Porsche Boxster 718s - Test drive
Discussion
Had a chance to take one for a 2 hour spin this morning unaccompanied and was determined not to have preconceived ideas about it being a 4 cylinder. The car is incredibly fast in a straight line and it really is an astonishing car performance wise. The PDK box is also so fast that you could not possibly keep up in a manual but it does detract a little from the fun of driving.
The handling and roadholding of this car are also on another level to most other fast cars of a similar price. A small amount of understeer in the teeming wet just meant you had to either not go in so fast or use the throttle a little more brutally. Even with PSM turned off the car didn't throw up any nasty surprises.
The steering was incredibly accurate again and very highly geared requiring little input to move the front of the car. I love this feeling as it just makes the car more like a race car and less like a bus.
After 2 hours I returned it back to base and took out a 981S Cayman.
The 981 was slower without a shadow of a doubt. Felt a little less modern and generally not as advanced as the 718 in almost every aspect. Within a few miles I realised straight away the 718S despite being a fantastic car for the previous 2 hours, would not even be considered by me for my next purchase as the 981 engine is just a thousand times better to listen to and wind up to the red line.
Porsche in my opinion have really ruined the Boxster/Cayman with these 4 cylinders and I would never consider one whilst there are still 2nd hand 981's available to purchase.
I also had the benefit of a back-to-back between a 981 I was interested in and the 718, because it was there and "why wouldn't you"?
I thought the 4-pot would be a backward step, but all the reports I had read/ watched suggested this was indeed a worthy car and, on paper, an improvement... To be honest, I almost took the thing back after almost a mile as it was already flawed and lacked character, but I persevered.. This was the 'S' and yes it is blindingly quick, the steering precise, well balanced, well braked and typically well engineered/ put together. The cabin is a very pleasant environment.
But......
When I took it back to the dealer there was only one thing I could say; (verbatim quote) "I do get it, but... my current Boxster doesn't have a button to try make it sound like a Porsche....."
Footnote: curiously read a letter to the editor in a Porsche magazine where the writer had suggested he wasn't remotely biased but that it was "about time these Boxster types were put in their place with a 4 cylinder motor..." - how pathetic!?!?
I thought the 4-pot would be a backward step, but all the reports I had read/ watched suggested this was indeed a worthy car and, on paper, an improvement... To be honest, I almost took the thing back after almost a mile as it was already flawed and lacked character, but I persevered.. This was the 'S' and yes it is blindingly quick, the steering precise, well balanced, well braked and typically well engineered/ put together. The cabin is a very pleasant environment.
But......
When I took it back to the dealer there was only one thing I could say; (verbatim quote) "I do get it, but... my current Boxster doesn't have a button to try make it sound like a Porsche....."
Footnote: curiously read a letter to the editor in a Porsche magazine where the writer had suggested he wasn't remotely biased but that it was "about time these Boxster types were put in their place with a 4 cylinder motor..." - how pathetic!?!?
I've always been a bit partial to a duck tail spoiler. The revision of the rear of the 718 was something I really liked. Very similar to the change on the panemera, both the predecessors look quite outdated to me in that respect. In some ways I find the angled look above the front air intakes in the 981 a little more purposeful and aggressive looking over the 718.
Currently have a 981 Cayman after previous Boxster and Cayman variants.
I have a 781 on order and you guys fill me with fear!
In spite of all of the improvements can I live with the lack of noise?
Well, I actually get it. The 981 is glorious in the noise department but, life moves on.
Will I miss the 981 howl? Of course. Will I welcome the 781 improvements? Yes.
I use mine as a DD doing over 20K per year. So, obviously different to a weekend fun car. Anyway, will let you know how it pans out.
I have a 781 on order and you guys fill me with fear!
In spite of all of the improvements can I live with the lack of noise?
Well, I actually get it. The 981 is glorious in the noise department but, life moves on.
Will I miss the 981 howl? Of course. Will I welcome the 781 improvements? Yes.
I use mine as a DD doing over 20K per year. So, obviously different to a weekend fun car. Anyway, will let you know how it pans out.
overunder12g said:
Currently have a 981 Cayman after previous Boxster and Cayman variants.
I have a 781 on order and you guys fill me with fear!
In spite of all of the improvements can I live with the lack of noise?
Well, I actually get it. The 981 is glorious in the noise department but, life moves on.
Will I miss the 981 howl? Of course. Will I welcome the 781 improvements? Yes.
I use mine as a DD doing over 20K per year. So, obviously different to a weekend fun car. Anyway, will let you know how it pans out.
Not at least test driven a 718 then... try before you buy??I have a 781 on order and you guys fill me with fear!
In spite of all of the improvements can I live with the lack of noise?
Well, I actually get it. The 981 is glorious in the noise department but, life moves on.
Will I miss the 981 howl? Of course. Will I welcome the 781 improvements? Yes.
I use mine as a DD doing over 20K per year. So, obviously different to a weekend fun car. Anyway, will let you know how it pans out.
Agree with everything jjr1 said perfect in everyway I own a 981 and had a 718 for a day yes it's an outstanding car stupid fast better handerling brakes all evolution in a small way.
It's just that engine it's not smooth it moans and grumbles vibrates at low speeds sounds like a diesel van ticking over in the morning
The sound of the exhaust note ain't bad get beyond its the noise from the engine that is the killer.
Anyone that's never had a 6 pot would buy the car it really is outstanding just needs the right engine put back in.
Would I sell my ,981 for a 718 no thank you while there's low mileage 981 around I would choose another one.
It's just that engine it's not smooth it moans and grumbles vibrates at low speeds sounds like a diesel van ticking over in the morning
The sound of the exhaust note ain't bad get beyond its the noise from the engine that is the killer.
Anyone that's never had a 6 pot would buy the car it really is outstanding just needs the right engine put back in.
Would I sell my ,981 for a 718 no thank you while there's low mileage 981 around I would choose another one.
Edited by tracydeedance on Thursday 23 February 18:54
rockin said:
981 will IMO go into the record books as one of the greatest Porsches of all time - but then I'm biased!
Having said that, I reckon a base 718 for £40,000 is probably THE sportscar bargain of 2017.
This is tempting isn't it. Brand new completely standard or basic 718 with 3 years warranty for 40 grand. Although I don't believe anyone actually pays for new cars nowadays so it's the monthly number that's important. They have 300 bhp so surely quick enough for a bit of fun. If you plan to rack up some mileage or even throw in some track use what's not to like?Having said that, I reckon a base 718 for £40,000 is probably THE sportscar bargain of 2017.
jjr1 said:
The 981 was slower without a shadow of a doubt. Felt a little less modern and generally not as advanced as the 718 in almost every aspect. Within a few miles I realised straight away the 718S despite being a fantastic car for the previous 2 hours, would not even be considered by me for my next purchase as the 981 engine is just a thousand times better to listen to and wind up to the red line.
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