[cipher]

Does anyone know what the performance is like on the old Cayman GTS? I saw one I like and it made me think maybe I could save a few dollars going that route instead of a 718 GTS. Any thoughts welcome.

 

[RGM718]

Depending on what you are looking for...............a 718 Cayman S will likely out perform the 981 GTS.

 

[GregW]

The 718 is a considerably different car from the 981. Some love the 718 for its torque and handling improvements. Some love the 981 for its engine/exhaust sound.

The only way to tell what works for you is to drive both. Have fun!

 

[RGM718]

I have had the pleasure of owning several Caymans. I had an 08 Cayman S, 2012 Cayman R, 2014 Cayman 2.7L, 2016 Cayman 2.7L, and now a 2019 Cayman 2.0L. I have seen improvement/refinement in each iteration. I will say that, overall, the 718 has represented the most significant change for me. I think the thing that impresses me the most is the smoothness/linearity of the acceleration (I know, that flies in the face of the dreaded 'turbo lag'). This was probably the most pleasant surprise. So, as GregW suggested, best to drive each and decide based on what floats your boat.

 

[cipher]

I just quite by accident ran into a beautiful 718 GTS an owner sold after less than 2,000 miles. It’s chalk and waiting for it to be reinspected and detailed before making a decision on it.

 

[cipher]

I finally also drove a 2016 GTS and honestly didn’t think it sounded super special. Not really sure what the hubbub is. I also felt like unless I was wringing the car out, it just didn’t seem responsive or quick. So I am back to the 718.

 

[carlb]

I finally also drove a 2016 GTS and honestly didn’t think it sounded super special. Not really sure what the hubbub is. I also felt like unless I was wringing the car out, it just didn’t seem responsive or quick. So I am back to the 718.

What happens when you're unsullied by nostalgia? You choose the better car is what happens.

 

[OldJedi]

I purposely drove a 2016 GTS before I ordered our 2018 GTS. After driving my wife’s 718 Boxster for a year, I knew in the first mile that the 2016 GTS was not going to be the right car for me. The lack of bottom end torque was instantly noticeable and it did not come on till 4000 rpm. The flat four turbo is wonderful because of it’s low end torque. The 718’s steering was sharper and the PCM was better too!

Drive both and make your own opinion. Did I mention I really love my 718 CGTS!!!

 

[don]

I drove two 981 GTS and a GT4 before choosing a 718 GTS.

My first impressions of the 981 GTS was that it was a little slow, lacked torque, was a bit noisy in the cabin, had heavy steering and the suspension was not very compliant despite having PASM. Otherwise it did sound good particularly on drive bys and in tunnels. I did investigate power upgrades but it seemed like a lot of money for relatively little gain and I don't really purchase a car based on exhaust sound, after all I was looking at an F80 M3.

I felt that I probably had been spoilt driving my 400hp twin turbo Audi and BMW F31.

Driving the 781 GTS improved on all the above particularly in terms of being a more comfortable drive which is what I am used to. The other problem with the 981 GTS none of them had PTV/LSD although that probably wouldn't matter for most, but the 718 GTS comes standard with PTV/LSD.

With that said, if you can find a good one the 981 GTS are great buying at the moment so if you drive one and like it then you should buy it! Otherwise you will just end up spending more money! Most people anyway will think you're driving a 911 and it will sound like one when you put your foot down.