Boxter GTS 4.0 or 981 Spyder? - Page 4 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Can't make up my mind which to buy so asking for opinions. Which would you go for and why? Pricing is similar for a low mileage 981 Spyder to a brand new (with some options) Boxter GTS 4.0. Thanks in advance.

If you can find one in a spec you like, the 981 Spyder would get my vote. More unusual/different, better looking and better sounding.

GTS 4.0 working roof, better steering, better engine. 981 Spyder if the prices drop a bit more say mid £50's or even late, if you can get pass the steering feel and lazy engine/gearing combo. all personal choice, the 981 a bit dated now regarding PCM and ease of use. If you cobb tune on the 981 fit ps4s and get a geo done and even fit 19" wheels it would liven it up a bit. oem vs oem GTS 4.0 no contest.

VULCANT said: Can't make up my mind which to buy so asking for opinions. Which would you go for and why? Pricing is similar for a low mileage 981 Spyder to a brand new (with some options) Boxter GTS 4.0. Thanks in advance. The £70k question!!

I went to look at a 981 Spyder at the weekend...I haven’t driven it yet and may do that in a few days but I think they’re a bit expensive at the moment. Think a lot will come to market as the 718 gets delivered and for say a healthy £10k plus premium over my manual 997 GTS think I will stay put. Think I would rather pay the extra and buy a 718 Spyder.

Have bookmarked the thread as I’m thinking the same! Really miss my 981GTS and really fancy going to test drive a 718 4.0 GTS.

VULCANT said: Can't make up my mind which to buy so asking for opinions. Which would you go for and why? Pricing is similar for a low mileage 981 Spyder to a brand new (with some options) Boxter GTS 4.0. Thanks in advance. The big elephant in the room are the particulate filters - they've just killed it for me. Having test driven various 992 variants with the last being a base cabriolet - I found it really lacking soul in part to the muted engine note and I don't see this boxster GTS being much different unless you're prepared to spend 5k on an aftermarket exhaust. The Spyder is an absolute hoot with the roof down IF you value the sound of the motor. This video captures the sound well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3VWTgevuCo

Kananga said: Have bookmarked the thread as I’m thinking the same! Really miss my 981GTS and really fancy going to test drive a 718 4.0 GTS. Given the supply numbers I think it might be a long time before you can test drive a GTS4.0, although the PEC might get one. But you can test drive a F4T GTS which will enable you to see how much the chassis is improved over the 981 - it’s quite surprising how much better it is especially the steering. The performance of the F4T GTS is also substantially improved over the 981 You’ll unfortunately just have to imagine that performance being delivered by a flat six N/A.

Assuming you could get one, why might you take a 981 Spyder over a GTS4.0 The only thing it will have is a certain cachet from being a Spyder, and that it looks a little different. You’d have to really like those humps! The GTS4.0 has as good if not better chassis, better ride with PASM, more performance, a proper electric roof, more modern equipment,

Wollemi said: Assuming you could get one, why might you take a 981 Spyder over a GTS4.0 The only thing it will have is a certain cachet from being a Spyder, and that it looks a little different. You’d have to really like those humps! The GTS4.0 has as good if not better chassis, better ride with PASM, more performance, a proper electric roof, more modern equipment, The sound and the looks (I do love the humps) are the big ones. Good points though. I'm going to find out when a GTS would arirve if I did order one.

Wollemi said: Assuming you could get one, why might you take a 981 Spyder over a GTS4.0 The only thing it will have is a certain cachet from being a Spyder, and that it looks a little different. You’d have to really like those humps! The GTS4.0 has as good if not better chassis, better ride with PASM, more performance, a proper electric roof, more modern equipment, I'm not into convertibles but I like stuff that's a bit different, so I'd take a 981 Spyder with both aircon and PCM delete and 918 buckets. I like the looks, sound and passive suspension system they have too. A lot depends if it's a daily driver or a weekend fun car.

981 Spyder, as a fun car, the noise, the looks, passive suspension etc etc, but for me, mainly the noise when you have that roof off the 981 GTS sounded great, but the Spyder is even better. If it was a daily, then neither

You'd have to love the Spyder's manual roof. Humps look poncey. GTS 4.0 overkill for road use. For a daily, buy a 981 Boxster GTS and have ten holidays.

Went through same process and bought a 981 Spyder last week and very glad I did. Looks are subjective and personal however to me is in a different league to the 718 GTS. Sound is sublime and has more power than I’m going to use in road driving and have no intentions of track work. Whichever you choose I’m sure you will love.

T2TC said: Went through same process and bought a 981 Spyder last week and very glad I did. Looks are subjective and personal however to me is in a different league to the 718 GTS. Sound is sublime and has more power than I’m going to use in road driving and have no intentions of track work. Whichever you choose I’m sure you will love. I think a very good decision, principally because have got your your car now and can have a years enjoyment from it before you would be likely to see a 718GTS4.0 unless you've already got an order in. The 981 Spyder is undoubtedly a lovely car - enjoy it! Photos would be good too

I think whilst my heart strings are pulled by the lovely humps / aesthetics of the spyder in the cold light of day its difficult to justify the same money for a car 4/5 years old. Nevertheless I will definitely test drive the Spyder prior to confirming on the 4.0

My 2 pence I take it from your question you are a convertible fan (like myself). I’ve come from BS987.1 - BS987.2 - 981 Spyder Plus I now also have a 718 GT4. For me the 981 Spyder is my ideal sports car. I can appreciate the views that chassis and steering directness is better on the 718. Plus the new engine is really good. Although I have no problems at all with these things on the 981. BUT if you are the sort that loves the insane noise that the 981 makes (especially in SP). The mad auto blips, It’s aggressive but beautiful looks, the fact that you can drive it for hours on the motorways of Europe and not feel broken, then blast up through the Alpine passes like a banshee.. Then my vote would be 981 Spyder. I even find putting the roof up and down a bit of an adventure !! Interestingly you’ll be very hard to find any owner of a 981 GTS or Spyder who hasn’t totally loved these cars. So I would definitely go test drive a 981 before making a final decision. The good news is.... they are both fantastic sports cars. One will drive nicer and have a convenient roof.... the other is a little bit mental :-)

SpyderT said: The big elephant in the room are the particulate filters - they've just killed it for me. Having test driven various 992 variants with the last being a base cabriolet - I found it really lacking soul in part to the muted engine note and I don't see this boxster GTS being much different unless you're prepared to spend 5k on an aftermarket exhaust. The Spyder is an absolute hoot with the roof down IF you value the sound of the motor. This video captures the sound well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3VWTgevuCo That long gearing would do my head in, almost like driving an auto, stick it in second and only change when you get to 70 or 80 or whatever it does! I've always liked them but after seeing that I'd never buy one, the rumours are true.

there's a lovely looking 981GTS Manual @ RPM Tecknik I saw today

Wonder if it’s worth throwing the 911 T into the 70k equation too?!

RichDS said: Wonder if it’s worth throwing the 911 T into the 70k equation too?! Not if you want a convertible with a naturally aspirated engine...

For me it's an everyday car so an electric no fuss roof is a must in our climate.

Mr981 said: there's a lovely looking 981GTS Manual @ RPM Tecknik I saw today My old car that Silver one they have. I sold it last year to Harbour Cars, they switched the wheels out, it had Carrera Classics on it before which really set it off. Genuine GT4 Steering Wheel & Airbag, and GT4 short shifter too.

Boxster GTS4.0 nearly as unobtainum as Spyder. My OPC have one allocation before September, whereas they have 1 Cayman per month until then.

I've done over 10k miles in my 65 plate Spyder , and have a Boxster 4.0 GTS coming next month. I'm not selling the Spyder cos I suspect they ll be quite different from each other to drive. My plan is to use the Boxster extensively as a daily and enjoy the ease of access and ease of the roof, and to still use the spyder for weekend runs across country. I'll be able to post my thoughts on the comparison in a few weeks.

I would say the 981 Spyder looks better to my eyes. The front bumper makes it; the 718's straight lines don't do it for me. As has been hinted, of course the Spyder is a weekend/garage car with that roof though. It's not a criticism as such, in fact it probably adds a a bit of theatre to the experience like it did when I used to have my Elise and VX220, but 'practical' it ain't.

I've done over 10k miles in my 65 plate Spyder , and have a Boxster 4.0 GTS coming next month. I'm not selling the Spyder cos I suspect they ll be quite different from each other to drive. My plan is to use the Boxster extensively as a daily and enjoy the ease of access and ease of the roof, and to still use the spyder for weekend runs across country. I'll be able to post my thoughts on the comparison in a few weeks.

Next month! April? You have done well. I have the first build slot for a Boxster at my OPC but the car is not due until late May. The comparison with your Spyder will be very interesting, I look forward to hearing about it whilst I count the days.

Just picked up a low mileage 981 Spyder as it looks like a 12 month wait til I’ll get my GTS 4.0 which I ordered 6 weeks or so ago. I guess I’ve got a while to decide whether I cancel the GTS and hang on to the Spyder. So far it’s a hoot, especially the noise. It’s the noise that I worry most about the GTS.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Just picked up a low mileage 981 Spyder as it looks like a 12 month wait til I’ll get my GTS 4.0 which I ordered 6 weeks or so ago. I guess I’ve got a while to decide whether I cancel the GTS and hang on to the Spyder. So far it’s a hoot, especially the noise. It’s the noise that I worry most about the GTS. That looks lovely in silver. Only advantage (other than tech) I could see for the GTS personally is if the steering feel has been improved. The same long gearing on the GTS but worse noise. For me these are the only 2 real negatives of my 981 Spyder.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Just picked up a low mileage 981 Spyder as it looks like a 12 month wait til I’ll get my GTS 4.0 which I ordered 6 weeks or so ago. I guess I’ve got a while to decide whether I cancel the GTS and hang on to the Spyder. So far it’s a hoot, especially the noise. It’s the noise that I worry most about the GTS. Congrats! The 981 Spyder is an awesome road car. I would say the suspension is better suited for road driving than the 718. I have a 981 Spyder and 718 GT4. For Sunday morning drive, it's the Spyder that gets chosen..It's all subjective and down to taste.

boringbeige said: I've done over 10k miles in my 65 plate Spyder , and have a Boxster 4.0 GTS coming next month. I'm not selling the Spyder cos I suspect they ll be quite different from each other to drive. My plan is to use the Boxster extensively as a daily and enjoy the ease of access and ease of the roof, and to still use the spyder for weekend runs across country. I'll be able to post my thoughts on the comparison in a few weeks. Unlikely to be getting it next month as all sales have been put on hold due to an engine issue

I've got both: a yellow 65 plate Spyder now done 12k miles and a silver 4.0 GTS 70 plate now done 4k miles. The Spyder has full buckets and no sat nav and ceramics, The 4.0 has sport plus seats in leather and a manual box and steels. As a sum up the 4.0 is much easier as a daily. The Spyder more of an occasion. I prefer the passive suspension on the spyder to the active on the 4.0. The spyder suspension is less 'choppy'. To me pasm has always felt unnatural on any porsche but i accept it's very clever and on most porsche very useful. On this 4.0 , which is a firm riding car, the soft pasm doesn't feel as fluid as the spyders' passive. The wheel movements on urban roads at urban speeds are a bit 'choppy'. The noise of the 4.0 is great, but the noise of the spyder is on a different level. I don't mean volume, I mean the tone and quality. The spyder sounds sharper, higher pitched and gives cracks and gun shots. It's a bit attention grabbing for a daily, the 4.0 is more discreet. The steering on the 4.0 is fractionally better feeling, but the spyder steering is still great. The SPyder engine doesn't have a sparkly top end until it's done several thousand miles. Mine now revs out much more eagerly than it did when new. They are both much faster than you d think. Roof up I've had 190 on the clock of the Spyder and 185 on the 4.0 . I don;t think the Spyder would have gone any quicker, but i reckon theres another 10 mph in the 4.0. I prefer steel brakes to ceramics, on every Porsche. The standard steels on the 4.0 are excellent. I can do regular journeys in the 4.0 and drive to fit in with the traffic. The Spyder always makes me drive like a t t.

boringbeige said: I've got both: a yellow 65 plate Spyder now done 12k miles and a silver 4.0 GTS 70 plate now done 4k miles. The Spyder has full buckets and no sat nav and ceramics, The 4.0 has sport plus seats in leather and a manual box and steels. As a sum up the 4.0 is much easier as a daily. The Spyder more of an occasion. I prefer the passive suspension on the spyder to the active on the 4.0. The spyder suspension is less 'choppy'. To me pasm has always felt unnatural on any porsche but i accept it's very clever and on most porsche very useful. On this 4.0 , which is a firm riding car, the soft pasm doesn't feel as fluid as the spyders' passive. The wheel movements on urban roads at urban speeds are a bit 'choppy'. The noise of the 4.0 is great, but the noise of the spyder is on a different level. I don't mean volume, I mean the tone and quality. The spyder sounds sharper, higher pitched and gives cracks and gun shots. It's a bit attention grabbing for a daily, the 4.0 is more discreet. The steering on the 4.0 is fractionally better feeling, but the spyder steering is still great. The SPyder engine doesn't have a sparkly top end until it's done several thousand miles. Mine now revs out much more eagerly than it did when new. They are both much faster than you d think. Roof up I've had 190 on the clock of the Spyder and 185 on the 4.0 . I don;t think the Spyder would have gone any quicker, but i reckon theres another 10 mph in the 4.0. I prefer steel brakes to ceramics, on every Porsche. The standard steels on the 4.0 are excellent. I can do regular journeys in the 4.0 and drive to fit in with the traffic. The Spyder always makes me drive like a t t. Great post, very interesting. I’ve got a 718Spyder and a Boxster 25 due in May. Plan to run them side by side for a while and decide which bits of both I prefer, the B25 is a PDK, 18ways, steels. The Spyder is LWB, manual and PCCB. I know what you mean about the Spyder making you drive like a t t, I am exactly the same, it must be in the DNA of the car Hope that the summer is long, hot and fairly Covid free as I fully intend to drive absolutely everywhere for no reason at all other than for the joy of it. I will never take that freedom for granted again.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Just picked up a low mileage 981 Spyder as it looks like a 12 month wait til I’ll get my GTS 4.0 which I ordered 6 weeks or so ago. I guess I’ve got a while to decide whether I cancel the GTS and hang on to the Spyder. So far it’s a hoot, especially the noise. It’s the noise that I worry most about the GTS. Done 400 miles for work today with the roof off and it is glorious. In another league from my 997.2s. Everything just feel so... right. The sound as another post suggests really is fantastic. It isn’t (just) about volume - it’s also how exotic it sounds and how much this adds to the event - the theatre - of driving it. Still looking forward to driving a 4.0 when I can to compare.

Hi Guys, Did anyone compare the old 3,4 liter GTS engine (or S) with the new 4.0 in 718 GTS/GT4? There were some roomers that 4.0 feels more like "torque engine" and the 3.4 liter revvs more quickly. The charts somehow deny that. The 4.0 has more power/torque of course - but those differences seem subtle. Judging from the charts they shouldn't have such different characters.

9XI said: Hi Guys, Did anyone compare the old 3,4 liter GTS engine (or S) with the new 4.0 in 718 GTS/GT4? There were some roomers that 4.0 feels more like "torque engine" and the 3.4 liter revvs more quickly. The charts somehow deny that. The 4.0 has more power/torque of course - but those differences seem subtle. Judging from the charts they shouldn't have such different characters. Post up the charts. But from what I remember from my 981 Cayman GTS, it did revs quite quickly and freely. Was a great road weapon, paired with PDK and X73 sport chassis.

My 981 GTS revved freely and was a brilliant engine, I much preferred it to the strangled 3.8 in the 981 GT4. My 718 GT4 engine revs freely and is a brilliant engine.

Twinfan said: My 981 GTS revved freely and was a brilliant engine, I much preferred it to the strangled 3.8 in the 981 GT4. My 718 GT4 engine revs freely and is a brilliant engine. That is indeed interesting. Can you write more about the differences between the 981 and 718 GT4? Did you have a chance to compare the 3,4 liter in Cayman GTS or base Carrera to 3,8 in GT4?

TDT said: Post up the charts. But from what I remember from my 981 Cayman GTS, it did revs quite quickly and freely. Was a great road weapon, paired with PDK and X73 sport chassis. I totally agree. But 981 with PTV and X73 are rare and expensive! So why not go for 4.0. The price difference isn't huge! Edited by 9XI on Thursday 1st April 08:20

Twinfan said: My 981 GTS revved freely and was a brilliant engine, I much preferred it to the strangled 3.8 in the 981 GT4. My 718 GT4 engine revs freely and is a brilliant engine. This. I have a 3.4 and a 4.0 in the garage and I had a 3.8 GT4. The 3.4 is a nice free revving engine that rewards chasing the red line, the 4.0 is very similar but with a lot more torque which makes the car feel a lot quicker. The 3.8 is a poor unit by comparison and feels very strangled above 6000rpm compared to the other 2. I compared it to a high performance diesel when I had my GT4 and I got panned for it on here, however the comparison is still valid. It’s got lots of torque but just doesn’t like to rev out, the 4.0L V8 diesel in my ML is a more free revving unit Obviously it’s down to tune and breathing rather than any fundamental power unit issue and I know that lots of people have sorted it out now but I haven’t had the opportunity to try a breathed on unit.

bigmowley said: This. I have a 3.4 and a 4.0 in the garage and I had a 3.8 GT4. The 3.4 is a nice free revving engine that rewards chasing the red line, the 4.0 is very similar but with a lot more torque which makes the car feel a lot quicker. Thank you for this colorful comparison. So the 4.0 also rewards chasing in red line? Do they both rev equally fast? I wonder if GPF is affecting the revving.

bigmowley said: Twinfan said: My 981 GTS revved freely and was a brilliant engine, I much preferred it to the strangled 3.8 in the 981 GT4. My 718 GT4 engine revs freely and is a brilliant engine. This. I have a 3.4 and a 4.0 in the garage and I had a 3.8 GT4. The 3.4 is a nice free revving engine that rewards chasing the red line, the 4.0 is very similar but with a lot more torque which makes the car feel a lot quicker. The 3.8 is a poor unit by comparison and feels very strangled above 6000rpm compared to the other 2. I compared it to a high performance diesel when I had my GT4 and I got panned for it on here, however the comparison is still valid. It’s got lots of torque but just doesn’t like to rev out, the 4.0L V8 diesel in my ML is a more free revving unit Obviously it’s down to tune and breathing rather than any fundamental power unit issue and I know that lots of people have sorted it out now but I haven’t had the opportunity to try a breathed on unit. Rather embarrassingly (despite having had multiple doffeeent cars and come from a 997.2S) my Spyder with the 3.8 doesn’t feel remotely strangled - or maybe I’m just not good enough a driver to experience its strangled nature

9XI said: That is indeed interesting. Can you write more about the differences between the 981 and 718 GT4? Did you have a chance to compare the 3,4 liter in Cayman GTS or base Carrera to 3,8 in GT4? There's not much more to say. I found the engine in the 981 GT4 to feel rough when revving and it did not enjoy being taken to the redline. In comparison, the 981 GTS I had at the time was very smooth and felt amazing to take up to 7600rpm. The engine in the 718 GT4, compared to the 981 GT4, feels much stronger to me and much more willing to take to 8000rpm. It's a much better engine all round. That's just my opinion though, other opinions are of course available

9XI said: Thank you for this colorful comparison. So the 4.0 also rewards chasing in red line? Do they both rev equally fast? I wonder if GPF is affecting the revving. They rev equally fast, the 3.4 and the 4.0 in my opinion. GPF does not really affect the revving that you would notice. The 3.8 does not have GPF but doesn't like to rev.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Rather embarrassingly (despite having had multiple doffeeent cars and come from a 997.2S) my Spyder with the 3.8 doesn’t feel remotely strangled - or maybe I’m just not good enough a driver to experience its strangled nature The Spyder has a different fuel map and felt much better to me, I think it's the pick of the 981 range if you like an open top. You don't tend to be chasing redlines in Spyders unlike a GT4, so your expectations as a driver are different. At least mine were anyway!

Thank you so much for your thoughts. I really appreciate it. Now I want to order the 4.0 even more! :-D

9XI said: bigmowley said: This. I have a 3.4 and a 4.0 in the garage and I had a 3.8 GT4. The 3.4 is a nice free revving engine that rewards chasing the red line, the 4.0 is very similar but with a lot more torque which makes the car feel a lot quicker. Thank you for this colorful comparison. So the 4.0 also rewards chasing in red line? Do they both rev equally fast? I wonder if GPF is affecting the revving. Depends what you mean by rev equally fast? Obviously how quickly it revs depends on what gear it is in and the weight and performance of the car. One thing than none of these engines do is respond quickly to a blip of the throttle out of gear, at least when stationary. I think this is a Porsche thing and is clearly part of the tune. By comparison my V10 R8 is an absolute beast when you blip the throttle at rest, it feels like there is no flywheel at all and it sounds sublime, it’s got a lovely crack in the exhaust sound when you blip it. Porsche engineers obviously are much too serious a bunch for this frippery! Either that or it’s got a flywheel from a dumper truck But yes the 4.0 rewards chasing the red line, I’ve kissed the limiter quite a few times in mine.

bigmowley said: Depends what you mean by rev equally fast? Obviously how quickly it revs depends on what gear it is in and the weight and performance of the car. One thing than none of these engines do is respond quickly to a blip of the throttle out of gear, at least when stationary. I think this is a Porsche thing and is clearly part of the tune. By comparison my V10 R8 is an absolute beast when you blip the throttle at rest, it feels like there is no flywheel at all and it sounds sublime, it’s got a lovely crack in the exhaust sound when you blip it. Porsche engineers obviously are much too serious a bunch for this frippery! Either that or it’s got a flywheel from a dumper truck But yes the 4.0 rewards chasing the red line, I’ve kissed the limiter quite a few times in mine. I meant the same gear of course. Now, the 718 GTS 4.0 is a bit heavier than 981 GTS (approx. 60 kg) but the gear ratios and the final drive are the same on all models: 981 (S, GTS), and 718 (S, GTS, GTS 4.0). Both engines hit the limiter at 7800 rpm. The 4.0 liter has max power at 7000 and the 3.4 liter does that at 7400 rpm. Probably not much of a difference when comparing revving speed. I think second gear would be best to do the comparison since it's probably most often used when not on a track. The answer of rewarding chasing the red line fits me just fine. Edited by 9XI on Thursday 1st April 09:01 Edited by 9XI on Thursday 1st April 09:02

9XI said: bigmowley said: Depends what you mean by rev equally fast? Obviously how quickly it revs depends on what gear it is in and the weight and performance of the car. One thing than none of these engines do is respond quickly to a blip of the throttle out of gear, at least when stationary. I think this is a Porsche thing and is clearly part of the tune. By comparison my V10 R8 is an absolute beast when you blip the throttle at rest, it feels like there is no flywheel at all and it sounds sublime, it’s got a lovely crack in the exhaust sound when you blip it. Porsche engineers obviously are much too serious a bunch for this frippery! Either that or it’s got a flywheel from a dumper truck But yes the 4.0 rewards chasing the red line, I’ve kissed the limiter quite a few times in mine. I meant the same gear of course. Now, the 718 GTS 4.0 is a bit heavier than 981 GTS (approx. 60 kg) but the gear ratios and the final drive are the same on all models: 981 (S, GTS), and 718 (S, GTS, GTS 4.0). Both engines hit the limiter at 7800 rpm. The 4.0 liter has max power at 7000 and the 3.4 liter does that at 7400 rpm. Probably not much of a difference when comparing revving speed. I think second gear would be best to do the comparison since it's probably most often used when not on a track. The answer of rewarding chasing the red line fits me just fine. Edited by 9XI on Thursday 1st April 09:01 Edited by 9XI on Thursday 1st April 09:02 I think you are blurring the lines between subjective and objective measures here. Objectively the performance data is all easily available and simple to compare, 0 - 60 times, in gear times etc etc. want to know which is quicker just look it up. However the subjective measures are far more difficult to evaluate because these depend on you and how you feel about things, how you react to stimuli, what is important to you? How does a particular power train feel? Does it feel free revving and fun to engage with or not? The older I get the more important the subjective is becoming rather than the objective. I also think that the faster and faster cars get, and ultimately less useable on our busy roads, the more important the subjective evaluation is. All IMHO obvs

Totally with you bigmowley

bigmowley said: However the subjective measures are far more difficult to evaluate because these depend on you and how you feel about things, how you react to stimuli, what is important to you? How does a particular power train feel? Does it feel free revving and fun to engage with or not? The older I get the more important the subjective is becoming rather than the objective. I also think that the faster and faster cars get, and ultimately less useable on our busy roads, the more important the subjective evaluation is. All IMHO obvs I agree too. I sold my 981 Spyder because I simply didn't gel with it. It was a somehow unsatisfactory half way house between the involvement of my Cayman R and the relaxed, comfortable (and passenger-bearing!) experience provided by my 991.2 GTS Cabriolet. So context vs other cars is also very important.

bigmowley said: I think you are blurring the lines between subjective and objective measures here. Objectively the performance data is all easily available and simple to compare, 0 - 60 times, in gear times etc etc. want to know which is quicker just look it up. However the subjective measures are far more difficult to evaluate because these depend on you and how you feel about things, how you react to stimuli, what is important to you? How does a particular power train feel? Does it feel free revving and fun to engage with or not? The older I get the more important the subjective is becoming rather than the objective. I also think that the faster and faster cars get, and ultimately less useable on our busy roads, the more important the subjective evaluation is. All IMHO obvs Well, I'm not a native speaker so I might be misunderstood. Happens to me quite often.To be honest, I don't really care about measures and charts. I'm interested in driving experience. I want a stick and N/A engine which makes a car slower than a turbocharged engine with PDK. I'm aware one can't measure a subjective feeling so I just wanted to clear things up because I couldn't agree with the claim that 4.0 is more of a torque engine compared to older 3,4 liter engine which is a joy to rev. And you guys gave me useful first hand information which I appreciate. Since you have experienced both engines I'm ready to believe that the new 4.0 is equally engaging and fun to rev as well.

VULCANT said: Can't make up my mind which to buy so asking for opinions. Which would you go for and why? Pricing is similar for a low mileage 981 Spyder to a brand new (with some options) Boxter GTS 4.0. Thanks in advance. If you would consider 718 Spyder with bare minimal options, which may cost less than a well spec'd 4.0, that is if price is part of your consideration, & if you are not too fussed with too many extras, then in my opinion the choice is definitely 718 Spyder. Having had my 718 Spy for 1300 miles now, can't see myself going back to non GT ICE Porsch prior to all became EV.

Got a Boxster 4.0 GTS on order but got tired of waiting so have bought a 981 Spyder in the interim with 8000 mikes on it. Loving it so far. Wondering when my GTS comes on track whether I’ll cancel order or go for newer option with less theatre. I’m nervous about ‘old’ cars in the UK climate (salt, corrosion, decay) and like the idea of a newer car I can use in winter (which I wouldn’t with the Spyder) but not sure I like the idea idea of a less charismatic exhaust and toned down looks. I guess I need to drive a 4.0 as soon as I can. Here’s new 981:

Billy_Whizzzz said: Got a Boxster 4.0 GTS on order but got tired of waiting so have bought a 981 Spyder in the interim with 8000 mikes on it. Loving it so far. Wondering when my GTS comes on track whether I’ll cancel order or go for newer option with less theatre. I’m nervous about ‘old’ cars in the UK climate (salt, corrosion, decay) and like the idea of a newer car I can use in winter (which I wouldn’t with the Spyder) but not sure I like the idea idea of a less charismatic exhaust and toned down looks. I guess I need to drive a 4.0 as soon as I can. Here’s new 981: I drive my Spyder through the winter, immense fun.

MannyLon said: I drive my Spyder through the winter, immense fun. Me too 😀

@bigmowley, Did you ever compare the old X73 (981) suspension with the SPASM - 20 mm on a 718?

I recently bought an immaculate Spyder with only 4500 kms (3000 miles) on the clock. LWBs and extended leather. The 4.0 GTS prices went through the roof here in South Africa with no discount for a manual. The weather is good here all year so the roof is only raised when parked Edited by Stef Spyder on Saturday 10th April 20:17

Wow, looks really sexy! Are these GTS 4.0 satin rims?

Stef Spyder said: I recently bought an immaculate Spyder with only 4500 kms (3000 miles) on the clock. LWBs and extended leather. The 4.0 GTS prices went through the roof here in South Africa with no discount for a manual. The weather is good here all year so the roof is only raised when parked Edited by Stef Spyder on Saturday 10th April 20:17 You are fortunate indeed to have that car down there - still remember my drive down the coast to the Cape in 1993 fondly! Unfortunately only in a Honda hire car...you have some good roads to play on - and some very straight ones I seem to recall. Enjoy your Spyder - I’m 4 years in and it still makes me smile each and every time I drive it.

9XI said: Are these GTS 4.0 satin rims? Carrera S in Sain Platinum...

anonymous said: [redacted] Apologies, you are of course correct. The Spyder had the same design as the Carrera S but wider front and rear

Twinfan said: anonymous said: [redacted] Apologies, you are of course correct. The Spyder had the same design as the Carrera S but wider front and rear I'm pretty sure the 981 GTS had the 991 Carrera S rim. The 981 Spyder rim was a slightly different design (and also a little wider). The 718 4.0 GTS runs the same rim as the 981 Spyder. My rims are the Satin Platinum

elisered said: Stef Spyder said: I recently bought an immaculate Spyder with only 4500 kms (3000 miles) on the clock. LWBs and extended leather. The 4.0 GTS prices went through the roof here in South Africa with no discount for a manual. The weather is good here all year so the roof is only raised when parked Edited by Stef Spyder on Saturday 10th April 20:17 You are fortunate indeed to have that car down there - still remember my drive down the coast to the Cape in 1993 fondly! Unfortunately only in a Honda hire car...you have some good roads to play on - and some very straight ones I seem to recall. Enjoy your Spyder - I’m 4 years in and it still makes me smile each and every time I drive it. Thanks! We do have excellent roads here. Beautiful with mountains and oceans. I'm very pleased you are still thoroughly enjoying your Spyder after 4 years

Any more thoughts on this? Should I swap my 981 Spyder (9000 miles, buckets) for a Boxster GTS 4.0 that I have in order? Worries: GTS doesn’t look as special. Will depreciate more. Not as charismatic to drive (sound) but will be newer and less prone to deterioration. I’ve had older cars in the past (suck as my 997.2) and they deteriorate like anything if actually used properly.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Any more thoughts on this? Should I swap my 981 Spyder (9000 miles, buckets) for a Boxster GTS 4.0 that I have in order? Worries: GTS doesn’t look as special. Will depreciate more. Not as charismatic to drive (sound) but will be newer and less prone to deterioration. I’ve had older cars in the past (suck as my 997.2) and they deteriorate like anything if actually used properly. I replied to this thread some days ago, since when I've used both my 981 Spyder and GTS 4.0 for many more journeys. The Spyder is a better car, better at everything except being discreet.

anonymous said: [redacted] I Bought a 997.2 from a well known Indy that was rusty as a boat anchor underneath. My fault for not taking under trays off and inspecting but it wasn’t picked up on an inspection. Since then, yes, I’ve been paranoid about older cars which I love, except for deterioration. I have various newer dailies so no need for another daily as such but yes that is the benefit of the GTS.

anonymous said: [redacted] Fair enough. So back to the original question - is the 4.0 GTS worth the premium over a 981 Spyder? Is it more fun, a better drive, etc etc

Billy_Whizzzz said: Fair enough. So back to the original question - is the 4.0 GTS worth the premium over a 981 Spyder? Is it more fun, a better drive, etc etc I would say no. The biggest difference will be more power, PASM and the roof on the GTS. Better sound, possibly better residuals and greater "specialness" in the Spyder. The rest of the cars are pretty much the same. If you want an event for sunny Sunday drives the 981 Spyder has to win every time, surely? 981 or 718 GTS is the ultimate daily but not a special car IMHO.

In my experience there’s something nice about passive dampers vs PASM that helps connect the driver a bit more. Your mileage may vary. The sound of the GTS 4.0 seems very poor compared to the Spyder, but equally some people may actually enjoy a quieter less raucous car. I have to say I’m pretty shocked by what I’ve heard from the new 718 Spyder too. Feels like the end of an era, the 981! The Spyder is quite a hard car in some ways, and that may be the downside vs the GTS. The front splitter is also very low and less practical than many V8 ferraris believe it or not!

Keep the Spyder. More special and not worth the coin to ‘upgrade’ this seems to be the consensus. If you want the 4.0 and fancy the latest and greatest or even just a change then get on with it but only you can answer the question. You pays your money...

If it’s a sunny weekend car, then Spyder for sure. Or 981 GT4.

Royal Jelly said: If it’s a sunny weekend car, then Spyder for sure. Or 981 GT4. Definitely! I probably wouldn't even consider the two cars together if I were looking. 718 GTS with PDK, up to date interior and toys, and an electric hood for an extremely nice everyday transport, 981 Spyder for an occasional 'fun' car. I had a very highly specced 981 BS before I had the Spyder and imagine the difference would be similar.

The Sunday Times Driving summary put it perfectly: "a Boxster Spyder driver will have more fun more often than any other Porsche driver" I found those words to be true! The main reasons for the additional fun when compared to a GTS 4.0 would be 1. The "high fidelity, surround sound experience", the exhaust note is "laugh out loud fabulous", and 2. The very positive response from fellow road users and pedestrians. I get wolf whistles, stares and positive comments on my beautiful car almost every time I drive it. I've even found 911 owners giving admiring looks and comments acknowledging that this is a very special car. But if you want to be under the radar... the GTS 4.0 is a fabulous place to be!

Think the last answer nailed it. For sound and visual drama the 981 Spyder is hard to beat. It is an occasion every time i drive it and would take a very special car for me to change it.