718 Spyder vs. Boxster GTS 4.0
Discussion
I'd originally posted this as a comment on one of the other threads, but thought it might be better as it's own topic.
I'm not normally one to buy a new car, but the Boxster GTS 4.0 has me considering it.
It seems like a bit of a unicorn to me as a daily car. Pretty much my perfect balance of fun to drive (I assume, I've not driven one), but practical, with all the mod-cons available. Only areas it could possibly be better for me is if it shed 300kgs and had hydraulic steering
Weirdly, one of the few things that's holding me back a bit is that (given the specs I'm looking at), a Spyder would only be about £4k more expensive... Now, the Spyder doesn't fit the practicality bill as well, but it just has me doubting myself a bit, and wondering if I should just go for a Spyder.
Keen to hear views from anyone who has actually driven both cars (rather than just watched a lot of reviews online... I've done that too), on how different they really are to drive? Ultimately I'd like something that was pin-sharp on the steering, but actually with a bit lower overall grip. I like a car that'll move about a bit and be enjoyable to drive at lower speeds, rather than have to be driven at crazy speeds for the chassis to come alive...
So, GTS 4.0... or Spyder?
I'm not normally one to buy a new car, but the Boxster GTS 4.0 has me considering it.
It seems like a bit of a unicorn to me as a daily car. Pretty much my perfect balance of fun to drive (I assume, I've not driven one), but practical, with all the mod-cons available. Only areas it could possibly be better for me is if it shed 300kgs and had hydraulic steering
Weirdly, one of the few things that's holding me back a bit is that (given the specs I'm looking at), a Spyder would only be about £4k more expensive... Now, the Spyder doesn't fit the practicality bill as well, but it just has me doubting myself a bit, and wondering if I should just go for a Spyder.
Keen to hear views from anyone who has actually driven both cars (rather than just watched a lot of reviews online... I've done that too), on how different they really are to drive? Ultimately I'd like something that was pin-sharp on the steering, but actually with a bit lower overall grip. I like a car that'll move about a bit and be enjoyable to drive at lower speeds, rather than have to be driven at crazy speeds for the chassis to come alive...
So, GTS 4.0... or Spyder?
hufggfg said:
I'd originally posted this as a comment on one of the other threads, but thought it might be better as it's own topic.
I'm not normally one to buy a new car, but the Boxster GTS 4.0 has me considering it.
It seems like a bit of a unicorn to me as a daily car. Pretty much my perfect balance of fun to drive (I assume, I've not driven one), but practical, with all the mod-cons available. Only areas it could possibly be better for me is if it shed 300kgs and had hydraulic steering
Weirdly, one of the few things that's holding me back a bit is that (given the specs I'm looking at), a Spyder would only be about £4k more expensive... Now, the Spyder doesn't fit the practicality bill as well, but it just has me doubting myself a bit, and wondering if I should just go for a Spyder.
Keen to hear views from anyone who has actually driven both cars (rather than just watched a lot of reviews online... I've done that too), on how different they really are to drive? Ultimately I'd like something that was pin-sharp on the steering, but actually with a bit lower overall grip. I like a car that'll move about a bit and be enjoyable to drive at lower speeds, rather than have to be driven at crazy speeds for the chassis to come alive...
So, GTS 4.0... or Spyder?
Obviously there is the handling and styling to consider, but one of the biggest variants to think about is manual roof versus auto roof. I found the roof in both my previous generation Spyders to be a faff. Had a lone of a basic Boxster recently when my car was at the OPC, forgot how good it was to just press a button when driving as the sun came out. As opposed to parking up and spending 5 minutes running round the car putting the Spyder roof down. Also found that a bit embarrassing to do as it always got loads of attention as people wondered what I was up to!I'm not normally one to buy a new car, but the Boxster GTS 4.0 has me considering it.
It seems like a bit of a unicorn to me as a daily car. Pretty much my perfect balance of fun to drive (I assume, I've not driven one), but practical, with all the mod-cons available. Only areas it could possibly be better for me is if it shed 300kgs and had hydraulic steering
Weirdly, one of the few things that's holding me back a bit is that (given the specs I'm looking at), a Spyder would only be about £4k more expensive... Now, the Spyder doesn't fit the practicality bill as well, but it just has me doubting myself a bit, and wondering if I should just go for a Spyder.
Keen to hear views from anyone who has actually driven both cars (rather than just watched a lot of reviews online... I've done that too), on how different they really are to drive? Ultimately I'd like something that was pin-sharp on the steering, but actually with a bit lower overall grip. I like a car that'll move about a bit and be enjoyable to drive at lower speeds, rather than have to be driven at crazy speeds for the chassis to come alive...
So, GTS 4.0... or Spyder?
I have not driven either a Spyder or the 4.0 GTS but to get this thread started I own a 718GT4 and have previously owned a 981 GT4 and a 2.5 B718 GTS.
For a daily driver in my opinion there are a number of factors that would have me plumping for the GTS, firstly the roof, just being able to flick a button should not be underestimated, having proper tyres will give reassurance in bad weather and we do have quite a bit of rain, being able to use both boots is also a plus.
The stance and look of the Spyder imo is a big plus point in its favour but I would always look on it as a second car.
You mention hydraulic steering I think you will not be disappointed with the 718 steering it is very good and an improvement over the 981 both the GT4 and GTS I found good. If the 4.0 GTS follows the 2.5 car I owned then you will feel the chassis come alive earlier as the Spyder is now similar to the GT4.
Both will come alive at lower speeds than say a 991GT3 they will both be lovely balanced cars to drive the 718 chassis as a road car is top drawer.
I'm sure others will come along with there own comments and opinions but the only way to make a decision is to drive them yourself, if necessary try Silverstone if they have them registered you can take them on the public roads.
Edited by Geoff39GL on Friday 7th August 10:58
tough call
as I am not sure what the Spyders trying to be now.
It's not light, the GT4 is the track car, so you really much want to pick a Spyder over a 4.0 GTS now imo in Boxster format.
is the 718 a mini GT, not if you look at some reviews. but it can be made into one.
https://youtu.be/lsFIEPHEfjc
this was an eye opener, I love his vids and he has about every thing, but still says the 718's are lacking !!
the sweet spot if you can live with PDK will be the PDK 4.0 Boxster GTS.
Having owned a 981 Spyder the roof is a pitta for small tips and visits so you tend to keep it up more than you would wit ha GTS.
in the week I ran mine roof up 100% of the time !!!
very tough choices as they are all flawed in one way or another depending what you want so it's very personal now.
as I am not sure what the Spyders trying to be now.
It's not light, the GT4 is the track car, so you really much want to pick a Spyder over a 4.0 GTS now imo in Boxster format.
is the 718 a mini GT, not if you look at some reviews. but it can be made into one.
https://youtu.be/lsFIEPHEfjc
this was an eye opener, I love his vids and he has about every thing, but still says the 718's are lacking !!
the sweet spot if you can live with PDK will be the PDK 4.0 Boxster GTS.
Having owned a 981 Spyder the roof is a pitta for small tips and visits so you tend to keep it up more than you would wit ha GTS.
in the week I ran mine roof up 100% of the time !!!
very tough choices as they are all flawed in one way or another depending what you want so it's very personal now.
Porsche911R said:
tough call
as I am not sure what the Spyders trying to be now.
It's not light, the GT4 is the track car, so you really much want to pick a Spyder over a 4.0 GTS now imo in Boxster format.
is the 718 a mini GT, not if you look at some reviews. but it can be made into one.
https://youtu.be/lsFIEPHEfjc
this was an eye opener, I love his vids and he has about every thing, but still says the 718's are lacking !!
the sweet spot if you can live with PDK will be the PDK 4.0 Boxster GTS.
Having owned a 981 Spyder the roof is a pitta for small tips and visits so you tend to keep it up more than you would wit ha GTS.
in the week I ran mine roof up 100% of the time !!!
very tough choices as they are all flawed in one way or another depending what you want so it's very personal now.
Take UTube vids with a pinch of salt. There’s always someone trying to peddle or promote products. They’re not flawed, just some people like to pick holes in cars they don’t own as I am not sure what the Spyders trying to be now.
It's not light, the GT4 is the track car, so you really much want to pick a Spyder over a 4.0 GTS now imo in Boxster format.
is the 718 a mini GT, not if you look at some reviews. but it can be made into one.
https://youtu.be/lsFIEPHEfjc
this was an eye opener, I love his vids and he has about every thing, but still says the 718's are lacking !!
the sweet spot if you can live with PDK will be the PDK 4.0 Boxster GTS.
Having owned a 981 Spyder the roof is a pitta for small tips and visits so you tend to keep it up more than you would wit ha GTS.
in the week I ran mine roof up 100% of the time !!!
very tough choices as they are all flawed in one way or another depending what you want so it's very personal now.
I haven’t driven the 718 GTS 4.0 so couldn’t comment on that, but have had 2x 981 GTS, 2x 981 Spyder’s and currently have a 718 Spyder. For balance here, I’ve never found the roof on the Spyders bothersome. Without doubt pressing a button is easier but if it’s taking 5 minutes you’re doing it wrong! Once you learn the positions of the buttons within the roof, it takes less than 30 seconds. I think the Spyder is much better looking in 718 guise, but that’s down to personal preference. That said, if it’s your only car and you’re dailying it I’d go GTS; if it’s a special sunny day weekend car I’d go Spyder.
I picked up my Boxster GTS on Tuesday, which replaced a 981 GT4. So it's early days, but here are my initial thoughts.
There were two things behind the change; acknowledgement that, that as a biker, I preferred a soft-top and the fact that the GT4 was too firm for my taste on UK roads. I wasn't using it as a daily driver, but even on a Sunday morning run I started to resent the suspension on anything other than smooth tarmac (which is rare in the South). However, the steering feel was sublime, on both the road and track. Indeed I only chose the GT4 over the 981 Spyder due to the improved front suspension, so I knew what I was getting into.
The GTS in contrast is almost perfect. I cannot feel any compromise in steering feel or response, at least on the road so far, but the ride quality in both standard or sport is so much better.
So it's not just about the roof. If it is true that the 718 Spyder now has almost the same chassis set-up as the GT4, then you may want to think hard about the roads / tracks you drive before deciding.
Hope this helps
Graham
PS Of course, the fact that when I ordered the car, back Pre-Lockdown, I couldn't get a new Spyder allocation anyway also had a bearing on the choice. But I honestly wouldn't change now, even if I could do so at list.
There were two things behind the change; acknowledgement that, that as a biker, I preferred a soft-top and the fact that the GT4 was too firm for my taste on UK roads. I wasn't using it as a daily driver, but even on a Sunday morning run I started to resent the suspension on anything other than smooth tarmac (which is rare in the South). However, the steering feel was sublime, on both the road and track. Indeed I only chose the GT4 over the 981 Spyder due to the improved front suspension, so I knew what I was getting into.
The GTS in contrast is almost perfect. I cannot feel any compromise in steering feel or response, at least on the road so far, but the ride quality in both standard or sport is so much better.
So it's not just about the roof. If it is true that the 718 Spyder now has almost the same chassis set-up as the GT4, then you may want to think hard about the roads / tracks you drive before deciding.
Hope this helps
Graham
PS Of course, the fact that when I ordered the car, back Pre-Lockdown, I couldn't get a new Spyder allocation anyway also had a bearing on the choice. But I honestly wouldn't change now, even if I could do so at list.
Edited by stigthecadman on Friday 7th August 11:30
Loads of really helpful input, thanks all!
So, I guess I should be on what I mean by daily (though it doesn't make the choice any easier!)
Back in the "normal times" I'd commute 6 miles each way to a train station each day, that was it. Country roads so no need for anything too practical, but the reality is that on cold winter mornings, you do value at least a bit of comfort. I'd like to be able to do this trip in the 718 most days, but then we do have other cars for if there's ever a snow day for instance.
That's worth mentioning... If I was to get a 718, it would likely be 1 of 5 cars in the household:
Dailies:
My daily - maybe a 718. Trips to and from the station, and general weekend car. Some longer holiday trips.
G/F car - currently this is a very old fiesta as she's learning to drive. Long term we'll likely upgrade it so something like a C43 estate (or E63S if I get my way
).
Fun cars:
997 GT3, Caterham R400, 1972 Elan. These are the toys, they all have slightly different characters and get used for different things.
So... in some ways I don't need to go Spyder, as I have plenty of other cars to fill my needs for excellent steering, but on the other hand I'm spoiled, so I'd love to have a daily that gives a flavour of the brilliance I love. If we can also take that car for driving weeks to Scotland etc, then that's even better!
I'm partially struggling just because I LOVE how the Spyder looks. Yes I like the idea of just flicking a switch and taking the roof off, but then I don't think I'd have much of a problem with the Spyder roof (I have a Caterham, and used to have an Exige with fabric roof as a daily!). Actually the thing that bothers me most is not being able to get into the rear boot without opening the roof.
I can just see it now, 8 hour drive up to the Lake district for a nice weekend away. Roof down for most of it, but it starts to spit 30 mins out, no probs, we pull over and put the roof up. 30 mins later it's hammering down, we arrive at our hotel. Girlfriend wants to grab her bag and run inside, but oh no, we have to either open up the roof and get the interior all wet, or we have to leave her bag in the boot until it stops raining... I can just see the look she's going to give me now! Ha.
So, I guess I should be on what I mean by daily (though it doesn't make the choice any easier!)
Back in the "normal times" I'd commute 6 miles each way to a train station each day, that was it. Country roads so no need for anything too practical, but the reality is that on cold winter mornings, you do value at least a bit of comfort. I'd like to be able to do this trip in the 718 most days, but then we do have other cars for if there's ever a snow day for instance.
That's worth mentioning... If I was to get a 718, it would likely be 1 of 5 cars in the household:
Dailies:
My daily - maybe a 718. Trips to and from the station, and general weekend car. Some longer holiday trips.
G/F car - currently this is a very old fiesta as she's learning to drive. Long term we'll likely upgrade it so something like a C43 estate (or E63S if I get my way
).Fun cars:
997 GT3, Caterham R400, 1972 Elan. These are the toys, they all have slightly different characters and get used for different things.
So... in some ways I don't need to go Spyder, as I have plenty of other cars to fill my needs for excellent steering, but on the other hand I'm spoiled, so I'd love to have a daily that gives a flavour of the brilliance I love. If we can also take that car for driving weeks to Scotland etc, then that's even better!
stigthecadman said:
Lots of really helpful things
Super helpful input, thank you! From your experience, is the GTS more capable of moving around at lower speed? or does the softer suspension make it even stickier?I'm partially struggling just because I LOVE how the Spyder looks. Yes I like the idea of just flicking a switch and taking the roof off, but then I don't think I'd have much of a problem with the Spyder roof (I have a Caterham, and used to have an Exige with fabric roof as a daily!). Actually the thing that bothers me most is not being able to get into the rear boot without opening the roof.
I can just see it now, 8 hour drive up to the Lake district for a nice weekend away. Roof down for most of it, but it starts to spit 30 mins out, no probs, we pull over and put the roof up. 30 mins later it's hammering down, we arrive at our hotel. Girlfriend wants to grab her bag and run inside, but oh no, we have to either open up the roof and get the interior all wet, or we have to leave her bag in the boot until it stops raining... I can just see the look she's going to give me now! Ha.
Edited by hufggfg on Friday 7th August 12:36
hufggfg said:
Super helpful input, thank you! From your experience, is the GTS more capable of moving around at lower speed? or does the softer suspension make it even stickier?
I'm partially struggling just because I LOVE how the Spyder looks. Yes I like the idea of just flicking a switch and taking the roof off, but then I don't think I'd have much of a problem with the Spyder roof (I have a Caterham, and used to have an Exige with fabric roof as a daily!). Actually the thing that bothers me most is not being able to get into the rear boot without opening the roof.
I can just see it now, 8 hour drive up to the Lake district for a nice weekend away. Roof down for most of it, but it starts to spit 30 mins out, no probs, we pull over and put the roof up. 30 mins later it's hammering down, we arrive at our hotel. Girlfriend wants to grab her bag and run inside, but oh no, we have to either open up the roof and get the interior all wet, or we have to leave her bag in the boot until it stops raining... I can just see the look she's going to give me now! Ha.
The frunk has quite a bit of space for the essential travel items.I'm partially struggling just because I LOVE how the Spyder looks. Yes I like the idea of just flicking a switch and taking the roof off, but then I don't think I'd have much of a problem with the Spyder roof (I have a Caterham, and used to have an Exige with fabric roof as a daily!). Actually the thing that bothers me most is not being able to get into the rear boot without opening the roof.
I can just see it now, 8 hour drive up to the Lake district for a nice weekend away. Roof down for most of it, but it starts to spit 30 mins out, no probs, we pull over and put the roof up. 30 mins later it's hammering down, we arrive at our hotel. Girlfriend wants to grab her bag and run inside, but oh no, we have to either open up the roof and get the interior all wet, or we have to leave her bag in the boot until it stops raining... I can just see the look she's going to give me now! Ha.
Edited by hufggfg on Friday 7th August 12:36
hufggfg said:
Super helpful input, thank you! From your experience, is the GTS more capable of moving around at lower speed? or does the softer suspension make it even stickier?
It's far to early to tell, but it feels a long way from moving around at road speeds. It's certainly more planted than either of my last two Caterhams (1800 Superlight and R500). Which is good, given that it's also a lot more valuable!MannyLon said:
Take UTube vids with a pinch of salt. There’s always someone trying to peddle or promote products. They’re not flawed, just some people like to pick holes in cars they don’t own
I am open to always looking for the next buy, the cars are flawed for my use, you need to get over that, even if it is only imho.I own the cars I do because I have had A LOT of cars and keep the best ones, like any one would.
And while you tube vids are a bit naff these days, I do like his vids and think the upgrades would add to the car.
The roof does really put me off the 718 Spyder, having owned both other Spyders, there is no way like another owner has said it's a 30 second job.
I love the way when I get loan Boxsters you are at the lights and you press the button and the roof comes off.
But when I had my 981 Spyder even on sunny days going to the shops the roof would be up, knowing I have to:
1: take it down, drive 2 miles,
2: put it up while at the shops
3: take it down again
4: get home put it up gain.
In real life you just keep the bloody roof up.
in my 987 car it's an event, as I only drive it on sunny days on longer trips and I keep the car with the roof off anyway.
As a daily the manual roof is annoying as hell imo.
think of a GTS 4.0l PDK Boxster with a set of ohlins, be much much faster than and GT4 or Spyder, have a working roof and more trackable. Having the PDK will belike having 50bhp more.
It's a very hard choice now there are many options old and new.
130R said:
If the difference is only £4k you must be configuring a much higher spec on the GTS than the Spyder
this is my issue the 718 Spyder is the best value !!A GT4 costs more !!
but in the GTS a Boxster costs more, than the Cayman.
SO the gap from a GTS Boxster to Spyder is VERY small and the Spyder looks cooler and will keep the best Values.
As I said the 6 different 981 and 718, GTS cars ALL have plus and minus points now making the choice tricky and VERY personal.
GTS, 4.0, PDK, Boxster is the best all rounder imo, IF you CAN COPE having PDK.
Porsche911R said:
I am open to always looking for the next buy, the cars are flawed for my use, you need to get over that, even if it is only imho.
I own the cars I do because I have had A LOT of cars and keep the best ones, like any one would.
And while you tube vids are a bit naff these days, I do like his vids and think the upgrades would add to the car.
The roof does really put me off the 718 Spyder, having owned both other Spyders, there is no way like another owner has said it's a 30 second job.
I love the way when I get loan Boxsters you are at the lights and you press the button and the roof comes off.
But when I had my 981 Spyder even on sunny days going to the shops the roof would be up, knowing I have to:
1: take it down, drive 2 miles,
2: put it up while at the shops
3: take it down again
4: get home put it up gain.
In real life you just keep the bloody roof up.
in my 987 car it's an event, as I only drive it on sunny days on longer trips and I keep the car with the roof off anyway.
As a daily the manual roof is annoying as hell imo.
think of a GTS 4.0l PDK Boxster with a set of ohlins, be much much faster than and GT4 or Spyder, have a working roof and more trackable. Having the PDK will belike having 50bhp more.
It's a very hard choice now there are many options old and new.
You talk a lot about driver’s car and then you’d spec it with pdk?I own the cars I do because I have had A LOT of cars and keep the best ones, like any one would.
And while you tube vids are a bit naff these days, I do like his vids and think the upgrades would add to the car.
The roof does really put me off the 718 Spyder, having owned both other Spyders, there is no way like another owner has said it's a 30 second job.
I love the way when I get loan Boxsters you are at the lights and you press the button and the roof comes off.
But when I had my 981 Spyder even on sunny days going to the shops the roof would be up, knowing I have to:
1: take it down, drive 2 miles,
2: put it up while at the shops
3: take it down again
4: get home put it up gain.
In real life you just keep the bloody roof up.
in my 987 car it's an event, as I only drive it on sunny days on longer trips and I keep the car with the roof off anyway.
As a daily the manual roof is annoying as hell imo.
think of a GTS 4.0l PDK Boxster with a set of ohlins, be much much faster than and GT4 or Spyder, have a working roof and more trackable. Having the PDK will belike having 50bhp more.
It's a very hard choice now there are many options old and new.
Think you’re missing the point of a spyder. It was designed as a special occasion car, not really a car I’d pop down to the shops in.
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