981S vs 718 base
Discussion
HI All, first post please be gentle. Looking at the above two cars and I must say the 718 appears great value at 42k new (I don't need many options) vs a used 981S, which are currently being sold at ridiculous opc used prices (41k for a '14 plate...wtf!).
Engine change doesn't mean that much to me really, I've driven both, think both sound good, and prefer actual performance to the 'window dressing' of a particular engine note. There seems to be an almost religious devotion to the 981 on here, I get that owners like their cars but there seems to be so much negativity written about the new engine that most of it almost reads like snobbery / propaganda now I've actually driven it.
CUtting through the bulls
t, no doubt everybody will tell me they love their current cars. But if you actually own a 718/981, is there anything you don't like ? Any issues with it ? Am interested to get real owners' feedback about the day to day ownership experience, rather than a 'my car is better than your car' type of brainwashing / point scoring which some of these threads seem to be.
THanks
Engine change doesn't mean that much to me really, I've driven both, think both sound good, and prefer actual performance to the 'window dressing' of a particular engine note. There seems to be an almost religious devotion to the 981 on here, I get that owners like their cars but there seems to be so much negativity written about the new engine that most of it almost reads like snobbery / propaganda now I've actually driven it.
CUtting through the bulls
t, no doubt everybody will tell me they love their current cars. But if you actually own a 718/981, is there anything you don't like ? Any issues with it ? Am interested to get real owners' feedback about the day to day ownership experience, rather than a 'my car is better than your car' type of brainwashing / point scoring which some of these threads seem to be.THanks
Forgetting the sound, do you have experience with both turbo petrol and naturally aspirated cars?
I prefer NA to turbo, having had a TTS and now a 981. Have driven 718 and 718S and still didn't like the turbo overrun and lag.
What's your experience of either?
I think this is the real deciding factor, and where most people fall into one of the two camps.
Forget the sound.
I prefer NA to turbo, having had a TTS and now a 981. Have driven 718 and 718S and still didn't like the turbo overrun and lag.
What's your experience of either?
I think this is the real deciding factor, and where most people fall into one of the two camps.
Forget the sound.
buy a 987.2 car with real steering ;-)
there is a camp for every model on here, so just buy the one you like
I hate the 981 gen 1 eps steering and I hate the 718 4 pot.
If you don't mind the 4 pot then the 718 is better in every single way over the 981.
As I like neither of the new cars I am firm in the 987.2 camp.
I also think the 981 larger 20" wheels in manual tips in gear speeds over the edge for the 3.4.
The main questions you need to ask is
manual or automatic
Flat 6 or 4 pot turbo
feel or speed.
infotainment tech needs
if you want a manual , flat 6 with feel then the 987.2 car wins by a big margin imo
If you want the fastest a 718 turbo wins and has the best PDK and best infotainment.
if you don't care about feel much but want better PDK and the flat 6 the 981 wins.
Only you know what you are after from a car.
there is a camp for every model on here, so just buy the one you like
I hate the 981 gen 1 eps steering and I hate the 718 4 pot.
If you don't mind the 4 pot then the 718 is better in every single way over the 981.
As I like neither of the new cars I am firm in the 987.2 camp.
I also think the 981 larger 20" wheels in manual tips in gear speeds over the edge for the 3.4.
The main questions you need to ask is
manual or automatic
Flat 6 or 4 pot turbo
feel or speed.
infotainment tech needs
if you want a manual , flat 6 with feel then the 987.2 car wins by a big margin imo
If you want the fastest a 718 turbo wins and has the best PDK and best infotainment.
if you don't care about feel much but want better PDK and the flat 6 the 981 wins.
Only you know what you are after from a car.
I was given a 718S for a 24hr test drive and was blown away by the performance. It truly was impressive and the handling was superb. This car was only going to be a garage queen for sunny day blasts.
Once back at the dealers I asked to drive a 981s and took it for a quick spin up the road. That was enough for me.
I bought a Boxster 981S and absolutely adore it. The sound and the screaming engine just make it so much more fun for the sunny day blasts. It is not anywhere near as fast in a straight line but I just wouldn't buy the 718 with that engine.
I also have an M4 Competition pack and the engine leaves me cold. Maybe I just like old fashioned N/A engines.
Once back at the dealers I asked to drive a 981s and took it for a quick spin up the road. That was enough for me.
I bought a Boxster 981S and absolutely adore it. The sound and the screaming engine just make it so much more fun for the sunny day blasts. It is not anywhere near as fast in a straight line but I just wouldn't buy the 718 with that engine.
I also have an M4 Competition pack and the engine leaves me cold. Maybe I just like old fashioned N/A engines.
981 has all other iterations beaten on looks too.
What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
I would just buy the car you like.
Personally I would go for a 981 from an indie and save yourself some money, and the depreciation. But if you have no "investment" in the engine architecture or style then it just comes down to what you prefer.
It might be worth baring in mind whether or not you can actually buy a new 718 until next year, but it's your choice.
Personally I would go for a 981 from an indie and save yourself some money, and the depreciation. But if you have no "investment" in the engine architecture or style then it just comes down to what you prefer.
It might be worth baring in mind whether or not you can actually buy a new 718 until next year, but it's your choice.
Thanks All, kind of what I expected. Not many in favour of the 718 then it seems ?
The lead time on a new one appears to be part of the Porsche ownership experience, I just object to paying opc crazy inflated prices on used. Independent may be an option, but for that kind of money I like to use official channels. I guess you pay (through the nose) for that.
The lead time on a new one appears to be part of the Porsche ownership experience, I just object to paying opc crazy inflated prices on used. Independent may be an option, but for that kind of money I like to use official channels. I guess you pay (through the nose) for that.
Edited by Flippo on Thursday 30th August 13:33
Quickmoose said:
981 has all other iterations beaten on looks too.
What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
Based on your stats does that mean 95 % are looking on in envy What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
I'll try be balanced with my views.....
I would say 981 (slight bias though as i own one) but me and my wife tried both cars base 718 and a 981 2.7 back to back, and whilst the 718 was faster, it was the noise of the F6 motor, and throttle response that was better to us, plus the new looks of the 718 rear end (spoiler/badge area/boot) we didn't care much for those changes.
When out driving the 718 I instantly drew a sound comparison with a Scooby WRX and that for me was enough engine wise - sure its faster than the 981 but the nice high revving scream from the N/A Flat 6 was so much better, in the same way as a N/A V8/S6 BMW M car is when compared to a new M2/M3/M4 the turbo just seems to kill and mutes the engine sound, and to some degree the throttle response - granted a new M3/4 is faster than the old V8 so if speed/performance is your prime factor then you'll buy the new turbo car.
So yes 718 is faster, the Nav/hi-fi touch screen works better, they have some new colour options etc and course any cars for sale used are newer. They feel quicker in a straight line, and in gear performance dont need to be worked as hard, but we most certainly didn't feel at all hard done by getting back into the 981 in fact thats why we bought it.
As a side, I've driven the 718 (Cayman and Boxster) base and S models on track, back to back and also tried both cars with PCCB options - for me these brakes more than the power hike or turbo was the biggest wow factor, on the track the PCCB kit was just sublime, was it worth £6K or whatever it costs now for road use, No, but on track they really build your confidence and work so much better totally fade free.
But If you want the Porsche badge, the extra performance and styling updates, better spec touch hi-fi/Nav of a new model and you dont care for the F6 sound, its N/A throttle response, then go 718 all day - but for me i think you can match the 718 base cars performance and specs with an Audi TTS and save a pile of money in the process, especially if its just performance your after - if its the badge/looks/ being a Porsche owner, and the performance you want then you've made your choice already its the 718.
Good luck and whichever you chose i'm sure you'll love it.
I would say 981 (slight bias though as i own one) but me and my wife tried both cars base 718 and a 981 2.7 back to back, and whilst the 718 was faster, it was the noise of the F6 motor, and throttle response that was better to us, plus the new looks of the 718 rear end (spoiler/badge area/boot) we didn't care much for those changes.
When out driving the 718 I instantly drew a sound comparison with a Scooby WRX and that for me was enough engine wise - sure its faster than the 981 but the nice high revving scream from the N/A Flat 6 was so much better, in the same way as a N/A V8/S6 BMW M car is when compared to a new M2/M3/M4 the turbo just seems to kill and mutes the engine sound, and to some degree the throttle response - granted a new M3/4 is faster than the old V8 so if speed/performance is your prime factor then you'll buy the new turbo car.
So yes 718 is faster, the Nav/hi-fi touch screen works better, they have some new colour options etc and course any cars for sale used are newer. They feel quicker in a straight line, and in gear performance dont need to be worked as hard, but we most certainly didn't feel at all hard done by getting back into the 981 in fact thats why we bought it.
As a side, I've driven the 718 (Cayman and Boxster) base and S models on track, back to back and also tried both cars with PCCB options - for me these brakes more than the power hike or turbo was the biggest wow factor, on the track the PCCB kit was just sublime, was it worth £6K or whatever it costs now for road use, No, but on track they really build your confidence and work so much better totally fade free.
But If you want the Porsche badge, the extra performance and styling updates, better spec touch hi-fi/Nav of a new model and you dont care for the F6 sound, its N/A throttle response, then go 718 all day - but for me i think you can match the 718 base cars performance and specs with an Audi TTS and save a pile of money in the process, especially if its just performance your after - if its the badge/looks/ being a Porsche owner, and the performance you want then you've made your choice already its the 718.
Good luck and whichever you chose i'm sure you'll love it.
Flippo said:
Thanks All, kind of what I expected. Not many in favour of the 718 then it seems ?
The lead time on a new one appears to be part of the Porsche ownership experience, I just object to paying opc crazy inflated prices on used. Independent may be an option, but for that kind of money I like to use official channels. I guess you pay (through the nose) for that.
Nothing un-official using a reputable indie. Prices of the 981 are not inflated, they just hold there money well. Surely that's a positive? Drive both and just decide which one you enjoy more, buy with your heart not your head and you will be happy The lead time on a new one appears to be part of the Porsche ownership experience, I just object to paying opc crazy inflated prices on used. Independent may be an option, but for that kind of money I like to use official channels. I guess you pay (through the nose) for that.
Edited by Flippo on Thursday 30th August 13:33
Flippo said:
Thanks All, kind of what I expected. Not many in favour of the 718 then it seems ?
The lead time on a new one appears to be part of the Porsche ownership experience, I just object to paying opc crazy inflated prices on used. Independent may be an option, but for that kind of money I like to use official channels. I guess you pay (through the nose) for that.
Doesn't matter what we are in favour of (even though I don't like the 718 engine either). If you like the 718 engine as well as the 981 one then it's a no-brainer - get the 718 UNLESS you are concerned about depreciation. The 981 will almost certainly cost less to own despite its slightly higher fuel consumption.The lead time on a new one appears to be part of the Porsche ownership experience, I just object to paying opc crazy inflated prices on used. Independent may be an option, but for that kind of money I like to use official channels. I guess you pay (through the nose) for that.
Edited by Flippo on Thursday 30th August 13:33
tedblog said:
Quickmoose said:
981 has all other iterations beaten on looks too.
What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
Based on your stats does that mean 95 % are looking on in envy What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
if only, no the other 95% couldn't care less..
Quickmoose said:
tedblog said:
Quickmoose said:
981 has all other iterations beaten on looks too.
What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
Based on your stats does that mean 95 % are looking on in envy What you're losing is entertainment tech and pub-bore stats....and depending on your usage of the car, I'd query why you'd need all the infotainment toss..
What your gaining is a car that'll depreciate less in the long run, sound better, go very nearly as well, look better AND you won't have 5% of blokes looking at you in pity
if only, no the other 95% couldn't care less..
I made exactly that decision, bought 981S rather than new 718, don't think you will be disappointed, and dealer 2-yr warranty plus recovery etc worthwhile.
Think you can haggle price down, just don't be afraid to push hard and walk out if necessary - I did and few weeks later got further £1k off. Finally, ask for extras like Porsche Silverstone experience (like with new car) or similar.
Be sure what options/ colour you want and wait for that version; The PSE sports exhaust is a lot of fun, the Sports steering wheel with flappy paddle gear change nice on the PDK version, and the manual climate control very irritating compared to the dual channel version which more importantly adds auto climate control.
Think you can haggle price down, just don't be afraid to push hard and walk out if necessary - I did and few weeks later got further £1k off. Finally, ask for extras like Porsche Silverstone experience (like with new car) or similar.
Be sure what options/ colour you want and wait for that version; The PSE sports exhaust is a lot of fun, the Sports steering wheel with flappy paddle gear change nice on the PDK version, and the manual climate control very irritating compared to the dual channel version which more importantly adds auto climate control.
You may well think the OPC prices are inflated, however buying from OPC means you get a 2 yr warranty, which is extendable.
And...a big factor...the cost of ownership of a 981S will be lower than a new / nearly new 718 over say 3yrs. Depreciation will be more on the 718.
And, they're just not as enjoyable. I had one for a day and couldn't believe Porsche had stuck the 4 pot engine in it. It is soulless and left me completely cold. For what is one of Porsche's best handling cars, they've ruined it as a proper sports car IMO. I just don't get why anybody would sign this off when they have such marvellous flat 6's to hand.
If peddling along riding on the torque is more your thing and you're more interested in the latest car with more tech etc then I get it, however for most on here....that's not what it's about.
All that said, whichever one you choose, have fun with it, Porsche make great cars
And...a big factor...the cost of ownership of a 981S will be lower than a new / nearly new 718 over say 3yrs. Depreciation will be more on the 718.
And, they're just not as enjoyable. I had one for a day and couldn't believe Porsche had stuck the 4 pot engine in it. It is soulless and left me completely cold. For what is one of Porsche's best handling cars, they've ruined it as a proper sports car IMO. I just don't get why anybody would sign this off when they have such marvellous flat 6's to hand.
If peddling along riding on the torque is more your thing and you're more interested in the latest car with more tech etc then I get it, however for most on here....that's not what it's about.
All that said, whichever one you choose, have fun with it, Porsche make great cars
Edited by MrVert on Thursday 30th August 14:14
You just need to decide which suits you best.
Depreciation only comes into effect when you want to sell? If its a keeper then thats never going to be an issue?
Opc prices are bit different to private and if you need to sell trade alot different.
Youll enjoy both no doubt you wouldnt be disappointed with either.
Depreciation only comes into effect when you want to sell? If its a keeper then thats never going to be an issue?
Opc prices are bit different to private and if you need to sell trade alot different.
Youll enjoy both no doubt you wouldnt be disappointed with either.
Edited by tedblog on Thursday 30th August 14:19
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