[1812Music]

So I have a 718 Cayman S which is back at the dealers for a few days. They have very kindly lent me a 718 Boxster GTS (unfortunately in orange, but never mind!) and so now I have a decent idea of what both vehicles drive and sound like.

Firstly, the perceptible power difference between the S and the GTS is pretty much non-existent as far as I can tell. It really doesn't feel any faster or more gutsy than my S.

The Boxster to Cayman comparison as an overall vehicle has made me happy that I will only ever choose the Cayman in the future. The additional noise from the soft roof and associated changes, is really noticeable over the fixed-roof of the coupé. It was one of the first things my wife noticed.

The GTS sports exhaust is decent enough. Not convinced it really adds anything to the experience over 'Sport' mode in my non-PSE S, but I get the added benefit of being able to be quite civil in normal mode when I have someone in the passenger seat I want to communicate with comfortably. That being said, when the GTS is in 'sport' mode, I do feel it's a little more bassy and pops and bangs a little more readily on lift-off. Would I pay £1,800 to have the PSE retrofitted? Probably not. Would I spec it from new? I'd have to have a real think about that. Would I buy and aftermarket system? Depends on the price I guess. I would certainly not pay more than the £1,800 for the PSE to be retrofitted, that's for sure. (So Armytrix can get stuffed! Ha ha).

I must confess to being rather envious of the GTS interior package. The contrast stitching, carbon and alcantara are just lovely. I'm really trying not to let myself like it too much, or it will take some of the shine off my car. Ha ha.

In summary, my S does a better job of being civilised when it needs to be, but the GTS has the kudos of some 'GTS only' options. I'd buy a GTS for those - not the extra power, as that really is neither here-nor-there in the grand scheme of things.

I had a 981 GTS and it sounded like a bloody racing car when you let the F6 rev - noticeably more so than an S with a sports exhaust. The difference between that side of the 718 S and 718 GTS is not the GTS's USP as far as I'm concerned.

Now - how can I find a UK dealer who is going to let me onto the list for the 718 GT4.......

 

[Beardy]

For me the GTS won over the S for the more aggressive exterior stance and the nicer interior and to spec the S accordingly costs GTS money anyway
The power did not matter, I am told by the dealer that the extra power is only really noticeable on the track

 

[1812Music]

For me the GTS won over the S for the more aggressive exterior stance and the nicer interior and to spec the S accordingly costs GTS money anyway
The power did not matter, I am told by the dealer that the extra power is only really noticeable on the track

Yep, exactly my point - I'd buy the GTS for the cosmetics, not the 'performance' change.

I think even on a track, you'd have to be Michael Schumacher to spot the extra 15hp. Once you get past 300hp in my experience small power changes amount to pretty much bugger all. 50hp+ is noticeable. 15hp is not.

Obviously on a smaller engine the percentage change of 15hp is more noticeable as it's greater, so I was definitely aware of when my Mk6 Golf GTI had 10hp more than my Mk5 Golf GTI.

Just my personal experiences of course!

 

[Beardy]

I think there is an ongoing conundrum at Porsche with the 982 and 911. They have had to hold back on the 981 /2 development as it is a better car than the 911 but they have to preserve the flagship 911 heritage
They have held back the 982 GTS deliberately as a result which would be why their is negligible difference between the S and GTS

 

[1812Music]

I'd agree with that. Not sure that can ever change, tho - so the 718 (and subsequent versions) will perhaps forever be compromised in some way or another.

I was always a huge fan of the 911 and that was the Porsche I always wanted, but after test driving the 991 C2S and then the 981 CGTS, I was left completely underwhelmed by the 991 and completely in love with the 981. I managed to save myself a bit of money as well!

These days, unless it was one of the GT range (3/3RS/2), I would probably be very unlikely to chose a 911 at any point. If I wanted something that had usable back seats, I think the facelift Panameras are finally very nice looking so would go with one of those. If I wanted a sports car I would either go well-spec'd new Cayman S/GTS or lightly used GT4...perhaps the Spyder, but I have discovered I am really not a fan of open top driving. Who knew!!?? :shrug: