Topgear review of the 718
05-08-2017, 11:32 AM
#46
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I had a 981 CS, 997.2 C4S, and now a 987.1 CS (all 6MT). Of those three, I would choose the 987.1 for the most engaging/fun to drive, followed by 981.
I went out and drove a 718 base and S (both PDK), and as is mentioned, everything is improved over the 981 except the engine. I was most impressed with steering chassis... more compliant yet capable in the corners. That said, for me, the sound and character of a NA flat 6 is what drew me to Porsche in the first place. I'm fairly young (mid 30s), and I guess if I didn't have any comparison, the turbo 4 would be OK, but no way I would ever spend money on one.
I went out and drove a 718 base and S (both PDK), and as is mentioned, everything is improved over the 981 except the engine. I was most impressed with steering chassis... more compliant yet capable in the corners. That said, for me, the sound and character of a NA flat 6 is what drew me to Porsche in the first place. I'm fairly young (mid 30s), and I guess if I didn't have any comparison, the turbo 4 would be OK, but no way I would ever spend money on one.
05-08-2017, 07:23 PM
#47
I would argue that one's opinion in aspects of our "toys" is reflective of the fact that these cars are emotional, not rational purchases. Thus "juvenile" isn't the adjective I'd use in describing anyone's opinion on any aspect of our attachment to these discretionary purchases. You should be thankful that emotions play into the equation, otherwise we'd only have such choices as Toyota Camry cars available as strict transportation appliances.
I'm a NA lover, but while at the dealer buying a Cayenne yesterday, I heard a 718S at idle and thought it sounded just fine. I could totally live with that car. But my juvenile opinion is my 981 Spyder is so much better. :-)
I'm a NA lover, but while at the dealer buying a Cayenne yesterday, I heard a 718S at idle and thought it sounded just fine. I could totally live with that car. But my juvenile opinion is my 981 Spyder is so much better. :-)
Being emotionally drawn to the 981 over a 718 is cool. 981 Syper is one of the coolest pcars ever made IMO. What is juvenile is acting like there is some moral imperative at play that all must prefer the 981 (not suggesting that is your opinion but it is others). Bottom line is that I love pcars period. Almost all of them. I wouldn't suggest to anyone that affinity for one flavor somehow evidences their superior (or inferior) taste.
05-08-2017, 07:31 PM
#48
The same sort of snobbiness can be found with the air-cooled guys too. Some of them feel that anything water cooled is just junk, not in the spirit, etc. Frankly I've found every aircooled car I've driven (in factory, or close to factory, form...) to be pretty underwhelming. That doesn't mean I hate on them tho. Just different strokes for different folks.
Some will prefer the sound and spirit of the N/A flat-6. Some will prefer the torque and punch of the turbo-4.
Some will prefer the sound and spirit of the N/A flat-6. Some will prefer the torque and punch of the turbo-4.
05-08-2017, 08:34 PM
#49
Addict
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Being emotionally drawn to the 981 over a 718 is cool. 981 Syper is one of the coolest pcars ever made IMO. What is juvenile is acting like there is some moral imperative at play that all must prefer the 981 (not suggesting that is your opinion but it is others). Bottom line is that I love pcars period. Almost all of them. I wouldn't suggest to anyone that affinity for one flavor somehow evidences their superior (or inferior) taste.
05-09-2017, 02:08 PM
#50
Rennlist Member
The same sort of snobbiness can be found with the air-cooled guys too. Some of them feel that anything water cooled is just junk, not in the spirit, etc. Frankly I've found every aircooled car I've driven (in factory, or close to factory, form...) to be pretty underwhelming. That doesn't mean I hate on them tho. Just different strokes for different folks.
Some will prefer the sound and spirit of the N/A flat-6. Some will prefer the torque and punch of the turbo-4.
Some will prefer the sound and spirit of the N/A flat-6. Some will prefer the torque and punch of the turbo-4.
05-09-2017, 02:41 PM
#51
Rennlist Member
I haven't driven a 718 but I drove an Alfa 4C and it was a bloody riot! Turbo fours can be plenty of fun!
05-11-2017, 02:19 PM
#52
IT IS to some of us, especially on a sports car... even at the expense of less power. Having peak torque barely above idle just doesn't do it for me on a sports car, no matter how much power the engine makes, period. That's why I traded a basically brand-new GTR for the GTS, and although significantly slower, couldn't be happier. And yes, going from H6 to H4 is a deal-breaker too. Engine sound is a big part of sports car ownership for many of us, and once you hear the symphony of an H6 with PSE, there's simply no going back to a 4 banger
. It's not snobbery or anything like that; just the way it is for some of us. I'm sure Porsche will do fine saleswise eventually.
. It's not snobbery or anything like that; just the way it is for some of us. I'm sure Porsche will do fine saleswise eventually.
05-11-2017, 02:23 PM
#53
Porsche Nut
Rennlist Member
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IT IS to some of us, especially on a sports car... even at the expense of less power. Having peak torque barely above idle just doesn't do it for me on a sports car, no matter how much power the engine makes, period. That's why I traded a basically brand-new GTR for the GTS, and although significantly slower, couldn't be happier. And yes, going from H6 to H4 is a deal-breaker too. Engine sound is a big part of sports car ownership for many of us, and once you hear the symphony of an H6 with PSE, there's simply no going back to a 4 banger. It's not snobbery or anything like that; just the way it is for some of us. I'm sure Porsche will do fine saleswise eventually.
. It's not snobbery or anything like that; just the way it is for some of us. I'm sure Porsche will do fine saleswise eventually.
05-12-2017, 11:37 AM
#54
Three Wheelin'
IT IS to some of us, especially on a sports car... even at the expense of less power. Having peak torque barely above idle just doesn't do it for me on a sports car, no matter how much power the engine makes, period. That's why I traded a basically brand-new GTR for the GTS, and although significantly slower, couldn't be happier. And yes, going from H6 to H4 is a deal-breaker too. Engine sound is a big part of sports car ownership for many of us, and once you hear the symphony of an H6 with PSE, there's simply no going back to a 4 banger. It's not snobbery or anything like that; just the way it is for some of us. I'm sure Porsche will do fine saleswise eventually.
. It's not snobbery or anything like that; just the way it is for some of us. I'm sure Porsche will do fine saleswise eventually.
05-12-2017, 06:19 PM
#55
Race Director
Chris Harris is very negative on it, in fact, one of the most negative reviews I've ever heard from him.
"so disappointing"
"has become a thug"
"falsified.. isn't real lovely noise"
"they've made the boxster worse"
"lack of accuracy in throttle response"
"kid in the sweet shop who's complaining of a tummy ache after getting what he asked for..."
"understeers into the corner where it didn't before"
he did say "stupidly fast".. that's good I guess.
oh.. and the roof mechanism is the "best in the class".. the roof mechanism.
concludes with "not quite as good as the one you could have bought last year"... used market for 981 will stay healthy for awhile it seems
05-12-2017, 07:13 PM
#56
He summed it up like most of us H6 lovers would. Surprised he didn't mention the raised fenders and hood. I didn't know that, until somebody mentioned it here. That would also be a deal-breaker for me (just like the new Mustangs). For many reasons, it seems like the GTS will be my first and last Porsche, since I'm not into 911s. Oh well.
05-12-2017, 08:02 PM
#57
Rennlist Member
B...b...but the steering is 10% faster!!!11!
05-12-2017, 08:44 PM
#58
One of my friends is an absolute freak for Panamera models. He keeps asking me when I'm going to trade in the Spyder for a Panamera, like that's ever going to happen LOL.
05-13-2017, 10:28 AM
#59
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAe8Khit4qE
Chris Harris is very negative on it, in fact, one of the most negative reviews I've ever heard from him.
"so disappointing"
"has become a thug"
"falsified.. isn't real lovely noise"
"they've made the boxster worse"
"lack of accuracy in throttle response"
"kid in the sweet shop who's complaining of a tummy ache after getting what he asked for..."
"understeers into the corner where it didn't before"
he did say "stupidly fast".. that's good I guess.
oh.. and the roof mechanism is the "best in the class".. the roof mechanism.
concludes with "not quite as good as the one you could have bought last year"... used market for 981 will stay healthy for awhile it seems
Chris Harris is very negative on it, in fact, one of the most negative reviews I've ever heard from him.
"so disappointing"
"has become a thug"
"falsified.. isn't real lovely noise"
"they've made the boxster worse"
"lack of accuracy in throttle response"
"kid in the sweet shop who's complaining of a tummy ache after getting what he asked for..."
"understeers into the corner where it didn't before"
he did say "stupidly fast".. that's good I guess.
oh.. and the roof mechanism is the "best in the class".. the roof mechanism.
concludes with "not quite as good as the one you could have bought last year"... used market for 981 will stay healthy for awhile it seems
