[Sideshow]

Hi All, I’m considering the 718 S/GTS (PDK) as my next car but I’m unsure if I will enjoy it. Never owned a Porsche before but I’m drawn to the talk of its superb handling and its beautiful looks. This will be my only car, it doesn’t need to be practical, have back seats, it’s not used for commuting to work, so only evenings and weekends but it will be used all year round in the UK.

Along with the 718 the two others on the shortlist are the Audi TTRS MK3 and the Nissan R35 GTR.

Currently I have an Audi TTRS MK2 and in the wet it just grips, it’s so easy to drive you can mash the pedal and the thing never gets out of sorts it just grips and goes. I have owned a rear wheel car before ( Nissan 350z ) it was great in the dry but lively in the wet and didn’t enjoy not being able to put all the power down at times. I’m not really into sliding the car about and quite like how planted the TTRS is.

I would like to hear from others who have experience with the 718 and the TTRS or R35 and what they liked/disliked. I’m interested in how the 718 will compare to these two in wet conditions. With some decent tyres like the MPS4S’s on will it have good grip? Obviously the other two are all wheel drive and are probably going to have better traction in the wet. However I am wondering how big the difference really is when doing spirited driving on normal public roads. The car won’t be tracked. Obviously I need to have a test drive in the 718 and preferably in wet and dry conditions, or maybe even do a Porsche experience day in the 718 to get a good feel for it.

 

[alf_17]

I chose my 718 base Boxster to get in to a Porsche which has always been a dream of mine, and for the great handling open-top experience.
TTRS has a nice engine, but it just doesn't do it for me, I would probably prefer a RS3 which has the same engine.
As for the R35, that would always be at the top of the list if what I really wanted was as much power for the money, and even though I still lust after one, I don't think I will prioritise a GT-R before there is an R36 on the market (higher on my list is the 992 C2 which I will take delivery off this spring).

The real question would be what you prioritise in a car?
I chose a base 718 as I felt that any more power would not add to the enjoyment on public roads, the same applied to when i specified my 992 C2, I test drove a C4S first, but I was very apparent that it had more power than I could enjoy in a safe way.
If I was tracking my cars my choice might had been different.

 

[grasmere]

After 2 mk2 TT’s over 6 years and 120k miles I hated the mk3 as it lost all the ‘something’ that made the TT stand out, in addition a TT is still a TT but though the TTRS is of course brilliant, it isn’t a Porsche.
So it depends what you want to end up with . . .
To go from a TTRS to a 718 IMO it should be minimum of S version, not base. You’ll find the balance way better than TT . . .
Plus, Your neighbours wont bat an eyelid at another TT even if it is TTRS, but they always look as the walk past if theres a Porsche on your drive?

 

[Fnumber1user]

TT's feel somewhat lifeless and dull compared to the 718 IMHO, have you test driven any Porsche yet? The GTR would be a weapon, but, well its just not a Porsche. Only you can choose, they're all really quite significantly different cars though - so try and get as much time in each as you can.

Keep us posted and enjoy the search! What part of the UK are you in?

 

[cipher]

I have never driven a TTRS, but have driven a TTS and and S3. If AWD and a backseat is what you want, I’d actually consider a C4 or C4S. Now if you’re comparing the 718 to the TTRS, I will say, subjectively of course, the Audi has a somewhat nicer looking interior. However, I’ve seen plenty of them where the seat separates from the seatback and Audi has not been willing to fix under warranty. The 718 interior is almost the same as the 911. Seats, center stack/PCM, door trim, steering wheels all appear the same. The 718 almost drives like AWD, just grips like crazy but also has character. The Audi is nice but kind of numb and sterile. I own a 718 Boxster and haven’t had any issues for the past 18 months. Beautiful Car.

 

[MattRG]

I went from a 2018 TTRS to a Macan GTS to a 718 base. I don't find the 718 lacking in power or speed as compared to the TTRS. If anything it "feels" even better than the TTRS because of the way it sends information to me via the chassis and wheel. The TTRS and the Macan were both brilliant AWD vehicles what were fast, comfortable and plenty luxurious (especially the Audi. TTRS is probably my all time favorite sports car cockpit / interior). But neither were what I would classify as a "driver's car" because so much information was filtered out and neither was particularly fun to just drive around normally.

To me a truly good/fun car should be interesting and enthralling at any speed and the 718 does that in pretty much the same manner as the MX-5 series of cars. Except the 718 is leagues above the MX-5 in comfort, capability and design. To borrow a phrase from Marie Kondo, the 718 "sparks joy". The TTRS and Macan GTS, as good as they were, did not.

OP should definitely get out and get some seat time with these cars and see what moves him or her. My opinions are my own and what does it for me will not be the same for everyone. But in my opinion the 718 is a lot more fun to drive!

 

[phroenips]

I've had an RS3 and a 718 Cayman GTS. I absolutely adore my 718. Such a fantastic and balanced driving experience. And with the 18-way seats and PASM Sport, it's way more comfortable than the RS3 ever was.

I can't say I've experienced any traction issues in pure wet (with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in the summer), but I have noticed it is hilariously bad in snow/ice (even with Pilot Alpin PA4s), compared to the RS3 (with the same tires). The Cayman is manageable in the snow/ice, but "planted" is the last word I would use.

 

[chester7]

If you like handling the 718 will be far superior. But you will not be able to mash the throttle at will like you do with the TT. I do get a kick out of mashing the throttle in my S5 in turns and in the wet because it just grips- but you don't buy a car based on hooning ability.

 

[rsmith]

best thing to do to help answer your questions, go to a Porsche dealer and drive them - multiple times. At least out here in Colorado they practically begged me to drive cars including those which they knew I wouldn't consider purchasing. I only compared 911s, 718 and Corvettes. For my money the 718 line (ended up with a Boxster GTS) was simply more fun and engaging than the 911s (base, S and GTS) and Corvettes which included canyon drives in a Z06.

Test drive test drive test drive.

 

[4ftw]

At least out here in Colorado they practically begged me to drive cars including those which they knew I wouldn't consider purchasing.

Glad other people had the same experience as me. The receptiveness and eagerness of my dealership to get me behind the wheel and test drive was a big factor in my deciding to buy a 718. Other brands’ dealerships were not so accommodating. I was actually told I couldn’t test drive some cars because they were so ‘exclusive’ (they weren’t, BTW).

Test drive test drive test drive.

Concur.

 

[718Niko]

Have not driven a TT, I do own another Audi (Q2) and been test driving other models, A3, A1 when I was looking for our new familly car... They all have a point in common, no soul, no character. Nothing wrong with the cars themselves, they do what they are meant to and do it well. I'm sure the TT drive fantastically, the brand just dont do it to me.
As for the GTR, if we were in the 90s still I could concider a Nissan. But now the Juke killed the brand for me. Its a car I find so repulsive, off the scale disgusting, I dont want to go anywhere near Nissan. Besides from what I hear their reliability is far from being what it used to be anyway.
I am biased, probs like everyone on a Porsche forum, but I'd say the 718 is from far the best of those 3 options for just about anything. And if back seats are important, get a 911 : )

 

[DriveInHouston]

Best description I've ever heard...

'Driving an Audi is like driving a safe...'

 

[718Niko]

Best description I've ever heard...

'Driving an Audi is like driving a safe...'

That sum it up well indeed ! ?

 

[MattRG]

Glad other people had the same experience as me. The receptiveness and eagerness of my dealership to get me behind the wheel and test drive was a big factor in my deciding to buy a 718. Other brands’ dealerships were not so accommodating. I was actually told I couldn’t test drive some cars because they were so ‘exclusive’ (they weren’t, BTW).



Concur.

That reminds me of my experience at one of my local Audi dealerships with the TTRS. They had a lightly used one that had been a press car up for sale and the impression that I got was that they were doing me a favor by letting me drive it. They made sure I knew the only reason they were letting me test drive it was because it was used and because I was willing to come down and meet their sales manager and listen to their whole spiel. It was a black car (which I didnt want) and had the fixed suspension (which I also didnt want) but I had to express a great deal of interest and knowledge before they even let me get close to it.

That is in complete contrast to the Porsche dealerships I have visited where their motto seems to be "we love our cars, please drive them hard!"

 

[718Niko]

That reminds me of my experience at one of my local Audi dealerships with the TTRS. They had a lightly used one that had been a press car up for sale and the impression that I got was that they were doing me a favor by letting me drive it. They made sure I knew the only reason they were letting me test drive it was because it was used and because I was willing to come down and meet their sales manager and listen to their whole spiel. It was a black car (which I didnt want) and had the fixed suspension (which I also didnt want) but I had to express a great deal of interest and knowledge before they even let me get close to it.

That is in complete contrast to the Porsche dealerships I have visited where their motto seems to be "we love our cars, please drive them hard!"

I guess it really depend of the Audi dealership. My local one I bought my Audi from was actually quite good. They were very happy to let me try any of their cars, answered my questions in timely fashion, and got us a good deal, all while being quite friendly. In the end we bought a car from them.
Im still not a huge fan of the car itself though.

Now my local Mercedes dealer sounded a lot like your Audi experience.

 

[MattRG]

I guess it really depend of the Audi dealership. My local one I bought my Audi from was actually quite good. They were very happy to let me try any of their cars, answered my questions in timely fashion, and got us a good deal, all while being quite friendly. In the end we bought a car from them.
Im still not a huge fan of the car itself though.

Now my local Mercedes dealer sounded a lot like your Audi experience.

I ended up purchasing from another Audi dealer that was much friendlier so it is definitely dealer dependent. The dealer I purchased from did not have a car in stock but traded with another dealership out of state to get the car I wanted and even gave me a very good deal. I would happily recommend them to anyone looking to buy an Audi in my area (Audi of South Atlanta).

 

[DriveInHouston]

Lifetime worst test drive experience:

Back around 2000 (2001?) the last Toyota MR2 is being introduced.

I pull up at a Toyota dealership in business attire, with a BMW 740iL. I tell the salesman that I want to buy my wife a little sportscar for her birthday and I was looking at Miatas, but I heard about the new MR2 and I'd like to test drive one.

The salesman said that he would allow me (!) to sit in one at the showroom, but I would have to write a deposit check before I could test drive one. Aaaand, there would be a $2800 premium over MSRP!...

Wife kept her 1996 BMW 328 (E36) and was happy. I kept my money and was happier!

 

[purekoryo]

I traded in an RS3 and got a 718 GTS manual. Recently, I returned the 718 GTS due to some issues, whether the issues were normal or not, I just couldn't justify having had paid $71K to hear clunks, rattling, 2-3" dents on the car, etc. Having said that, I regret returning it and now relaly considering if the dealership will actually sell it back...In short, the after having driven the GTS for 3 weeks and then getting back into the RS3...the RS3 felt numb. Even the 620 hp shove in acceleration was boring (RS3 is modded).

The GTS was just so darn fun to drive, whether to the grocery store a few blocks away or on the back roads. I tried to find every excuse to drive it. I even took detours on my way back from work. I think the manual had to do a lot with it, but the handling was just sublime. I literally felt like I was the heart of the car. It's like that old Gunam cartoon where the pilot is at the center of the robot.

However, after getting back in the RS3, it felt like I was on top of the car. The steering wheel definitely felt more numb getting back in the RS3 and the whole car just felt rubbery even with all the suspension and chassis mods. If I were you, I would do a longer test drive of the GTS or just drive it at least 3 times because each time the experience will be different. On my 3rd test drive was where I was like OMG, I am sold!

I am now on the hunt for either a 991.2 Base with PDK or 718 GTS with PDK. I miss the manual, but I want both top line acceleration and great handling, so PDK wins on that decision, especialy since I will probably modify it to get to 450 whp and stop there, so I don't compromise the handling too much.

 

[718Niko]

Lifetime worst test drive experience:

Back around 2000 (2001?) the last Toyota MR2 is being introduced.

I pull up at a Toyota dealership in business attire, with a BMW 740iL. I tell the salesman that I want to buy my wife a little sportscar for her birthday and I was looking at Miatas, but I heard about the new MR2 and I'd like to test drive one.

The salesman said that he would allow me (!) to sit in one at the showroom, but I would have to write a deposit check before I could test drive one. Aaaand, there would be a $2800 premium over MSRP!...

Wife kept her 1996 BMW 328 (E36) and was happy. I kept my money and was happier!

Last time I went to a Toyota dealer, same day I was checking out the Audis for my familly car, they tried to sell us a 6000miles old car for the exact same price as new because it was "rare". It was their latest Hybrid Rav4. rare, a toyota rav4. okay. I wont be going back.

 

[PaulCGTS]

Hi. I have an S4 which is a great family car and brilliant in the wet. Thing just grips, easy to drive and quick. I also have a 718CGTS which is just incredible to drive. I love both of them but the GTS is just sublime and makes me smile every single time I get in it. Agree with others that say just test drive one you won’t regret it.