[Boxdur-S]

I have to admit I haven't owned a 6 cylinder Boxster, but I have tested driven 2 of them. Some "purest" seem to really hate on the 4 cylinder and make fun of its sound. I actually think it sounds pretty good and I've heard others say the same.
I would be interested in hearing from others who have had both to know how they feel about the sound. Is it really that big of a deal?

 

[Fnumber1user]

Sound seems to be the 1 thing they focus on, but in the big scheme of things I guess it comes down to how important sound is to you as an individual.

I've driven base and S version 718's and neither were remotely offensive to me - hence why without hesitation when the right deal came along, a late 2019 (September) 2.5 F4T GTS CPO was chosen.

It is very tiring but ultimately I don't actually give a crap what anyone else thinks of MY car. They drive superbly, and my limits are way lower than those of the car.

Enjoy yours and don't worry what anyone else thinks...life's too short.

 

[DriveInHouston]

+1 What he said!

 

[ROFO]

Think AWE, Remove mufflers install track exhaust, turn on sport and enjoy. Not to loud just right.

 

[Semitone]

I currently own both. Not a big deal to me.

Lot of the whining is from people who have never owned a Porsche. I also think the Porsche brand attracts a superficial, status seeking crowd. A lot of people seeking status in their car...even if it is the "lowly" Cayman/Boxster. Forums and Youtube bring out some of the least informed. most opinionated people.

I have a friend who collects cars. Has about 40 cars. I once mentioned forums and he growled at me. I'll never make that mistake again

 

[don]

I agree the 4 cyl turbo sounds fine. A lot of people have bought 718s and I believe most people are happy with the sound.

If anything the 718 is a quieter car than the old 981 NA 6 which was a bit noisy for my liking during 'normal' driving. The 718 is probably a better daily and more comfortable car whilst cruising where I'd say the engine/exhaust noise is largely absent. Great for road trips where you really want to sit back and relax. Though, it still has a nice ring to it between 5000 - 7300 RPM.

Some people want to be able to hear the engine/exhaust all the time which is where the NA6 was better. I understand that but after a while I'd get a headache! I don't think I could bear to drive some of these noisy supercars for a whole day! Though they do sound good for a short time.

Not sure what the new GTS 4.0 will really sound like. So far the 718 GT4 sound has not been on par with the 981, probably due to the particulate filter but I think most NA 6 enthusiasts will be happy. We will see.

I think like myself the 718 has been of more interest to people coming from other turbo charged makes like Mercedes, Audi and BMW or even Subaru, or people who are after a more modern, comfortable or quieter sports car. Not necessarily one that has the nostalgia of the flat 6.

In the mean time 4 cyl turbo still has the advantage of the low RPM torque from ~ 2500 RPM which better in some situations and makes the car more drivable.

 

[vgj]

Funny story.

I was just driving home in my wife's car with the wife and 4 year-old in the back seats tonight. Saw a beautiful 718 GTS pull up next to me swiftly on my left, then pass me. Sounded very sexy. I immediately fell in love. With my curiosity piqued, I was in quick pursuit, lustfully examining every beautiful curve of it as I followed it home. Turns out it was one of my neighbors who lived down the street. But there's a twist! .......... I have the exact same car waiting for me in my garage at home. I have fallen in love all over again.

corollary: There is the occasional nice car that drives past my house , ferrari mclaren R8 etc... I can always hear them coming, so the geek in me like a puppy dog runs to the upstairs window (and I drag my son with me) just to check them out - to see what toys are cruising by (enthusiast in me finds joy in watching nice cars go by). It's been about 4 or 5 times now, but the same 718 always pulls by my house and of course, like a puppy dog, I go to the window to hear this dynamic concert of sound that passes by with its eerie treble combined with the low rumbling bass - very unique, hard to describe. Regardless, I love that sound. At least I know where he lives now, and I can properly introduce myself.

 

[fontana302]

I had a 981S with sports exhaust & now 718S with sports exhaust & sound actuator disabled.

I don't see any issue.... 718 miles ahead!

 

[Mr.Tennant]

I've had a 13 981B, 14 981CS, 17 718C and now a 718B, most of the people complaining about the sound probably wouldn't/can't buy the car in the first place regardless of the exhaust note. The fact is that 6 cylinders engines no longer make sense in the 300-400 horsepower range in the global market. The stricter emissions regulations make NA engines less viable and that China which is now a major player in the luxury car market has regulations on the actual displacement that's why you can get the massive Audi A7 in a 2 liter turbo. I love the pops and spool up noises even with the lag of the 718 2 liter.

 

[Chris NZ]

If anything the 718 is a quieter car than the old 981 NA 6 which was a bit noisy for my liking during 'normal' driving. The 718 is probably a better daily and more comfortable car whilst cruising where I'd say the engine/exhaust noise is largely absent.

Interesting observation, for me it was the other way around. When not pushing I find the NA6 quite quiet, but the F4T always seems to have the loudness button on. Maybe it was the Sound Aktuator?

 

[Malcolm E Cay]

I have owned every generation of Boxster.

I don't give a toss how it sounds.

My 718S is the fastest, best handling, most comfortable, most economical, best looking (in Miami Blue) of the lot.

It is also the most expensive

Those that know, just know.

Get out there and drive the thing, the smiles far outweigh any negativity about engine noise. and if the flat 6 didn't wail like it did nobody would bat an eyelid anyway.

 

[Boxdur-S]

Thanks for all of the replies. It is good to know I am not missing anything special not having the 6 cylinder / whaling exhaust. On another note, when I drive my car, I almost always have a 'boxster' story to tell my wife when get home. I've had little kids as well as old men stop in their tracks and stare / point to my car!

 

[HooosierDaddy]

I have owned every generation of Boxster.

I don't give a toss how it sounds.

My 718S is the fastest, best handling, most comfortable, most comfortable, best looking (in Miami Blue) of the lot.

It is also the most expensive

Those that know, just know.

Get out there and drive the thing, the smiles far outweigh any negativity about engine noise. and if the flat 6 didn't wail like it did nobody would bat an eyelid anyway.

sarcastic comment:
Would be like us Miami Blue owners looking down on other 718’s because they are in an inferior color. What was Porsche thinking neutering the car like that, I mean the color makes the car and unless it is Miami Blue its not a real Porsche.

 

[ArchiProf]

Based on my ownership of two Caymans, a 2014 981 (2.7L, 6MT) and a 2018 982 (2.0L, 6MT), in my opinion the "sound issue" is no big deal. I disconnected the Soundaktor shortly after taking delivery of the 2018 Cayman primarily because I wanted to hear what I thought was a more natural sound in the cabin and my spouse felt the sound in Sport

was too "boomy" ​

while cruising on the interstate.

I agree with the others - drive and ENJOY your car! Great color choice by the way.

 

[RetXpres]

Totally agree with this post. I love the sound of my 2019 Base Boxster. Don’t see an issues at all. Love the burbs on the downshift.

 

[Zydi]

Liked the sound in my 718 CGTS. Like the sound of my new 718 GT4 even more. Never understood the hate toward the T4.

 

[Turki_GTS]

Liked the sound in my 718 CGTS. Like the sound of my new 718 GT4 even more. Never understood the hate toward the T4.

congrats on your 718 GT4 delivery.
how would you compare the sound of the 718 GT4 with the 718 GTS? are both equipped with the GPF ?
do you fell also they are totally different cars ?

 

[Scubaregs]

Miami blue is undoubtedly the best color, for those who are color blind of course.

 

[Malcolm E Cay]

Miami blue is undoubtedly the best color, for those who are color blind of course.

You would love Miami Blue on the Saltire ?

 

[Barryng]

Totally agree with this post. I love the sound of my 2019 Base Boxster. Don’t see an issues at all. Love the burbs on the downshift.

I agree!!!!!!!! Porsche did an awesome job engineering the sound to include the burbles, backfires and general rumble. Surprisingly, my neighbors seem to like it too because they frequently voice their jealousy when they hear me start the car or just drive to/from my house.

I do certainly care about performance and it is fact there is not necessarily a connection between a great sounding car and performance. However, for some reason us humans lust for strong sensory inputs, be it just looking at the styling of a Porsche, seeing Cindy Crawford's legs, feeling the G forces when downshifting and accelerating, seeing the Grand Canyon in person, or hearing the sound of an exhaust. The sensory experience of my base 2019 Boxster's exhaust sound in Sport Mode is just a wonderful and integral part of what makes this car such a pleasing experience. Then again, I am a guy that used to enjoy being in the same room with a 4,000 HP emergency diesel generator (with appropriate hearing protection) hearing and feeling it start and pick up load within 10 seconds. Also, one of the reasons I will not replace my BMW X3 with another BMW is because the exhaust note is so pathetic. No BMW should putt-putt like a well mufflered lawn mower.