987.2 PDK vs 981 PDK - any difference .

blaster56 · Aug 3, 2018

Had my first drive in a PDK yesterday - in a 718 as it happens - and was very impressed with the Sport mode. Made for very quick overtaking.

Is the PDK box in a 987.2 the same as the PDK box in a 981 ?

Also, does the 987.2 box have a Sport mode as standard ? Current drive is an 07 Boxster S and am contemplating a possible change. Might stick with manual but might consider a PDK if a 987.2S would have the Sport mode.

Its partly a budget issue too - 981 cars are a few bob more than the 987.2 cars.

Dylan1 · Aug 4, 2018

PDK in 981/991 is light years ahead of the 987 I’m afraid

much development was done between models resulting in a much smoother gearbox in the 981

AndrewT · Aug 4, 2018

Without the benefit of experiencing any extended drives in a 981 PDK I'd say that the 987.2 PDK seems smooth enough to me, with the exception that occasionally it gets confused: when pulling up to a junction but not totally stopping and then accellerating again it can do a very clunky change down to 1st, it's as if the second clutch had 3rd pre-engaged and then had to rapidly engage 1st.

As I understand it the Sport button is not standard as it's part of the Sport Chrono Package, there's also an additional Sport Chrono Package Plus. It's my opinion that the Sport Chrono Package is essential but that Sport Chrono Package Plus is not essential unless your using the car on a track.

BoxsterLL11 · Aug 4, 2018

I had a 2011 987.2 for 15 months and then traded that in for a 2012 981 S, which I have now owned for 18 months.

I'm not sure there is any difference between the two models of PDK boxes as both are 7 speed double clutch units but perhaps the 981 version is more refined.
The 981 though is a totally different car overall to the 987.2 as I understand the 981 was a ground up revamp of the 987.
My 987.2 was the first Porsche I had owned and it was a great car to drive but the 981 is, as has been said above, a much better car all round.
I also seem to remember to have read that the 981 is based on 80% 911 parts.

I'm not sure Andrew is correct regarding the Sport button option.
Both of my Boxster's had/have this button but neither had the Sport Chrono Package so I would guess the Sport button is an option in its own right.
Then there is the Sport Plus button which I have not had any experience of.

I think sometimes the gear changes on any auto box may seem a bit laboured or clunky when the transmission fluid is cold but once its warmed up, certainly on my 981, the gear changes are almost imperceptible.

The 0-62 mph times are quicker on a PDK compared to a stick change because the changes are quicker and smoother.
And on a PDK you still have the option to use the sequential option on the selector or the steering wheel buttons, but why bother if the PDK is that good.

I agree, the 981 is the more expensive option.
I paid £10k more for my 981 than for the 987.2 (I bought my 987.2 from an indy but the 981 from an OPC).

I would say test drive both for a comparison that only you can perceive.

richardjjs1 · Aug 4, 2018

Any car needs warming up especially PDK But how warm did you have to get it - would have thought just a few miles rather than a lot of miles

Had it had a Gearbox oil change as wrong type would make big difference

richardfleming · Aug 4, 2018

not a direct comparison but I have a 991.1 and a 987.2 both pdk - and there is a definite difference between them. As said earlier the 987.2 is a bit jerkier and less refined than the 991.1 (which is very smooth). you notice this most when creeping through slow traffic moving from 1st to 2nd gear - 991.1 does this like an auto - you can't feel the gear changes - 987.2 definitely notice and quite stuttery. better when warm - but still different. both have sport mode (standard) and my 987.2 has sportplus (an option). I agree a 981 would be a nicer car but mrs f. is quite small and doesn't fit those so couldn't really get away with buying one for her could I ;-)
also worth checking the performance figures for a 987.2 base boxster vs your earlier 986 S - the performance difference between the two is very small (on paper) and the 987.2 S is quite a bit faster.