The fronts are identical, your 981S 19" rears have a sidewall of 106mm, the 911's are 100.
With identical fronts, and very close rears, the sidewall height likely isn't a big factor (Newer tires will, of course, have deeper treads, and that WILL make a smoother ride.)
I'm guessing the 991's suspension is somewhat stiffer, which would accord with BurgBoxster's favourite reviewers - Consumer Reports.
The 991, with even lower profile tires, would have a yet firmer ride.
Of course, Gman is right - a back to back test such as he suggests is best, in terms of comparing apples and apples.
But, as you said at the outset, yours was an apples to oranges comparison - the 981 PASM equipped car would seem to offer a smoother ride. And, for those of us who may have been (or may be) toying with a 991 v 981 choice, it's interesting and useful info. Thanks Laz
BTW, I also found this helpful, in considering the 991 v. 981 question:
[
www.topgear.com]
A couple quotes:
"Here’s the operating procedure when driving a Boxster for the first time. 1) Approach driver’s door. 2) Wriggle down into low, low driving seat. 3) Fire up 3.4-litre boxer engine. 4) Drop roof. 5) Press Sport and Noisy Exhaust buttons. 6) Commence driving. 7) Negotiate first corner. 8) Immediately consider what to sell, steal or embezzle to have this in your life permanently."
"Jaguar benchmarked the 911 for performance,” noted the sage-like Paul Horrell at the end of our day testing the F-Type against the two Porsches. “And I’d say it’s succeeded in that. Problem is, it benchmarked the wrong Porsche…”