718 Spyder - Roof (noise levels, etc) - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Coming out of a 991.1 GT3 and thinking about a lightly-used 718 Spyder. Can anyone with experience provide a view about sound insulation and noise levels from the single-ply roof? On the GT3 the predominant noise is road induced (tyres, etc) and that glorious powertrain but I'm guessing the sound-mix is somewhat different in a Spyder. I suppose I'm thinking about those occasions when you need the roof on and you're maybe on a longish trip, including motorway (or Autoroute and Autobahn, when those days return!) stints. In that context can the Spyder be used as a long-distance cruiser? James

Roof noise is a significant issue with the Spyder. With the roof up and at decent motorway speeds, 80 mph plus, it becomes tiresome, for me it is the limiting factor to a long trip with the hood up. Conversation at these speeds is difficult. It’s a bit like going back 40 years and driving an MGB or a Triumph Spitfire! Road roar is not an issue as it’s drowned out by the wind noise. The noise comes from the two little flaps that reach back and clip into the rear deck, or at least it does on mine. In my experience hood up it’s a way more tiring car on a high speed cruise than any GT3 that I have owned. The best way to fix it is to drop the hood . They are outstanding with the hood down. Unless it’s actually throwing it down with rain for me it’s hood down at all times. Noise levels are lower, and the quality of the noise is much less tiresome. The heater is great, right down to below freezing, and in summer the air con is immense. With the Burmester sound system as well you can crank up the music and it’s a joyous place to be. I drove mine in one hit from Leamington Spa to the ring, via the tunnel, non stop hood down all the way and It was fine. That included a bit of 150mph Autobahn cruising as well.

I picked up my Spyder yesterday and will be able to contribute to it properly soon as I’m heading on a road trip. From the first 100 miles I’d agree it’s pretty loud, but I haven’t noticed the wind noise in particular. Sorry to hijack the thread but has anyone worked out whether you can open the rear boot without releasing the hood (obviously the buttresses have to open)? My handbook didn’t arrive with the car and I’m not sure how hard is ok to pull on the buttress anchors to attach/detach them.

You should not attempt to open the boot without at least releasing the roof from the windscreen rail - whilst you can do this, the strain over time will start to tear the roof underneath the buttresses. Ideally you should also undo the buttresses and store them too before you open the boot - this will prevent you dinging the metalwork. There are a few videos online to demonstrate the proper technique - pretty poor that your car came without instructions. I don’t find the roof noise intrusive up or down - it’s a convertible with a thinner roof than a standard Boxster so I didn’t expect it to be particularly refined. I think it’s a subjective question which only the individual can answer.

bigmowley said: Roof noise is a significant issue with the Spyder. With the roof up and at decent motorway speeds, 80 mph plus, it becomes tiresome, for me it is the limiting factor to a long trip with the hood up. Conversation at these speeds is difficult. It’s a bit like going back 40 years and driving an MGB or a Triumph Spitfire! Road roar is not an issue as it’s drowned out by the wind noise. The noise comes from the two little flaps that reach back and clip into the rear deck, or at least it does on mine. In my experience hood up it’s a way more tiring car on a high speed cruise than any GT3 that I have owned. The best way to fix it is to drop the hood . They are outstanding with the hood down. Unless it’s actually throwing it down with rain for me it’s hood down at all times. Noise levels are lower, and the quality of the noise is much less tiresome. The heater is great, right down to below freezing, and in summer the air con is immense. With the Burmester sound system as well you can crank up the music and it’s a joyous place to be. I drove mine in one hit from Leamington Spa to the ring, via the tunnel, non stop hood down all the way and It was fine. That included a bit of 150mph Autobahn cruising as well. As the owner of a Spyder (albeit 981) AND an MGB I can assure you the Spyder is like a limo by comparison! I love everything about it. Road / wind noise is no problem. But then I also daily a Land Rover Defender! (Gratuitous pics)

elisered said: You should not attempt to open the boot without at least releasing the roof from the windscreen rail - whilst you can do this, the strain over time will start to tear the roof underneath the buttresses. Ideally you should also undo the buttresses and store them too before you open the boot - this will prevent you dinging the metalwork. There are a few videos online to demonstrate the proper technique - pretty poor that your car came without instructions. Thanks. Alright in the summer then! As for noise, after 1350km yesterday - there is noticeably more noise about 80ish mph, but I find the car more than driveable well above that speed with the top up. Top down there’s too much buffeting for me.

Noise with the roof up is fine up to about 60mph, sure it's not 'quiet' but it's fine for conversation and music. Above that, you start to hear the wind hitting the butresses more than anything, and it does get v.loud and indeed makes a quality conversation quite difficult. My method is to stick on a Playlist and turn the music up loud.

Tyre roar is the bigger issue over wind noise with the Spyder in my opinion. It is fine on long journeys, but compared to other cars I wouldn't ever describe the Spyder as refined.

I'm afraid the spyder isn't suited for anyone worried about noise or a roof. It's designed for pure open top fast driving. hence suited to the GT mantra. In its quest, there has to be sacrifices. You can't have the looks and still have the comfort. You can still do it and spec 18-ways / burmeister but it's still going to be crap compared to a regular boxster or better yet get a cayman GTS/GT4. I'm really annoyed you can't get rid of rear parking sensors or AC although I would still like to have sat nav and radio

short-shift said: Coming out of a 991.1 GT3 and thinking about a lightly-used 718 Spyder. Can anyone with experience provide a view about sound insulation and noise levels from the single-ply roof? On the GT3 the predominant noise is road induced (tyres, etc) and that glorious powertrain but I'm guessing the sound-mix is somewhat different in a Spyder. I suppose I'm thinking about those occasions when you need the roof on and you're maybe on a longish trip, including motorway (or Autoroute and Autobahn, when those days return!) stints. In that context can the Spyder be used as a long-distance cruiser? James James, I went from 991.2 GT3 to a 981 Spyder (also previously owned a 991.1 GT3) The noise level in the Spyder cabin (roof up) is no worse that than of either GT3. Used both the GT3’s for touring and have also done a jaunt from the South West England to Scotland (East of Dundee)in the Spyder, it’s not a problem. With the roof down in the Spyder it’s still possible to hold a conversation at motorway speeds. (I am making the assumption that the 718 won’t be that much different) BTW the exhaust note of the 981 is epic

Gander101 said: James, I went from 991.2 GT3 to a 981 Spyder (also previously owned a 991.1 GT3) The noise level in the Spyder cabin (roof up) is no worse that than of either GT3. Used both the GT3’s for touring and have also done a jaunt from the South West England to Scotland (East of Dundee)in the Spyder, it’s not a problem. With the roof down in the Spyder it’s still possible to hold a conversation at motorway speeds. (I am making the assumption that the 718 won’t be that much different) BTW the exhaust note of the 981 is epic How to you like the Spyder vs Gt3 ?

Have owned a 981 Spyder for 2 years and while I wouldn’t host a conference call while cruising in it, I have driven plenty of very long motorway stints with no problem at all.

Not a 718, I've owned my 987 Spyder for 10 years and absolutely love it The noise is all part of the epic experience a Spyder offers. If noise is on your important list its not the car for you. 126,000 miles later, I wouldn't change it for anything. Its just such great fun every single day of the year. But not for any normal porsche owner.

Thanks for all of these contributions - they help to manage expectations. Hope to actually have a ride in a Spyder shortly as, at the end of the day, that will be the ultimate way to assess whether all is fine for me and my intended use over a number of years. James

khushy said: Not a 718, I've owned my 987 Spyder for 10 years and absolutely love it The noise is all part of the epic experience a Spyder offers. If noise is on your important list its not the car for you. 126,000 miles later, I wouldn't change it for anything. Its just such great fun every single day of the year. But not for any normal porsche owner. yes. but the 987 is a special animal in its own right. much purer than the rest and not to be repeated unless the spyder rs comes out i think. noisy is everything....