Here is my take...... I just picked up my GTS in March of this year. There was a leftover 2019 911 Carrera S that was priced at $121K, and I would consider in a plain jane nothing special Carrera S and it was my front runner that I was ready to take home. I got the chance to test drive this car and the GTS.

Carrera S likes:

• Ease of getting in and out of was easier
• Felt more comfortable, and I could see my wife and I taking longer trips in this platform
• A lot more opportunities for aftermarket parts

- This is extremely important to me

Complaint for the Carrera - Price point

GTS likes:

• Price point
• Most people don't know that it's not the iconic 911 if it's debadged.
• Spend around $4-$5k on performance parts and a tune, and it's HP is right at or higher than the base Carrera

- I like to be the underdog / shock value when telling people what the car's HP is with minimal upgrades added

My only complaint is the car is a bit of a pain in the ass for me to get in and out of. I'm 5'11" about 240, and it's a bit comical watching me get out of it sometimes. HAHA!!!

The GTS is the car that i'm cutting my teeth on in the Porsche world. The goal is a 911 in the near future, but until then I'm enjoying the **** out of this car. I smile ear to ear every time I get into it. IT gets driven about 3-4 times a week (I work from home).

 

Lol, i hear you on the ease of getting in and out of... in particular, getting out gracefully is a challenge ... being 53, a bit overweight with a bad knee ...

 

I have the 18 way seats.... Sometimes I wonder if the basic seats would be a bit more comfortable to get in and out of.

 

I ditched the sports seats plus as the seat bolsters were a PITA when getting in and out.

WRT the 911 and 718 comparison, comfort levels may be a little better in the 911 however from what I'm led to believe the 718 is the more driver focused car that handles better than the 911 (but dont tell 911 owners that).

You'd have to drive both back to back to make the comparison but also look at what you're getting for your money.

Here in the UK a base 911 starts at a tad over £82k. I've just specced one up with most of the options I have on the 718 and it comes out at £96k and thats with not a lot of options added like SC.

Now dont get me wrong, the 911 is a stunning car and something I'd like to aspire to but my base 718 with every option I want comes out at £55k (no SC). I'd rather have the £41k in my back pocket thanks. So I even put my exact spec on a GTS which has near enough the same engine as the base 911 and it comes out at £69K. Again a saving of £27k.

Yes the 911 will be more refined and probably has more of the WOW factor but bang for buck the 718 wins hands down.

 

This is a helpful insight & I'm all about saving a few quid as well because this is my tax free lump sum as my retirement is just round the corner. I'd like to avoid heavy depreciation & I believe the 718s have carved out their own territory as an alternate stand alone model from the 911. At least thats what I'm being told in the club but some peoples perception is still the 911.

 

In my mind both cars are well suited to driving from A to B but provide very different driving experiences for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are size, weight, weight distribution (ie, engine location), model-dependent engine power output (300-400HP or 400-700HP), and drivetrain options (911). Couple that with the fact the two cars are not at all comparably priced, and it's my opinion the comparison is apples to oranges. That is, I don't feel one is better than the other, they are different.

 

Well, my 718S MSRP was $99k (yes, about $30k in options!)... i could get a base 911 for that money... Also, i could buy a low milage 911 that's only 1 or 2 years old with some options for the same money... So, to me, it's definitely not apples to oranges by any means.

and ... regardless of price, i was asking for is there any noticeable difference in ride comfort or cabin noise ... or are they roughly the same?

apples to oranges? jeez ... not at all man ... the 718s is faster in the quater mile than a base 911... On a tight course the 718S is actually a hair quicker than a 911S (see video):

 

I own both a 718 Boxster and a 911 Carrera coupe (992-gen).
If I could only keep one of them it would be the 718, the handling just feels sharper and the whole car pivots effortlessly around the driver when taking a corner... That and I am a bit of a sucker for driving top down
That being said, the 911 is also a very good car, the handling just feels like it is a step behind the 718, it might be partly due to chassis and weight distribution, but it might also be my mind playing tricks on me.
A more experienced driver could likely come up with a more detailed description of the handling differences than me.
The 911 has its strong points as well, comfort and power (based on base models of both cars) are higher, and in my mind a silver 911 Carrera coupe is one of the most beautiful cars out there.
The 911 also feels more refined to drive, and even though i love the sound my 718's F4T makes, the F6T howls and has very similar torque delivery (if not better).
In the engine department I think the 911 would be substantially behind on points if the engine was NA, because turbos does wonderful things to engines
Compared to most other sports cars the 911 is however a gem when it comes to the handling, the problem just is that Porsche set the bar high when they released the 718 Boxster/Cayman.

 

Thanks for your feedback! I actually like the lines of the 718 cayman over the 911.

A common comment i'm seeing is the 911 is more comfortable ... why? how so? are talking about more than seats? suspension?

 

There are tons of differences between the two. Mid-engine vs rear engine, 2 seats vs 4 seats, interior and exterior size, etc. The 911 is iconic and the marque Porsche example. The 718 is a fantastic car but unless you are one of those people that obsesses over size/weight then I would be hard pressed to find anyone who wouldnt take a 911 over a 718. If I could have found a 2018 base 911 for a comparable price to my 718 then I wouldnt have thought twice about buying the 911. But of course the price chasm is large which is why many of us start with a 718 and work our way up

 

............ snip.................. I would be hard pressed to find anyone who wouldnt take a 911 over a 718. .......... snip............

If by "take" you mean to say "swap" a similarly equipped 911 for a 718, you have a strong argument. But in the real world most people acquire their cars by buying them.

It's not strictly true to say that a 911 sells for just about double what a 718 goes for (Base prices $97,000 vs $57,000), but it's pretty darn close. At the high end a 911 Turbo S goes for a little over two hundred grand while a 718 GT4 is a bit over one hundred grand, so double the price is not a bad way to compare the two.

So if you ask "Would you swap your 718 for a 911?" the answer is an obvious yes. If you add in "............... and you'll have to write a check for $50K or $100K", or if you were to say, "Would you swap your 718 AND your wife's 718 for one 911?" then you'll get a lot fewer Cayman owners jumping at that deal.

 

I could talk about this topic all day long and bore you. I have just changed 3mths ago from an Agate grey 718 Cayman GTS to a brand new Guards red Carrera 4 (992). From the beginning let me be clear that I loved / love both cars, both awesome driving machines.

The 911 cost an awful lot more money than the Cayman. I had a heavily specced Cayman GTS, it cost me £76K UK new, my heavily specced Carrera 4 cost me £102K, so the 911 is a lot more money. You can’t really get a 992 911 for less than £100K by the time you put on options. I considered getting a 718 GT4 and could have specced one of those for £86K with buckets and fire extinguisher, so even a GT4 would have saved me money over a Carrera 4.

There are pros and cons to both cars, obviously the 718 is cheaper, you could argue better value than the 911, the 718 believe it or not has a better cold start than the 911- yes you heard it here that the cold start in a 4 cylinder 718 is better than a flat 6 911. The 718’s explode into life with an angry snarl, the 911 cold start is good but not as dramatic, but the 911 sounds far better on hard acceleration, the noise of the flat 6 is glorious under heavy acceleration, and addictive, but the Cayman did over run more and I loved the over runs on my 718, although the 911 sports exhaust is improving with time. The 911 rev matches beautifully and that sound greats. Yes the Cayman was louder inside than the 911(neither are quiet cabins) but the Cayman louder. The Cayman felt more focused and more like a racing car, but the 911 grips the road better, both are fantastically well balanced. Both are equally fast (370bhp Cayman vs 385bhp Carrera 4 which is slightly heavier and bigger). The 911 get noticed much more and draws much more attention than the Cayman, the Cayman got lots of comments and admiration but the 911 much much more. The interior of the Cayman, esp with the GTS leather pack, was awesome but the interior of the new 991 is another level and the infotainment is class leading. I miss my small rear boot in the Cayman but the back seats in the 911 take a set of golf clubs and small kids so it is more practical. I love the big massive tyres on the new 911, 21” 305’s at the rear, but the tyre roar is marked, and it is with all 911’s apparently. The 911 is more comfy but I never found the Cayman uncomfortable.

Overall I loved both cars, overall the 911 maybe edges it, it just really nice driving a 911, it is after all one of the most iconic cars ever made, everyone loves the 911, but it was £36K more expensive, it’s basically almost a Golf R more than the Cayman GTS. Is that money well spent? I don’t know. The 911 residuals are incredible right now, so maybe. There are definitely things I miss about my Cayman GTS and I loved every minute I had with it. The Cayman is louder, angrier and more focused for sure. Those are good things.

 

it's the same difference as between an accord and a civic. It's like driving a big car compared to a gokart.

 

it's the same difference as between an accord and a civic. It's like driving a big car compared to a gokart.

Ouch!...

 

Here's a practicality thing that you may not consider:

Yes, the back seat of the 911 can "hold stuff", and really more stuff than the rear cargo space of a Cayman, for example. But that stuff is super exposed. You're not gonna leave your briefcase there if you're at all concerned about a "smash and grab". So I think that while the interior may feel a bit more cramped (I find the open space behind me in the cayman to be less cramped than the Boxster) the Cayman can carry more stuff safely in day-to-day life. Not worried about leaving my backpack or gym bag in the rear cargo area.

I also agree with Marino about the cold start. Last time I dropped off the car at the dealer for service they started it up and I was like "Wait is that my car?" It sounds super angry and sexy.

 

@JakiChan I wouldn't put a briefcase in the trunk considering how hot it gets. Maybe a pizza so it stays warm on the drive home. i find myself rarely using the trunk and often using the frunk.

 

Interesting. I put my cold stuff in the trunk because the A\C helps mitigate the engine heat. I've never noticed heat being a problem back there. In warm/hot climates the frunk has no insulation or assistance to keep cool.

 

Odd but I've noticed quite the opposite on my 718 Cayman GTS, I have no history with a 911 so I cannot compare.

We have a more moderate climate in the UK The car's air conditioning appears to have zero influence way back there in the rear cargo volume. Sunlight (well, its infra red radiation component) travelling through the rear windscreen more actively heats up the whole rear end zone:-/ That black security gauze thing underneath the rear windscreen might even be worse than useless (with respect to any possible heat deflection). The engine and exhaust combination also actively warms up the boot and any stored contents - despite all the Porsche cooling fan and radiator technology.

The only time I store my photographic gear in the back is when I'm driving to a high humidity destination (Cornwall's The Eden Project for instance) where a warm lens doesn't mist over with condensation quite so readily inside their hot humid tropical 'biome'.

IMHO the bigger front cargo area keeps my stuff cool. It does actually have a minimal or 'sort of' insulation material and the aluminium bonnet acts as a big heat sink - particularly when on the go. Whereas the smaller rear cargo space warms up (see above). It's not a 'cooker' by any consideration but it does run warmish in there. However, contents stored in the front cargo volume actually stay quite cool - honestly - even when the metal bonnet is almost too hot to comfortably touch. I used to work extensively in the tropics and found that bigger rooms were always cooler than smaller rooms. YMMV

I do respect your position, the relative temperature differences are not massive, but I recommend you try experimenting again ...you might change your mind

 

I found this video amusing. It's a tad long but there is a cut down version. The spec of the two cars being compared was odd as I would have thought an S or GTS for the 718 should have been used just to bridge the gap power wise - not that 300bph is anything to sneeze at! His views are quite interesting.

 

I found this video amusing. It's a tad long but there is a cut down version. The spec of the two cars being compared was odd as I would have thought an S or GTS for the 718 should have been used just to bridge the gap power wise - not that 300bph is anything to sneeze at! His views are quite interesting.

I've watched this before along with several of his other video reviews and they're all very good, if a little long. He definitely provides a very German (i.e. practical) and honest view in his reviews so I enjoy them and find them more helpful than basic fan-boy videos.

I've driven both the 911 and 718 and as as day-to-day driver I would say the differences are largely subjective (as you might have guessed from all the comments above). To be honest, both are fairly loud and firm riding, so it's not like the 911 is this luxurious GT cruiser while the 718 is a racer. Both are pretty aggressive cars for day to day driving, but both are also a lot of fun to drive daily.

My comparisons have been between a carbio 911 and the Boxster, so both with convertible roofs. Both are relatively loud and I would not say that I found cabin noise in one to be noticeably better or worse than the other. However, the larger cabin in the 911 due to the back seats does make it feel more spacious than the Boxster. The 911 does feel a little easier to get in and out of, but only slightly so. Neither are easy or elegant to get in or out of if you're on the heavier side. The 911 does feel like a slightly larger car to drive, but that is really only noticeable if you're actively looking for differences.

The current 911 interior is a quantum leap more advanced in digital technology than even my 2021 Boxster, but I expect that the next version of the Boxster will have a substantially updated interior that will look somewhat like the 911 (larger screen etc.), so it might be best to compare those two models when the next Boxster comes out.

To be honest, I think they are very similar cars and which one to buy largely comes down to which look you prefer (and budget). Good luck!

 

As someone who was waiting for, and planning to buy, a GTS 4.0 but landed up having my head turned by a 991.2 Carrera T I can tell you that they are very different cars, however the differences are more marginal in the areas you are asking about (comfort levels and cabin noise).

Cabin noise in the 718 - the engine is probably noisier (it's closer to your head and I believe that Porsche tried to offset the quality of the sound by increasing the level of sound as it is not a quiet engine). Cabin noise in the 911 - my experience suggests that road noise is louder in the 911 - the wheels are larger so more tyre roar and for some reason the wheel arches really seem to amplify the sound of stones etc. (apparently this is well known 911 trait). This is made even more my Carrera T with reduced sound insulation. As far as the engine noise is concerned it's not as intrusive but sounds a lot better in my opinion.

Comfort levels are probably fairly similar between the two cars, with what suspension is fitted (standard, PASM, Sport PASM) as well as the wheel size being big factors in ride comfort. Overally the 911 probably takes it though. Then there is also the question of whether you need the rear seat or whether the rear boot makes more sense. For me the rear seats don't get used often but mean that we are a one-car family, something I couldn't have done with a 718. My partner definitely prefers the 911, I think largely because the engine isn't as omni-present as it is in the 718 and overall it just feels more solid and seems to exude an air of quality that the 718 doesn't quite achieve (this is very intangible though and hard to quantify).

The big differences are in how the respective cars handle. The 718 is like a go kart, very nimble and agile; whereas the 911 is more planted and stable. Through tight and twisty corners the 718 will come out on top; on long sweepers and straight the 911 should take it (not sure where you got your quarter mile stats from...). These characteristics were borne out on a recent track day I did. In short they are very different and require different driving styles to get the most out of them but both are exceptional.

Engine-wise I truly believe the twin-turbo flat six 3.0 in the base Carrera may be one of the best engines Porsche make. It has a linear power delivery similar to that if a normally aspirated engine but more torque over a broader rev range than any of the F4T engines. The amount of power is also spot on (many think that since the introduction of 3.0L TT on the 991.2 the power of the S and above is simply too much to extract any enjoyment on a spirited road drive as you are generally driving well below the engines potential).

We are a one car family so the 911 gets used everyday - work commute, grocery shopping, weekend B-road blasts, trips out of town with our dog etc. The only thing we couldn't really tackle with it is bad unsealed roads (ground clearance is a bit of an issue, especially with Sport PASM). I know I would have been very happy with a GTS 4.0 if I had gone down that route instead but have no regrets with my decision to go for the Carrera T instead.

 

As someone who was waiting for, and planning to buy, a GTS 4.0 but landed up having my head turned by a 991.2 Carrera T I can tell you that they are very different cars, however the differences are more marginal in the areas you are asking about (comfort levels and cabin noise).

Cabin noise in the 718 - the engine is probably noisier (it's closer to your head and I believe that Porsche tried to offset the quality of the sound by increasing the level of sound as it is not a quiet engine). Cabin noise in the 911 - my experience suggests that road noise is louder in the 911 - the wheels are larger so more tyre roar and for some reason the wheel arches really seem to amplify the sound of stones etc. (apparently this is well known 911 trait). This is made even more my Carrera T with reduced sound insulation. As far as the engine noise is concerned it's not as intrusive but sounds a lot better in my opinion.

Comfort levels are probably fairly similar between the two cars, with what suspension is fitted (standard, PASM, Sport PASM) as well as the wheel size being big factors in ride comfort. Overally the 911 probably takes it though. Then there is also the question of whether you need the rear seat or whether the rear boot makes more sense. For me the rear seats don't get used often but mean that we are a one-car family, something I couldn't have done with a 718. My partner definitely prefers the 911, I think largely because the engine isn't as omni-present as it is in the 718 and overall it just feels more solid and seems to exude an air of quality that the 718 doesn't quite achieve (this is very intangible though and hard to quantify).

The big differences are in how the respective cars handle. The 718 is like a go kart, very nimble and agile; whereas the 911 is more planted and stable. Through tight and twisty corners the 718 will come out on top; on long sweepers and straight the 911 should take it (not sure where you got your quarter mile stats from...). These characteristics were borne out on a recent track day I did. In short they are very different and require different driving styles to get the most out of them but both are exceptional.

Engine-wise I truly believe the twin-turbo flat six 3.0 in the base Carrera may be one of the best engines Porsche make. It has a linear power delivery similar to that if a normally aspirated engine but more torque over a broader rev range than any of the F4T engines. The amount of power is also spot on (many think that since the introduction of 3.0L TT on the 991.2 the power of the S and above is simply too much to extract any enjoyment on a spirited road drive as you are generally driving well below the engines potential).

We are a one car family so the 911 gets used everyday - work commute, grocery shopping, weekend B-road blasts, trips out of town with our dog etc. The only thing we couldn't really tackle with it is bad unsealed roads (ground clearance is a bit of an issue, especially with Sport PASM). I know I would have been very happy with a GTS 4.0 if I had gone down that route instead but have no regrets with my decision to go for the Carrera T instead.

Thanks! appreciate your thoughts. Yeah, that's kind of what i'm thinking ... cayman gts 4.0 or base 911... but this whole covid19 has impacted my finances perhaps i should trade my 718 in for an mx5 lol.

 

You have me convinced not to replace my Cayman with a 911.

 

I got 2018 GTS Cayman after selling my 2010 Carerra S. I must say besides the sound, cayman drives better, has better low end torque, way better handling, lighter, more planted.. just so much more pleasure to drive, very precise steering . 911 felt sluggish at low speed, and very ass heavy.
Comfort wise after fiddling with a seat for a week I found perfect position. 911 has way more room and more comfortable on a longer trip. Then again I'm 6' and 220 lb. I don't miss the rear seats. They were useless even my toddler had difficulty sitting there 😀. Two trunks much more useful .
Porsche will never let 718 trump 911 - let's face it its the face of the brand. But 718 in my opinion is the best bang for a buck you can get as a sports car

 

...But 718 in my opinion is the best bang for a buck you can get as a sports car

An opinion shared by most 718 owners...

 

Biggest difference, once has the engine in the wrong spot the other doesn't.

There's a reason the ALMS cars moved the engine in front of the rear wheels several years ago.

 

I had each for a day through the Porsche Drive program: a base 718 Cayman and a base 992.

My impressions are that the 718 is much more nimble and feels glued to the road. The one I drove didn't even have SC or PASM and I couldn't stop smiling while driving it. The feeling through the chassis and steering wheel is on another level. The 992 on the other hand is superior in every other way. It's much more powerful, it has better sound, the tech is much better and it is probably more livable day-to-day. The 992 felt like a serious sports car, while the 718 felt more playful and fun to toss around. If I was going for a drive on twisty roads, I would choose the Cayman. Also interestingly, even though there is a night and day difference between the 992 and 718 interior and tech, I find the 718 to be easier to use and more driver focused. The 718 is like a go-kart with everything you need at your finger tips. The 992 is like a high tech machine that also has a lot of power and great handling. After I returned the 992, I sat in a 718 in the showroom to see if I still liked it more. Sure enough, I sat down and felt like I was more comfortable with everything wrapped around me and driver focused. Hard to explain why I like it better when the 992 is so much of an upgrade.

I am planning to order one of these... tough to decide which one. I probably can't go wrong either way. Given that I had more fun in the 718 and it's cheaper, that's where I'm leaning. But there is certainly the attraction of getting the "iconic" 911 instead. Two or three years from now when I have gotten used to the 718, I don't want to be wishing for the 911.. that can get even more expensive.

 

I have loved 911s since I bought my first one in 1969. But when the Boxster came along I was hooked on mid-engine Porsches (2 987s and 3 981s). I love 911s but I enjoy driving a mid-engine Porsche more. Looking forward to my Cayman 718 T. It will be just right for the hills west of Menlo Park, California.

 

I have loved 911s since I bought my first one in 1969. But when the Boxster came along I was hooked on mid-engine Porsches (2 987s and 3 981s). I love 911s but I enjoy driving a mid-engine Porsche more. Looking forward to my Cayman 718 T. It will be just right for the hills west of Menlo Park, California.

The Cayman T is exactly the one I would be interested in. I hope the 20mm drop isn't too much for our roads.

 

Why are Porsche dealers telling me that most people who buy a Cayman eventually want to upgrade to a 911? Is it a "prestige" thing or is it due to better practicality or performance or what? The 718 and 911 (992) seem like such different cars to me.

 

Its because the 718 is the entry level sports car in the lineup and is many times how people dip their toe into the Porsche water. So if you enjoy the 718 and love the Porsche ownership experience, chances are you may want to eventually move on to the more powerful, higher performance, more luxurious, and more expensive model in the lineup.

 

All cynicism aside, this allows the dealer profit from selling two cars, and sometimes the resale of the first car.

 

Well I'm deciding between a 718 and a 992. Maybe they're being honest and telling me to buy the car that I am more likely to hang on to. Or maybe it's better for them to sell 911's.

 

Well I'm deciding between a 718 and a 992. Maybe they're being honest and telling me to buy the car that I am more likely to hang on to. Or maybe it's better for them to sell 911's.

I recently drove a 992 on the track at a PEC event. It's a heavy car and rides like one. When I purchase a 911, it will be one of the prior generations. If you want a light, nimble car that will put smiles on your face, the Cayman is the one.

 

From spending a day with each of these (a 718 and a 992) I completely agree. The 718 has handling and a tactile feel that the 992 seems to be missing. The 992 is still good though and I might end up with it despite the additional cost and weight because... back seats.. But there is no question which one is more fun to drive.

 

I was completely set on a 992 until I drove one. I was coming from an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. I test drove a 991 TT and 992 C4S. You can see my comparison of the three here - not a popular opinion to have on Rennlist: 992 vs. 991 vs. Quadrifoglio - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

I then drove a 718 Cayman GTS not expecting much, but it really surprised me. Way more fun than the 992. Also more fun than the 991 TT, though the sheer power and raw feel of the 991 TT was addictive in its own right and I’d have been happy with it.

If I had to pick my perfect car it would be a mid-engine Quadrifoglio with the power of a Turbo S and handling ability of a 718. I guess that’s a Ferrari [emoji23]

 

I agree with @Chris NZ on this. I think when you get beyond this analysis, you get into more subtle distinctions. As many of us are "young at heart" older folks, we have to ask ourselves such questions as, "Can I get in and out of the little car?"; "Are my teeth secured enough to experience Sport mode on questionably maintained roads?"; "Is my heart healthy enough, and my intestines strong enough, to properly accelerate through turns?"; "Will my significant other have me committed for becoming addicted to HPDEs?" There are probably a host of other questions, but I just can't remember what they may be.

 

I've had conversations with a few folks at HPDE's who originally had 718, but now own 911's. They are keenly aware of the reasons why many of us don't plan on "upgrading" to the 911...one of which is how often we become increasingly larger objects in their mirrors .

 

Listen - the 718 is a TRUE sports car. No it’s not easy to get out of (and it shouldn’t be). No back seat - love it. Lol.
The 911 is a sports luxury car. All I know if I want to take a corner as and keep going the 718 is my choice.