718 convert? Not quite - maybe

[dreamcar]

Our 981 GTS is in Portsmouth for some work, and they’ve loaned me, yet again, a 718 Boxster S PDK for a couple of days. This one is the highest mileage car they’ve loaned me, just over 12k miles. Fairly basic spec, PASM, sports exhaust but no sport chrono.
Whilst I still think the start up and idle noise is unpleasant, certainly compared to our GTS, bloody hell this thing is quick!! When working hard I don’t actually mind the engine’s gravelly growl either. Based on this car a run in 718 GTS must really fly....I’ve already conceded that all other aspects of the car are a significant improvement, in particular the gearbox, quicker steering and the navigation, which unlike the nav in our daily drive 2018 Golf GTI must have an inbuilt SIM for real time traffic.
Going to change? Probably not, but on the basis of this car not as anti 718 as I once was.

Edited by dreamcar on Wednesday 24th October 09:42

[Twinfan]

They're definitely quick, and as they're a .2 version of the 981 it's no surprise you like the rest of the car

[JayK12]

Had an S PDK for 2 weeks. Didn't think it was that quick, hated the engine, thus hated the package. Only good thing was the steering!

[130R]

I like my 718 Cayman S a lot. Would not change it for anything else around the same price.

[AW10]

I've got a 718 Cayman PDK while my Boxster GTS manual is being serviced. This is the first of the 718 series I have driven and I wanted to like it. The exhaust note is a bit of a let down but the buzzy engine that I can feel vibrating through the seat is the real turn off. The PDK box didn't help the love either and neither did the tin top on a sunny-ish day. I was going to take it on a run through the south downs but turned around after 10 miles as it was so underwhelming. Plenty quick and competent but joyless for me.

[Green1man]

I’ve had a 718S for several days when my 981S has been in the garage, it is quick but not really much (if any) quicker than my 981S it’s just that the performance it has got is more easily accessible. But when really pushing it didn’t seem any quicker to me than my 981. It’s a really good car and improved in some areas over the 981 but I wouldn’t swop it myself.

[BubblesNW]

Took my GT4 in for it’s first MOT today. They gave me a 718 Boxster S for the day while it was being done. My thoughts are as follows...

Engine - only 1500 miles, probably had a hard life, but it was gruff, not a remotely pleasant noise (no sports exhaust) but did pick up speed when needed.

Gearbox - PDK, absolutely terrible in normal mode, hunted between gears, stop start worse than my 5 series as it was very jerky on start up, shifts up were ok, down also ok. In sport mode it was much better as the stop start is disabled, changes and general attitude more eager and in keeping with a sports car.

Brakes - over servo’d like an Audi, not at all reassuring and not easy to modulate.

Steering - not bad at all. Better than standard 981s I’ve previously tried.

Ride - standard suspension, no PASM, very jiggly. Not as planted, compliant or as assured as the GT4.

Roof - comes off electrically while on the move, beats the GT4 hands down in this respect.

Satnav - rubbish compared with WAZE. In fact I was sat in a queue which the PCM hadn’t spotted, switch WAZE on my mobile and was routed around a 3 mile hold up.

Economy - not as good as I would have expected with stop/start etc at around 26mpg.

In summary, I wouldn’t switch to a turbo, PDK 718 from a 981. However, probably better than an Audi TT.

Edited by BubblesNW on Sunday 28th October 21:11

[dreamcar]

Nor me. Had a further decent drive today and the thing that got me was the turbo lag which in reality makes the 718 feel faster than it probably is. Press the accelerator, very little initial response, unlike the millimetre accuracy of the N/A six, then turbo spools up and the power comes in a big rush - but stil a very quick sports car. I definitely found the sound of the flat four not as unpleasant than before. No, I’ll be quite content to get back behind the wheel of my 971 BGTS tomorrow!

Edited by dreamcar on Saturday 27th October 07:55

Edited by dreamcar on Saturday 27th October 08:14

[Polome]

I had a Cayman S as a loaner for a week as my next car was being prepped. The car was brand new ( I watched them screw the number plates on ) so obviously very tight. Coming from a 997 the Cayman felt smaller oveall and having PDK made congested traffic driving very relaxing. I didn't thrash it as it was new but it felt as if it would be fast enough to thrill , it even managed 40 MPG ! on a 50 mile motorway trip at high 70's. Very high gearing , in cruise mode (80 ish), just over 2000rpm nessessitated a change down if decent acceleration was required.
The engine was a bit rough at low revs , vibrating through the chassis during start up and pulling away, also the front wheels had a pronounced tyre scrub as I turned out of my driveway. None of my 911's has ever done that. On returning the car I was wondering if I'd made the right choice for my next car....my 991 was very similar in price to the brand new Cayman and it was already five years old...however...the minute I started the 991 and felt the turbine smooth engine and low down creamy torque I new I'd made the correct choice. But ....if I was in the market for a new Porsche and had to give greater concern to running costs mpg etc the obvious car would be the great Cayman S ........

Edited by Polome on Saturday 27th October 08:21

[dreamcar]

Back in our 981 Boxster GTS. That’s much better even if weaker in the mid range. No doubt the new smaller sports wheel would improve the steering too, not sure if it’s worth a grand to do it and lose the “sport” / “sport plus” indication though!

[anonymous-user]

What happened to your 981 DC, (or was it just a regular service ?)

[dreamcar]

Schmed said:

What happened to your 981 DC, (or was it just a regular service ?)

I needed a blemish on one of the wheels rectified. The cost of being anal about them! A minor scuff but was annoying me enough to get it made good. Unfortunately they didn’t get the edging of the wheel quite right and it’s going to
have to go back.....

[anonymous-user]

dreamcar said:

I needed a blemish on one of the wheels rectified. The cost of being anal about them! A minor scuff but was annoying me enough to get it made good. Unfortunately they didn’t get the edging of the wheel quite right and it’s going to
have to go back.....

I feel your pain! Particularly on 20”s...