718 GTS or base 911

718 GTS or base 911

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RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
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Just wondering what people's thoughts would be between these two cars, assuming that the GTS arrives at the end of the year as effectively a trim package (sport chrono, interior pack, sports exhaust etc., plus a handful of horsepower).

A specced up CGTS will likely come in around £70k, and a decent spec base 911 (to my tastes) around £95k - or in other words around £300pcm on the deposit that I want to put down. (These assumptions are broadly irrelevant to my question).

So just to compare for now to a 718 CS (since they actually exist and will be very similar to the GTS), will the 911 feel more special, or more refined on long journeys etc.? Is it worth the extra money? What would make you go for one over the other? The base 911's 0-60 and MPG specs are identical to the 718S - but will the Cayman (by being smaller etc) feel more rapid and urgent than the 911, which is more 'GT-style'?

As some superfluous side detail, I've taken out a 2 year lease (finishing start of 2019) on another car to wait for the 718 GTSs, as my OPC was so sure that you couldn't get your hands on one before the end of next year, but it's looking like they'll be announced towards the end of 2017, with availability at the start of 2018. If I don't get my hands on one until end 2018 / start 2019, the GTS will be replaced soon after me buying one, which I have to say I'd find a little difficult to stomach. Meanwhile, the new 911s will be out at that time / shortly after, and I'm guessing will be broadly the same as the existing model (plus a few bits and a few grand).

Would welcome thoughts on the comparison...

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Thanks all - interesting responses. Sometimes with the styling I like the 'aggression' of a halo model vs the comparatively less aggressive styling of an entry model - but with big wheels etc. I think the base 911 can look nice.

Does anyone know anything about the refinement at motorway speeds of the 718 vs the 911 (on 20 inch wheels)?

Also, think the space arrangements will be approximately similar, as the Cayman has a decent sized rear boot...

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
And what about wind noise / tyre roar at 70/80mph?

Difficult for me to tell as the OPC is East London has a pre-defined test route where you struggle to pass 40mph. My Audi S1 had a deafening drone at motorway speeds and was exhausting to drive long distance, but in my my Golf GTI you can whisper to a passenger and be heard!

I know it's not the reason for buying a car like this, but it would be my only car and so is an important factor for me.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Not massively - here's the code: PJB3RHX1

To me it's just the things that make it look nice (paint, wheels, interior) plus the tech bits that are standard on a basic Golf (cruise control, parking sensors etc.).

Amazing how it adds up.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
(Also - when you say discount - I didn't know such a thing was available...?)

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Very nice - and that's a great result - nice treat for the summer!

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Well not for me - a GT4 isn't really usable as a sole car. Every now and then I need to chuck suitcases in and get to the airport, or drive across country. This is doable (just) in a Cayman or a 911, but not in a GT4.

I am also not interested in used as the interest rates on finance often make it more expensive than new (unless you go several years old), and tech (e.g. carplay, bluetooth, decent infotainment etc.) is important to me and, in my opinion, used to be pretty shocking on Porsches.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Sorry, was replying to GT4P

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
But presumably (including as many will have buckets), the lower levels of sound deadening and firmer ride will make it significantly worse on a 5+ hour journey...

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Yup agreed, but I was asking about a comparason between the 718 and the 992, as those are the only two in which I am interested (as edo says, the old v new is a different topic).

I do need / want a car that can be fun on a twisty B-road, but it is also important to me that I don't feel like I've been hit round the head (and back) after a long drive (i.e. needs comfortable ride and to be capable of settling down noise-wise at motorway speeds).

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
But with interest rates being more like 12-13% on used rather than around 6% on new, you actually end up losing out.

I was just asking for the differences and pros / cons of a fully loaded 718 GTS vs a base 911.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
Thanks - and yes, for me the choice is between those two cars - I wouldn't go for a 981. I have done the Audi thing, and fell out of love with it literally within weeks of owning it. I know people like to make a point about not liking the 718's engine, but to say you'd rather a RS3 to a 718 GTS is incredible!

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
I actually had a 981 Black Edition as an extended drive (I can't get an extended drive in the 718, for some reason) - and it just didn't have enough power for me.

I am not a turbo hater because in real life, the times I am able to use a car's power, and feel the acceleration, are short squeezes off a roundabout, a brief overtake, or accelerating down a slip road. Therefore, having a big mid-range shove in the back is more useful and exciting to me than having to completely thrash it out to the redline. I appreciate that this is not a common view, and nor would it be the same if I was tracking it, but there you go.

Nearly new doesn't appeal to be, as (being in my 20s) (i) in-car tech is important to me (and the old Porsche systems were dire), (ii) you often end up paying over the odds for nearly new Porsches, and (iii) personal loans don't work for me, as I have a good income but not loads of accumulated savings for cars, and so I'd rather the lower monthlies that PCP brings. I know it's a cycle, but it's one I'm happy to be in with new cars every 2-3 years.

My main question relates to whether there is a discernible difference in long-distance comfort between the 718 and 991.2. The East London OPC only lets you test on a brief and pre-defined loop, where you only get to 40-50mph - so I have no idea if either are horrendous at motorway speeds, and if one is better than the other.

My lease is just on a Golf GTI - it comes with way more kit than any Porsche as standard (radar cruise, heated seats, folding mirrors, adaptive lights, two zone climate control etc) - and is both very cheap and almost silent on the motorway - but ultimately it's a front wheel drive Golf.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
That's very helpful (if a little disappointing) - thanks Tim bo.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

94 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
I have only driven 911s on track and over short distances. I found them comfy both times, but that's not a 500 mile cross country run. I had understood (from reports etc.) that they were quite effective GT cars, but it appears that's not the case....