I am considering placing an order for a targa 4 with 19" wheels. I am looking for the most comfortable and compliant ride that I can get with my 991. I do a fair amount of city driving. Would the base targa 4 with 19" wheels be more comfortable with the standard suspension or with PASM on comfort mode? I appreciate your opinions.

 

I can say, you are wise to avoid the temptation of 20" wheels.

As for which suspension rides more comfortable, I think it would still come down to which has the softest springs.
Since PASM is lowered 10mm, my guess is it also has stiffer springs.
Therefore, I would suspect the standard suspension is more comfortable, since it relies on good old fashioned spring travel to absorb bumps.

If someone has driven both (on the same road) it would be interesting to hear what they say.

 

I wouldn't order without pasm. It really tightens up the ride when you need it, and let's face it don't we all buy these cars for those occasions

 

I had a Boxster, Cayman S and now a 991S, all with PASM. I would never order a car without it. IMO, the soft setting of a PASM suspended car rides with more compliance than a base car on stock springs. Flip the button, however, and the suspension tightens up beyond what stock springs can achieve. So with PASM you are getting the absolute best of both worlds.

To me, not taking advantage if this technology is a mistake. The joy of being able to transform your car at the push of a button is fantastic. It's like getting two cars in one and the value of it becomes readily apparent. I'm not saying a non-PASM car is bad in any way. But having PASM makes the car even more fun. The price of entry into Porsche-world is high enough. They are dream cars for me. So I didn't want to skimp on what I consider a really practical and enjoyable option.

Also, you will be amazed at how comfortable and compliant the new 991 is. It's a world of difference between older 997's. In fact, my 991S on 20" wheels is far more comfortable than my '09 Cayman S was on either 18" or 19" wheels!

The real answer for you is in the test drives and comparisons. You MUST get some seat time and decide for yourself. The research is half the fun.

 

PASM is a must IMO.

Provides you best of both worlds and zero drawbacks.

 

I bought a zero option car. PASM is the only option I wish I had. Such a bargain for what it provides.

That said, base suspension is pretty smooth.

 

IMHO there is no question that a non-pasm car would be more "traditionally comfortable" than a pasm car. That said a car with pasm and the ability to adjust the tire pressure based on comfort, standard, or hi load can give you the best of both worlds-- comfort and performance. I have sport pasm and use the car as a DD. Changing tire pressure really makes a very large difference. Hope this helps.

 

PASM thumbs up

 

I tend to agree with the majority. I have SPASM and the ride is still reasonably comfortable. I like the stance. But, you do raise one big point that can't be ignored - height. Only you know your roads. The SPASM is a pain in many situations because it is too low in parking lot ramps, sidewalk aprons, speed bumps, etc. The extra 1/2 inch between PASM and SPASM might be a better balance. Whether a still added 1/2 between PASM and no PASM is needed depends a lot on your driving and situation.


Good luck.

 

What is the difference between PASM and SPASM? Not seeing Spasm in the configurator.

 

Cowl shake.....there's a reason it's (SPASM) not available on the cab either.

Those who say they are as " tight" or "equal" in structural rigidity have not driven (the cab) back to back with the coupe on a rough road...I have...

Maybe on the Targa it would be better with the top in place.

 

I'd get the PASM or even the SPASM.

I have PASM and the comfort setting rides pretty smooth in my opinion.

 

No SPASM offered in the Targa or Cabs......

 

I find the ride on 20" wheels and PASM to be much more comfortable than my 997.2 on 19" wheels and no PASM.

Make sure you order it, you will not regret it.

 

I had a boxster before without pasm. Now I have a 991 with pasm. Pasm is more comfortable, less crashy over bumpy roads. Never again without pasm.