718 Spyder - looking to buy

[crystalmethod]

said:

The grey was Arctic which came along later in the run. Think it was 2022

[Billy_Whizzzz]

kenofkens said:

I too am looking at a Spyder.

Intrigued to know about other people here first time or not and there thoughts behind chosing SPyder.

My background i have a 992 Targa 4S with rear axle steer (makes it feel much smaller more nimble) and a 997 C2S i bought the latter for a more analogue experience. However i discovered my best days were in my Targa on any day with the roof down, due to this i decided against upgrading my C2S to a 997.1 GT3 despite a test drive which i absolutely loved, i knew the moment the sun or fair driving weather was there id be wanting a topless car. The sunroof and windows open in the C2S, just doesnt give that same experience.

Never been a Boxster/Cayman fan per se but they are growing on me technically and somewhat visually, but nowhere near the curves of a 997 etc.

I started off test driving a 981 Boxster 3.4 S PDK, now i have to say i really enjoyed this instantly felt fun and more confident with that extra turn in over the 997.1 but straight line acceleration really did feel dull, GTS seem rare as also only one i liked which went a few weeks back.

Next i tried a 718 GTS4.0 i have to say underwhelmed with this for different reasons, suspension felt so soft, engine was ok way more torque over 981S of course but oh it just didn't feel sporty enough for me, needed more noise and oh my how tall are those gears, the 981 felt more 'chuckable' and fun, is this a weight thing i dont know. For the money so close to a Spyder it just didn't feel value, i woulda preffered the change and bought a 981S ... almost.

I originally started looking for a 981 Spyder as i believe they are lighter and more of an 'event' each time to you drive, but they seem so rare i may be in an OAP home by the time a suitable one is available for me. There is also the concern about manual.

PDK option v manual?

Whilst i love my manual C2S i do observe at times whilst being a competent driver, sim driver and karter, i find both hands on the wheel always preferable, therefore manual whilst nice potentially a X% of brain occupancy used up on distraction from driving car. Therefore i would somewhat eb to PDK, so close because there's elements of my targa being PDK i find dull and elements of wacking through gears in 997 i love.

What about GT4?
A friend of mine has a 718 GT4 its too agressive looking for me let alone the RS omg and a hard top.

So here i am at my decision process:

I like the Spyder, least it hasn't got a spoiler, the rear diffuser is a bit ott for me, as is the very angular amost Japanese/ Jag F type look to the front but i feel on paper it's my ultimate car, or possibly the 981 is as i dont really want need 400bhp, however 981s i dont think i will ever get what i want spec wise. Its a car i think i will like i won't love it or look back at it like my Targa or if i owned a 997.1 GT3 but i know it will make me smile ear to ear driving it.

I am looking at something like this:

718 Spyder + PDK, Adjustable seats (not bucket) Bose or Better, heated wheel, Agate or Black with Platinum silver wheels.

Edited by kenofkens on Wednesday 19th November 15:17

Edited by kenofkens on Wednesday 19th November 19:06

Good summary. That’s why I still love my 981 Spyder after 5 years.

[kenofkens]

Beauty mate very jealous, i believe alot of people enquire about 718 Spyder exhaust upgrades but seldom on the 981.

How do you find the B road handling, how about in the Wet? Ever miss PDK?

Edited by kenofkens on Wednesday 19th November 22:07

[iguana]

john_1983 said:

but how often do you redline any car?

Every single day.

[Billy_Whizzzz]

kenofkens said:

Beauty mate very jealous, i believe alot of people enquire about 718 Spyder exhaust upgrades but seldom on the 981.

How do you find the B road handling, how about in the Wet? Ever miss PDK?

Edited by kenofkens on Wednesday 19th November 22:07

Thanks - sound is perfect and never miss PDK!!

[Quickmoose]

I'm thinking buy on condition and then resolve the spec afterwards....
The ability to add or remove parts is considerable, not withstanding there are spec items that are not so easy....
I've really enjoyed and still enjoy the personalisation journey...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

the rarity of the 981 and 987 also appeal to me.... but then I don't swap cars out very often, I'm always looking for the "keeper"

[Babw]

718 Spyder is clearly shaper to drive without being harsh. When I drove both, it was quite clear even from an A road. The 718 felt better put together and I only have 3k miles on mine but the gearshift felt more fluid than a 981 with 15k miles.

[Esquire]

kenofkens said:

I too am looking at a Spyder.

Intrigued to know about other people here first time or not and there thoughts behind chosing SPyder.

My background i have a 992 Targa 4S with rear axle steer (makes it feel much smaller more nimble) and a 997 C2S i bought the latter for a more analogue experience. However i discovered my best days were in my Targa on any day with the roof down, due to this i decided against upgrading my C2S to a 997.1 GT3 despite a test drive which i absolutely loved, i knew the moment the sun or fair driving weather was there id be wanting a topless car. The sunroof and windows open in the C2S, just doesnt give that same experience.

Never been a Boxster/Cayman fan per se but they are growing on me technically and somewhat visually, but nowhere near the curves of a 997 etc.

I started off test driving a 981 Boxster 3.4 S PDK, now i have to say i really enjoyed this instantly felt fun and more confident with that extra turn in over the 997.1 but straight line acceleration really did feel dull, GTS seem rare as also only one i liked which went a few weeks back.

Next i tried a 718 GTS4.0 i have to say underwhelmed with this for different reasons, suspension felt so soft, engine was ok way more torque over 981S of course but oh it just didn't feel sporty enough for me, needed more noise and oh my how tall are those gears, the 981 felt more 'chuckable' and fun, is this a weight thing i dont know. For the money so close to a Spyder it just didn't feel value, i woulda preffered the change and bought a 981S ... almost.

I originally started looking for a 981 Spyder as i believe they are lighter and more of an 'event' each time to you drive, but they seem so rare i may be in an OAP home by the time a suitable one is available for me. There is also the concern about manual.

PDK option v manual?

Whilst i love my manual C2S i do observe at times whilst being a competent driver, sim driver and karter, i find both hands on the wheel always preferable, therefore manual whilst nice potentially a X% of brain occupancy used up on distraction from driving car. Therefore i would somewhat eb to PDK, so close because there's elements of my targa being PDK i find dull and elements of wacking through gears in 997 i love.

What about GT4?
A friend of mine has a 718 GT4 its too agressive looking for me let alone the RS omg and a hard top.

So here i am at my decision process:

I like the Spyder, least it hasn't got a spoiler, the rear diffuser is a bit ott for me, as is the very angular amost Japanese/ Jag F type look to the front but i feel on paper it's my ultimate car, or possibly the 981 is as i dont really want need 400bhp, however 981s i dont think i will ever get what i want spec wise. Its a car i think i will like i won't love it or look back at it like my Targa or if i owned a 997.1 GT3 but i know it will make me smile ear to ear driving it.

I am looking at something like this:

718 Spyder + PDK, Adjustable seats (not bucket) Bose or Better, heated wheel, Agate or Black with Platinum silver wheels.

Edited by kenofkens on Wednesday 19th November 15:17

Edited by kenofkens on Wednesday 19th November 19:06

Nice write up thanks.

Also toyed with the idea of selling my well spec'd 981 BGTS & assumed the 718 GTS would be the obvious route to go.
The more I think about changing the more I think I'd really need to buy something a little different.

I do also enjoy PDK & open top motoring so that leaves me with one of two choices that'll cost me a considerable sum to change.

[Frankychops]

Zero7 said:

crystalmethod said:

Think they'll hold up very well, like GT4s are. Aside from very limited edition cars I can't think of many cars that'll have softer depreciation which is an added bonus of ownership

They're a lot of GT car for the money. What else can one buy that's as good an all round package? Possibly 4.0 GTS but the Spyder feels just that bit more special (I've owned both)

Best of luck

Thank you and much appreciated, the other option is a 570s but the running costs are on a different level

I think you’ll be very surprised

[bennno]

Frankychops said:

I think you ll be very surprised

By how much more they are?

It’s just £1600 for a 3 year manufacturer warranty on a 718 Spyder, £2985 per year on a sports series car.

[AmazingGrace]

bennno said:

It s just £1600 for a 3 year manufacturer warranty on a 718 Spyder, £2985 per year on a sports series car.

From OPC or third party?

[bennno]

AmazingGrace said:

bennno said:

It s just £1600 for a 3 year manufacturer warranty on a 718 Spyder, £2985 per year on a sports series car.

From OPC or third party?

Opc

[kenofkens]

Quickmoose said:

I'm thinking buy on condition and then resolve the spec afterwards....
The ability to add or remove parts is considerable, not withstanding there are spec items that are not so easy....
I've really enjoyed and still enjoy the personalisation journey...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

the rarity of the 981 and 987 also appeal to me.... but then I don't swap cars out very often, I'm always looking for the "keeper"

I just looked at your thread, omg i salute you sir, you turned a beauty into an aboslute stuner, Olive green has always been my dream PTS on any Porsche and the wheel colour etc, you've really made a dream car there, long may you enjoy it too.

[kenofkens]

Esquire said:

Nice write up thanks.

Also toyed with the idea of selling my well spec'd 981 BGTS & assumed the 718 GTS would be the obvious route to go.
The more I think about changing the more I think I'd really need to buy something a little different.

I do also enjoy PDK & open top motoring so that leaves me with one of two choices that'll cost me a considerable sum to change.

Welcome, and yes a well spec'd 981 GTS was also a car i really wanted, an Agate Gray one recently snapped up i think RPM Teknik i wish i had been more proactive beautiful cars too.

Anyway adding an update into my exploration of the 718. I dropped into a Porsche dealer today to test a White 718 Spyder in manual. I must admit i went there thinking it would confirm i wanted a PDK, being a very miserable cold wet day in the UK too i thought that would add to the need for both hands on the wheel etc.
Ok i was wrong. Despite being a honking wet day this thing was just epic, the clutch felt easy not heavy at all, and the shifting beautiful, people mention the tall gearing, didn't bother me at all. If anything it's good because you're not too busy having to short shift taking a hand off the wheel so much.

My last drive was the 718 GTS4.0 which i mentioned felt underwhelming, sure it was pretty quick but that was it.

This thing felt so razor precision sharp like i felt in the 997.1 GT3 but with added balance from the mid engine and way more confidence braking in the wet etc, very predictable handling, Being a mid engined newbie this may sound normal to some of you but a revelation to me. Loved it.
It also felt much lighter and nimbler despite being marginally heavier than the GTS 4.0 which really surprised me.
For sure my 992.1 Targa 4S being 4wd makes things much easier accelerating and cornering in the wet, the Spyder communicated much more so where you are down on grip you are up in seat of the pants feel, and the balance, and the accuracy of that steering.

So in summary i felt more connected with the manual, and i think on reflection the reason i dont feel in so control in my 997.1 manual is more to do with the shiny seats and large shiny wheel etc not the manual itself. I love the alcantara wheel and seats in spyder helps to lock you in.

And the 718 Spyder as others have said i would say arguably the best car ive ever driven, but i haven't driven a 981, which i feel could be even better (not about out n out speed i mean fun)

[Esquire]

kenofkens said:

Welcome, and yes a well spec'd 981 GTS was also a car i really wanted, an Agate Gray one recently snapped up i think RPM Teknik i wish i had been more proactive beautiful cars too.

Anyway adding an update into my exploration of the 718. I dropped into a Porsche dealer today to test a White 718 Spyder in manual. I must admit i went there thinking it would confirm i wanted a PDK, being a very miserable cold wet day in the UK too i thought that would add to the need for both hands on the wheel etc.
Ok i was wrong. Despite being a honking wet day this thing was just epic, the clutch felt easy not heavy at all, and the shifting beautiful, people mention the tall gearing, didn't bother me at all. If anything it's good because you're not too busy having to short shift taking a hand off the wheel so much.

My last drive was the 718 GTS4.0 which i mentioned felt underwhelming, sure it was pretty quick but that was it.

This thing felt so razor precision sharp like i felt in the 997.1 GT3 but with added balance from the mid engine and way more confidence braking in the wet etc, very predictable handling, Being a mid engined newbie this may sound normal to some of you but a revelation to me. Loved it.
It also felt much lighter and nimbler despite being marginally heavier than the GTS 4.0 which really surprised me.
For sure my 992.1 Targa 4S being 4wd makes things much easier accelerating and cornering in the wet, the Spyder communicated much more so where you are down on grip you are up in seat of the pants feel, and the balance, and the accuracy of that steering.

So in summary i felt more connected with the manual, and i think on reflection the reason i dont feel in so control in my 997.1 manual is more to do with the shiny seats and large shiny wheel etc not the manual itself. I love the alcantara wheel and seats in spyder helps to lock you in.

And the 718 Spyder as others have said i would say arguably the best car ive ever driven, but i haven't driven a 981, which i feel could be even better (not about out n out speed i mean fun)

That agate grey car was immaculate and from memory 22k miles and 49k I think ?
As you saw snapped up fast.

Interesting thoughts on the 718 Spyder .
I personally prefer the looks of the 718 Spyder over the 981 and of course you get the larger brakes from the GT4 & the same running gear I think.
The 981 has the sound however so it depends how important that is to an owner. Less noise and the GT4 brakes might make it the better occasional track car too.

Quite a decent comparison by RPM Technic on both models .
Ultimately I think I'd go for the 718 over the 981 and forgo the sound . The roof 'Faff' i think I could get over although might likely mean I'd not have the roof as as much incase of a sudden and unexpected downpour.

Question is what the net difference would be for me to change out of the 981 GTS PDK ( very similar to the agate car) and into a 718 be it manual or PDK.

https://youtu.be/-toM_sdpIHA?si=mU9uKPwWwt1iYtc6

Edited by Esquire on Sunday 23 November 11:57

Edited by Esquire on Sunday 23 November 12:10

Edited by Esquire on Sunday 23 November 12:11

Edited by Esquire on Sunday 23 November 12:12

[kenofkens]

Esquire said:

That agate grey car was immaculate and from memory 22k miles and 49k I think ?
As you saw snapped up fast.

Interesting thoughts on the 718 Spyder .
I personally prefer the looks of the 718 Spyder over the 981 and of course you get the larger brakes from the GT4 & the same running gear I think.
The 981 has the sound however so it depends how important that is to an owner. Less noise and the GT4 brakes might make it the better occasional track car too.

Quite a decent comparison by RPM Technic on both models .
Ultimately I think I'd go for the 718 over the 981 and forgo the sound . The roof 'Faff' i think I could get over although might likely mean I'd not have the roof as as much incase of a sudden and unexpected downpour.

Question is what the net difference would be for me to change out of the 981 GTS PDK ( very similar to the agate car) and into a 718 be it manual or PDK.

https://youtu.be/-toM_sdpIHA?si=mU9uKPwWwt1iYtc6

Completely agree with you re above, i do prefer the rear of the 718 particularly the upper rear, eg lights and spoiler line, but i actually prefer the twin center exhauts of the 981 i don't really like the rear faux diffuser on the 718 either.
Ideal world 718 rear lights but with 981 bottom valance and center exhausts/sound.

And yes the front end on the 718 and brakes feel perfect i love how accurate the steering feels, but i haven't driven a 981.
Same issue i have re colour, is i want an Agate Grey 718 but not possilbe. I was eyein'g up a black but it's possibly just too much for me. So ebbing towards the arctic Gray with plat silver wheels. Problem is how many are out there with Bermister stereo. How long to wait...

[Esquire]

kenofkens said:

Completely agree with you re above, i do prefer the rear of the 718 particularly the upper rear, eg lights and spoiler line, but i actually prefer the twin center exhauts of the 981 i don't really like the rear faux diffuser on the 718 either.
Ideal world 718 rear lights but with 981 bottom valance and center exhausts/sound.

And yes the front end on the 718 and brakes feel perfect i love how accurate the steering feels, but i haven't driven a 981.
Same issue i have re colour, is i want an Agate Grey 718 but not possilbe. I was eyein'g up a black but it's possibly just too much for me. So ebbing towards the arctic Gray with plat silver wheels. Problem is how many are out there with Bermister stereo. How long to wait...

The Bermister I would image would be a tricky find especially if you are firm on colour choice.

I actually wouldn't have considered what sound system a Spyder had given most of the time I'd have the roof off but I appreciate it might be important to others.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted .

Good to chat

[crystalmethod]

kenofkens said:

Esquire said:

That agate grey car was immaculate and from memory 22k miles and 49k I think ?
As you saw snapped up fast.

Interesting thoughts on the 718 Spyder .
I personally prefer the looks of the 718 Spyder over the 981 and of course you get the larger brakes from the GT4 & the same running gear I think.
The 981 has the sound however so it depends how important that is to an owner. Less noise and the GT4 brakes might make it the better occasional track car too.

Quite a decent comparison by RPM Technic on both models .
Ultimately I think I'd go for the 718 over the 981 and forgo the sound . The roof 'Faff' i think I could get over although might likely mean I'd not have the roof as as much incase of a sudden and unexpected downpour.

Question is what the net difference would be for me to change out of the 981 GTS PDK ( very similar to the agate car) and into a 718 be it manual or PDK.

https://youtu.be/-toM_sdpIHA?si=mU9uKPwWwt1iYtc6

Completely agree with you re above, i do prefer the rear of the 718 particularly the upper rear, eg lights and spoiler line, but i actually prefer the twin center exhauts of the 981 i don't really like the rear faux diffuser on the 718 either.
Ideal world 718 rear lights but with 981 bottom valance and center exhausts/sound.

And yes the front end on the 718 and brakes feel perfect i love how accurate the steering feels, but i haven't driven a 981.
Same issue i have re colour, is i want an Agate Grey 718 but not possilbe. I was eyein'g up a black but it's possibly just too much for me. So ebbing towards the arctic Gray with plat silver wheels. Problem is how many are out there with Bermister stereo. How long to wait...

Yes, I wouldn't focus on Burmester too much as not many have it. Mine has Bose which isn't bad, and I upgraded via a MOST 150 and other stuff which is easily reversible, which gives a decent increase in quality and volume

Have to say that I agree with Quickmoose. Find one that's a good base for what you want (colour, seats, dual climate), and if you're inclined to you can change or upgrade quite a lot

Best of luck

[bigmowley]

crystalmethod said:

kenofkens said:

Esquire said:

That agate grey car was immaculate and from memory 22k miles and 49k I think ?
As you saw snapped up fast.

Interesting thoughts on the 718 Spyder .
I personally prefer the looks of the 718 Spyder over the 981 and of course you get the larger brakes from the GT4 & the same running gear I think.
The 981 has the sound however so it depends how important that is to an owner. Less noise and the GT4 brakes might make it the better occasional track car too.

Quite a decent comparison by RPM Technic on both models .
Ultimately I think I'd go for the 718 over the 981 and forgo the sound . The roof 'Faff' i think I could get over although might likely mean I'd not have the roof as as much incase of a sudden and unexpected downpour.

Question is what the net difference would be for me to change out of the 981 GTS PDK ( very similar to the agate car) and into a 718 be it manual or PDK.

https://youtu.be/-toM_sdpIHA?si=mU9uKPwWwt1iYtc6

Completely agree with you re above, i do prefer the rear of the 718 particularly the upper rear, eg lights and spoiler line, but i actually prefer the twin center exhauts of the 981 i don't really like the rear faux diffuser on the 718 either.
Ideal world 718 rear lights but with 981 bottom valance and center exhausts/sound.

And yes the front end on the 718 and brakes feel perfect i love how accurate the steering feels, but i haven't driven a 981.
Same issue i have re colour, is i want an Agate Grey 718 but not possilbe. I was eyein'g up a black but it's possibly just too much for me. So ebbing towards the arctic Gray with plat silver wheels. Problem is how many are out there with Bermister stereo. How long to wait...

Yes, I wouldn't focus on Burmester too much as not many have it. Mine has Bose which isn't bad, and I upgraded via a MOST 150 and other stuff which is easily reversible, which gives a decent increase in quality and volume

Have to say that I agree with Quickmoose. Find one that's a good base for what you want (colour, seats, dual climate), and if you're inclined to you can change or upgrade quite a lot

Best of luck

Having had a couple of 718 Spyders I can vouch for the Burmester system. It’s extremely good and way better than the standard or the Bose options. You really appreciate it on the Spyder as it’s a noisy cabin and you need the extra grunt. I found that the Burmester was spot on for music and podcasts right up to an 80MPH cruise top down.
In my opinion a well specified 718 Spyder is one of the best cars Porsche have ever made.

[Esquire]

bigmowley said:

Having had a couple of 718 Spyders I can vouch for the Burmester system. It s extremely good and way better than the standard or the Bose options. You really appreciate it on the Spyder as it s a noisy cabin and you need the extra grunt. I found that the Burmester was spot on for music and podcasts right up to an 80MPH cruise top down.
In my opinion a well specified 718 Spyder is one of the best cars Porsche have ever made.

Did you ever get to drive a 981 Spyder for a comparison?

Did you have manual or PDK cars ?

TIA

Edited by Esquire on Sunday 23 November 16:53