PSE, there i`snt !!! 991 sounds like a BEAST with PDK.
So far this are some brief opinions from my first day, tomorrow going with the 991 out and switching to the 981S.
Those who are ordering a 981, its VITAL to order sport chrono BUT MOST IMPORTANT PSE. Then the 981 is at the level of a 991 or nearly.
Had some tunnel runs with sport plus, manual PDK and top down, and sound is intoxicating when going full throttle through 2nd and 3rd gear. Very nice sound, but not in the level of the 991. People wave hands, gives you lights and thumbs, its a joy on the road.
I am running of time now, but wanted to share some brief opinions. Its an amazing beast, it probably is more balanced than the 991, when getting a good position in the seat and driving manual with the PDK paddles you feel you are a part of the whole car. I do have to say this 981 is probably one of the smartest choices right now in the market.
Porsche Jeck did an amazing buy !!!!
Some quick pics for now.
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I fully agree with your observations, especially on the PSE. This is a must have option for everyone who loves a sporty sound. With the non DFI engine it was a nice to have option, but not really neccessary, with the new engine something is missing without the PSE.
Can't wait for the pics from the mountain roads - and yes, the 981 has a huge appetite for corners....yummie 
I will be on some spanish mountain roads on Tuesday...unfortunately not with a Porsche though 
: Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black
