I get sound...I do...I love how certain things sound...my AC 911 for one but I do not compare it to new platforms because there is no comparison mechanically...apples/oranges.

What many seem to disregard is the rock/hard place Porsche finds itself in today...especially in the Euro world. The MPG issue and the 'noise pollution' deal that is more of an issue there than here.
If you like your old car then keep it, enjoy it, but if customers will not support the newer models due to 'noise' then they are actually greasing the skids to an electric future. Porsche is trying to keep combustion working in a restrictive world market and cannot do what they once did.....regulations have changed....as they did with the G model 911 even tho everyone loved the long hood.....what would have happened if no one purchased the G model....no 911.

I wonder if the noise complainers will love the electric motor noise?

 

In the future noise will be a thing of the past.

 

Porsche 911 loyalists are a funny breed. They managed to kill the superior 928. They whine that their air cooled engine is gone, and they whine that their normally aspirated engine is gone. IMO they are pompous folks.

 

I duuno about that...
My 718 has a "Soundakator" to add sporty noise and some areas in the USA want full electric cars to make noise so that they don't sneak up on pedestrians.

 

But, but....wouldn't that defeat the real purpose of electric vehicles?

 

I realize you're simply safely preaching to your own choir, but I'd say most who comment about not liking the sound of the 718 Spyder/GT4, the 718 in general, the 991.2 and 992 aren't complainers per se. Not sure why you'd categorize people as such. Sounds like a personal problem (no pun intended). People stating preferences aren't necessarily complaining, regardless of how you interpret it. Like it or not … help Porsche explain their choices, or not … we all have preferences and it's unfair to categorize people negatively when their preferences don't agree with yours. It's not logically correct to state if you don't like the sound of a new Porsche you're a complainer. Anyway, people vote with their wallets. If Porsche's choices aren't good, their sales will suffer. Case in point. Porsche does have some faithful followers, almost blindly faithful. We know there are huge issues with certain older models (IMS bearings, cylinder scoring, strut tower weaknesses, etc.), yet many still advocate for them above newer models anyway. I think we're getting to the crossroads with Porsches sport cars, even before EV gets here. Prices are growing far above present market value worth and resale value is dropping at higher levels than we've seen with older models. Reliability is more and more suspect, although reliability issues haven't popped up really yet for post-2016 cars. That's a good thing, and if it stays that way, the post-2016 models might be the only ones siting next to their EV. In the end, I suggest you follow your own advice. Own what you like and don't worry about what others like or don't like. Electric is coming regardless of current motor sounds.

 

MidE Rules...I'd agree basically except those that do not like the sound keep complaining about it....and that appears to be the only thing they complain about the platform and that I find very nearsighted considering the total package.
If it did not perform to a higher level than the older models I'd get that...but I find this simple issue trivial.
The money issues you mention are noted.

 

it seems to me that all the car forums have the same thing going on and I’m not sure why. In the past, people participated to help each other not argue. Any opinion offered these days results in an argument, whether it’s about sound, NA v Turbo, PDK v MT or a myriad of other issues. My participation here and elsewhere is now minimal. I’m sorry that it has come to that but it was nice when people were there to help.

 

Remember when everyone thought the 991.2 having a turbo was the end of the world on the Porsche forums? Pepperidge farm remembers.

 

Well, I don't think anyone outside this board is stating sound is more important than performance in theory. But once you evolve from spec sheet thinking, and realize the most power/performance doesn't always equate to the most fun or rewarding, then your mind opens to other possibilities. Personally I tend to like motorized things I believe are the most fun (fun is feel to me), and usually that doesn't mean the fastest (70s era air cooled 2 stroke street bikes for example). Speed is relative to how much you want to push something to its edge. I find it's actually more satisfying to get the most out of something versus going quicker with far less effort. People certainly don't buy air cooled 911s because they want to go fast, as you should well know. The sound debate is often a simplification of many other characteristics, which people aren't liking as well either. It's just that sound is what some have chosen to compare to performance and that is what perhaps fuels the debate more than most. Honestly I think Porsche started to curve away from their best modern sound with DFI motors in 2009. With the 981, a lot of artificial sound was added, which I'd say far more people liked than disliked. Me not included. In 2017 Porsche abandoned their signature sound almost completely. Until the 718 Spyder/GT4, all just assumed the turbo era muted the sound of non-GT cars. Well, guess not. Now it seems as if Porsche's signature sound may be gone for good. It's too bad if that's true. If I were to leave you with any new thought, I'd hope you realize that peak performance should factor less than it does, although the market is geared to have you think the opposite. With every new generation is more performance. Usually not much, but more. For whatever reasons, it seems Porsche unleashed the 718 a little more than a normal incremental update. Perhaps to make up for the sound and diminutive yet capable motor? But in my opinion this platform doesn't need any more performance. More is just less to use for the majority of the time you're using it. For those that track your car (the mass minority of owners), sure why not have the most performance you can get. You're actually using more of the car than most. But you spent a lot of money for very little additional performance. A little more would have bought a Carrera T, and even better performer and the best performer in the price range thanks in part to its gearing. No matter what you buy, there's always something faster and cooler, and in most cases, for a lot less money. Perhaps 981 owners are simply satisfied with their car's performance, and like the throttle response and sound better. I don't see that the fun factor (driving experience) has changed much in the last 10 years for this platform. The cars are roughly the same size, operate near the same way, have about the same feel, etc. I can be just as satisfied with my old RS60 Spyder, as any new Boxster S or GTS (981 or 982). In fact, I'd prefer it as I like the steering better and the way the motor delivers power. And it's just a meager 303 hp. Probably pointless to go on....

 

I think the issue that most have, including myself, is the people who have an issue with the sound are over the top in their opinion and feel the need to keep pounding on the point vs having a discussion about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you cant have a conversation about it and let people have their differing points of view, their isn't much of a point having the conversation. It reminds me a bit of the political landscape right now and find it quite odd.

I see people who own the 718 mostly rave about the performance and feel of the car and I fall into that camp as well. Does the 6 sound better? Sure... Does the 718 best the earlier cars in many ways? Yes. We own several 911's, including a Turbo. The 718 Cayman is what I enjoy driving the most right now.

It will be fun to see the reaction once the Cayman goes electric! Personally, I think it will be an incredible car if they execute it well. We have a Model 3 Performance and the acceleration is incredible for a small sedan. Put a similar drive train in a car like the Cayman and I think it will be an outstanding performance package.

 

^^ Threads like this don't necessarily put the issue to rest. In fact, it has the potential for the opposite. All these cars can be made to go much faster if that's what owners want to do. The fact that many owners chose base models over S and GTS models is proof enough all out performance is not universally desired. I've probably missed my chance but I've always wanted to order a base model with PCCB, SC, PSE and full leather and have a car as nice as a well option S/GTS but underpowered and over-braked compared to most. Our local PCA chapter president had PCCB installed on his RS60 Spyder years back. Kind of the same thing. One day he decided to trade it, and then bought it back a week later. The most cool of something is usually never the quickest. I think most miss the main point of this platform, and it's called corner speed. If you're buying a Cayman or Boxster for straight line speed, you failed miserably. This platform is about corner speed and left/right transitions, braking poise, feel and grip. Unless you live in Florida perhaps since they are no curves in the state. This is why I still prefer older models to newer ones. Even though I no longer have a 987, it's my preferred car in this platform, even over my $117k MSRP GT4. One of these days I'll shed the GT4 and go back to a 987 to hold onto. Probably a 2008 but with that, it'll most likely have cylinder scoring issues to deal with.

 

Really?

I've been on bimmerfest since 2002 and arguing has been the one constant.

Human nature.

 

It depends upon the OP...I raised a contentious issue so of course we'll get differing opinions.

If I'd have asked about 'how to change a tire' I suspect I'd get folks trying to assist my issue.

I've been on car sites since this internet medium developed...hot rods, Porsche specific, Brit specific and have yet to find that site you have been on.

I don't think anyone here has been over the top or offended.... we are discussing...

This is a passionate hobby for many, hopefully yourself included, and that can lead to strong opinions.....

 

Replying to bolded. You nailed it there. And all of the iterations of the Cayman and Boxster do this part well which is why they are all fun to drive. The upside of the 718 cars is that they also happen to be more comfortable and easier to use in low rpm situations like stoplight to stoplight or anywhere else you want to drive without drawing too much attention or making too much noise. The torque and shove is there almost immediately which makes for great seat of the pants feel. For purists I can see why this might be anathema since now almost anyone can get near max performance out of the motor without too much fuss but for someone like myself who just wants to drive his sports car as often as possible and also happens to work a 9-5 it's a revelation. I love my 4 cylinder FI car and would absolutely be open to an electric version in the future.

And if we're being really honest on the sound issue anytime you put a turbocharger on something it's going to decrease the volume and change the tone, most likely for the worse. Never was this demonstrated to me more plainly than when I was last at the PEC in Atlanta and got to watch instructors flying around the track in a GT3 and a Carrera S, one after the other. After drooling over the GT3 the Carrera S just sounded weak, at least from a bystanders perspective. Behind the driver's seat is a completely different story and I find that once I am piloting a great car the sound it makes becomes less and less important over time. But that's just me.