[Protohuman]

Which recent or current Porsche is the most fun for the street? Why?

Thinking about replacing my aging E90 N54 (extensively but sensibility modded) and have realized that it’s a really fun, if imperfect car. Would be depressed to get a “better“ but less fun car. I don’t care about heritage or brand image.

 

[ArchiProf]

I had a 2012 BMW E92 with 6MT but with the N55 engine and no drivetrain mods. I bought it new and traded it in on the 2014 Cayman. I enjoyed it but it was not anywhere close to my 2014 981 or 2018 982 Cayman in terms of overall driving fun.

Below are some detailed reviews of the 718 Cayman and Boxster which may be of help.

 

[JazzCatGab]

I think you could do a search here on "DD" and find more info than you may want. There are a lot of people using these cars for DD here. Generally, I think you will find those who don't DD exclusively use their cars on the track or as a toy on the roads less traveled, like I do. The DD folks seem to enjoy having a car that is fun at any speed and has the low-end torque (in the turbo 4 models) that adds to that fun. They like zooming around round-a-bouts and corners or having the ability to zoom past most anyone on the expressways. Personally, every time I get into my base Cayman, I feel I'm getting into a car that encourages you to drive, and to think about driving.

 

[Naptown]

My personal favorite is my base 718 Cayman PDK for DD use. Compared with 911 GT3, 982 Cayman 6MT, and Carrera S PDK. In slow traffic I find MTs less than useful and not fun.

 

[718Niko]

Yup, DD my 718 Base Cayman PDK as well. 10 month in and I am still stupidly giggling when putting the foot down on a quiet country road. I really do.

 

[purekoryo]

Just recently picked up GTS manual. I find myself looking for every excuse to drive my car. I've owned many many fast, fun and slow cars and I would put this car in the top 3 most fun car. I would say my old evo ix was most fun and then my GTS. As an overall package fun car, GTS #1.

I was in the same boat as you. Here's my thread you might be interested in.

Current RS3 Owner cross shopping...

Hello all! I own a 2018 RS3 with stage 2+ tune and bolt on's (intake and downpipe) making around 620hp. I have many many suspension and chassis mods, but yet I am still not satisfied and seriously considering trading in the car. This car is ridiculously fast (2.8 sec. 0-60 & 10.5 sec down the...

www.718forum.com

 

[GregW]

I'm 2½ years into my base Boxster and often go for drives just for fun.
Whether the Porsche 718 is for you?--that's what test drives are for.

 

[catcayman]

I was always dreaming to have more power in the past. But, once I get 718 Base Cayman, I strongly realized low power high response naturally aspirated engine is much more fun to drive. Fun to drive No.1 to me is Toyota 86 manual transmission. I own two car: 718 Base Cayman and Toyota 86. Handling, shift feel, crutch feel, sound, ride, power, acceleration and connection to the car, 718 Porsche is much better. However, low power high response naturally aspirated engine mounted Toyota 86 is much much more fun to drive.

 

[Viffermike]

OP, first: welcome!

Now: Before my current 718 Cayman 2.0, which is my DD, I had a lightly modded BMW 228i with the M Sport package and ZHP 'Track Pack' option -- basically an M235i without the N55 six. The N20 still put out about 260HP.

There is zero comparison. The 718 is leap years beyond the 2 Series in every conceivable way except for the lack of a back seat and storage space -- and the 718 actually has quite a bit of the latter. (I get a kick out of putting groceries in the front of the car, hehe.)

The 718 is actually leap years ahead of any other car I've ever owned. The only one that would be remotely comparable as a driving tool would be an '06 Mini Cooper with some substantial mods.

 

[2018c718gts]

Similar to you, and just like a poster above, I owned a modified 2013 BMW 335i. That thing was wicked fast. However I only really revved it out once in a while as there’s not a ton of wide open straights here in PA. It handled pretty good, but not on the level that my new Porsche does. Nowhere near the level of confidence on the twisty turnys and sudden braking abilities. But lots of power.

I will personally vote for a base engine 718 as the most fun per dollar Porsche. Granted I haven’t driven GT3s and such, but I know what more power, bigger, heavier will do to the experience. Especially in a MT, the base 2.0 engine will make you work a little harder to be in the right gear, rpm range to give you a rewarding back road experience. Faster cars don’t care what gear you’re in nearly as much because the power is everywhere. That sounds cool to some, but overall makes the experience less engaging.
For me, the S/GTS trim is just right at or slightly over the precipice. I’d have been fine at a base if the money was a bigger concern. YMMV.

 

[antennahead]

I'll echo what Mike and 2018c718gts said. My previous car was a Z4 M Roadster with the infamous S54 engine. Based on my "butt dyno" only, my 6MT 718B "feels" faster. According to the 0-60 times C&D got for the base 718, the two cars should be very similar. I think the higher torque value of the 718, as well as the broader/flatter curve, contributes to my butt dyno experience ? As a daily driver, I don't think you'll feel underpowered at all. More power is always cool, but there is something to be said about being able to wring out what you've got ........ and even that is hard with the base, as it's still a jack rabbit in my opinion. Also, "if" you want more power down the road, APR is showing some impressive numbers with their tune, check out that thread for more info.

 

[jimmuller]

I can't offer a fun-for-fun comparison because I've driven only my base engine. What I can say is it doesn't need any more for my daily use. I get an opportunity to put my foot down maybe once every month or so, almost never from a standstill. When I do drop the hammer, usually coming off a slightly uphill entrance ramp, it gets going real fast real fast. Too fast to keep it there for more than a few seconds. Had I spent any more for the S or the GTS or a lighter T I wouldn't be able to use the extra oomph any more than I do now.

 

[DriveInHouston]

I can't offer a fun-for-fun comparison because I've driven only my base engine. What I can say is it doesn't need any more for my daily use. I get an opportunity to put my foot down maybe once every month or so, almost never from a standstill. When I do drop the hammer, usually coming off a slightly uphill entrance ramp, it gets going real fast real fast. Too fast to keep it there for more than a few seconds. Had I spent any more for the S or the GTS or a lighter T I wouldn't be able to use the extra oomph any more than I do now.

It is a special feeling when you gird your loins, tighten the grip on the wheel and mash the gas pedal for a double (triple?) shift kickdown on the PDK and ride the snarling rocketship that the 718 becomes.

 

[dreamer]

As much fun as I have with my CS w/MT, if I were going to daily, I would probably go PDK. Base or S doesn’t matter.

 

[aeronca65tl]

After looking at various choices, I ordered a base-model 2018 PDK Cayman in late 2017. Now, two years and 10,000 miles later I can honestly say the thing is a hoot to drive.
Frankly, unless it's really, really important to you to spend an extra $15K to knock a half second off the 0-60 times, the 2.0T is the way to do. It's actually sort of a bargain compared to all the other Porsche sports cars. And despite the fact that the 2.0T is slower than other versions, it is by far the fastest car I have ever owned.
I wasn't sure I'd like the PDK but I am now quite pleased with it. Also, my wife can't drive a stick so if we go on longer trips, the PDK allows her to share the driving
I have four street-legal, classic British sports cars (all manual trans) plus a GMC truck.
To some extend ALL my vehicle have positive characteristics. There are times when I'm in the mood to drive my truck and there are times when I love driving my 948 cc MG Midget (35 horsepower).
But no matter what mood I'm in, I'm always happy to drive the Cayman.

 

[Mrrippry]

DD my 718BS here in NJ and nothing but smiles every day. 38k miles and have seen it all, rain, snow, sunshine. Had the top down yesterday as it was 50 degrees. Nothing like sliding the back around town. Truly a blast but I can’t wait to put my 20” summers on. Now that’s grip and fun!!!