981 v 718 - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Has anyone here found themselves choosing between an almost ten year old 981 and a new/almost new 718? Which did you plump for, and why?

Me. Or rather a 5 year old 981 Spyder vs a new 718 4.0 GTS. Because I didn’t want to wait a year and realised the 981 would feel more special. And a 718 Spyder was 25k more.

I did about 18 months ago. I got the 718 because it was a newer car, it has better tech, still in warranty (I know the last 2 can still apply to 981) and it was a spec I liked at a price I was willing to pay. I've done nearly 14k in it and I'm still very pleased. The engine is ultimately what all these discussions come down to. Sure the 4 cylinder engines don't make such a good noise, but it's no where near the issue most road testers make it out to be - mine my daily so I'm not really smashing into the rev limiter on my trundle round the M25. If you do want to crack on then buy a manual - keep it above 3000 rpm and off you go. I did 40k in a 987.1 Cayman a few years ago - which was the same, had to be kept in the revs to crack on. Obviously all of the above is only relevant if you're talking 718 base or S, if you're talking GT4 or GTS etc then that's a whole different conversation.

esuuv said: Obviously all of the above is only relevant if you're talking 718 base or S, if you're talking GT4 or GTS etc then that's a whole different conversation. I had a 987 Cayman 2.7 from new in 2006. Now I find myself looking again, but the price of a later 981S is so close to a new 2.0 - more tech and new car warranty etc. - that I wondered what others had done. Exceptional times I know, but if my wait for a GR Yaris wasn't heading into the second year I might not even be looking. As it is, I've arranged to try a manual 718 and I'll go from there.

I owned a 981 Boxter S for 3 years and thought I was going to replace it with a 718. The test drive put me off not so much because of the engine note although I did much prefer the 981’s flat 6 rasp. It was the turbo lag of the 718 that in my view made a it far less satisfying A/B road weapon. Surprising really given Porsche’s long history of turbocharging. The 991 and 992 911’s I have owned since have nothing like the same issue. Whilst both 911 are considerably faster than the Boxter and satisfying to own, I wouldn’t really say they are more fun. I had many memorable drives with the roof down in the 981…

shoestring7 said: Has anyone here found themselves choosing between an almost ten year old 981 and a new/almost new 718? Which did you plump for, and why? yes and I went with a Cayman R instead of either of them. Why? All the tech turned me off. I wanted zhuzh pep and beauty. As the automotive vlogger 'JayEmm on Cars' says, "the R is without peer". But, if you really are settled on those two then I'd go 981 over 718 for the sonics and feel....all this tech in the 718, why do you need all that cr@pola. if you need it that bad buy a Tesla or a food blender. Edited by julian987R on Tuesday 8th February 20:40

A 2012 981 with the dodgy steering vs a faster more up to date but turbo charged version? The 987 every time for me as well… lol. f k progress…

Lexington59 said: A 2012 981 with the dodgy steering vs a faster more up to date but turbo charged version? The 987 every time for me as well… lol. f k progress… Nothing dodgy at all about a 2012 981 steering. 987 is much better, in terms of feedback, 982 is better, but not hugely.

^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Anyway, a major problem I have with the 718 engine besides the noise and the lag, is the insane NVH that enters the cabin. At idle the 4 pot quite literally shakes the car apart and then fills the cabin with a resonance under WOT. Compare that to a 981, where the engine is so smooth at any rev that you wouldn't even know the engine was running if not for the rev gauge and noise. On the flip side the suspension is greatly advanced on the 718, so take your pick between having a nice engine with OK handling or an awful engine with god like handling.

anonymous said: [redacted] Funny, all completely subjective, but I find the 981 looks a bit tonka toy and the back end a bit dated. Whereas the 987 looks all curvy in a classic sports car kind of way.

T1547 said: anonymous said: [redacted] Funny, all completely subjective, but I find the 981 looks a bit tonka toy and the back end a bit dated. Whereas the 987 looks all curvy in a classic sports car kind of way. It's the interior I dislike the most. That ramping center console and the obvious reminders on what your don't have with all the blank. buttons ...but yep to keep it on topic 981 if you like Saab. and 718 it you like anaemic euro-box cars.

anonymous said: [redacted] i could be swayed by your reckoning there. but back to the topic, the 718 T would be the best and most sprightly one of the non GT bunch. i'd go for that one.

SkinnyPete said: At idle the 4 pot quite literally shakes the car apart and then fills the cabin with a resonance under WOT. I think the one you drove may have been broken........or you've never actually driven one.............

Obviously completely biased opinion, because I am lucky enough to have both... Ordered a 718 Cayman in 2016, got it in 2017. Basic spec, loved it in every way, put 17,000 miles on it in about 18 months. Then a "dream" 981 GT4 turned up at the local Porsche centre, and the 718 got traded in. A couple of years later realised I needed an "all year" car, because GT4 needs not to meet salty roads. So I decided to buy something new, usable every day, and that I could genuinely enjoy. Could have been a used 981 Cayman or Cayman S, but I really like the little turbo 4-pot engine, particularly on the motorway. I also like the steering precision and the outstanding ride quality coupled with perfect firmness in corners. Rapidly became a no-brainer that I'd get another 718 Cayman, and as it turned out in exactly the same "pov. spec." as my last one. 2 months in, absolutely no regrets. I can't wait for the weather to improve enough for the 981 to hit the road again, but if I could only own one of them, the 718 would win for me every time. It's a really close battle though, and there is no wrong answer. Both are exceptional car models, and if it turned out I could only own a 981, I'd still feel pretty lucky. (Especially if it had a rear wiper. ) Liam

LiamH66 said: Both are exceptional car models, and if it turned out I could only own a 981, I'd still feel pretty lucky. (Especially if it had a rear wiper. ) Liam

I went for the 981 wanted the flat 6.

SkinnyPete said: ^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Wow I must be missing something. Even coming To my 981 Spyder from a 997.2, M2Comp, Elise, Caterham, E30 M3 I don’t find the steering ‘awful’. My Defender maybe, or my Z4M. In fact, I’d go the other way and say my 981 Spyder feels pretty spot on.

Billy_Whizzzz said: SkinnyPete said: ^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Wow I must be missing something. Even coming To my 981 Spyder from a 997.2, M2Comp, Elise, Caterham, E30 M3 I don’t find the steering ‘awful’. My Defender maybe, or my Z4M. In fact, I’d go the other way and say my 981 Spyder feels pretty spot on. Wondering what every single 5 star review of the 981 missed or got wrong compared with some random angry bloke off the internet.

You don’t notice the steering on isolation because you adjust to it. It is numb though. If you went back to one of the other cars you mention, you’d feel it immediately. The 987 looks old now. Especially those awful side i takes. 986 looks better. Sadly, the market has elected to make 718 the latter day 996. Unloved in its time.

I owned a 981 Boxter S for 3 years and thought I was going to replace it with a 718. The test drive put me off not so much because of the engine note although I did much prefer the 981’s flat 6 rasp. It was the turbo lag of the 718 that in my view made a it far less satisfying A/B road weapon. Surprising really given Porsche’s long history of turbocharging. The 991 and 992 911’s I have owned since have nothing like the same issue. Whilst both 911 are considerably faster than the Boxter and satisfying to own, I wouldn’t really say they are more fun. I had many memorable drives with the roof down in the 981…

When I bought mine there were three cars in stock at the OPC, two 718s and one 981S, all similar money. After driving both I opted for the 981S, the engine made my choice for me, on paper the 718 is possibly(?) a better car but for me there is more to driving a sportscar than just what it says on paper - not all changes are for the best. Having had it a while now I know I made the right choice (for me) but to have either isn't a bad place to be.

SkinnyPete said: ^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Anyway, a major problem I have with the 718 engine besides the noise and the lag, is the insane NVH that enters the cabin. At idle the 4 pot quite literally shakes the car apart and then fills the cabin with a resonance under WOT. Compare that to a 981, where the engine is so smooth at any rev that you wouldn't even know the engine was running if not for the rev gauge and noise. On the flip side the suspension is greatly advanced on the 718, so take your pick between having a nice engine with OK handling or an awful engine with god like handling. Was really concerned going from a 987.2 Cayman S to a 981 GTS because I thought the steering was akin to steering a wonky wheel trolly and was worried I made a big mistake upgrading. Alas never believe what you hear on the web or on PH because it's all subjective b ks.

Agree with highway. Loved the 981 steering on test drive (and this was an x73 car). But after a few months I didn't like the lack of feel, particularly in corners. It doesn't load up at all at road speeds. Track is a different story, steering felt great there. Maybe it's just about how high the limits are on these modern pork, to get some feel and connection out of them. Back in 993 now and LOVING IT steering-wise Vs the 981.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Billy_Whizzzz said: SkinnyPete said: ^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Wow I must be missing something. Even coming To my 981 Spyder from a 997.2, M2Comp, Elise, Caterham, E30 M3 I don’t find the steering ‘awful’. My Defender maybe, or my Z4M. In fact, I’d go the other way and say my 981 Spyder feels pretty spot on. Wondering what every single 5 star review of the 981 missed or got wrong compared with some random angry bloke off the internet. Even some of the otherwise 5 star reviews commented on the steering

Billy_Whizzzz said: SkinnyPete said: ^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Wow I must be missing something. Even coming To my 981 Spyder from a 997.2, M2Comp, Elise, Caterham, E30 M3 I don’t find the steering ‘awful’. My Defender maybe, or my Z4M. In fact, I’d go the other way and say my 981 Spyder feels pretty spot on. Does it really matter what a review or anyone on the Net says, you are presumably going to drive a car before buying it, if you like it buy it, if you don't don't buy it, it isn't very complicated. Are people no longer capable of making their own minds up without someone holding their hands to help them do it.

As above, you need to drive both. It is actually pointless asking in here because no one is like you, and everyone has different taste and criteria. I'd say vs: 718 Pros - Newer - Better Steering Cons - Engine 981 Pros - Engine Cons - Steering Looks are subjective so I've left that out, I prefer the look of the 981 GTS over the 718 GTS, hence last year getting another 981 GTS. It might be an older car but largely similar, my 2015 GTS doesn't feel like an old car. For me it was between the 981 GTS and the 718 GTS 4.0 as I wanted NA (as I had a 718 S for 2 week demo and didn't like it), 20K cheaper on the 981, looked better, sounded better, didn't have to wait a year for one. etc. So really subjective to the individual. Go drive and report back Edited by JayK12 on Wednesday 9th February 15:56

Wollemi said: Billy_Whizzzz said: Billy_Whizzzz said: SkinnyPete said: ^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Wow I must be missing something. Even coming To my 981 Spyder from a 997.2, M2Comp, Elise, Caterham, E30 M3 I don’t find the steering ‘awful’. My Defender maybe, or my Z4M. In fact, I’d go the other way and say my 981 Spyder feels pretty spot on. Wondering what every single 5 star review of the 981 missed or got wrong compared with some random angry bloke off the internet. Even some of the otherwise 5 star reviews commented on the steering The Spyder has a different steering rack, its from the 911 Turbo I believe. Tried to get one in my first 981 GTS but its not possible I was told.

anonymous said: [redacted] Exactly! When will everyone learn that 90% of posters on here will say how amazing their car/model is and slate most others. They are all great cars and thankfully we all have different taste/requirements. We are also very privileged to drive them.

Having gone from a 2015 981 GTS to a 718 GTS 4.0 there really isn't a huge difference between them. Both are fundamentally great cars. The 718 is 5% sharper and more precise across the patch aside - its a better car but not wow factor night and day. I'd say its only the infotainment that's a noticeable improvement over the 981 (notwithstanding the 4.0 engine which is an absolute peach and a no-contest winner) I would base any decision on the type of engine you would prefer as it fundamentally dictates the character of the car & the turbos are a very different experience (for you to decide). That aside there's not much between them to worry about. Edited by OPOGTS on Wednesday 9th February 19:09

I agree that there are no really bad choices here. For me, the differences is steering feel are important, and noticeable. In my case, 987>718>981 and a much bigger gap between 987 and 718 compared to 718 and 981.. The differences in the suspension, particularly the damping are also noticeable to me. In my case, 718>981>987 and the 718 has a surprisingly wide margin over the 981 (to me). The looks - well I like all of them, but in different ways. I love the curviness of the 987, the well-integrated rear lights of the 981 (in my opinion) and the general overall sleek, toned look of the 718. So the decision is model-specific. I prefer the looks of the 981 GT4 over the 718 GT4, but the looks of the 718 GTS over the 981 GTS, and the looks of the 987 S over the 718 S and the 981 S. Just shows how subjective it is. The tech is better the the 718 versus the other two, but the 987 has a proper handbrake rather than the stupid electronic thingy by your right knee! Engine-wise again it's model-specific and for me it follows the same order as the looks. All are really nice to own and drive, I'm pleased to say that I've owned Caymans now for almost 16 years and I'm currently very happy with my 718 GTS 4.0.

This question comes up quite often and if you look at previous versions you will probably see the same people saying the same things again and again and quickly realise the answer Is pretty subjective. As mentioned above you probably need to drive both and come to your own conclusion. For what it’s worth we’ve got both in our household, a 981 2.7 Cayman PDK and a 718 4.0 Boxster PDK and in my opinion the 718 is better in every area other than the noise out the back for which the 981 scores 10 out of 10. I also had a 2.0 Boxster PDK before the 4.0 and my opinion is the same for that as well, brilliant car for the money.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Wow I must be missing something. Even coming To my 981 Spyder from a 997.2, M2Comp, Elise, Caterham, E30 M3 I don’t find the steering ‘awful’. My Defender maybe, or my Z4M. In fact, I’d go the other way and say my 981 Spyder feels pretty spot on. I can still remember my Dad asking, around when the 981 was launched in 2012, how the steering felt in my new Toyota GT86. And I had to say amazingly direct, absolutely superb. "But it's electrically assisted, and 'the press' are saying the steering on the latest Caymans is a step back from hydraulic power steering." "Honestly Dad, this is about as good as it gets in a road car, and I bet the Porsche is better." I agree with you Billy. Preconceived ideas abound that it must be worse because it uses technology that hasn't worked out well in brands less committed to R&D. Used to be in the press, now also on the internet, and taken as gospel without thorough objective evaluation. The steering in my base 718 Cayman is lighter and provides better feedback than the steering in my 981 GT4. But the 718 is on 18" winter tyres just now. The GT4 was pretty horrific on worn Dunlop Sport Max, so I put a set of P Zeros on it for general road use and it was a lot better. I also bought a set of Michelin PS Cup 2 for it, which behave better on the road than worn Dunlops did, and for road legal tyres actually seem pretty reasonable on the track. 718 summer tyres are Goodyear I think (haven't really looked at that wheel set yet. Last 718 came with P Zeroes if I remember right. Everyone moaned. I thought they were OK at anything other than car park speeds/surfaces. I like 18" wheels on the base model, but appreciate I'm in the minority). Long and short, 981 steering is great. Don't make the comparison with 718 unless wheel and tyre choice is similar. It really should NOT be a deal breaker. Go with the engine and gearbox choice that floats your boat. You will need to try both. Liam

LiamH66 said: I like 18" wheels on the base model, but appreciate I'm in the minority. Liam I have both sets 18" and 20" on P zeros, the quality of the ride on 18" is much better than the 20" for obvious reasons. 18" 45 section tyres @ 29psi 20" 35 section tyres @ 33psi

One of the more recent reviews of a base 718 Cayman here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh87XuPAz8g It is a shame he didn't actually have a manual car with the no-option spec described though. I tried the 718 Boxster and Boxster S when they launched at some dealer open day in 2017, both superb and got to thrash them. At the time I thought while you could definitely feel the extra 50bhp in the 2.5 S, it wasn't worth the extra 10 grand or so. Yes the sound wasn't the greatest, but they seemed to make some nice pops on the exhaust - not sure if that has been engineered out since. Soon after I was looking on the configurator to see if a Cayman 2.0 could be poverty-specced to barely more than £40k new on the road. I would have had 18s (in black), manual, standard alcantara seats, guards or racing yellow. Such a car would have depreciated by zero up to today. Maybe in 2019 or early 2020 you could have picked one up for £35k and actually made money. No plans to replace my 987 anytime soon but always wonder what would be a suitable jump up, 981 S (or maybe even just a 2.7 if I'd feel the extra 30bhp over a 2.7 987, and you could wring it out more often than the S), a 718 2.0 still under warranty (the safe choice?), or even a 987 R all seem to converge around £40k, give or take a few k. Seems to be a trade off between outright performance, feel, noise, and age of car. I don't think there are any bad choices there though.

Another review, like those 18"s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYxmdAwtZW4 A 981 will be at least five years old now... Nothing wrong with an older car of course.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Billy_Whizzzz said: SkinnyPete said: ^^ The 981 steering is awful, probably the weakest part of the car. Wow I must be missing something. Even coming To my 981 Spyder from a 997.2, M2Comp, Elise, Caterham, E30 M3 I don’t find the steering ‘awful’. My Defender maybe, or my Z4M. In fact, I’d go the other way and say my 981 Spyder feels pretty spot on. Wondering what every single 5 star review of the 981 missed or got wrong compared with some random angry bloke off the internet. I fully agree about the 981 steering, and there’s been plenty of similar comments elsewhere. With hindsight I should have kept my 987. The 981 was good for long journeys but for local running around the steering seemed heavy and lifeless to me compared to the 987. I persevered for 15 months then sold it last year while prices were strong and bought an Elan Sprint and a Fiesta ST Line. Don’t miss the Boxster at all.

This is relevant to me right now, sold my current 987.1S and test driving a 718 GTS manual saturday. Have read so many reviews online and watched endless YT videos. My expectations are I may be disappointed with the 4 cylinder sound but I am reserving judgement until I have driven it. Would love to be buying a new 4.0GTS but sadly that stretches the budget a bit too far. If the budget disappoints fall back plan is a 981 GTS with a manual but they are like hens teeth. Spoken with Ashgood earlier this week who advised of the 600 cars sold in last 12 months there were 2 manual 981GTS. Anyone selling one soon let me know please 🙏

OPOGTS said: Having gone from a 2015 981 GTS to a 718 GTS 4.0 there really isn't a huge difference between them. Both are fundamentally great cars. The 718 is 5% sharper and more precise across the patch aside - its a better car but not wow factor night and day. I'd say its only the infotainment that's a noticeable improvement over the 981 (notwithstanding the 4.0 engine which is an absolute peach and a no-contest winner) I would base any decision on the type of engine you would prefer as it fundamentally dictates the character of the car & the turbos are a very different experience (for you to decide). That aside there's not much between them to worry about. Edited by OPOGTS on Wednesday 9th February 19:09 I drove a friends 718 Spyder, and it was the first 718 NA I had drive. I found the power band and torque curve much more stronger than my 981 GTS, really like the strong torque. But over all it was underwhelming (I am talking just about the engine, the rest of the car was razor sharp). It just didn't seem to have the fizz, or character over the older engines. I'll take the 718 Spyder Steering, Suspension, Brake feel, but with the 981 3.8 slightly tuned. Edited by JayK12 on Thursday 10th February 14:03

Riskins said: This is relevant to me right now, sold my current 987.1S and test driving a 718 GTS manual saturday. Have read so many reviews online and watched endless YT videos. My expectations are I may be disappointed with the 4 cylinder sound but I am reserving judgement until I have driven it. Would love to be buying a new 4.0GTS but sadly that stretches the budget a bit too far. If the budget disappoints fall back plan is a 981 GTS with a manual but they are like hens teeth. Spoken with Ashgood earlier this week who advised of the 600 cars sold in last 12 months there were 2 manual 981GTS. Anyone selling one soon let me know please ?? Hi Riskins, I maybe selling my Carmine 981 GTS Manual. Fully spec'd, 22K miles, I am the second owner from new. Just don't use it since the birth of my daughter which is a shame as I brought it 1 week before she was born as I missed my previous 981 GTS Manual which I told 3 years ago, should of kept that lol. Feel free to email me, I was planning on putting it up for sale on Pistonheads come spring time.

I have been round the houses test driving cars over the past few months. I was originally going to order a new 992 Carerra S (a couple of years ago, but for various reasons didn’t but had a lovely long test drive, PEC experience etc). Came back to this idea 6 months ago, had another test drive and was left a bit cold, felt large, pretty noise (road, not a good noise). Tried a Cayman GTS 2.5 (PDK). Loved the handling, loved the engine response, great shove from low down in any gear and the sound was… OK. Then tried a cayman 981 S (PDK - don’t feel the love for manual any more) and loved it. Had to work harder staying nearer the top end but when you did it was extremely rewarding with good power and superb soundtrack. So all in all I saved quit a bit of money and have a car I love. Did a recent track day at Bedford Autodrome and was not disappointed. At the end of the day its just such a personal choice and depends what you want the car for. Mine is just a toy.

CantDecide said: Did a recent track day at Bedford Autodrome and was not disappointed. On the 24th Jan? I think we met. I was in the dirty grey 987 cayman

LennyM1984 said: On the 24th Jan? I think we met. I was in the dirty grey 987 cayman Yes indeed! Was a great day and my first track day in a car so a good learning experience.

JayK12 said: I drove a friends 718 Spyder, and it was the first 718 NA I had drive. I found the power band and torque curve much more stronger than my 981 GTS, really like the strong torque. But over all it was underwhelming (I am talking just about the engine, the rest of the car was razor sharp). It just didn't seem to have the fizz, or character over the older engines. I'll take the 718 Spyder Steering, Suspension, Brake feel, but with the 981 3.8 slightly tuned. Edited by JayK12 on Thursday 10th February 14:03 Interesting, it's certainly a more 'mature-style' engine but it loves to be revved out and pulls much stronger to the redline than my old 981 GTS. Also betters with age (i'm at 6k miles now).

Test drive on Monday If I pull the trigger on a 718, I’ll probably wait until March/April and expect a 12 month wait. Is there any news on a facelift or replacement?

shoestring7 said: Test drive on Monday If I pull the trigger on a 718, I’ll probably wait until March/April and expect a 12 month wait. Is there any news on a facelift or replacement? EV is coming… https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/porsch...

I am surprised that the 981’s steering has caused such heated debate. During the time I owned it I didn’t really think about it at all. It may lack some feel compared to the best but it is accurate making the car easy to place on a winding road. I actually preferred it to the hydraulic set-up on the V12 Vantage that I replaced it with which seemed gloopy by comparison. Another area of subjectivity and preference perhaps but it certainly isn’t bad enough to rule out a purchase.

Correct. The steering is very good. The steering feel isn’t. This is what happens when people try to trot out the same lines as everyone else.

Royal Jelly said: This is what happens when people try to trot out the same lines as everyone else.

NicG said: I am surprised that the 981’s steering has caused such heated debate. During the time I owned it I didn’t really think about it at all. It may lack some feel compared to the best but it is accurate making the car easy to place on a winding road. I actually preferred it to the hydraulic set-up on the V12 Vantage that I replaced it with which seemed gloopy by comparison. Another area of subjectivity and preference perhaps but it certainly isn’t bad enough to rule out a purchase. Subjective from each driver and relative to what you compare it too. Its not bad, but its not great. If you want bad drive my BMW 330 (2017) now that is horrible. I ran my first 981 GTS for nearly 3 years, loved it you can get over the steering, my current 981 GTS, again great car, and happy to own one again, even though the tall gearing and steering feel are a let down, I look at it as a whole package in which I think its great. Shame I'll be letting my second one go as I just don't use it.

JayK12 said: Riskins said: This is relevant to me right now, sold my current 987.1S and test driving a 718 GTS manual saturday. Have read so many reviews online and watched endless YT videos. My expectations are I may be disappointed with the 4 cylinder sound but I am reserving judgement until I have driven it. Would love to be buying a new 4.0GTS but sadly that stretches the budget a bit too far. If the budget disappoints fall back plan is a 981 GTS with a manual but they are like hens teeth. Spoken with Ashgood earlier this week who advised of the 600 cars sold in last 12 months there were 2 manual 981GTS. Anyone selling one soon let me know please ?? Hi Riskins, I maybe selling my Carmine 981 GTS Manual. Fully spec'd, 22K miles, I am the second owner from new. Just don't use it since the birth of my daughter which is a shame as I brought it 1 week before she was born as I missed my previous 981 GTS Manual which I told 3 years ago, should of kept that lol. Feel free to email me, I was planning on putting it up for sale on Pistonheads come spring time. Thank you for offer but things changed over the weekend and 8 have ordered a new 4.0 GTS Boxster. Test drove both a manual 2.5T GTS and a manual 4.0 GTS and placed my order there and then. I have also slipped into a cancelled build slot so car expected end of this year.

Recently bought a 981 GTS over a 718 GTS. Well, the 718 GTS would of involved some financial pain to secure but was doable. Felt the 981 was the better option for the price. Have not been disappointed yet.

Riskins said: JayK12 said: Riskins said: This is relevant to me right now, sold my current 987.1S and test driving a 718 GTS manual saturday. Have read so many reviews online and watched endless YT videos. My expectations are I may be disappointed with the 4 cylinder sound but I am reserving judgement until I have driven it. Would love to be buying a new 4.0GTS but sadly that stretches the budget a bit too far. If the budget disappoints fall back plan is a 981 GTS with a manual but they are like hens teeth. Spoken with Ashgood earlier this week who advised of the 600 cars sold in last 12 months there were 2 manual 981GTS. Anyone selling one soon let me know please ?? Hi Riskins, I maybe selling my Carmine 981 GTS Manual. Fully spec'd, 22K miles, I am the second owner from new. Just don't use it since the birth of my daughter which is a shame as I brought it 1 week before she was born as I missed my previous 981 GTS Manual which I told 3 years ago, should of kept that lol. Feel free to email me, I was planning on putting it up for sale on Pistonheads come spring time. Thank you for offer but things changed over the weekend and 8 have ordered a new 4.0 GTS Boxster. Test drove both a manual 2.5T GTS and a manual 4.0 GTS and placed my order there and then. I have also slipped into a cancelled build slot so car expected end of this year. Congratulations!

JayK12 said: Subjective from each driver and relative to what you compare it too. Its not bad, but its not great. If you want bad drive my BMW 330 (2017) now that is horrible. I ran my first 981 GTS for nearly 3 years, loved it you can get over the steering, my current 981 GTS, again great car, and happy to own one again, even though the tall gearing and steering feel are a let down, I look at it as a whole package in which I think its great. Shame I'll be letting my second one go as I just don't use it. Out of curiosity/possible interest - what's the spec on your manual?

I was in exactly the same quandry last year and drove a 718 base and S, a 981 S and GTS and a cayman R. I really liked the 718 S and it sounded pretty nice when pushing on but the 4cyl sounds a bit flat when just pootling along. The 718 base great car, felt the lag more. Unbelievably hard to find one with decent options, chrono, ptv etc. 981 gts lovely car, lovely sound was my pick of the bunch, personally not a fan of the alcantara but that's plucking straws 981 S 99% of the GTS if you can find one with all the right options. This is what i bought as the right car came along at the right time. On 981s i can't understand the hate of the steering feel. It's really very good and gets better the more you press it. I'm a fairly seasoned trackday attendee and ok its not hydraulic but it's probably the best electric system out there. Cayman R, i really enjoyed it, lovely raw feel but has really dated. It felt very small and for an out and out trackday car i would have went for this hand down. Unfortunately the 981 did everything else better and actually feels tighter on the limit. Unfortunately i didn't get to try the 718 models to the same extent as they were dealer cars. The 981 and 987 were private cars. I believe the 718 is a little better again on the limit. I got the 981 s because it had all the gts options plus some of the desirable comfort options. I've done the whole raw trackday cars and wanted a more pleasant experience. I would have got the 718s if i could have afforded one with the right options but i couldn't! Glad you went and test drove something and feel for it. Too many rely on others views without getting out there and trying for yourself. Edited by neil jdmr on Monday 14th February 18:53

Once I did the X73 rear ARB on my late 2016 981CGTS the steering felt fantastic and certainly a lot better than my 718GT4 is…. I’m used to it now though. I do wonder if they changed the steering throughout the 981 model years as nearly everyone said it was awful which worried me, but mine was really good…. coming from an air cooled 911. Personally I’d take my old 981 GTS over a new 4.0 equivalent it was just amazing and the engine really sang, felt way more powerful than the 340 bhp it was meant to have. The 4.0 is very linear, which I’m hoping loosens up a bit I’ve only done 3500 miles in it. I wanted a new GT4 though, then was really disappointed with the rear end and had to do a load of geo mods. Both 981/718 are great choices and it just depends what you like, like the guy above said “shocker test drive decides it”

I was also in the same boat a few months back - deciding between a 718 base/S and 981 base/S/GTS. I ended up in the 981 GTS. For me, differences in steering, suspension and all the other stuff pale in comparison to how much the engine dominates the car - and the throttle response, noise and willingness to rev of that NA flat 6 make it feel pretty special. However, I can thoroughly understand people who love the effortless turbo shove of the 718 4 pots. Great decision to be in, either way.

A few weeks ago, I took delivery of a 2017 Boxster S. I’d done a driving experience at Porsche Silverstone a few months before, with three hours of the best driver instruction I’ve ever had, in a Cayman S. What a car - but I really fancied a convertible. I’ve been a passenger in a 986S, 981S and GTS and I totally get them. I preferred the turbo shove of the 718 over the slightly more sonorous 6-pot in the previous model. The noise of the 4 cylinder model encourages huge debate, but… it’s not bad. Obviously it doesn’t sound like a flat 6, because it isn’t, but then again my previous Porsche, a 996 Turbo X50 didn’t sound particularly like one either - it was all turbo whooshes! The 718 S is a bit similar in this respect, just not quite as loud. Turbo lag is present in the normal driving mode, although hidden to a large extent by the excellent PDK gearbox. In Sport, the car is a lot more focussed, lag is barely there and you get all the exciting pops and crackles from the exhaust. In Sport+, I think the turbo is always kept at 1psi of boost, so there’s no lag at all really. Mine was a very well specced car, 2017, with barely 8000 miles on the clock, and I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s punchy, yet highly versatile in whether you just want to pootle from A-B, or whether you want to drive extremely hard and take the long way home.

To summarise the previous 63 posts…….. Some like Buckets, some like Comfort. Some like Flat 6, some like 4 Pot. Some like 981, some like 718. Thankfully we don’t all like the same. All great cars, feel privileged when driving yours. X

mrfunex said: A few weeks ago, I took delivery of a 2017 Boxster S. I’d done a driving experience at Porsche Silverstone a few months before, with three hours of the best driver instruction I’ve ever had, in a Cayman S. What a car - but I really fancied a convertible. I’ve been a passenger in a 986S, 981S and GTS and I totally get them. I preferred the turbo shove of the 718 over the slightly more sonorous 6-pot in the previous model. The noise of the 4 cylinder model encourages huge debate, but… it’s not bad. Obviously it doesn’t sound like a flat 6, because it isn’t, but then again my previous Porsche, a 996 Turbo X50 didn’t sound particularly like one either - it was all turbo whooshes! The 718 S is a bit similar in this respect, just not quite as loud. Turbo lag is present in the normal driving mode, although hidden to a large extent by the excellent PDK gearbox. In Sport, the car is a lot more focussed, lag is barely there and you get all the exciting pops and crackles from the exhaust. In Sport+, I think the turbo is always kept at 1psi of boost, so there’s no lag at all really. Mine was a very well specced car, 2017, with barely 8000 miles on the clock, and I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s punchy, yet highly versatile in whether you just want to pootle from A-B, or whether you want to drive extremely hard and take the long way home. If you don't mind me asking, private or trade purchase - I'm guessing trade - and ballpark how much?

clive_candy said: If you don't mind me asking, private or trade purchase - I'm guessing trade - and ballpark how much? Trade, low 50s.

anonymous said: [redacted] This. We've got a 981 and 718 currently and in my opinion the steering on the 718 is better than the 981. I wouldn't have been able to come to that conclusion without driving both.

Voodoo Blue said: This. We've got a 981 and 718 currently and in my opinion the steering on the 718 is better than the 981. I wouldn't have been able to come to that conclusion without driving both. I think my wife would give me a stern side-eye if I told her I was going to try 2 cars out and I ended up getting them both

Maxym said: This sounds like b ks x2. Any evidence??? gut feeling.

Royal Jelly said: Voodoo Blue said: This. We've got a 981 and 718 currently and in my opinion the steering on the 718 is better than the 981. I wouldn't have been able to come to that conclusion without driving both. I think my wife would give me a stern side-eye if I told her I was going to try 2 cars out and I ended up getting them both The 981 is the wife's so I'm safe

SkinnyPete said: What's there to agree on? This stuff is black and white, and not subjective. The steering is objectively worse, fact. End of discussion. Performance statistics are objective. Horsepower, torque and gear ratios are also objective. Can you outline for us how one objectively assesses steering feel, which is by its very nature subjective?

Royal Jelly said: I think my wife would give me a stern side-eye if I told her I was going to try 2 cars out and I ended up getting them both Changing my first 718 for a 981 GT4 got me the stern side-eye. Getting another base 718 Cayman while keeping the GT4 was somehow a much bigger deal. Worth it, but only just. Got at least 12 hours of total stony silence aside from doors being slammed around the house. Seems my translation of, "Do what you want, it's your money, but I'm never getting in it!" was a bit too literal. It was not helped by the long gap between ordering a car the day after that discussion, and delivery to the dealer 10 months later. In fairness, and true to her word, the new 718 passenger seat is as yet unused. It was something of a relief to realise there was no way I'd get on the list for the GT4 RS... Liam

LiamH66 said: Changing my first 718 for a 981 GT4 got me the stern side-eye. Getting another base 718 Cayman while keeping the GT4 was somehow a much bigger deal. Worth it, but only just. Got at least 12 hours of total stony silence aside from doors being slammed around the house. Seems my translation of, "Do what you want, it's your money, but I'm never getting in it!" was a bit too literal. It was not helped by the long gap between ordering a car the day after that discussion, and delivery to the dealer 10 months later. In fairness, and true to her word, the new 718 passenger seat is as yet unused. It was something of a relief to realise there was no way I'd get on the list for the GT4 RS... Liam I think it is widely accepted in matrimonial circles that “do what you want…” is roughly translated as “you better bloody not” A real invitation to do as you like exists, but is usually worded differently. We live and learn. At least the passenger seat will looks splendid in the ad when you come to sell!

Royal Jelly said: I think my wife would give me a stern side-eye............... That is the funniest thing I have read on here in a long time So funny in fact that I am even going to refrain from calling you a wimp

SkinnyPete said: I have no shame in admitting I'm pretty slow driving the 981 in the wet because I just don't have confidence in the front end Pirellis?

JasonSteel said: SkinnyPete said: I have no shame in admitting I'm pretty slow driving the 981 in the wet because I just don't have confidence in the front end Pirellis? I would agree with most that the 981 steering offers little in the feel department though accurate and direct. A a few years ago, pre pandemic, me and best were on a road trip in North Wales. Me in my 981 CS, he has a Cayman R. Anyway, it’s chunking it down and we’re on a road we didn’t know. We catch up to an old Ford Maverick 4x4 thing. The driver clearly knew the road and started pressing on. In that rain, we were making erm, good progress shall we say. Surprisingly so. I was getting more than feedback to let me know what the tyres were doing, how much grip was there. I had real confidence and never felt I was going to lose it. The tyres, Goodyear F1’s… I haven’t had Pirelli’s on a car of mine for a very long time and from what I’ve read that’s not going to change anytime soon. I now have a 981 GT4, the steering is definitely a step up. I’ve had 718 loaners and could see and feel the improvements made the for me, good cars though they are, the F4 models never had me once trying to apply the how can I make this happen man maths. As has been said, drive the options on your shortlist and buy the one you like.

981Boxess said: hat is the funniest thing I have read on here in a long time So funny in fact that I am even going to refrain from calling you a wimp Oi! I know which side my bread is buttered

Royal Jelly said: Oi! I know which side my bread is buttered Whichever side she says is going to get buttered

JasonSteel said: SkinnyPete said: I have no shame in admitting I'm pretty slow driving the 981 in the wet because I just don't have confidence in the front end Pirellis? While the Pirellis are lethal, the improvement in PS4S's isn't enough to overcome that huge big heavy electric motor attached to the steering rack. The feedback through the car is not just the steering though. To me, the 981 is a bit of a 'nice car' rather than a 'sports car'. Don't get me wrong it's well balanced and all, but the suspension is a bit comfort orientated for my liking. It definitely doesn't talk to you through the seat of your pants like the earlier generation cars, and there's a lot of slop in the drivetrain and suspension bushes. By comparison, I remember the first time I drove a 997. I was braking hard from 140mph for a roundabout on a poorly maintained road that resembled a patchwork quilt, with a camber was all over the place. I was braking as late as I dared while trying to avoid triggering the ABS, heel and toeing to get a bit of extra engine braking all while wrestling with the steering wheel to keep the car in something that resembled a straight line. The car buzzed and it fizzed and it felt absolutely alive. That generation 911 and 987 absolutely got my pulse going, time after time. A 981 has never been capable of getting anywhere near that level of excitement, especially with a PDK gearbox. They are too soft, too sanitised, too isolated, too anodyne. And I know why Porsche has done this, they want to make the car softer in order to broaden its appeal, so it's easier to drive and they'll sell more. This is evident not just in the ride, but the reduced NVH, the watered-down launch control and the over-assisted brakes. But the reality is making a car softer will have compromises elsewhere, and it's in the feedback of the 981, through the wheel as well as your arse cheeks, and to me feedback is confidence. I could have all the grip in the world, but it's pretty useless if I can't tell if the front wheels are attached to the car. A nice road car, but a bit lacking in the "sports" department for me. Nothing some poly bushes and an X73 pack wouldn't sort out I'm sure N.b. Fortunately, the 718 is a major step in the right direction, the suspension is a lot more aggressive and its definitely got some of that "fizz" and "buzz" back

SkinnyPete said: I remember the first time I drove a 997. I was braking hard from 140mph for a roundabout on a poorly maintained road that resembled a patchwork quilt, with a camber was all over the place. I was braking as late as I dared while trying to avoid triggering the ABS, heel and toeing to get a bit of extra engine braking all while wrestling with the steering wheel to keep the car in something that resembled a straight line. What a coincidence, I remember driving the 981 in very similar circumstances and braking hard from 152mph thinking I could be doing 20mph more than this! In any case I drifted around the roundabout twice, I was reading a map at the same time but no problem I only needed one hand on the wheel due to the superb 981 power steering and I distinctly remember thinking to myself thank Christ I didn't try this in a 987 or 718, I would never have got away with it.

981Boxess said: SkinnyPete said: I remember the first time I drove a 997. I was braking hard from 140mph for a roundabout on a poorly maintained road that resembled a patchwork quilt, with a camber was all over the place. I was braking as late as I dared while trying to avoid triggering the ABS, heel and toeing to get a bit of extra engine braking all while wrestling with the steering wheel to keep the car in something that resembled a straight line. What a coincidence, I remember driving the 981 in very similar circumstances and braking hard from 152mph thinking I could be doing 20mph more than this! In any case I drifted around the roundabout twice, I was reading a map at the same time but no problem I only needed one hand on the wheel due to the superb 981 power steering and I distinctly remember thinking to myself thank Christ I didn't try this in a 987 or 718, I would never have got away with it. Nice response to the DG

JasonSteel said: SkinnyPete said: I have no shame in admitting I'm pretty slow driving the 981 in the wet because I just don't have confidence in the front end Pirellis? I did about 18,000 miles in my first base 718 Cayman on a combination of factory fitted Pirelli P Zero for summer and Sotto Zero for winter. While the P Zeros are generally regarded as a bit lacklustre for sporty driving, they are actually pretty good for wet grip in my opinion (if not for feel). Never really lacked confidence in front grip in the wet, but thinking back, maybe had the odd moment where the lack of feedback through the steering left me wondering if the front was actually going to bite. It always did. I've been back on Sotto Zero since I collected my new 718 last year, and they are very confidence inspiring in the cold and/or wet. I used them pretty much daily through the snow of the "Beast from the East" too; March 2018 if I remember right? Can still remember the farmer with the snow plough saying, "best turn back, no way anything but a 4x4 is getting up there!" Winter tyres make a massive difference. Took a while to get all the way up the steep bit of our drive, but that was after breezing up the allegedly "impassable" uphill road home. I think Sotto Zero are great, and Porsche still offered a set of them fitted to Boxster 18" rims at a great price when I ordered the new car. New 718 came with Goodyears, which are waiting in the corner of my workshop for warmer/dryer weather in the rural North West. Looking forward to experiencing just how much better they are than P Zero. I doubt it will be life-changing, but I'll enjoy a pleasant surprise if they really are significantly different. Liam

981Boxess said: SkinnyPete said: I remember the first time I drove a 997. I was braking hard from 140mph for a roundabout on a poorly maintained road that resembled a patchwork quilt, with a camber was all over the place. I was braking as late as I dared while trying to avoid triggering the ABS, heel and toeing to get a bit of extra engine braking all while wrestling with the steering wheel to keep the car in something that resembled a straight line. What a coincidence, I remember driving the 981 in very similar circumstances and braking hard from 152mph thinking I could be doing 20mph more than this! In any case I drifted around the roundabout twice, I was reading a map at the same time but no problem I only needed one hand on the wheel due to the superb 981 power steering and I distinctly remember thinking to myself thank Christ I didn't try this in a 987 or 718, I would never have got away with it. Of course this completely puts to bed the arguments around PDK vs. Manual. A PDK driver could be casually rolling a fag with their left hand while drifting round the roundabout, while with a manual box you might need a passenger to hold the tobacco pouch while you grab third gear for the quicker section of the roundabout.

LiamH66 said: Of course this completely puts to bed the arguments around PDK vs. Manual. A PDK driver could be casually rolling a fag with their left hand while drifting round the roundabout, while with a manual box you might need a passenger to hold the tobacco pouch while you grab third gear for the quicker section of the roundabout. Don't be ridiculous, smoking kills, whereas in the land of fiction novels barrelling up to a roundabout, where you may have to come to a complete stop, at 140mph in a car you have never driven before on a crap road surface completely out of control is perfectly safe.

I'm still laughing at Skinny Pete's story.... Drive them back to back you'll get exactly the same feeling from the 9x1 generation but you'll be going faster. For anyone who wants more a little more feel in their 981, go out and buy some x73 goodies.

981Boxess said: LiamH66 said: Of course this completely puts to bed the arguments around PDK vs. Manual. A PDK driver could be casually rolling a fag with their left hand while drifting round the roundabout, while with a manual box you might need a passenger to hold the tobacco pouch while you grab third gear for the quicker section of the roundabout. Don't be ridiculous, smoking kills, whereas in the land of fiction novels barrelling up to a roundabout, where you may have to come to a complete stop, at 140mph in a car you have never driven before on a crap road surface completely out of control is perfectly safe. Good point! Maybe Porsche adjusted the steering feel of the 981 to stop people risking their lives on roundabouts. Similarly, maybe offered the 981 GT4 with manual box only to make sure they cut down on fags. (Smoking also from a fantasy fiction novel for me nowadays. Ended a 30 year smoking career just over 10 years ago now. Seemed a good idea when I was 14, less so when I hit my 30s. It was a more savage addiction than I gave it credit for. Glad to be free of it.) Liam

SkinnyPete said: While the Pirellis are lethal, the improvement in PS4S's isn't enough to overcome that huge big heavy electric motor attached to the steering rack. The feedback through the car is not just the steering though. To me, the 981 is a bit of a 'nice car' rather than a 'sports car'. Don't get me wrong it's well balanced and all, but the suspension is a bit comfort orientated for my liking. It definitely doesn't talk to you through the seat of your pants like the earlier generation cars, and there's a lot of slop in the drivetrain and suspension bushes. By comparison, I remember the first time I drove a 997. I was braking hard from 140mph for a roundabout on a poorly maintained road that resembled a patchwork quilt, with a camber was all over the place. I was braking as late as I dared while trying to avoid triggering the ABS, heel and toeing to get a bit of extra engine braking all while wrestling with the steering wheel to keep the car in something that resembled a straight line. The car buzzed and it fizzed and it felt absolutely alive. That generation 911 and 987 absolutely got my pulse going, time after time. A 981 has never been capable of getting anywhere near that level of excitement, especially with a PDK gearbox. They are too soft, too sanitised, too isolated, too anodyne. And I know why Porsche has done this, they want to make the car softer in order to broaden its appeal, so it's easier to drive and they'll sell more. This is evident not just in the ride, but the reduced NVH, the watered-down launch control and the over-assisted brakes. But the reality is making a car softer will have compromises elsewhere, and it's in the feedback of the 981, through the wheel as well as your arse cheeks, and to me feedback is confidence. I could have all the grip in the world, but it's pretty useless if I can't tell if the front wheels are attached to the car. A nice road car, but a bit lacking in the "sports" department for me. Nothing some poly bushes and an X73 pack wouldn't sort out I'm sure N.b. Fortunately, the 718 is a major step in the right direction, the suspension is a lot more aggressive and its definitely got some of that "fizz" and "buzz" back Do you have any more “Tales from the Highway”? I’m consumed. LiamH - you will enjoy the PS4S going on. I definitely found them a step up across the board. I personally thought my PZs were great in the dry but uninspiring in the wet. TestDrive - I may get in touch about X73 components, if you don’t mind. I did have the chance to compare another 981 back to back with mine. Same tires, too. It certainly appeared to me that a good geometry setup makes a fairly noteworthy difference. His was standard whereas mine has been fettled - it’s overdue another, but it was still quite stark. Edited by Royal Jelly on Thursday 10th March 00:24

981Boxess said: SkinnyPete said: I remember the first time I drove a 997. I was braking hard from 140mph for a roundabout on a poorly maintained road that resembled a patchwork quilt, with a camber was all over the place. I was braking as late as I dared while trying to avoid triggering the ABS, heel and toeing to get a bit of extra engine braking all while wrestling with the steering wheel to keep the car in something that resembled a straight line. What a coincidence, I remember driving the 981 in very similar circumstances and braking hard from 152mph thinking I could be doing 20mph more than this! In any case I drifted around the roundabout twice, I was reading a map at the same time but no problem I only needed one hand on the wheel due to the superb 981 power steering and I distinctly remember thinking to myself thank Christ I didn't try this in a 987 or 718, I would never have got away with it. SkinnyPete are you Simon the IT man from The Office? https://youtu.be/2Z8pgV74_Hw

981SPYGANG said: SkinnyPete are you Simon the IT man from The Office? https://youtu.be/2Z8pgV74_Hw You will have to wait for your reply, he will almost certainly be testing in Bahrain today

I'm glad you all enjoyed my short story, I wrote that while sipping a Pina Colda on a beach in Key West Stay tuned for more.

SkinnyPete said: I'm glad you all enjoyed my short story, I wrote that while sipping a Pina Colda on a beach in Key West Based on your other posts it was probably written in Starbucks in between doing pizza deliveries

SkinnyPete said: I'm glad you all enjoyed my short story, I wrote that while sipping a Pina Colda on a beach in Key West Stay tuned for more. Haha, Pina Colda, the non alchoholic version especially for youngsters that don't appreciate EPS and also have a sheepskin steering wheel cover to enhance steering feel.

Royal Jelly said: TestDrive - I may get in touch about X73 components, if you don’t mind. Edited by Royal Jelly on Thursday 10th March 00:24 Yes no problem, have a look in my bio, you'll find out about the ARB and some of the other stuff I've done to mine. I have the 718 bracing waiting to go on too.

Royal Jelly said: LiamH - you will enjoy the PS4S going on. I definitely found them a step up across the board. I personally thought my PZs were great in the dry but uninspiring in the wet. Edited by Royal Jelly on Thursday 10th March 00:24 Royal Jelly, unfortunately PS4S are a tyre I don't have for either of my Porsches. The 981 GT4 has the choice of P Zero for general use, and PS Cup 2 for track days (must say they are pretty good on a dry track. Wet - yet to be experienced.) The base 718 has Pirelli Sotto Zero for winter, and Goodyear Eagle F1 for summer. All relatively fresh, so might be a while before I wear some out and try PS4S. Liam

LiamH66 said: The base 718 has Pirelli Sotto Zero for winter, and Goodyear Eagle F1 for summer. Can I ask if the F1s replaced PZeros and if so did you notice any reduction in overall road/tyre noise? Looking at tyre labels they are in theory quieter.

981Boxess said: Can I ask if the F1s replaced PZeros and if so did you notice any reduction in overall road/tyre noise? Looking at tyre labels they are in theory quieter. No, F1s seem to come as standard on 718 just now. Back in 2017 when I bought my first one they came with P Zero, so I have used them extensively before. I haven't yet tried the F1s, as the winter wheels/tyres went on the car before I collected it new in December. Hopefully better weather will encourage me to fit the F1s within the next few weeks, and I'll let you know if they are quieter. I didn't feel the P Zeros were all that bad for a summer road tyre. Sotto Zero are relatively quiet (similar to P Zero), but gave me an almighty unexpected "tail out" moment on a damp slip-road this morning. Great tyre, and I felt slightly foolish for not remembering they don't mind fully wet roads, but don't behave quite so well on "greasy" ones. Liam

LiamH66 said: …they don't mind fully wet roads, but don't behave quite so well on "greasy" ones. Liam That’s a lesson we all learn one day. Thankfully mine only cost me an alloy.. Also interested to hear about your GY F1 experience. The general chatter suggests they’re a bit more quiet. Like you - I always found PZs to be fine (in fact good) in the dry, and a liability in the wet. They seem to have good ratings in both but that certainly isn’t my experience. That’s on N0 boots - apparently the N1 is a leap ahead. Good thing it never rains in Yorkshire

Just to bring this up to date from my last post, I cancelled my Boxster 718 GTS order and bought this beautiful Guards Red GTS from Portsmouth OPC. Absolutely made up with it.

Riskins said: Just to bring this up to date from my last post, I cancelled my Boxster 718 GTS order and bought this beautiful Guards Red GTS from Portsmouth OPC. Absolutely made up with it. Looks great! Congratulations and enjoy!

Riskins said: Just to bring this up to date from my last post, I cancelled my Boxster 718 GTS order and bought this beautiful Guards Red GTS from Portsmouth OPC. Absolutely made up with it. Looks awesome. Lovely colour combo.

That looks really nice, congrats. I sold my 981 GTS (mentioned in this thread) last weekend to someone who was looking a 981 GTS for a long time, gave up and put a order in for a 718 GTS 4.0, but that was taking ages so purchased my 981 GTS. Seems to be a growing theme.

shoestring7 said: Has anyone here found themselves choosing between an almost ten year old 981 and a new/almost new 718? Which did you plump for, and why? Here's my update: I tried a 718 Cayman automatic for an hour over mixed roads. It did all I'd every want a sports/GT car to do and was impressive in that polished Porsche fashion. The 4 banger turbo was different to all the other similar mills I've tried, I loved the way it built through the rev range, sounded much better than had been billed, and was quick enough to deal with the tdi crowd. The chassis did feel very similar to my old 987.1 2.7 in many ways, particularly the controlled ride (mine 987 was on PASM) and the way it rotated around the hips, and while the steering was never going to feel like my old '72 911T it didn't interfere with enjoyment. The downside for me was the cost. The £46.5k price on the configurator doesn't include OTR costs, so it starts at £48.5k in reality. Even being parsimonious on options, and I was looking at £52k-ish, and while that's fantastic value compared to a 911 at 2x the price, right now it doesn't feel like the right time to pull the trigger. Meanwhile I'll wait for my Yaris GR, and look for a good 987.2 Boxster later in the year. That combination should be a good match for my own requirements.

JayK12 said: That looks really nice, congrats. I sold my 981 GTS (mentioned in this thread) last weekend to someone who was looking a 981 GTS for a long time, gave up and put a order in for a 718 GTS 4.0, but that was taking ages so purchased my 981 GTS. Seems to be a growing theme. Snap! In February, after my expected delivery went from Q2 22 to "end summer 22 (whenever that is)" to "probably end Q3 22". I gave up waiting and purchased a used 718 GTS Boxster. I can only imagine given recent and current events if I'd waited I would have ben lucky to see it by Q2 23.

Riskins That looks superb!

Greedydog said: JayK12 said: That looks really nice, congrats. I sold my 981 GTS (mentioned in this thread) last weekend to someone who was looking a 981 GTS for a long time, gave up and put a order in for a 718 GTS 4.0, but that was taking ages so purchased my 981 GTS. Seems to be a growing theme. Snap! In February, after my expected delivery went from Q2 22 to "end summer 22 (whenever that is)" to "probably end Q3 22". I gave up waiting and purchased a used 718 GTS Boxster. I can only imagine given recent and current events if I'd waited I would have ben lucky to see it by Q2 23. I was selling a 2015 Boxster S and out of the 5-6 calls I got, 3 of them stated having put orders in for new porsches and had delivery dates cancelled and no new date given. The person who purchased my car told me in further detail its the 5th car hes ordered in the last 12 months and had changed on him between BMW and porsche.

Royal Jelly said: That’s a lesson we all learn one day. Thankfully mine only cost me an alloy.. Also interested to hear about your GY F1 experience. The general chatter suggests they’re a bit more quiet. Like you - I always found PZs to be fine (in fact good) in the dry, and a liability in the wet. They seem to have good ratings in both but that certainly isn’t my experience. That’s on N0 boots - apparently the N1 is a leap ahead. Good thing it never rains in Yorkshire @Royal Jelly, this was the weekend of removing Pirelli Sotto Zero (love everything about them as winter tyre), and getting the summer wheels and tyres onto my base 718 Cayman. Goodyear F1. Possibly optimistic, but hopefully ice and snow now gone from Lancashire for the year, at least until November. Only driven in dry so far, but incredibly similar in feel to P Zero from my memory. I think they are probably a little quieter, except they have a greater tendency to pick up small stones and throw them at the wheel arches on country lanes (might be "newness", haven't done 100 miles yet). They do the same front end judder on full lock as P Zero, but that's steering geometry rather than tyres. As per my comments about P Zero, they seem pretty OK as road tyre so far. If they turn out to be alarmingly better in any respect, I'll be sure to let you know. Liam