718 Spyder - looking to buy
Discussion
bennno said:
I suspect over time the current £55k price gap between early Spyder / Spyder RS may continue to gradually narrow.
I was therefore inclined to take a manual as it s not available in the RS.
Watched a vid y'day of the SRS roof operation which would massively put me off . I was therefore inclined to take a manual as it s not available in the RS.
Equally I think as much as the noise in your right ear might sound epic to start with, it'll end up becoming quite annoying on a longer drive.
Esquire said:
Watched a vid y'day of the SRS roof operation which would massively put me off .
Equally I think as much as the noise in your right ear might sound epic to start with, it'll end up becoming quite annoying on a longer drive.
Is an SRS the same intake noise as a 4RS? Not been in a SRS to compare, yes 4RS is mental loud inside on induction.Equally I think as much as the noise in your right ear might sound epic to start with, it'll end up becoming quite annoying on a longer drive.
Esquire said:
Watched a vid y'day of the SRS roof operation which would massively put me off .
Equally I think as much as the noise in your right ear might sound epic to start with, it'll end up becoming quite annoying on a longer drive.
Exactly as I found when I test drove an SRS. I've been caught in the Spyder during a shower and it's possible to get a move on and put the roof up. The SRS, no chance, best to take a raincoat and get the dehumidifier on it later. Equally I think as much as the noise in your right ear might sound epic to start with, it'll end up becoming quite annoying on a longer drive.
The noise is very loud but only on full throttle. Stock Spyder is too quiet so when you drive them back to back, the difference is stark.
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. 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
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...
Babw said:
Exactly as I found when I test drove an SRS. I've been caught in the Spyder during a shower and it's possible to get a move on and put the roof up. The SRS, no chance, best to take a raincoat and get the dehumidifier on it later.
The noise is very loud but only on full throttle. Stock Spyder is too quiet so when you drive them back to back, the difference is stark.
It’s really nowhere near as bad as all the videos have made it out to be. For 99% of the time, forget the rear window section. If you need the main roof on, it’s about 1 minute start to finish. Also driving the SRS in Bimini mode is a joy in itself. Rolling it up to take it off is a bit more fiddly but not because it’s difficult, just because I’m always careful to fold it to minimise any risk of creases. The advantage is, if your taking the roof off your not panicking about getting wet lol.The noise is very loud but only on full throttle. Stock Spyder is too quiet so when you drive them back to back, the difference is stark.
Babw said:
Exactly as I found when I test drove an SRS. I've been caught in the Spyder during a shower and it's possible to get a move on and put the roof up. The SRS, no chance, best to take a raincoat and get the dehumidifier on it later.
The noise is very loud but only on full throttle. Stock Spyder is too quiet so when you drive them back to back, the difference is stark.
I've sort of decided if I was to let my 981 BGTS go it'll be for a 718 Spyder PDK. The noise is very loud but only on full throttle. Stock Spyder is too quiet so when you drive them back to back, the difference is stark.
I know some will appreciate the manual box but having gotten used to the PDK in my 981 which still excites me I tnink I'd now regret going back to manual .
Also the 718 could be used for occasional track days
Esquire said:
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? In my opinion a well specified 718 Spyder is one of the best cars Porsche have ever made.
Did you have manual or PDK cars ?
TIA
No never had a 981 Spyder, only a Cayman R which was a lovely car. Much nicer sound and steering feel.
As for manual and PDK 718 Spyders, one of each. I personally prefer the PDK but it’s a highly personal issue and there is no right or wrong answer here. I had the manual when they first came out then replaced it with a PDK when they became available.
Edited by Esquire on Sunday 23 November 16:53
Esquire said:
bigmowley said:
Sounds like you no longer have a Spyder .
If that's the case was there any reason you sold up ?
bigmowley said:
Not having an unlimited supply of funds, sadly, it had to go to fund the GT4RS. One of my not so good car buying decisions. I miss the Spyder more than I expected. I will jump back into Spyder ownership at some point.
Got it thanks . I must have missed the mention of a GT4 RS. I had previously looked at the 4RS but not sure it would match my intended usage on roads/occasional track day although no doubt a phenomenal track car.
A quick search of the classifieds suggests 40k uplift for a PDK Spyder .
Think I'll leave it for now safe in the knowledge I already have a great car .
Edited by Esquire on Monday 24th November 09:11
crystalmethod said:
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
Would be interested to hear what you've done to the Bose system. I upgraded my dash tweeters to the Burmester ones which made a nice difference, but at 85 with the roof up it's still too boomyHave 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
Esquire said:
Babw said:
Exactly as I found when I test drove an SRS. I've been caught in the Spyder during a shower and it's possible to get a move on and put the roof up. The SRS, no chance, best to take a raincoat and get the dehumidifier on it later.
The noise is very loud but only on full throttle. Stock Spyder is too quiet so when you drive them back to back, the difference is stark.
I've sort of decided if I was to let my 981 BGTS go it'll be for a 718 Spyder PDK. The noise is very loud but only on full throttle. Stock Spyder is too quiet so when you drive them back to back, the difference is stark.
I know some will appreciate the manual box but having gotten used to the PDK in my 981 which still excites me I tnink I'd now regret going back to manual .
Also the 718 could be used for occasional track days
john_1983 said:
crystalmethod said:
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
Would be interested to hear what you've done to the Bose system. I upgraded my dash tweeters to the Burmester ones which made a nice difference, but at 85 with the roof up it's still too boomyHave 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
Once installed he plugged in his laptop and optimised the sound to suit the music I listen to and how it's balanced in the car. I tried it for a couple of days and then went back for them to adjust it a bit more
It now sounds superb. Very clear and a quite a lot louder. They claimed it's now as good or better than Burmester but I couldn't comment on that. All in it was £2400 I think
If you're in London I can point you to the installers who I was very impressed by
crystalmethod said:
The main item I think was the MOST 150, plus another associated black box (you can tell I'm an expert). Several people recommended the MOST so think it's a popular upgrade. I was going to add Burmester tweeters but the installer couldn't do it without messing with my leather dash.
Once installed he plugged in his laptop and optimised the sound to suit the music I listen to and how it's balanced in the car. I tried it for a couple of days and then went back for them to adjust it a bit more
It now sounds superb. Very clear and a quite a lot louder. They claimed it's now as good or better than Burmester but I couldn't comment on that. All in it was £2400 I think
If you're in London I can point you to the installers who I was very impressed by
Thanks. I'm in Aberdeen so a bit far from you.Once installed he plugged in his laptop and optimised the sound to suit the music I listen to and how it's balanced in the car. I tried it for a couple of days and then went back for them to adjust it a bit more
It now sounds superb. Very clear and a quite a lot louder. They claimed it's now as good or better than Burmester but I couldn't comment on that. All in it was £2400 I think
If you're in London I can point you to the installers who I was very impressed by
Upgrading the tweeters was easy - I've got a leather dash too, just a trim tool under the edge and the vent pops off. I think I had to slice a small part off the tweeter connector to get it to fit to the car plug (think making a T into an L shape), but apart from that was very easy - the pins themselves on the connector are the same
john_1983 said:
crystalmethod said:
The main item I think was the MOST 150, plus another associated black box (you can tell I'm an expert). Several people recommended the MOST so think it's a popular upgrade. I was going to add Burmester tweeters but the installer couldn't do it without messing with my leather dash.
Once installed he plugged in his laptop and optimised the sound to suit the music I listen to and how it's balanced in the car. I tried it for a couple of days and then went back for them to adjust it a bit more
It now sounds superb. Very clear and a quite a lot louder. They claimed it's now as good or better than Burmester but I couldn't comment on that. All in it was £2400 I think
If you're in London I can point you to the installers who I was very impressed by
Thanks. I'm in Aberdeen so a bit far from you.Once installed he plugged in his laptop and optimised the sound to suit the music I listen to and how it's balanced in the car. I tried it for a couple of days and then went back for them to adjust it a bit more
It now sounds superb. Very clear and a quite a lot louder. They claimed it's now as good or better than Burmester but I couldn't comment on that. All in it was £2400 I think
If you're in London I can point you to the installers who I was very impressed by
Upgrading the tweeters was easy - I've got a leather dash too, just a trim tool under the edge and the vent pops off. I think I had to slice a small part off the tweeter connector to get it to fit to the car plug (think making a T into an L shape), but apart from that was very easy - the pins themselves on the connector are the same
Part of me wants to go back and make it all as good as it possibly could be. The other part is very happy with it as is and is thinking don't mess with it any more!
Some great reviews/input here.
I was lucky enough to buy my 718 Spyder as new with only 34 delivery miles about 18 months ago I was trading in a 991GT3 and was very nervous that I was making a mistake (esp in the sound department)
From the first drive .. zero regrets.. even running it in, it felt much much more suited to the type of B roads I enjoy driving and being mid engined was SO much more confidence inspiring on damp twisty roads .. fabulous.
Mine has Burmester, which as other have said is simply amazing, not just volume at speed roof down, but also clarity .. it s such a worthwhile option. I have the manual box, which must be about the best box out there, I ve had S2000, MX5s which are generally rated for having great precise manuals I ve also had a Caterham with the famed 6 speed . But this is just another world of perfection, and if you desire.. with the push of a button, you have auto blip on the way down which is heaven!
Roof is super quick and easy. Storage in the car is massive. I m not sure a better car exists for £ and use case of wk end blasts or euro hoons. Services every 2 years, reasonable warranty from OPC defo a lot to love!
The noise is a little muted but honestly not bad if you put a valve controller on .. or simply unplug the vacuum pipes, so the valves are open all the time - this gives a decent enough rumble. I opted for a JCR titanium un silenced pipe, and to say that transformed the car is an understatement don t miss the GT3 noise now either.
Gearing is fine, and the car is totally different to the GT3 - I felt unless I got a couple of red line pulls when I had it out - it was wasted miles/journey, whereas in the spyder, the engine doesn’t need that to make great progress, nor sound good .. its just a fab ROAD car ..
I was lucky enough to buy my 718 Spyder as new with only 34 delivery miles about 18 months ago I was trading in a 991GT3 and was very nervous that I was making a mistake (esp in the sound department)
From the first drive .. zero regrets.. even running it in, it felt much much more suited to the type of B roads I enjoy driving and being mid engined was SO much more confidence inspiring on damp twisty roads .. fabulous.
Mine has Burmester, which as other have said is simply amazing, not just volume at speed roof down, but also clarity .. it s such a worthwhile option. I have the manual box, which must be about the best box out there, I ve had S2000, MX5s which are generally rated for having great precise manuals I ve also had a Caterham with the famed 6 speed . But this is just another world of perfection, and if you desire.. with the push of a button, you have auto blip on the way down which is heaven!
Roof is super quick and easy. Storage in the car is massive. I m not sure a better car exists for £ and use case of wk end blasts or euro hoons. Services every 2 years, reasonable warranty from OPC defo a lot to love!
The noise is a little muted but honestly not bad if you put a valve controller on .. or simply unplug the vacuum pipes, so the valves are open all the time - this gives a decent enough rumble. I opted for a JCR titanium un silenced pipe, and to say that transformed the car is an understatement don t miss the GT3 noise now either.
Gearing is fine, and the car is totally different to the GT3 - I felt unless I got a couple of red line pulls when I had it out - it was wasted miles/journey, whereas in the spyder, the engine doesn’t need that to make great progress, nor sound good .. its just a fab ROAD car ..
Edited by gixermark on Tuesday 25th November 09:46
Yep, agree with all that.
I also came to a Spyder from a GT3 (997) and no regrets. I've combined an exhaust valve controller with BMC air filters and quite happy with the noise.
One thing further I would add is how good I think the ride is for such a focussed car wearing Cup 2 tyres (which will go when I've worn them out), or maybe I'm just used to hard riding cars
I also agree that it's a brilliant road car, it was awesome fun in the Swiss Alps last year.
I also came to a Spyder from a GT3 (997) and no regrets. I've combined an exhaust valve controller with BMC air filters and quite happy with the noise.
One thing further I would add is how good I think the ride is for such a focussed car wearing Cup 2 tyres (which will go when I've worn them out), or maybe I'm just used to hard riding cars
I also agree that it's a brilliant road car, it was awesome fun in the Swiss Alps last year.
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