When Buying a Used Porsche

When purchasing a used car, you often can’t choose the options yourself, which can be a tough decision for many. So this time, I’ve put together a summary of the three popular options to consider when buying a used Porsche, including my actual experience with them.

① Sports Chrono Package – Engine Management

This package adds a switch to activate Sport Plus mode and a stopwatch on the dashboard. When you switch to Sport Plus mode, the throttle response and engine mounts change from Sport to Performance, allowing for a more dynamic and sporty drive.

My husband’s Boxster has a manual transmission, but even so, switching to Sport Plus mode completely changes the throttle response and makes the car feel more powerful. Some say it’s like whipping the Boxster into action, and that’s exactly right—you get the sensation of a sleeping beast awakening and roaring to life.

② PASM – Suspension (Chassis)

PASM stands for Porsche Active Suspension Management. According to Porsche Japan’s official website:

The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an electronically controlled damper system that continuously adjusts the damping force of each wheel based on road conditions and driving style. Additionally, the ride height is lowered by 10 mm.

PASM enhances driving stability, comfort, and performance.＊Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)

With the PASM option, you can select between two modes: “Off (Standard)” and “On (Sport)” (Panamera models offer three levels: Comfort, Normal, and Sport). Normal mode prioritizes comfort and performance, while Sport mode stiffens the suspension for a more circuit-ready setup.

Sometimes when driving on the highway, you might want to “keep the engine management as is but firm up the suspension for better stability,” and PASM is perfect for that. On current 911 models, PASM is standard on some trims.

③ Sports Exhaust System – Muffler

This system lets you switch the exhaust sound with a single button. It improves exhaust efficiency especially at high RPMs, delivering smoother acceleration and a thrilling sound.

Experience the Transformation When All Three Work Together

When all three options are installed, they work in sync when switching to Sport or Sport Plus mode. Both my husband and I are in the camp of wanting all three options because it’s not just that each feature is fun on its own, but also because the dramatic transformation when switching modes becomes much clearer.

Recently, I compared a Panamera equipped with Sports Chrono, PASM, and the Sports Exhaust System against one with just Sports Chrono and PASM, and I felt the difference strongly:

→[Reference Article] Four Differences and Overall Review of the Panamera vs. Panamera Sport Turismo – Comparison Test Drive Vol.2

With the Sports Exhaust ON, the V8 produces a deep, throaty growl, and the backfire sound when shifting with the PDK is clearly audible.

On the other hand, the non-equipped (normal exhaust) car lets you hear some V8 character at high revs, but at low RPMs, it doesn’t feel very V8-like.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of Sports Chrono, PASM, and the Sports Exhaust working together that makes the mode switch unmistakably clear to the driver.

That wraps up my summary of the three popular options to consider when buying a used Porsche.