Seats

[ab8]

I'm having last-minute spec anxiety. My first ever boxster/cayman (but not Porsche), and it's going to see plenty of track days. The choice is full buckets, 2 way SS+, or 18 ways.

I want heated seats and isofix, which means the 2 or 18 ways and, whilst I've had and loved the 18 ways in 911 and Macan, I think 2 ways will be better for their lighter weight, and because I think they go lower. Thing is, I've never sat in them and have no idea how well they'll hold for circuit use. Any views / experience?

[Twinfan]

I had Sports Seats Plus in my 981 GTS and they were certainly no bucket seat. It probably depends on your size but if buckets are a no-go I think you'd need to get 18-ways so you can pump up the bolstering to max so they hug better for track work.

[ab8]

Thanks. Do you have any idea whether they're the same as 911 18-ways?

[Twinfan]

I would assume they're the same as the 991 generation 18-ways, yes. The new 992 seats are different though by the look of them.

[arcamalpha]

Twinfan said:

I would assume they're the same as the 991 generation 18-ways, yes. The new 992 seats are different though by the look of them.

Spot on.

[ab8]

Thanks both. I found the 18 ways to be less-than-ideal on track in my 991.2 TTS, but maybe alcantara will make the difference!

[esuuv]

I have 2 way SS+ in my Cayman - recently I drove one with 18 way and you definitely sit higher with the seat at its lowest in the 18 way seats - I'm 6'6 so getting seats low matters!!

[ab8]

Thanks. Did you find the shape otherwise comparable?

[esuuv]

I'm pretty sure they're the same seat - just too high for me.

It didn't help that every time I adjusted it I forgot to set the memory - so every time I got in - the seat was back in the wrong place!!

[shost]

I had 2 way seats in my GT4, I achieved something like 1.5G cornering at Cadwell Park and never during my ownership felt the standard seats lacked lateral support.

I’m 181cm (5ft 11) and about 75kg, broad shouldered.

The LWB are for me quite wide and no different in support laterally. I still had to brace when being passengered in a such equipped car on track, even with the harness.

They are not a racing seat, but like a race seat the seat belts provide much of the stability within the seat especially in the vertical and forwards movements. The seat provides support and comfort if that makes sense.

So if you order buckets without full harness then it’s just a waste imho

[ab8]

More very helpful replies, thank you.

It's for a 718 Spyder so harnesses are not an option in any event, which is a good point I think!

[Twinfan]

Seat choice is very personal. I find the LWBs hugely more hugging than SSPs. I always feel I sit 'on' refuse seats but 'in' LWBs. There's a huge difference to me.

[DJMC]

esuuv said:

I'm pretty sure they're the same seat - just too high for me.

It didn't help that every time I adjusted it I forgot to set the memory - so every time I got in - the seat was back in the wrong place!!

My 981 14-way seats stay in the position I last adjusted them to (no memory set), apart from moving back as I get out along with the steering column rising. Seems strange yours goes back to a different position?

Don't forget the seat tilt and thigh extension on multi way seats. For me the 2-ways left my knees flapping about but with the 14s I can raise the seat front and extend the front bolster to keep them rested on. I don't think it's all about how low the seat base goes.

[shost]

ab8 said:

More very helpful replies, thank you.

It's for a 718 Spyder so harnesses are not an option in any event, which is a good point I think!

In which case, buckets would be more for show. They look great but if you value heated and isofix then you won't necessarily be falling out if them the first time you show them a corner.

But as others say very personal choice. I'm a 32 waist and find its my hips and legs that have room to move in buckets.

Material if part alcantara will help grip you in too don't forget.

[Bubbledragon]

ab8 said:

More very helpful replies, thank you.

It's for a 718 Spyder so harnesses are not an option in any event, which is a good point I think!

I went for 2 way Sport plus with isofix (with front passenger airbag deactivate) & heated seats for my 718 Spyder which for me were must. Buckets unfortunately do not have these 2 functions. The Alcantara does help to glue you to the seat. Had leather in one of my previous cayman I was sliding all over the place.

18 ways' benefit is if you have long legs for that additional extendable under thigh support, & in the Spyder I think it does not have memory function (need to check on that) .

Mind you by the time the car was delivered my older one has outgrown the child seat, the younger one will probably outgrow it in another 12~18 months. Still worth it as the kids love the car & will be part of their childhood memory.

[ab8]

Thank you again for the responses.

My kids have quite a lot of growing to do, so I think we've a while to go on that front, but I do have a 33 inch inseam. It is very frustrating not being able to try anything out before buying - even just sitting in the showroom.

[Herefordshire]

Went for 18s, love the adjustment,