RE: Porsche 718 Boxster | PH Used Buying Guide
Discussion
ajap1979 said:
Nothing in the article about how practical Boxsters are. It always astounds me how much luggage you can fit in them, the front boot in particular is massive.
Indeed. Managed to get all this in mine, although I think the holdall went in the front footwell, along with small child's legs 
It ticked lots of boxes as a usable daily sports car, but I never really feel in love with it, which in my mine is kind of the point of having one in the first place. Glad I've tried the Porsche thing, but can't see myself ever going back.
I read so many rave reviews of the 4.0 ltr I ordered one, but a year later it is with a new owner. What I discovered is that the reviews don't differentiate between a fabulous daily driver, which it unquestionably is, and an emotionally engaging weekend treat, which it isn't. Even in the Spyder, the flat six has had a personality bypass. Both cars are amazingly capable and drop dead gorgeous (especially with the recently extended colour range) but that's where it stops. Slip into the gorgeous seat, admire the full leather and stylish stitching: mmm, very nice. Turn the key: ah, whish I'd kept my 981. If this is going to be a driver's weekender, try the 981 Spyder. It's sensational
Was lucky enough to get a drive in a four cylinder Boxster, and its performance, and handling was excellent. (Since it is a `from the ground up' design from Porsche, this was largely to be expected)
For me, the downside in the four cylinder Boxster was the engine noise, especially if it is being `worked', but would I have one? Too bl**dy right I would!
Up to a certain rpm the 6 cylinder does sound nicer, but take the rpm a little too far, and it too, can start to sound a bit rough.
Whereas the engines in `some' other performance cars seem to sound even better when the revs are taken up to the absolute limit.
For me, the downside in the four cylinder Boxster was the engine noise, especially if it is being `worked', but would I have one? Too bl**dy right I would!
Up to a certain rpm the 6 cylinder does sound nicer, but take the rpm a little too far, and it too, can start to sound a bit rough.
Whereas the engines in `some' other performance cars seem to sound even better when the revs are taken up to the absolute limit.
Porsche are masters at increments and incremental improvement, evolution.
The 911 is the epitome of this and they've travelled a similar path here I feel.
986-987-981-718
from small, nimble and 'simple', getting ever larger, with more quality and tech, and ever more 'grown up' with increased depth of engineering.
Saying any specific generation is 'best' is a fools game.
You want a small/medium 2 seat mid engine'd open top or coupe? the Boxster/Cayman of one sort will have something to appeal, from raw to track to dailyable to continent cruiser...
For me though the 4-pot was/is a sad moment. More torque, less weight(?) is all well and good, but there is clearly a decent percentage of buyers that value 'experience', and by that I mean sound, possible an ever diminishing market, but I hear and read about it al the time.
No-one I know who is in the market or is discussing a sports car has a shortlist that requires less intake/exhaust noise
The 718 was however incrementally more muscular and chiselled, with an incrementally better interior and tech, with the flat-6's getting some noise and the Spyder finally getting proper GT department goodies.
These goodies though also made me feel sad...all that money, and you still have to pay more afterwards for a more free-flowing exhaust?
Most comparisons have the 718 as a more grown up, more 'dailyable' car with the added bonus of being more trackable (in the case of the Spyder)...you see the same when 997 GT3 is compared to 991 GT3
With the money to get any of them, my car wouldn't be a daily, and wouldn't be tracked, so 981 with a smidge more curve aesthetically and no need to spend on aftermarket bits was the obvious choice.
It doesn't have the rawness of 987, it's not as grown up as 718. For me, its the sweet spot, for my personal tastes and wants.,.,for any given journey though, the 986, 987 or 718 equivalent may well be better suited, and thats how I feel Porsches product planning is nearly always on point.
The 911 is the epitome of this and they've travelled a similar path here I feel.
986-987-981-718
from small, nimble and 'simple', getting ever larger, with more quality and tech, and ever more 'grown up' with increased depth of engineering.
Saying any specific generation is 'best' is a fools game.
You want a small/medium 2 seat mid engine'd open top or coupe? the Boxster/Cayman of one sort will have something to appeal, from raw to track to dailyable to continent cruiser...
For me though the 4-pot was/is a sad moment. More torque, less weight(?) is all well and good, but there is clearly a decent percentage of buyers that value 'experience', and by that I mean sound, possible an ever diminishing market, but I hear and read about it al the time.
No-one I know who is in the market or is discussing a sports car has a shortlist that requires less intake/exhaust noise
The 718 was however incrementally more muscular and chiselled, with an incrementally better interior and tech, with the flat-6's getting some noise and the Spyder finally getting proper GT department goodies.
These goodies though also made me feel sad...all that money, and you still have to pay more afterwards for a more free-flowing exhaust?
Most comparisons have the 718 as a more grown up, more 'dailyable' car with the added bonus of being more trackable (in the case of the Spyder)...you see the same when 997 GT3 is compared to 991 GT3
With the money to get any of them, my car wouldn't be a daily, and wouldn't be tracked, so 981 with a smidge more curve aesthetically and no need to spend on aftermarket bits was the obvious choice.
It doesn't have the rawness of 987, it's not as grown up as 718. For me, its the sweet spot, for my personal tastes and wants.,.,for any given journey though, the 986, 987 or 718 equivalent may well be better suited, and thats how I feel Porsches product planning is nearly always on point.
nismo48 said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
+1 
Agree that the 981 Spyder is far more of an event, a good pal has one and it noises it makes are in a rather different league!
Strider said:
I read so many rave reviews of the 4.0 ltr I ordered one, but a year later it is with a new owner. What I discovered is that the reviews don't differentiate between a fabulous daily driver, which it unquestionably is, and an emotionally engaging weekend treat, which it isn't. Even in the Spyder, the flat six has had a personality bypass. Both cars are amazingly capable and drop dead gorgeous (especially with the recently extended colour range) but that's where it stops. Slip into the gorgeous seat, admire the full leather and stylish stitching: mmm, very nice. Turn the key: ah, whish I'd kept my 981. If this is going to be a driver's weekender, try the 981 Spyder. It's sensational
I'm looking for a 981 S to replace my 987. I've a neighbour with one and it sounds fantastic. Conversely, a 4.0 Boxster and a 992 GTS have taken residence in our village recently and they sound rubbish in comparison.Strider said:
I read so many rave reviews of the 4.0 ltr I ordered one, but a year later it is with a new owner. What I discovered is that the reviews don't differentiate between a fabulous daily driver, which it unquestionably is, and an emotionally engaging weekend treat, which it isn't. Even in the Spyder, the flat six has had a personality bypass. Both cars are amazingly capable and drop dead gorgeous (especially with the recently extended colour range) but that's where it stops. Slip into the gorgeous seat, admire the full leather and stylish stitching: mmm, very nice. Turn the key: ah, whish I'd kept my 981. If this is going to be a driver's weekender, try the 981 Spyder. It's sensational
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=&t=2017223for the weekend yep...
Quickmoose said:
For me though the 4-pot was/is a sad moment. More torque, less weight(?) is all well and good, but there is clearly a decent percentage of buyers that value 'experience', and by that I mean sound, possible an ever diminishing market, but I hear and read about it al the time.
No-one I know who is in the market or is discussing a sports car has a shortlist that requires less intake/exhaust noise
The 718 was however incrementally more muscular and chiselled, with an incrementally better interior and tech, with the flat-6's getting some noise and the Spyder finally getting proper GT department goodies.
These goodies though also made me feel sad...all that money, and you still have to pay more afterwards for a more free-flowing exhaust?
Most comparisons have the 718 as a more grown up, more 'dailyable' car with the added bonus of being more trackable (in the case of the Spyder)...you see the same when 997 GT3 is compared to 991 GT3
With the money to get any of them, my car wouldn't be a daily, and wouldn't be tracked, so 981 with a smidge more curve aesthetically and no need to spend on aftermarket bits was the obvious choice.
I think this is bang on. Use case is very important and lead me to rule many options in and out. No-one I know who is in the market or is discussing a sports car has a shortlist that requires less intake/exhaust noise
The 718 was however incrementally more muscular and chiselled, with an incrementally better interior and tech, with the flat-6's getting some noise and the Spyder finally getting proper GT department goodies.
These goodies though also made me feel sad...all that money, and you still have to pay more afterwards for a more free-flowing exhaust?
Most comparisons have the 718 as a more grown up, more 'dailyable' car with the added bonus of being more trackable (in the case of the Spyder)...you see the same when 997 GT3 is compared to 991 GT3
With the money to get any of them, my car wouldn't be a daily, and wouldn't be tracked, so 981 with a smidge more curve aesthetically and no need to spend on aftermarket bits was the obvious choice.
In the UK I had a VX220 supercharged and used it for track days, weekend blasts and semi regular road trips with the other half. Raw, just enough luggage space and felt special to drive but not enough space for a comfortable euro trip and when you pull up to a nice hotel and fall out of it a sweaty mess you look a bit of a berk.
Now I live in the Alps the ownership prospect is very different. I now do many more long euro trips so luggage space is more necessary and so is good air con, if the other half doesnt like the car it means I cant use it as much. Alpine A110 doesnt have enough luggage space and no manual, lotus doesnt have a proper dealer here so I couldnt buy an Emira but it also has too much power for our power tax. That really only left a Boxster. Any of the larger engined versions has too much power again so the 718 T was the only one left standing.
Special in a different way, the ownership and dealer experience is very special, the community here for Porsches is very good and its still sporty enough for great drives. I miss my VX220 but it just wouldnt get used enough if I bought another one.
If I was in the UK would I be in a Boxster T? No, I'd have a GT3 or a 360 Modena.
Strider said:
I read so many rave reviews of the 4.0 ltr I ordered one, but a year later it is with a new owner. What I discovered is that the reviews don't differentiate between a fabulous daily driver, which it unquestionably is, and an emotionally engaging weekend treat, which it isn't. Even in the Spyder, the flat six has had a personality bypass. Both cars are amazingly capable and drop dead gorgeous (especially with the recently extended colour range) but that's where it stops. Slip into the gorgeous seat, admire the full leather and stylish stitching: mmm, very nice. Turn the key: ah, whish I'd kept my 981. If this is going to be a driver's weekender, try the 981 Spyder. It's sensational
I had a 981 Spyder for 18 months and while it was good, it was not great as it was just too harsh riding. I actually didn't like the exhaust and after driving the 718 GTS 4.0 I prefer the less obnoxious sound and find it more mechanical. The 718GTS4.0 is not only better riding than the 981 Spyder but also a tad quicker (felt it to me, both manual) and they have improved the epas feel slightly, though not up to 986 levels. I sold my 981 Spyder as my Exige 430CUP was a much better weekend car but now I want a car for touring and the 981 Spyder was not perfect for us, the 430CUP definitely is not (although its ride quality is better than the 981 Spyder) So the answer for me is 718GTS4.0. I think you are placing all the personality into the exhaust sound only? I also think the 718 feels smaller and more nimble on the road than the 981. The reality is all newer Porsches have suffered with the arrival of OPFs. If you care about your exhaust noise then you almost have to consider used cars by model year.
The 981 Boxster sounds great, but at the same time I thought some of the overrun noises were eye-rollingly OTT at times. No doubt though, roof down through a tunnel they sound great.
The 718s are capable of the same with an aftermarket exhaust, so seems silly to write one off when they are superior in every other way. In the meantime, the subdued noise means the 4cyls don't sound so bad... and in reality if you're happy with an Impreza-style noise, then you will be happy! I am fine with it personally, but don't dispute the 6cyl is much nicer (with an exhaust).
The 981 Boxster sounds great, but at the same time I thought some of the overrun noises were eye-rollingly OTT at times. No doubt though, roof down through a tunnel they sound great.
The 718s are capable of the same with an aftermarket exhaust, so seems silly to write one off when they are superior in every other way. In the meantime, the subdued noise means the 4cyls don't sound so bad... and in reality if you're happy with an Impreza-style noise, then you will be happy! I am fine with it personally, but don't dispute the 6cyl is much nicer (with an exhaust).
thelostboy said:
The reality is all newer Porsches have suffered with the arrival of OPFs. If you care about your exhaust noise then you almost have to consider used cars by model year.
The 981 Boxster sounds great, but at the same time I thought some of the overrun noises were eye-rollingly OTT at times. No doubt though, roof down through a tunnel they sound great.
The 718s are capable of the same with an aftermarket exhaust, so seems silly to write one off when they are superior in every other way. In the meantime, the subdued noise means the 4cyls don't sound so bad... and in reality if you're happy with an Impreza-style noise, then you will be happy! I am fine with it personally, but don't dispute the 6cyl is much nicer (with an exhaust).
OK, so back when the 718 Boxster was first launched I was invited to an open day at a dealer and got to drive the 2.0 and 2.5 S back to back (both PDK). The 981 Boxster sounds great, but at the same time I thought some of the overrun noises were eye-rollingly OTT at times. No doubt though, roof down through a tunnel they sound great.
The 718s are capable of the same with an aftermarket exhaust, so seems silly to write one off when they are superior in every other way. In the meantime, the subdued noise means the 4cyls don't sound so bad... and in reality if you're happy with an Impreza-style noise, then you will be happy! I am fine with it personally, but don't dispute the 6cyl is much nicer (with an exhaust).
The S was in that Lava colour like the images in this article. Although the flat four was a disappointment in sound (despite not yet having owned a flat 6) I remember them making quite an amusing lot of pops and bangs (roof was down) during a spirited B road drive. I don't think either had the sports exhaust option either. I wonder if the OPF on later model year 718s robbed them of that fun?
Sound apart both cars drove fantastically well. While the 2.5 S was noticeably faster I left thinking that the 2.0 was enough given the 10 grand price difference. For anyone who thinks "why not just get a hot hatch if it's only got a turbo four", well both Boxsters made my Megane 275 of the time seem very ordinary on the drive home, despite it being an incredible drivers tool in isolation or among other hatchs.
Anyway, fast forward and I'm in an older 987 now, which sounds great in comparison to any of the above and does feel special to drive even if it is slower. I do fancy a Cayman T though if you could find an exhaust system to make it sound better. Otherwise it would have to be a Cayman R or 981 GTS.
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