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Steering weight, Cayman GTS vs Boxster 981

Motorhead

PCGB Member
Member
Matt,

Just to clarify, are you comparing a 718 CGTS with a 981 Boxster? If so, although there will have been steering revisions between the 981 and 718 series I wouldn’t think that there should be a significant difference in the level of assistance and that therefore they should feel similar, especially if they have the same wheel size and the tyre pressures are correct.

It would be worth investing in a suspension inspection and geometry check on your CGTS to make sure that all’s well.

Jeff

 
The 718`s front end `feel` is far different to the 981`s … whether Boxster or Cayman

Matt … all things being equal you should consult Porsche direct

 
Hi, I have the former & my wife the latter.

My car steering is significantly more heavy than my wife's, and cannot see why; or the benefit.

Is it usual, or is one of our cars due a bill? Seem to read that they have the same parts, hence the confusion.

With not the best turning circle to begin with & then the GTS weight it seems strange

Thanks

Matt
 
Was Power Steering Plus an option on the 981? This is a a speed sensitive power steering system giving much greater assistance at parking speeds and less assistance / more feel at higher speeds. It’s an option on the 718, I don’t know if it was available on 981.

 
An interesting point on power steering plus, will have to find a vin decoder for the options to check.

 
Matt,

I’m not sure if Power Steering Plus was available on the 981 but primarily it’s designed to provide more assistance at parking speeds, although some claim that it’s more sensitive at higher speeds as well. If the steering on your CS is heavier at normal driving speeds I doubt that PSP will be the cause and you’ll need to look elsewhere.

On the 718 the option code is 658 but it could be different for the 981. The list of options on your car can be found in the Vehicle Identification section of your Guarantee and Maintenance booklet.

Jeff

 
There we go, didn’t even realise such an option existed for the 981, the good lady has option 658 which is PS+ and I do not.

Much cheaper to find this out than having to have geometry checked. Was just such a difference for 2 identical ages of car, same wheels & rubber.

Think I prefer hers for low speed manoeuvring though, given the poor turning circle vs other cars we’ve owned (well and the Smart 453, but that’s it’s party trick!)

Thanks for the pointers

Matt

 
That was a cheap fix Matt!

If PSP is optioned I think that it can be disabled since it’s just software but I don’t know if the reverse applies, so it may be worth asking your Porsche Centre to see if your CS can be “retrofitted” via a software upgrade.

Jeff

 
If you really want it you can have it added it's only software, I actually got them to remove it when I got mine as part of the deal, from memory it's about 300 and odd quid although you might want to try one with it first as I think from what I read that it feels different on the 718 to the 981

 
Motorhead said:
That was a cheap fix Matt!

If PSP is optioned I think that it can be disabled since it’s just software but I don’t know if the reverse applies, so it may be worth asking your Porsche Centre to see if your CS can be “retrofitted” via a software upgrade.

Jeff
I’m sure it can be retrofitted, as it is just software. Costs about a hour of OPC time and a bit.

 
Not sure it’s worth £300 to be honest. I only really notice it reversing both the cars up the drive, to get me tucked up nicely I need to go lock to lock, which is the only time hers feels better.

Or initially pulling off the drive & turning...but they both have that horrible tread shuffle we will soon be entering again weather wise lol.

The rest of the time it feels perfectly weighted, so would hate to ruin that; I don’t tend to drive hers as quickly, although do seem to prefer ringing her revs out more as it’s slower when doing it compared to my GTS. Been looking at taking it to the Porsche experience at silverstone to build further confidence & maybe onto a track.

So far it’s been the most confidence inspiring car I’ve driven, even sport plus shifts are not concerning unlike the M4 which felt it was going to throw me off the road with full DSC still on!

matt

 
Matt,

It’s a long time since I’ve driven a car without PAS [c1980s?]. Perhaps we’re all getting a bit soft.

Maybe it’s time to renew the gym membership to work on those biceps! On the other hand a £300 software upgrade could work out cheaper. [;)]

Jeff

 
Motorhead said:
Matt,

It’s a long time since I’ve driven a car without PAS [c1980s?]. Perhaps we’re all getting a bit soft.

Maybe it’s time to renew the gym membership to work on those biceps! On the other hand a £300 software upgrade could work out cheaper. [;)]

Jeff

The last car I had without PAS had 185 section tyres, and was a bit of a pain parking even thirty years ago, and that was with steering that was much lowered geared than it needed to be at higher speeds just to make low speed manoeuvring possible.

The PSP does indeed make low speed manoeuvres very easy, and although the improvements in feel at higher speeds are more subtle they are worth having.

 
As a PSP devotee, I have no reservations regarding retrofitting as an option to improve low speed manoeuvring. PSP will also give an improved steering feel at higher road speeds, particularly when on track days. As Graham has indicated, this latter effect is subtle, and not all drivers have the sensitivity of touch to recognise this.

Brian

 
Jeff, Wollemi & Brian - all very valid points.

Might see if there is a local specialist who can code it for me & avoid the OPC markup.

Know it was possible with the BMW, so would assume it is no different for a Porsche if they have the right software.

Cheers

 
Hi, I have the former & my wife the latter.

My car steering is significantly more heavy than my wife's, and cannot see why; or the benefit.

Is it usual, or is one of our cars due a bill? Seem to read that they have the same parts, hence the confusion.

With not the best turning circle to begin with & then the GTS weight it seems strange

Thanks

Matt
Did you every find an answer to this Matt?
 
I would guess that the Boxster had Power Steering Plus optioned and the Cayman didn't. It's only software so can be added by the OPC connecting with a lap top, or similarly removed if not wanted.
 

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