I owned a wonderful red 981 Boxster S extremely well-equipped. I now own a yellow 718 cayman S, without sport chrono, damned! I had the feeling the 981S was a little beast (mostly thanks to the exceptionally good sound). I now own an actual little monster that is really fast. My view...

 

I owned a wonderful red 981 Boxster S extremely well-equipped. I now own a yellow 718 cayman S, without sport chrono, damned! I had the feeling the 981S was a little beast (mostly thanks to the exceptionally good sound). I now own an actual little monster that is really fast. My view...

So...... That's one vote for the 718

 

First: I am a man, I know it is my choice. But, I am curious to hear from anyone their opinion on why to buy 718 S/GTS over the 981 S/GTS. Especially those of you who came from a 981 and what your experience is with 718 over the 981. Pros/Cons etc. I drove a pre-owned 781 S last week, as of yet not a 981. Stupid dealer road shot gun and talked my ear off, could not enjoy it, though it was a fine ride. First world problem here: I am flummoxed daily, back and forth with one to get. Your input is highly valued and yes I know this has been discussed to death. Humor me. Please.


----------------------------------
Owner of '17 BMW M2

If it were me, I'd first ask myself how highly do I prize low end torque. If it's at or near the top of my list of wishes (eg, based on the type of driving I do) then I'd focus on a 718. On the other hand, if I was somewhat indifferent to the low-end torque advantage in the 718, I'd let the comparative value of the specific deals guide me. That is, I'd go with the car that offered the most bang for the buck based on option lists, price, and remaining warranty (if any.) It's likely this tradeoff would point to a 981 for comparably equipped cars. By the way, I've owned both and would be happy to buy either again.

 

6 of one and 1/2 dozen of the other.... The GTS 981 is a great car, I was in your position in deciding on a 16 GTS or a 17 S. Get the one makes the hairs stand up on your neck!

After much debate, double and triple checking, asking everyone I knew and finally sitting down with the service manager at my local porsche dealer (not where I bought my car from) where he gave me his unbiased opinion. He explained that in his Porsche career of 30+ years, countless Porsche track day training events and real world experiences... The 718 S was superior in every way and will run circles around the previous generation GTS. That was my nail in the coffin for me and I settled on the 718. Sometimes I look at that 16 GTS (still for sale a year later) and wonder if I made the right choice? But... it's STILL for sale! That has to be an indication of something?

 

6 of one and 1/2 dozen of the other.... The GTS 981 is a great car, I was in your position in deciding on a 16 GTS or a 17 S. Get the one makes the hairs stand up on your neck!

After much debate, double and triple checking, asking everyone I knew and finally sitting down with the service manager at my local porsche dealer (not where I bought my car from) where he gave me his unbiased opinion. He explained that in his Porsche career of 30+ years, countless Porsche track day training events and real world experiences... The 718 S was superior in every way and will run circles around the previous generation GTS. That was my nail in the coffin for me and I settled on the 718. Sometimes I look at that 16 GTS (still for sale a year later) and wonder if I made the right choice? But... it's STILL for sale! That has to be an indication of something?

That was an awesome response. Thanks 59/41 split towards the 718. The exhaust of the 981 is just unbelievable. But i was pleasantly pleased by the 718 tone. Wasn't bad at all. I liked it.

 

I walked away from a MY16 911 Carrera 4. Same price, same mileage, non CPO (not that it mattered for a 911). The performance difference over the NA6 in the low end is astounding. I came from a NA V8 Mustang GT and I knew that for a daily driver you need the low end torque. At 6k rpm the NA6 is a beast that will lead you to the judge in short order... all the while trying to catch up with the F4T...

Is there a question for the new 911 Carrera Twin Turbo? Porsche is sticking to the NA6 in the GT3 for homologation reasons. Once they eclipse, twin turbo they will be...

 

When I was browsing for A Porsche, I of course considered a 981.
A few things made me lean toward the 718.

• I prefer the way the 718 look.
• Daily driving so a better fuel economie is a + for the 718.
• The warranty coming with a new car.
• picking all the options I wanted.

To me in that particular case performence was not really in question between the two, because even if the 718 is objectively better in that area, the 981 is still a frikin great Porsche sport car with lot of fun to be had.

.... For most people the low end torque diference, as said above, might be a lot more relevant : )

Cant go wrong with either I d say.

glad I could help.

 

When I was browsing for A Porsche, I of course considered a 981.
A few things made me lean toward the 718.

• I prefer the way the 718 look.
• Daily driving so a better fuel economie is a + for the 718.
• The warranty coming with a new car.
• picking all the options I wanted.

To me in that particular case performence was not really in question between the two, because even if the 718 is objectively better in that area, the 981 is still a frikin great Porsche sport car with lot of fun to be had.

.... For most people the low end torque diference, as said above, might be a lot more relevant : )

Cant go wrong with either I d say.

glad I could help.

And help you did.

 

Flat 4 all day - 718 CGTS here. The torque is a major difference. Unless you want to drive around in 2nd gear at 5K rpm all day.

 

I've never driven the 6 but yow the 718's F4 has some serious punch. Also the styling is better, IMO. It's a personal thing but I really like the air scoop on the 718. Never liked the higher small scoop.

 

I wanted the faster, better handling, superior steering feel of the 718. Hence my decision.

 

I test drove a 718BS and a 981BS back to back. I got the 718BS for a few reasons:
1. It usually best to get the newest car you can get. 2017 with 14 miles vs 2016 with 46k miles.
2. Everyone talk about the sound and they are right, the 981 does sound better than the 718 especially in the beginning. Now that I have 40k miles (and no PSE), I’m actually enjoying the sound.
3.Both handle like beasts but I felt like the 718 was on rails.Much more planted, and I don’t have PASM either.
4. 718BS looks better than 981BS
5. 718BS is more rare

At the end, it is your choice. I have no regrets. There are only two cars I would trade mine for are either 911 Targa or a 718 Spyder.

 

Let’s be objective here... The 718:

1) is newer
2) looks better
3) handles better
4) has upgraded mechanicals across the board
5) feels, and is, much more powerful. Can tear rear end loose at low speeds very easily.
6) has more interesting/unique exhaust sounds. Get ready for bystanders to be impressed.

If we’re saying more cylinders is cooler for some reason other than more power, then that certainly starts at eight cylinders, not six, and really probably starts at no less than ten. Would you want a six cylinder Ferrari?

 

Would you want a six cylinder Ferrari?

You mean like some fake Ferrari? Like a Dino? Yeah, I could live with that. LOL

 

I just went through the same exercise recently and landed on a 2017 S with Sport Chrono and am happy with the purchase for these reasons.

-Performance, I plan to autocross and track it.
-Styling (subjective)
-Interior(subjective)
-Driveability around town
-Newer car with a significant amount of warranty left. (this is a big deal for most)

Most will say the 718 is a better car in pretty much all areas but sound. With that said, I have heard nothing but good things about the 981 cars.

Personally I love torque.... Another thing to keep in mind is the 981 cars need to be wound out in order to make power, and with that, you will be making that glorious noise any time you want that forward thrust... that is good and bad. You will be bringing attention to yourself every time you want the car to have some fun. I drive a winding country road several days a week when going to work. There are enough houses that over a few weeks of doing that, some may be calling the police and soon enough it could turn into a problem.

The 718 gives you that fun thrust almost always with little drama from 2000-4000 rpm. So just leaving a light, or after turning onto a street with a bit of right pedal and its a hoot without bringing attention to yourself. Turn off the PSE and there is even less drama. You can still let her rip up to 7500 RPM any time its appropriate, but its not needed to have fun in the 718.

Im not discounting the sweet song of the 981 cars, its emotion stirring for sure and if that is more import, find a good car and go for it! For me, the other benefits outweighed the sound.

 

I came from a 981CGTS, I now own a 718CGTS. I miss the N/A engine, both the instant response and soundtrack. However, everything else about the 718 is superior, aesthetics and otherwise. It's still a tough trade-off but in the end I prefer the 718. Good luck with your decision.

edit: the only other car I still ponder about is the 991 GT3... maybe next year

2nd edit: Aside from the exhaust note and throttle response, I literally can't think of any other reason I'd prefer my older GTS to the beauty parked downstairs. So, I feel it really boils down to your engine preference.

 

The 718 has less instant response? I would think that the turbo being high torque at 1950 RPM, it would be pretty instantaneous. Also, are you speaking to 2.0 or 2.5 VTG? If there is any hint of lag, I imagine the VTG would reduce that very well.

 

I will offer up a different aspect to what is already mentioned above, and I can't offer much as I never owned a 981.

Both are pre-owned so for me, it would also be the options and specification that would play a part. I am one of those that I would rather have a bit of a slower car but one that ticks all the boxes on spec than a fast one that doesn't. Put another way, most of the time the car sits in the driveway/garage and I'd hate to sacrifice speed/sound etc for a spec that doesn't do it for me. I was in the same boat last year and in the end I did a custom order for the reasons I mentioned.

I see you live in Germany so you are fortunate that you can utilise the power. However, having lived in Germany for 3 years, once I reached V-Max, it was over. At the end of the day, it's how the car you looking to buy makes you feel.

As noted, the 718 is newer in tech and refreshed but having followed a 981 the other day, it still looks good IMHO.

Hope this makes sense and is of some help.

Good luck!

P

 

I had a 986, sold for a 987, sold expecting a 981, but drove a 718S as a loaner for our Macan whilst doing a service. And this is the result...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I had a 986, sold for a 987, sold expecting a 981, but drove a 718S as a loaner for our Macan whilst doing a service. And this is the result...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Those dang service loaners do it every time! That’s how we ended up with a Macan.

 

@gbsjake: only you can decide. Given the cost of either 981 or 718, you must test drive both. Politely tell the salesman to keep quiet so you can experience the totality of the car (or better yet, drive them without a salesman)

 

Yeah,,,, having the sales person hop in when I was about to take off and anticipate finally the drive I've been waiting for was like my kid brother accompanying my first date with the hot blond.

 

It helps to keep the revs up in both the T4 and F6. In my 718, I try to stay above 3000. On my 987, I aim closer to 3750, maybe 4000.

To be blunt, I see a lot of P car owners short shifting and down under 2000 in the rev range. A real performance killer, might as well get an econobox. Many of the guys I have seen that complain about turbo lag are a couple rpms from lugging the engine. Not only do they not know how to drive a turbo, but probably not much about driving anyway. WTF, this is the crap you have to put up with when half the owners of a car you like are fashionistas.

Worst part of owning a Porsche is the people. Did I say “ It’s not just the cars, it’s the people”. Cuts both ways, LOL.

 

I considered a CPO 981 GTS prior to getting my base 718. Believe it or not, I feel like my 2.0t has more usable power and sounds just as great. I couldn’t justify driving around town at 5krpm to hear the flat six sing. And honestly I felt like the 981 GTS was somewhat lifeless in normal rpm ranges. I will probably succumb and get an APR tune on it to have even more fun.

 

• I've said it before and I'll say it again. 'Tain't no throttle lag in the turbo 4. There is what you might call rpm lag. Below 2000rpm no sportscar engine has ever had much punch. From a standstill a MT driver can rev up then drop the clutch. Doing that lets you feel the angular momentum transfer from flywheel to drive train. It makes it feel like it has more torque than it does. A PDK driver can't anticipate a start like that as easily but the launch takes less time. Throttle lag? File that away in the misinterpretation cabinet then lock it and lose the key.

 

Having owned both a 981 (2014) and a 982 (2018) I can offer this based solely on my personal experiences and opinions. Note the 982 is fully optioned while the 981 is not. Both are 6MT.

• The 982 is better looking (however the spouse prefers the look of the front of the 981).
• Interiors are very similar. The 982 has full leather which I like more but which of course I paid a premium for it.
• Driving the "twisty back roads" feels better in the 982 perhaps because it has the PASM and PTV systems. The steering also feels better on the 982.
• The 982 is superior around town due to the low-end torque but the 981 is not a slouch.
• The high rev "wail" of the 981 is great on the rare occasions when it can be done but both cars sound nice around town and on the highway.
• I have never experienced "turbo lag" in the 982. Never. But I also keep the car in the appropriate gear.
• The 981 was purchased one-owner CPO. The 982 was special ordered with every option I wanted (a fun but expensive experience!).
• Warranty, either CPO or new, is important to consider.

On the salesperson accompanying you, take along your significant other as your co-pilot. Maybe the insurance, liability, and so forth regulations are different where you live and the salesperson is required to be in the car but my spouse and I never were told we could not both be in the car when doing a test drive in a Cayman or Boxster. Funny story, way back in 1986 when we were purchasing a 944, I got into the driver's seat and my spouse immediately got into the passenger seat. The salesperson, a heavy-set guy, indicated he needed to come with us. My spouse got out, moved the seat, and motioned for him to get into the back. He declined and said "be careful" (the back seat in a 944 is virtually uninhabitable for an adult).

 

My sales guy jumped in for my test drive but I barely remember him being there, although he did make suggestions on route. Part of that route was getting on the freeway where I was shocked that just getting on the interstate rocketed me to nearly 80 in a 55 mph zone. Most of the time he was trying to show me how to create favorites on the radio, which was nice, but I have yet to do so in my car. With a year under my belt and almost 6K miles, I've listened to the music I've saved in the Jukebox for about a total of 10-15 minutes (spread out). Maybe part of the reason is that PSE was standard on the 2019 and I always run in Sport, or that Carmen the Cayman is a toy to use on twisty country roads and I'm more interested in hearing her sing than Eric Clapton's tribute album to Robert Johnson (however heretical that may seem). At my 2-year maintenance, I'm going to have them put in a BMC filter to add to the current symphony of non-Sounddoktor sounds.

 

I can't help but feel that most of the posts above assume "all else being equal," that is assuming both cars can be had for the same price comparably equipped. That may be nearly the case in 2020 when comparing a 2016 981 with a 2017 982, but not necessarily otherwise. That is, one may lean toward a 2017 982 over a 2016 981 when the difference in price is just a few thousand dollars, but the same person can reasonably lean the other way when comparing a 2020 with the same 2016 if the price difference becomes substantial.

Likewise, a well-optioned 981 may be a better value proposition than a lesser equipped 982 (even if the same price) despite any performance differences, particularly if its intended purpose is simply to drive to and from the office.

My point is I think the value proposition of each deal has to be compared since "all else" is never equal!

 

I just love how Porsche owners wax poetically, sometimes about nothing at all. It is almost as if their cars make them beam with joy. A natural drug of sorts. Having been a BMW fan for almost twenty years, I a finding there is not much to them anymore. I must get a Boxster.

 

My sales guy just gave me the keys of a cayman they had and told me to go out for an hour with it.
I feel lucky now.

 

My sales guy just gave me the keys of a cayman they had and told me to go out for an hour with it.
I feel lucky now.

Our SA was good. He went out with me first and was really there just to answer questions & suggest routes, since the dealer is a long ways from where we live and we don't know the area. He then went out with my wife. I knew it was golden - and he knew we were hooked - when she came back with the biggest smile I've ever seen. He then handed us the keys & said go enjoy! We demoed 2 different cars that day, a base & an S, one with PDK & one 6speed.
They had some used Caymans on the lot, all pre-718, but we did not demo any of them. We knew the T4 was where we were going. Neither of us is indoctrinated into the F6 cult so that made it easy. BTW, our local Porsche mechanic & friend took it out for a drive after doing our first oil change and remarked something like "that doesn't sound that bad!" He's acclimated to Porsches, Ferraris, etc so I took this as a sign of approval! FWIW!

 

If cost isn't a problem don't even consider a 981 over a 718. That low end torque is amazing every time you start off while on the 981 you don't feel it until 5 or 6 thousand RPM. You just don't get to that RPM very often so the car feels like any normal car. The handling is also much better in the 718. Only one thing that some say that makes the 981 better is the sound (which you don't hear until very high RPM's. I like the sound of the 718. But if sound is that important get a scooter trombone combo and save a lot of money.

 

Everyday Driver did a "Cayman Generations" episode, where they did back to back comparisons with a 987, 981, and 718. I thought it was pretty interesting.

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/everydaydriverseason4/

 

If you were to delete the word ‘interesting’ (the worlds worst word ) what would you put in its place . . . .?