efren90

I'm going to be test driving the S next week when the dealership gets their car, I'm going to be driving them both the same day. I actually just joined the forum for the same reason, I'm coming from a 09' M3 and waiting for allocations for the 718 Cayman to drop, probably will wait to take delivery next summer (I'm in Utah and don't want to get the car and put it away) will report back

mm1

I think you're set on the 718 BUT I'd get a 981s CPO. This is what I did as you can pick nice ones up in the 50-60k range and get all the things you're looking for (but maybe not to your exact specs). I came from a 997TT and I get HP/TQ is addictive BUT if it's for the street the flat 6 is hard to beat for me. Maybe I'll sing another tune once I drive one, I doubt it.

If 718 or bust, go with the "S".

lunarx

Anything is better than the 718 Base (2.0T), so avoid that.
However, the 718s (2.5T) is great, much more power than the 3.4.
The VTG seems to eliminate any perceivable lag.

Low power was the only prior complaint on the Cayman and now its fixed.
Don't buy into the sound argument.
Sure, the 2.5T is different than the the 3.8, but its a non issue.
Unless you are one of those guys, who wants to slap on a loud aftermarket exhaust, so everyone notices you.

squid42

A stripper is only the right choice for some people. A stripper in Porsche land means a plastic interior, really bad audio, and no performance options either. To top it off the interior color choices are very limited, currently black, dark brown-grey and beige.

Some people want that in a sports car where they never use the stereo and only have eyes on the road and never noodle around in the car admiring it.

I wouldn't be able to do that, I need either a nice interior or SC + white dials + etc to think it is worth the $$$. And there is the resale issue. Once you strip heated seats, Bose and other basics you can run into big trouble reselling it.

Having said that, the 2-tone interiors currently offered for the 718s look nice in the builder and are cheap.

GTS Daddy

We've just gotten in two 718's (base). I've also driven both at the PEC in ATL. Since we are in Denver at altitude, the base 718 is significantly stronger than the outgoing 981 it replaces. When comparing base to base, there is no contest. The new car is tighter, more responsive, and once more, more powerful.

Sure the S pulls harder, has less lag, and sounds burlier, but if you are looking for a fun sports car while saving some coin, go for the base. You're still getting the best handling car ever!

beefchopper

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest...orsche-2050966

DaveMann

Got to drive both recently and the S is quite a bit faster. The base stays more true to prior porsches where you gotta rev it to get some power. As such the S feels like a better DD to me. Conversely it's so fast that you'll quickly be traveling at illegal speeds. I suppose the base might actually be better as a daily driver though. You can stay out of boost and get good gas mileage. I like romping on my cars though so the S is what I would choose though.

wbgordon

You guys are hilarious. Did you even bother to read the OP? He's saying he can afford a base 718 but only a stripped down S, which means he'd be stretching financially to afford the upgraded car.

I know you all want to go fast/faster/fastest, but might affordability impact your advice?

Phil G.

Exactly why I'd advise a perfect, low mileage CPO 981S. I would have no interest in the 718, base or S. But, as noted if the OP really likes the new car, stripped down S would be my suggestion.

beefchopper

I ordered a base after extensively test driving both. That tells you what I think.

Phil G.

Not that there's anything wrong with that! Use it well and enjoy!!

wbgordon

That's probably the best advice anyone could give him.

beefchopper

Thanks.

Milehigh981

+1!

b5audia4

I am wanting my first new Porsche too - 718 Cayman of some form.

I tested both the 718 Base & S Boxster this week - I agree with everyone's comment. Base is enough for cruising and S is definitely spicier! But the new Flat 4 is no NA Flat 6 - I'm a little disappointed in the sound. For me, comes down to how much I want to spend and how close I can spec it to my dream. My kicker is that the Base doesn't have the -20MM PASM - the 981 had the X73 -20MM package on both. Maybe is too early in production run.

I'm also looking for CPO 981s too - but us neighbours up north don't have as many choices as you. That's one route I'm considering.