F-Type to 981S + Ramblings
Discussion
This is probably the definition of a first world problem, especially considering we’re amidst a worldwide pandemic ...
I’m considering selling my fully loaded F-Type V6S in favour of a less loaded Boxster 981S. Has anyone else done this, or have experience of driving both cars? How do they compare?
I know the looks and sound of the F-Type are difficult to match, but the Boxster has the advantage of being lighter/smaller, possibly better constructed, more involved seating position and offers a manual gearbox.
Friends with F-Types have suggested the 981 GTS, which is stunning, but other than a body kit it’s just a well specced 981S - for a £10K premium!
It will be my first Porsche. I’m undecided on manual vs. PDK. It’ll depend on what’s available in terms of spec! I’m after white, silver or blue, PSE, heated seats, design steering wheel, Carrera Classic alloys and hopefully extended leather interior. PASM and Sport Chrono are niceties. I’m also thinking some race headers in time.
Research suggests the 981 seems pretty bulletproof, although the occasional PDK issue. Would you opt for a Porsche warranty with a manual car? Would you opt for one if it was PDK?
Annoyingly, I went to a local specialist who only sells second hand Porsche cars - not an official dealer. Due to Coronavirus they would not allow test drives unless we were at the point of signing paperwork, which seemed like madness to me! I was open and honest; the models in stock were not the right spec, but I wish I could have at least tried one. I still have no idea how a 981S drives!
Anyone know any friendly dealers in Bucks/Berks/Herts that will allow for a test drive? Main dealers only seem to have 718 cars in stock.
Apologies for the ramblings and thanks for any information!
I’m considering selling my fully loaded F-Type V6S in favour of a less loaded Boxster 981S. Has anyone else done this, or have experience of driving both cars? How do they compare?
I know the looks and sound of the F-Type are difficult to match, but the Boxster has the advantage of being lighter/smaller, possibly better constructed, more involved seating position and offers a manual gearbox.
Friends with F-Types have suggested the 981 GTS, which is stunning, but other than a body kit it’s just a well specced 981S - for a £10K premium!
It will be my first Porsche. I’m undecided on manual vs. PDK. It’ll depend on what’s available in terms of spec! I’m after white, silver or blue, PSE, heated seats, design steering wheel, Carrera Classic alloys and hopefully extended leather interior. PASM and Sport Chrono are niceties. I’m also thinking some race headers in time.
Research suggests the 981 seems pretty bulletproof, although the occasional PDK issue. Would you opt for a Porsche warranty with a manual car? Would you opt for one if it was PDK?
Annoyingly, I went to a local specialist who only sells second hand Porsche cars - not an official dealer. Due to Coronavirus they would not allow test drives unless we were at the point of signing paperwork, which seemed like madness to me! I was open and honest; the models in stock were not the right spec, but I wish I could have at least tried one. I still have no idea how a 981S drives!
Anyone know any friendly dealers in Bucks/Berks/Herts that will allow for a test drive? Main dealers only seem to have 718 cars in stock.
Apologies for the ramblings and thanks for any information!
I kind of went the other way, though from 987.2 PDK Cayman to a V8S F-Type as I wanted a change and they are quite different cars. Your general impressions are about right, the F-Type is more of an event to drive but the Porsche's driving dynamics are much better - balance and weight - and if anything I found them too good at sensible speeds! PDK is sharper than the F-Type's auto, but they only time I really noticed is when properly in Sport+/shifting at full throttle - would definitely recommed Sports Chrono if going for PDK. I had the extended warranty on mine and it paid for itself multiple times over, nothing PDK related other than the gearbox main oil seal though.
Not sure if this helps as I've only driven the F-type for 30 minutes at Brands Hatch, and have never owned one.
I had an Audi R8 at the time and felt the R8 a true junior supercar to the F-type's more 'GT' feel. The Audi had the better driving position, better engine, sharper steering, more responsive.
I've since moved to a 981 GTS and feel the R8 pips the Boxster in a small way in almost all areas, which to my mind would put the F-type firmly in third place out of the three cars.
And the winner? The Boxster. Although a little bit less accomplished than the R8 in most ways the overall package of a relatively small car, with the right amount of power to exploit on b roads, makes it just a huge amount of fun to drive. I don't miss the 100bhp deficit, and I'm having more fun.
Most of your wish list items (including PSE (which is an essential)) could be added after so I'd recommend PASM and Sports Chrono. The PDK is absolutely brilliant. In normal mode it's super smooth and efficient, but slip it in to sports/sports-plus and in to manual and it transforms the car.
I had an Audi R8 at the time and felt the R8 a true junior supercar to the F-type's more 'GT' feel. The Audi had the better driving position, better engine, sharper steering, more responsive.
I've since moved to a 981 GTS and feel the R8 pips the Boxster in a small way in almost all areas, which to my mind would put the F-type firmly in third place out of the three cars.
And the winner? The Boxster. Although a little bit less accomplished than the R8 in most ways the overall package of a relatively small car, with the right amount of power to exploit on b roads, makes it just a huge amount of fun to drive. I don't miss the 100bhp deficit, and I'm having more fun.
Most of your wish list items (including PSE (which is an essential)) could be added after so I'd recommend PASM and Sports Chrono. The PDK is absolutely brilliant. In normal mode it's super smooth and efficient, but slip it in to sports/sports-plus and in to manual and it transforms the car.
Edited by NewNameNeeded on Tuesday 8th September 23:26
Both are nice cars, both are very different cars. You need to drive both and see what fits best with what you want.
I really like the V6S, however to me it is a big and heavy GT car. Lots of charm, charisma and drama and I love when my mate lets me borrow his, but I wouldn't buy one because for me it's just too big and heavy for the roads I enjoy driving. His, with optional sports seats, is also very uncomfortable. The 981 feels much lighter and smaller which I like and manages to be fun on a blast but also comfortable on a long drive. If you swap you will definitely miss some of what the Jag offers, but I suspect you'll really enjoy what the Porsche offers too.
I really like the V6S, however to me it is a big and heavy GT car. Lots of charm, charisma and drama and I love when my mate lets me borrow his, but I wouldn't buy one because for me it's just too big and heavy for the roads I enjoy driving. His, with optional sports seats, is also very uncomfortable. The 981 feels much lighter and smaller which I like and manages to be fun on a blast but also comfortable on a long drive. If you swap you will definitely miss some of what the Jag offers, but I suspect you'll really enjoy what the Porsche offers too.
A mate of mine owns a V6S it is a great car.
Main thing I noticed on being driven in the F-type vs the Porsche is just how quiet it is (in the cabin) by comparison. Porsche sports cars do seem to get a lot more road noise for some reason.
F-type definitely a GT / more comfortable on long drives. My Porsche was also a little bit quicker.
If you're doing any mileage warranty is crucial imo. Porsche repairs are extortionate.
Main thing I noticed on being driven in the F-type vs the Porsche is just how quiet it is (in the cabin) by comparison. Porsche sports cars do seem to get a lot more road noise for some reason.
F-type definitely a GT / more comfortable on long drives. My Porsche was also a little bit quicker.
If you're doing any mileage warranty is crucial imo. Porsche repairs are extortionate.
Thanks for all the replies so far!
A couple of you mention that a warranty is well worth cash due to expensive repairs. I thought the 981 models were fairly bulletproof ... ? I’ve read of door panels warping and headlights delaminating, but what are common issues are there?
Has anyone experienced an issue with their 981 and if so, how much did it cost to repair? I’ve had some big bills with cars in the past, so just trying to obtain an idea as to what is deemed ‘expensive’
A couple of you mention that a warranty is well worth cash due to expensive repairs. I thought the 981 models were fairly bulletproof ... ? I’ve read of door panels warping and headlights delaminating, but what are common issues are there?
Has anyone experienced an issue with their 981 and if so, how much did it cost to repair? I’ve had some big bills with cars in the past, so just trying to obtain an idea as to what is deemed ‘expensive’
I went V6 F-Type to 981 GTS. Whilst the F-Type was fun in its own way, brash and very loud, the GTS was surgically precise, supremely balanced and loud in its own right. Whether you prefer the noise of the V6 or flat 6 only you can decide.
Which did I prefer? Since making that change I’ve bought 8 more Porsche’s and zero Jaguars...
Like you mention, drive one if you can, maybe the things that do it for you will leave you sticking with the Jag (and nothing wrong with that).
Ps I personally think the GTS premium is worth it but may be worth driving both variants if you can to make your mind up.
Which did I prefer? Since making that change I’ve bought 8 more Porsche’s and zero Jaguars...
Like you mention, drive one if you can, maybe the things that do it for you will leave you sticking with the Jag (and nothing wrong with that).
Ps I personally think the GTS premium is worth it but may be worth driving both variants if you can to make your mind up.
The owners perspective you are getting on here for those who have owned both is best but video is entertaining and informative. Here is Steve Sutcliffe’s perspective.
https://youtu.be/GGSRtEi2-kk
https://youtu.be/GGSRtEi2-kk
Ikemi said:
Thanks for all the replies so far!
A couple of you mention that a warranty is well worth cash due to expensive repairs. I thought the 981 models were fairly bulletproof ... ? I’ve read of door panels warping and headlights delaminating, but what are common issues are there?
Has anyone experienced an issue with their 981 and if so, how much did it cost to repair? I’ve had some big bills with cars in the past, so just trying to obtain an idea as to what is deemed ‘expensive’
From my mates experience I'd suggest the Porsche is the lower risk out of warranty. His F-Type has had - 2 x fuel pumps, a supercharger, a section of exhaust and a few small things under warranty. And his sat nav can either do media streaming OR offer hands free as it can't deal with both at the same time. Jag haven't ever been able to sort that one.A couple of you mention that a warranty is well worth cash due to expensive repairs. I thought the 981 models were fairly bulletproof ... ? I’ve read of door panels warping and headlights delaminating, but what are common issues are there?
Has anyone experienced an issue with their 981 and if so, how much did it cost to repair? I’ve had some big bills with cars in the past, so just trying to obtain an idea as to what is deemed ‘expensive’
I run my Cayman (older 987) without warranty and keep a fund in case it needs anything. If I had to run an F-Type or a 981 without warranty I'd worry less about the 981.
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