718 Cayman S PDK- The best value for money used?

[Demhcs]

As I recall the 718 had a whole heap of upgrades over the 981 like brakes, suspension and steering. If interested, this is from the original U.S. press kit but details most of the changes applicable to the global models.

https://press.porsche.com/download/prod/presse_pag...

I think the 718 base got the brakes from the 981 S, the 718 S got brakes from the 911 (presumably 991) and all 718s got the better steering etc.

[SkinnyPete]

Demhcs said:

As I recall the 718 had a whole heap of upgrades over the 981 like brakes, suspension and steering. If interested, this is from the original U.S. press kit but details most of the changes applicable to the global models.

https://press.porsche.com/download/prod/presse_pag...

I think the 718 base got the brakes from the 981 S, the 718 S got brakes from the 911 (presumably 991) and all 718s got the better steering etc.

As I said earlier, the 718 is light years ahead of the 981, and that press release gives some fantastic information as to why.

Thanks for sharing.

[TTmonkey]

Is the 728 Boxster S actually worth such a high premium over the regular 718 Boxster?

Reading the release the lower power car sounds just superb anyway.

Extra 50 bhp…. Is it worth it?

[LiamH66]

TTmonkey said:

Is the 728 Boxster S actually worth such a high premium over the regular 718 Boxster?

Reading the release the lower power car sounds just superb anyway.

Extra 50 bhp…. Is it worth it?

In direct comparison, used, the premium is less than when buying new from my general feel from adverts. But I agree, it looks a big premium on the new car if it's just 17% more power and 0-60 in 3.6s instead of 3.9s. It isn't just that though.

It comes down to what you really want from a car, and the 2.5T has more differences than just 50 more bhp. 310 lb.ft of torque doesn't seem like too much more, but you can definitely feel the difference from the 280 lb.ft of the base model. Perceptibly less turbo lag, at least to me, but that might just be because I know the 718 S has a VVT turbo. The 718 S also comes with posher 19" wheels rather than 18", leather rather than Race Tex (Alcantara) seat centres, and uprated brakes (thicker front discs) as standard. Also has cool looking twin tailpipes which are a £380 option for the base model.

For me, personally speaking, none of the "S" features appeal in the slightest. Base model brakes are fine; I like Race Tex seat centres; I live in the sticks, so lower profile tyres and big rims are best avoided; most of all I like to feel that I can use all that an engine has occasionally, and it's hard enough to do that at anything like legal speeds with the 718 base models.

For me, less than worth it, the base model just suits me better. (Cayman rather than Boxster, rains too much round these parts to be paying for roof that can fold back). I can see why others would like the Cayman S enough to pay a bit extra. They're all good.

Liam

[jimbo761]

When I’ve had 718S loan cars I must admit I’ve never noticed a huge amount of difference in power between the two. The 2.5 engine sounds more ‘hollow’ but I also wondered if the S loan car was running 95 unleaded vs my base running 99 so not a 100% fair comparison. Either way the base is certainly quick enough, and I can’t say I’ve ever needed more power on the road, on the track (or if chasing GT4s) perhaps would be different.

[TTmonkey]

LiamH66 said:

TTmonkey said:

Is the 728 Boxster S actually worth such a high premium over the regular 718 Boxster?

Reading the release the lower power car sounds just superb anyway.

Extra 50 bhp…. Is it worth it?

In direct comparison, used, the premium is less than when buying new from my general feel from adverts. But I agree, it looks a big premium on the new car if it's just 17% more power and 0-60 in 3.6s instead of 3.9s. It isn't just that though.

It comes down to what you really want from a car, and the 2.5T has more differences than just 50 more bhp. 310 lb.ft of torque doesn't seem like too much more, but you can definitely feel the difference from the 280 lb.ft of the base model. Perceptibly less turbo lag, at least to me, but that might just be because I know the 718 S has a VVT turbo. The 718 S also comes with posher 19" wheels rather than 18", leather rather than Race Tex (Alcantara) seat centres, and uprated brakes (thicker front discs) as standard. Also has cool looking twin tailpipes which are a £380 option for the base model.

For me, personally speaking, none of the "S" features appeal in the slightest. Base model brakes are fine; I like Race Tex seat centres; I live in the sticks, so lower profile tyres and big rims are best avoided; most of all I like to feel that I can use all that an engine has occasionally, and it's hard enough to do that at anything like legal speeds with the 718 base models.

For me, less than worth it, the base model just suits me better. (Cayman rather than Boxster, rains too much round these parts to be paying for roof that can fold back). I can see why others would like the Cayman S enough to pay a bit extra. They're all good.

Liam

Thanks Liam.

You missed one thing… it has an ‘S’ badge, and I think many buyers make the choice on that extra letter alone without considering if it’s really worth the difference.

I’d want a sports exhaust on a base I think. Other than that I can live with all the other differences. I’m going to do the 0-60 rarely, and I wouldn’t be timing it. I’m grown up so wouldn’t be racing anyone.

I wouldn’t be doing track days and you wouldn’t catch me racing anyone on the road. So not sure when I would see that extra 50bhp.

18 inch v 19inch…. . ? I live with 20 inch on the wife’s TTS and it’s like bone crushing hard, always trying to steer around pot holes. 18s might be refreshing. And we virtually never use the available power on that, despite the safety of 4wd.

I think my ideal trip in a Boxster would be a three week trip to Italy and back. We did this two years ago in a 4 series bmw Conv and loved it despite the car being dull. Roof down, relaxing, enjoyable. I don’t see the S makes that better than non S.

I hadn’t previously thought I’d prefer the base car. Always said buy the S because it’s just better. Maybe that much better is no longer important to me.

Thanks.

[LiamH66]

jimbo761 said:

<snip> Either way the base is certainly quick enough, and I can’t say I’ve ever needed more power on the road, on the track (or if chasing GT4s) perhaps would be different.

+1, definitely quick enough. My base 718 is probably a quicker road car than my 981 GT4 in general use. From 2000 rpm to about 4000 rpm it just has loads more torque. The suspension is usefully more compliant. The 718 S is definitely quicker than either on the road, and probably up to 5000 rpm, but not by miles. So in the traffic light GP and on country A-roads might be someone's choice. I avoid lunacy for either of those.

On the track, never bothered taking a base 718, as the 981 GT4 will comfortably outpace either, and has "all day" brakes even if you are hard on them. If there are any GT3s or even worse GT2s on the track, I definitely understand I'm driving a "supercar junior" rather than anything genuinely quick. 718 GT4 is definitely quicker than 981 GT4, I have to work to keep up with them.

The GT4 is actually better mannered in slow traffic than either of the 718s. Tall gearing appreciates big engine capacity!

Liam

[Hol]

I won’t be pulling the tigger for another month or two as I have a big holiday coming up, but I when I come back my current thoughts are a 718S Manual.

I will do the obvious homework though and actually tests drive the base, T and S cars as well as a PDK, to see which one I prefer in reality.

Edited by Hol on Tuesday 1st February 08:35

[LucyP]

Pulling the trigger on what? I've been down this road.

Used prices are insane at the moment and there is hardly anything to choose from, once you weed out the ones with a poor spec. 2018 cars are almost the same price as new.

Delivery on a new car is basically 12 months, depending on which car you want, and there is talk of a face-lifted model for 2024, so be very careful.

[Hol]

LucyP said:

Pulling the trigger on what? I've been down this road.

Used prices are insane at the moment and there is hardly anything to choose from, once you weed out the ones with a poor spec. 2018 cars are almost the same price as new.

Delivery on a new car is basically 12 months, depending on which car you want, and there is talk of a face-lifted model for 2024, so be very careful.

A new car to the spec I would choose will be £74k , but I want it in April.
So, i have already accepted the compromise in the perfect spec for my £50k budget.

[LucyP]

And what is £50K buying you?

[Hol]

LucyP said:

And what is £50K buying you?

quote=Hol]I won’t be pulling the tigger for another month or two as I have a big holiday coming up, but I when I come back my current thoughts are a 718S Manual.

I will do the obvious homework though and actually tests drive the base, T and S cars as well as a PDK, to see which one I prefer in reality.

Edited by Hol on Tuesday 1st February 16:41

[LucyP]

And therein lies your problem. There are currently under 10 manual Cayman S available for up to £50K and you are going to struggle to even get something from 2018. Most are going to be 2017. You can buy one brand new (if you are prepared to wait) for under £60K. So you are paying less than £10K under list for something that is 4 or 5 years old. That is just insane, and when the market settles down and you come to sell it, you will have lost a fortune.

[Hol]

LucyP said:

And therein lies your problem. There are currently under 10 manual Cayman S available for up to £50K and you are going to struggle to even get something from 2018. Most are going to be 2017. You can buy one brand new (if you are prepared to wait) for under £60K. So you are paying less than £10K under list for something that is 4 or 5 years old. That is just insane, and when the market settles down and you come to sell it, you will have lost a fortune.

I’m afraid that you haven’t bought anything new to the party.


I have already stated that I won’t be waiting 12 months OR uying a base spec car.

[KittyLitter]

Lovely PTS Viper Green one with £20K in options!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179...

[sturge7878]

Very nice, and based on the other thread a myriad of tuning options available for those happy not to run a warranty.