Boxster Spyder
Discussion
Whilst my car is with the opc getting the boot painted they have kindly given me a new 991 gen C2S for a week. Its fully loaded with PDCC, PASM sport suspension, PDK, Bose, Nav, Sport Chrono, sport exhaust.. etc, £109K list. I've had it a couple of days now. Here are my first impressions / comparison. By the way I've driven many 911's and owned a Gen 2 997 for three years in the past.
First of all I love both the Spyder and the 991. The Spyder is more sporty to drive, a bit nuts, makes a great noise, gets way more looks is fun all round with its quirky roof. On the track I would be more confident driving it quickly. I believe it would be way more forgiving and I would probably be able to drive it as quickly as I could drive the 991. With my ability I would be quicker on the corners with the Spyder.
Jumping into the 991 I just loved it. Even with all the electronic gadgetry you are still very aware of the engine hanging out the back, there is nothing quite like it. Somehow this gen 2 seems to have a longer bonnet! is it my imagination? is it the driving position? Perhaps it was just that I have been out of them for a while. It was also fast, very fast, I think 0-60 is around 3.7 secs. It frightened the life out of my wife. You know that if you don't give it respect it will bite you at some point. Most of all however is that it is just pure class. Taking my wife out for lunch and parking outside a posh restaurant in Glasgow just about sums it up. It is a grown up. Previously the OPC gave me a Gen 1 991 when I still had the 997. I was not impressed. The Gen 2 is better, even although it now is a 3 litre turbo.
Back to the Spyder, I love it. Its for enthusiasts and petrol heads who don't take themselves too seriously. I've talked more about this car, washed it more, had more fun than any of the other cars I've had and not only Porsches. It is special. However for getting brownie points with the wife the 991 gen 2 would be nice. Its a pity I cant have both.
Lottery ticket on again at the weekend.
First of all I love both the Spyder and the 991. The Spyder is more sporty to drive, a bit nuts, makes a great noise, gets way more looks is fun all round with its quirky roof. On the track I would be more confident driving it quickly. I believe it would be way more forgiving and I would probably be able to drive it as quickly as I could drive the 991. With my ability I would be quicker on the corners with the Spyder.
Jumping into the 991 I just loved it. Even with all the electronic gadgetry you are still very aware of the engine hanging out the back, there is nothing quite like it. Somehow this gen 2 seems to have a longer bonnet! is it my imagination? is it the driving position? Perhaps it was just that I have been out of them for a while. It was also fast, very fast, I think 0-60 is around 3.7 secs. It frightened the life out of my wife. You know that if you don't give it respect it will bite you at some point. Most of all however is that it is just pure class. Taking my wife out for lunch and parking outside a posh restaurant in Glasgow just about sums it up. It is a grown up. Previously the OPC gave me a Gen 1 991 when I still had the 997. I was not impressed. The Gen 2 is better, even although it now is a 3 litre turbo.
Back to the Spyder, I love it. Its for enthusiasts and petrol heads who don't take themselves too seriously. I've talked more about this car, washed it more, had more fun than any of the other cars I've had and not only Porsches. It is special. However for getting brownie points with the wife the 991 gen 2 would be nice. Its a pity I cant have both.
Lottery ticket on again at the weekend.
Nice write up Wdpor. Did the 991 Gen 2 feel more like a Grand Tourer?
I sold my 997 Gen 2 for the 981 Spyder & wasn't sure I was making the right decision as I just love the whole iconic image of the 911. I must admit I have no regrets. Like you really didn't like the Gen 1 991. Sounds like the Gen 2 though is a completely different car.
I sold my 997 Gen 2 for the 981 Spyder & wasn't sure I was making the right decision as I just love the whole iconic image of the 911. I must admit I have no regrets. Like you really didn't like the Gen 1 991. Sounds like the Gen 2 though is a completely different car.
Andrew911 said:
Nice write up Wdpor. Did the 991 Gen 2 feel more like a Grand Tourer?
I sold my 997 Gen 2 for the 981 Spyder & wasn't sure I was making the right decision as I just love the whole iconic image of the 911. I must admit I have no regrets. Like you really didn't like the Gen 1 991. Sounds like the Gen 2 though is a completely different car.
Yes, definitely a Grand Tourer. It does feel like a completely different car from the Gen 1. The Gen 1 car I had at the time was one of the launch cars. It was pretty much loaded with spec as well but wasn't very impressive in comparison to the 997 and certainly wasn't worth the £50K uplift to change from a two and a half year old 997. The gen 2 is different. I also did not mention before but the PASM sports suspension helps the look but the ride in the Spyder is way better. I sold my 997 Gen 2 for the 981 Spyder & wasn't sure I was making the right decision as I just love the whole iconic image of the 911. I must admit I have no regrets. Like you really didn't like the Gen 1 991. Sounds like the Gen 2 though is a completely different car.
I've also had both the 997 and 991 GTS models for a couple of days in the past, I think both were the pick cars of the range out with the GT cars but again I was way more impressed with the 997 GTS rather than the 991 GTS although no doubt the 991's are technically better on paper performance wise, you just feel they have lost something. Coming back to the point, I think the Gen 2 991 gets back nearer to 997 experience even although the engine configuration in the 991 Gen 1 is similar to the 997. Porsche has fiddled with the suspension to give something back or perhaps is just because the turbo engine is heavier that it does not feel as neutral. It's hard to describe and purely subjective if you understand what I mean?
wdpor said:
Yes, definitely a Grand Tourer. It does feel like a completely different car from the Gen 1. The Gen 1 car I had at the time was one of the launch cars. It was pretty much loaded with spec as well but wasn't very impressive in comparison to the 997 and certainly wasn't worth the £50K uplift to change from a two and a half year old 997. The gen 2 is different. I also did not mention before but the PASM sports suspension helps the look but the ride in the Spyder is way better.
I've also had both the 997 and 991 GTS models for a couple of days in the past, I think both were the pick cars of the range out with the GT cars but again I was way more impressed with the 997 GTS rather than the 991 GTS although no doubt the 991's are technically better on paper performance wise, you just feel they have lost something. Coming back to the point, I think the Gen 2 991 gets back nearer to 997 experience even although the engine configuration in the 991 Gen 1 is similar to the 997. Porsche has fiddled with the suspension to give something back or perhaps is just because the turbo engine is heavier that it does not feel as neutral. It's hard to describe and purely subjective if you understand what I mean?
Nice review thanks.I've also had both the 997 and 991 GTS models for a couple of days in the past, I think both were the pick cars of the range out with the GT cars but again I was way more impressed with the 997 GTS rather than the 991 GTS although no doubt the 991's are technically better on paper performance wise, you just feel they have lost something. Coming back to the point, I think the Gen 2 991 gets back nearer to 997 experience even although the engine configuration in the 991 Gen 1 is similar to the 997. Porsche has fiddled with the suspension to give something back or perhaps is just because the turbo engine is heavier that it does not feel as neutral. It's hard to describe and purely subjective if you understand what I mean?
Glad to hear you also rate the ride in the Spyder, it was probably my biggest concern when buying the car, that it would crash and bang a bit, but it's completely the opposite.
As mentioned before, I have done a couple of 10 hour days in the car and got out still feeling (relatively) good !
How did you find the sound in the 991.2 ???
Boxster7 said:
Nice review thanks.
Glad to hear you also rate the ride in the Spyder, it was probably my biggest concern when buying the car, that it would crash and bang a bit, but it's completely the opposite.
As mentioned before, I have done a couple of 10 hour days in the car and got out still feeling (relatively) good !
How did you find the sound in the 991.2 ???
This 991 Gen 2 has the sports exhaust. It makes a noise, it is OK and I have driven under a concrete bridge / small tunnel with the windows down and it was a laugh but to be honest to have the exhaust button pressed under normal driving sort of drowns out the Bose. The big twin chrome tailpipes look great though. You can sort of tell its a bit artificial but still sporty. Nothing like the Spyder or any of the NA engines with a sport exhaust. The noise in the Spyder seems natural and much better, in fact it is in a different league.Glad to hear you also rate the ride in the Spyder, it was probably my biggest concern when buying the car, that it would crash and bang a bit, but it's completely the opposite.
As mentioned before, I have done a couple of 10 hour days in the car and got out still feeling (relatively) good !
How did you find the sound in the 991.2 ???
I was at the Boxster 718 launch at the OPC the other week and some guys asked to hear the Spyder at the same time some else was revving his 991 turbo. He must have been embarrassed as it sounded as if it has asthma against the Spyder. I have not heard a stock Porsche that sounds any better than the Spyder - the exception may be the GT3 / RS.
Edited by wdpor on Thursday 9th June 15:16
wdpor said:
This 991 Gen 2 has the sports exhaust. It makes a noise, it is OK and I have driven under a concrete bridge / small tunnel with the windows down and it was a laugh but to be honest to have the exhaust button pressed under normal driving sort of drowns out the Bose. The big twin chrome tailpipes look great though. You can sort of tell its a bit artificial but still sporty. Nothing like the Spyder or any of the NA engines with a sport exhaust. The noise in the Spyder seems natural and much better, in fact it is in a different league.
I was at the Boxster 718 launch at the OPC the other week and some guys asked to hear the Spyder at the same time some else was revving his 991 turbo. He must have been embarrassed as it sounded as if it has asthma against the Spyder. I have not heard a stock Porsche that sounds any better than the Spyder - the exception may be the GT3 / RS.
The more we use our Spyders the more we realise how special these cars are.I was at the Boxster 718 launch at the OPC the other week and some guys asked to hear the Spyder at the same time some else was revving his 991 turbo. He must have been embarrassed as it sounded as if it has asthma against the Spyder. I have not heard a stock Porsche that sounds any better than the Spyder - the exception may be the GT3 / RS.
Edited by wdpor on Thursday 9th June 15:16
May be one of the all time great p cars ??
Certainly the biggest bargain in the current range !!
Gen 2 991 (both Carrera and S), were the most boring cars I've driven in some time. Did absolutely nothing for me although they make a nice daily driver.
Absolutely hated that stupid power boost button. I think my 991 GTS is massively more enjoyable. I simply can't see the new turbo generation lasting very long in the Porsche lineup.
Absolutely hated that stupid power boost button. I think my 991 GTS is massively more enjoyable. I simply can't see the new turbo generation lasting very long in the Porsche lineup.
This may sound controversial but I reckon in a few years the Spyder will be on pricing parity with the GT4...maybe even surpass it and maybe relatively soon. Volume made counts for an awful lot when it comes to prices and you can tell from people's posts it's a keeper and a special car. It's the best open top car Porsche has made in an awfully long time (apart from the CGT and 918 obviously)...I wouldn't even think about a 911 Cab if I wanted roof down motoring. I've only heard one being manouvered around JZM's showroom and couldn't believe how great it sounded!
Cheib said:
This may sound controversial but I reckon in a few years the Spyder will be on pricing parity with the GT4...maybe even surpass it and maybe relatively soon. Volume made counts for an awful lot when it comes to prices and you can tell from people's posts it's a keeper and a special car. It's the best open top car Porsche has made in an awfully long time (apart from the CGT and 918 obviously)...I wouldn't even think about a 911 Cab if I wanted roof down motoring. I've only heard one being manouvered around JZM's showroom and couldn't believe how great it sounded!
I've seen all the numbers. The Spyder is the rarest of them all, though it has a niche audience who appreciate great drivers cars and enjoy driving. That said come to JZM this Saturday afternoon and you might see and hear something spectacular arrive...
RSVP911 said:
I have had both and I would take the Spyder every day of the week 
When I said above that I would have a 991 if I could afford it I meant as well as the Spyder not as a replacement. The wife does like to lunch in style 
, her preference is the 911. I also agree the GTS variations seem to be the best of the bunch (excluding the GT cars). That is not to say that there is anything wrong with the Boxsters, or Caymans although i've yet to drive the 718 versions.TheAnimal said:
Cheib said:
This may sound controversial but I reckon in a few years the Spyder will be on pricing parity with the GT4...maybe even surpass it and maybe relatively soon. Volume made counts for an awful lot when it comes to prices and you can tell from people's posts it's a keeper and a special car. It's the best open top car Porsche has made in an awfully long time (apart from the CGT and 918 obviously)...I wouldn't even think about a 911 Cab if I wanted roof down motoring. I've only heard one being manouvered around JZM's showroom and couldn't believe how great it sounded!
I've seen all the numbers. The Spyder is the rarest of them all, though it has a niche audience who appreciate great drivers cars and enjoy driving. That said come to JZM this Saturday afternoon and you might see and hear something spectacular arrive...
Definitely a niche drivers car...not being PDK seemingly rules out 90% of Porsche buyers these days which is just crazy.
Quick question , tyre pressures on the spyder - what psi is best?
I love my spyder , and have not seen another one yet on the road . Mine is white
With black wheels , but seeing yellow/black at PEC last week made me think again on my choice. Yellow looked awesome , don't think anyone on here plumped for it though?
I love my spyder , and have not seen another one yet on the road . Mine is white
With black wheels , but seeing yellow/black at PEC last week made me think again on my choice. Yellow looked awesome , don't think anyone on here plumped for it though?
wdpor said:
When I said above that I would have a 991 if I could afford it I meant as well as the Spyder not as a replacement. The wife does like to lunch in style , her preference is the 911. I also agree the GTS variations seem to be the best of the bunch (excluding the GT cars). That is not to say that there is anything wrong with the Boxsters, or Caymans although i've yet to drive the 718 versions.
Oh , in that case , fill you boots , her preference is the 911. I also agree the GTS variations seem to be the best of the bunch (excluding the GT cars). That is not to say that there is anything wrong with the Boxsters, or Caymans although i've yet to drive the 718 versions.davidc1 said:
Quick question , tyre pressures on the spyder - what psi is best?
I love my spyder , and have not seen another one yet on the road . Mine is white
With black wheels , but seeing yellow/black at PEC last week made me think again on my choice. Yellow looked awesome , don't think anyone on here plumped for it though?
Running 2.1 bar front and rear - feels good!I love my spyder , and have not seen another one yet on the road . Mine is white
With black wheels , but seeing yellow/black at PEC last week made me think again on my choice. Yellow looked awesome , don't think anyone on here plumped for it though?
Cheib said:
Ha....now that sounds interesting!
Definitely a niche drivers car...not being PDK seemingly rules out 90% of Porsche buyers these days which is just crazy.
It's such a good car - I've been lucky enough to have had access to some really interesting Porsches - I love them all : everything form old air cooled , through to 991 RS - all brilliant in their own way . I'd honestly say the Spyder more than holds its own in some very special company , it's very special : the way the engine pulls , the short throw of the gears , the chassis , the noise (God knows how this passed the regs) , the roof - quirky but very easy . I cancelled my GT4 order as I didn't want to swap my Spyder for it - I agree with your point on values vs. The GT4 - the volumes made will define this in the long term . But the Spyder is all about the driving and nothing to do with values - I think everyone needs one in their lives Definitely a niche drivers car...not being PDK seemingly rules out 90% of Porsche buyers these days which is just crazy.
RSVP911 said:
It's such a good car - I've been lucky enough to have had access to some really interesting Porsches - I love them all : everything form old air cooled , through to 991 RS - all brilliant in their own way . I'd honestly say the Spyder more than holds its own in some very special company , it's very special : the way the engine pulls , the short throw of the gears , the chassis , the noise (God knows how this passed the regs) , the roof - quirky but very easy . I cancelled my GT4 order as I didn't want to swap my Spyder for it - I agree with your point on values vs. The GT4 - the volumes made will define this in the long term . But the Spyder is all about the driving and nothing to do with values - I think everyone needs one in their lives
Hear hear! Love mineBest car I've owned no doubt. I can't see why I would sell it for anything similar currently available.
Porsche do a great package when they get it right. The balance and range of abilities is amazing really, and the handling just sublime. Little things, like the fact is has a firm ride yet it just feels right and not jarring. It's so well judged. Can't wait to be driving mine again soon.
Porsche do a great package when they get it right. The balance and range of abilities is amazing really, and the handling just sublime. Little things, like the fact is has a firm ride yet it just feels right and not jarring. It's so well judged. Can't wait to be driving mine again soon.
TB303 said:
Best car I've owned no doubt. I can't see why I would sell it for anything similar currently available.
Porsche do a great package when they get it right. The balance and range of abilities is amazing really, and the handling just sublime. Little things, like the fact is has a firm ride yet it just feels right and not jarring. It's so well judged. Can't wait to be driving mine again soon.
Yep, same here! I generally don't keep my cars longer than two years. But I can't see me changing the Spyder. It's also the most I've ever spent on a car - it had to be bloomin good. It certainly is. Porsche do a great package when they get it right. The balance and range of abilities is amazing really, and the handling just sublime. Little things, like the fact is has a firm ride yet it just feels right and not jarring. It's so well judged. Can't wait to be driving mine again soon.
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