[ENGNR1]

I'm right now comparing two builds,

- one a 718 Boxster S with PDK
- the other an identically-configured (color, options, etc.) 718 Boxster (base model) with PDK and Sport Chrono.

I have not driven a base PDK model with SC (only have driven a base PDK/no SC and an S with PDK+SC). But apparently Car and Driver loved the 718 Cayman base PDK with SC. The main reason I am comparing the two is the MSRP price-point of an S model with just about any combination of "daily driver" options (which I need) and a couple aesthetic goodies is going to be $82-83k. For a base with SC, it will be about $73-74k with the sport tips and larger fuel tank along with the same options.

The manual 6-speed is not under consideration at this point for a variety of reasons, although there is definitely a cost savings there.

My question for all of you 718ers - is the Base with PDK + SC a worthwhile alternative to the S model for $8k or so less? (Note I am comparing against the S without SC.)

Thanks,
ENGNR1

 

[Winston]

I would get the S. I think you can add SC later. That S engine is very, very nice but the base engine could be tuned to S performance if you're not happy with the power. It's a tough choice.

 

[Matt]

Quick personal input:
The non-S version is more compliant and usable while still retaining 100% of that sporty DNA.
That being said, I come from non sport car ownership history and 300bhp is all I need on this planet to enjoy myself.
If you have experience with other sports cars you'll prowly want the extra edge that the S offers.

Another point to consider, will you drive on circuit ? will you exploit the full potential of the car ?
If the answer is yes then no doubt you'll want the S, otherwise the std + SC will be more than enough.

When I signed for my 718, I had the cash to buy the S with SC and PDK but I prefered the non-S anyway and added a few more comfort options.
Again this is entirely my personal preference.
Peace

 

[agent 86]

You only mention daily driver, so I don't know if you are a track kind of guy. However, when you mention Sport Chrono or "S", as your choices it sounds like you may be leaning toward a "racy" experience. To me "S" is power and speed, and Sport Chrono is performance oriented with cool gadgetry.

If you don't plan on going to the track, the base with sport chrono at the lower price is probably the way to go. You may also want to add PASM, and sport exhaust for a more sporting character when you want to play a little.

Good luck!

 

[Shark]

Someone should get a poll on here asking if the 718 is your daily driver or not, that would provide some interesting insight on what people are doing here. From my experience a lot of Boxster/Cayman owners have done it. Numerous of times i've seen these driven around in winter weather conditions!

 

[718BS]

I went for the 718 Boxster S AND SC (no NAV to pay for it).

It is a wild beast wanting to let out the 350HP!

 

[RussellHodgson]

I think the sports chrono is a must on manual cars. Having the sport mode makes it much easier to drive the car quickly on the street. The normal mode is fine for puttering around slowly. The sport modes makes the throttle a bit more responsive and holds it for a moment during shifts to make everything smoother. The sport plus mode take it to another level, which you don't need unless on a track. But if you didn't have the sports chrono option you wouldn't have the Sport mode, which would take away some on the fun on regular spirited road driving.

 

[Xztau]

How is sport mode with sports chrono (sport setting on the wheel selector) different from the sport mode selected with the button on the center console? I think they are the same, and that the only additional settings the sport chrono package gives you are Sport+ and Individual and the automatic throttle blip on downshifts. If you select sport chrono, the sport button on the console goes away. I have a Cayman S manual on order and decided against sport chrono since I won't track it (no need for Sport+) and that Individual setting doesn't make it worth the extra money (plus, I can blip the throttle myself, thank you very much).

 

[photonscience]

Mid-Engine Miraculous - 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster & Cayman

 

[ritchieg]

I'm right now comparing two builds,

- one a 718 Boxster S with PDK
- the other an identically-configured (color, options, etc.) 718 Boxster (base model) with PDK and Sport Chrono.

I have not driven a base PDK model with SC (only have driven a base PDK/no SC and an S with PDK+SC). But apparently Car and Driver loved the 718 Cayman base PDK with SC. The main reason I am comparing the two is the MSRP price-point of an S model with just about any combination of "daily driver" options (which I need) and a couple aesthetic goodies is going to be $82-83k. For a base with SC, it will be about $73-74k with the sport tips and larger fuel tank along with the same options.

The manual 6-speed is not under consideration at this point for a variety of reasons, although there is definitely a cost savings there.

My question for all of you 718ers - is the Base with PDK + SC a worthwhile alternative to the S model for $8k or so less? (Note I am comparing against the S without SC.)

Thanks,
ENGNR1

I bought the Base because I do not track or race my car. The only difference is the extra acceleration and top speed on the S. When you look at the numbers the 718 Base has about the same performance as the 981 S. I use mine as a daily driver and it is a thrill to feel the low RPM acceleration when driving around town. I wanted the extra items instead of performance for my driving. Which ever way you go you will be amazed at how the car accelerates and handles. Just a factor of money as to which one you buy unless you want to race it.

 

[Fliz]

I drove a base and S back to back today. Though both were MT and the S was a cayman.

Sure, the S felt slightly quicker, especially in 30-50 mph passing-like accel. But, I found that the base was plenty quick for my use (daily driver, weekend fun, NO track/race).

The performance difference, while noticeable, was not the biggest thing that struck me though. Instead, it was that the S just had a different character. To me it felt edgier and rowdier compared to the base. More of a muscle car feel which resonated with me since my current car is an M3. Having said that... I'm leaning toward the base because then I can afford a few more goodies like PASM and bigger wheels.

Your best bet of course is to drive both options you're looking at and then decide.

Have fun!

 

[Lurker]

That's essentially what it boils down to. What you're happy with, and what you can do without and maybe even substitute in. A lot of people will just go for the S because well.. it's not a base. That's just chasing the ego if it really isn't a justifiable difference to you.

 

[GregW]

I've been a manual driver for the last (ahem) 45 years. I just bought a base Boxster with PDK (no SC) just 'cause I was getting tired of shifting ALL the time and slipping the clutch in slow traffic (which is getting much too common). The PDK offered me plain Drive, Sport mode, and two manual modes--stick and paddle--all with no clutch work.

I discovered that I had forgotten how to drive an auto--I don't need to rev up, then gentle on the clutch until first gear is fully engaged, then accelerate--I can give it some gas right away. This works well and the PDK shifts seamlessly whether in auto or manual mode (without gas pedal modulation!) and greater acceleration is fine with no "turbo lag" and only occasional "downshift lag" if I really put my foot down.

If you don't need the Sport Chrono consider whether you want to spend on it.

Greg
p.s.--I'm also chose the 18" wheels and no PASM to get a more compliant, quieter ride and the ability to go over the all-to-frequent road humps and drain channels without dragging.

 

[Fliz]

p.s.--I'm also chose the 18" wheels and no PASM to get a more compliant, quieter ride and the ability to go over the all-to-frequent road humps and drain channels without dragging.

I thought the PASM was actually more compliant in "Normal" mode than a non-PASM car?

From the Porsche site re PASM on the Boxster: "The results are tangible: increased driving stability, improved comfort and enhanced performance."

It does lower the car though so the drain channels could be more problematic.

 

[porschenoob]

I'm pretty sold in getting the base + sport chrono. I'm not expecting it to be faster than the S, but I would rather have less power so I can have more fun in the streets without getting into serious trouble. My reasoning for getting the sport chrono is:
1. Launch control (never had a car with this. I figure it'll be fun for a bit)
2. Sport Response button. (I know this is kind of a gimmick, but it's a fun feature that makes me feel like I have NOS haha).

 

[4802]

I thought the PASM was actually more compliant in "Normal" mode than a non-PASM car?

It is more compliant & not by a small margin either. Some of the roads where I live are pretty poor & although suspension on all Porsches is amongst the best, the ride still remains hard & slightly uncomfortable in a none PASM equipped vehicle if you opt for large wheels. That's not the case when PASM is specified & is the reason I've had it on all 3 Porsche's I've owned. I only ever use the normal setting as sport is again just a bit too hard (fine on track or a smooth road but we don't have many of the latter). Even with normal selected though it doesn't simply remain soft, but firms up if required. PASM shocks continually adjust damping rates & adapt to both driving style & road conditions. Sensors at each wheel continually send data to the ECU which adjusts each shocks fluid levels via a bypass valve to firm up or soften the ride. Selecting Normal or Sport merely provides a bias one way or the other between comfort or firm. In either mode the suspension will adjust if required.

 

[4802]

I'm pretty sold in getting the base + sport chrono. I'm not expecting it to be faster than the S, but I would rather have less power so I can have more fun in the streets without getting into serious trouble. My reasoning for getting the sport chrono is:
1. Launch control (never had a car with this. I figure it'll be fun for a bit)
2. Sport Response button. (I know this is kind of a gimmick, but it's a fun feature that makes me feel like I have NOS haha).

I suspect you'll still find it easy to get in serious trouble in a base model if you use that Sport response button too often. On my Boxster S it's absolutely nuts & in the blink of an eye you can end up going way too fast. Keep a very sharp eye on that speedo if you value your licence. As for launch control that's kind of more of the same & then some. In over four & a half years of ownership of my 981 I only used it twice & these cars are considerably faster (finding somewhere suitable isn't particularly easy around here). As such I haven't yet been tempted to try it in my 718 & I'll wait until I can find somewhere well away from public roads & with a nice long straight before I do. Just make sure you've got plenty of room when you first decide to give it a try.

 

[Nlongfellow]

Can you add Sport Chrono at the dealership after build on the 718?

 

[Black718]

I haven't found any use for the Sport Response Button on my 718 S. Porsche claims that it helps in overtaking situations, but I've found that if I just floor the gas I have more than enough power to overtake. I can floor the gas and the turbo can spool faster than I can find the button, push the button, and floor the gas. I played with it since the car came with it, but I've found no real-world use for it.

In addition, dynamic transmission mounts are part of the sport chrono package.

 

[4802]

I haven't found any use for the Sport Response Button on my 718 S. Porsche claims that it helps in overtaking situations, but I've found that if I just floor the gas I have more than enough power to overtake. I can floor the gas and the turbo can spool faster than I can find the button, push the button, and floor the gas. I played with it since the car came with it, but I've found no real-world use for it.

In addition, dynamic transmission mounts are part of the sport chrono package.

It has to be said that the button would probably have been better mounted a little higher up on the wheel as it doesn't fall naturally to hand. What I do (or used to do) is press it just before I could see an overtaking opportunity about to arise as it provides a 20 second boost. But you're quite right in that it isn't actually necessary as there is more than ample power to overtake in any case, especially if you're in Sport mode. There's no doubt that it does provide a boost but I normally ended up going way too fast whenever I used it.