For those still waiting, a comprehensive review of the 718 Spyder
06-24-2020, 08:56 PM
#1
For those still waiting, a comprehensive review of the 718 Spyder
I dropped off my 981 Spyder today and picked up my 718 Spyder, It’s remarkable how two very similar cars can feel quite different.
An overview of the two cars:
The 981 Spyder is more raw, the passive suspension much more tactile, You can feel the grooves in the road through the LWBS, and while the steering might be electric it felt much closer to the hydraulic steering in my 987S than my previous 981 S with PASM. I’ve had a good many Porsches going back 20+ years starting with air cooled 911s. The 981 Spyder was the first new Porsche I bought that felt like a step back rather than a step forward. Which can be good and bad. Its probably the car whose ethos most reminded of my first air cooled Carrera.
It may come as a surprise that I like the 718 Spyder better. The composure of the new suspension, what it lacks in tactile feedback it makes up with competent precision. It’s the same formula that makes the GT3 such a compelling ride. This 718 Spyder feels like a modern sports car and the refined evolution of the 981/718 platform into its most potent and capable form. In comparison, the 981 seems like a hotrodded 981 with that big *** Carrara 3.8 mated to an even stiffer X73. While the sheer visceral analog goodness of that combo is undeniable, I wanted something more refined, more 991 GT3 like and in that regard the 718 Spyder truly delivers.
718 Spyder: Good lord what an engine:
If you told me the engine was pulled from a GT3, I would believe you. The flexibility of this 4 liter engine feels much better than the 3.8 especially mated to the long ratio manual gearbox. It almost feels like they shortened the gears. Where the 3.8 seemed to strain and hesitate moving up the RPM range, the new 4 liter almost feels like a GT3 motor. It’s linear torque band seems effortless. There’s no dead zone. Even brand new, the 4.0 felt free revving in a way that I only felt from a GT3 engine. I can’t wait to get this engine broken in. With the 981 Spyder, keeping the car under 5k rpms was borderline unpleasant. With the 718 Spyder even under 5k RPMs, it’s still a blast.
718 Spyder The best MT gearbox ever?
The 981 Spyder MT was superlative but the 718 Spyder’s MT feels faster, snappier. If I ever longed for the gated shifter of a very sweet MT Ferrari, I don’t anymore. It’s that good. I don’t know why it feels better than the gearbox in the 981 Spyder but it definitely does.
The 718 Spyder suspension = GT3 goodness:
The GT3 is modern sports car perfection. And a lot of that goodness comes from how nicely the chassis and it’s parts play together. As I mentioned before, the 718 Spyder is essentially a mid engine convertible GT3 for 1/3 the price and less junk in the trunk than the badass 911 Speedster.
The 718 Spyder exhaust note. Wtf happened to the Carrera wail?
Ok the exhaust note isn’t terrible but it’s not great either. It’s kinda like you generic sports car brand A. What’s unsettling is the correlation between engine noise and rpm You rev, then suddenly there’s the sound, there’s like an exhaust note lag which reminds me vaguely of lipsyncing that goes out of sync. Maybe I’m just used to my 981 Spyder‘S perfect exhaust note and timing but something seems odd. Maybe I need more 718 Spyder seat time. Maybe the particulate filters particularly suck.
The 718 Spyder a few final observations:
Why did they change the latch button on the 718 Spyder’s convertible top and make it harder to press down than the 981 Spyder. It worked before, why make it more difficult.
Cowl shake in the 718 is pretty much non existent. It’s much better in this regard than my 981 Spyder.
The reverse camera doesn’t change back to car play when you put the car in 1st gear. At least mine didn’t. Probably a little software bug.
Conclusion: The King is dead, Long live the King!
For a long time I felt the 981 Spyder was a beautifully raw visceral sports car and the best open top production sports car Porsche makes. While the 981 Spyder it is still uniquely raw and analog, I have to say without equivocation, the best open top production Porsche is the clearly the 718 Spyder.
An overview of the two cars:
The 981 Spyder is more raw, the passive suspension much more tactile, You can feel the grooves in the road through the LWBS, and while the steering might be electric it felt much closer to the hydraulic steering in my 987S than my previous 981 S with PASM. I’ve had a good many Porsches going back 20+ years starting with air cooled 911s. The 981 Spyder was the first new Porsche I bought that felt like a step back rather than a step forward. Which can be good and bad. Its probably the car whose ethos most reminded of my first air cooled Carrera.
It may come as a surprise that I like the 718 Spyder better. The composure of the new suspension, what it lacks in tactile feedback it makes up with competent precision. It’s the same formula that makes the GT3 such a compelling ride. This 718 Spyder feels like a modern sports car and the refined evolution of the 981/718 platform into its most potent and capable form. In comparison, the 981 seems like a hotrodded 981 with that big *** Carrara 3.8 mated to an even stiffer X73. While the sheer visceral analog goodness of that combo is undeniable, I wanted something more refined, more 991 GT3 like and in that regard the 718 Spyder truly delivers.
718 Spyder: Good lord what an engine:
If you told me the engine was pulled from a GT3, I would believe you. The flexibility of this 4 liter engine feels much better than the 3.8 especially mated to the long ratio manual gearbox. It almost feels like they shortened the gears. Where the 3.8 seemed to strain and hesitate moving up the RPM range, the new 4 liter almost feels like a GT3 motor. It’s linear torque band seems effortless. There’s no dead zone. Even brand new, the 4.0 felt free revving in a way that I only felt from a GT3 engine. I can’t wait to get this engine broken in. With the 981 Spyder, keeping the car under 5k rpms was borderline unpleasant. With the 718 Spyder even under 5k RPMs, it’s still a blast.
718 Spyder The best MT gearbox ever?
The 981 Spyder MT was superlative but the 718 Spyder’s MT feels faster, snappier. If I ever longed for the gated shifter of a very sweet MT Ferrari, I don’t anymore. It’s that good. I don’t know why it feels better than the gearbox in the 981 Spyder but it definitely does.
The 718 Spyder suspension = GT3 goodness:
The GT3 is modern sports car perfection. And a lot of that goodness comes from how nicely the chassis and it’s parts play together. As I mentioned before, the 718 Spyder is essentially a mid engine convertible GT3 for 1/3 the price and less junk in the trunk than the badass 911 Speedster.
The 718 Spyder exhaust note. Wtf happened to the Carrera wail?
Ok the exhaust note isn’t terrible but it’s not great either. It’s kinda like you generic sports car brand A. What’s unsettling is the correlation between engine noise and rpm You rev, then suddenly there’s the sound, there’s like an exhaust note lag which reminds me vaguely of lipsyncing that goes out of sync. Maybe I’m just used to my 981 Spyder‘S perfect exhaust note and timing but something seems odd. Maybe I need more 718 Spyder seat time. Maybe the particulate filters particularly suck.
The 718 Spyder a few final observations:
Why did they change the latch button on the 718 Spyder’s convertible top and make it harder to press down than the 981 Spyder. It worked before, why make it more difficult.
Cowl shake in the 718 is pretty much non existent. It’s much better in this regard than my 981 Spyder.
The reverse camera doesn’t change back to car play when you put the car in 1st gear. At least mine didn’t. Probably a little software bug.
Conclusion: The King is dead, Long live the King!
For a long time I felt the 981 Spyder was a beautifully raw visceral sports car and the best open top production sports car Porsche makes. While the 981 Spyder it is still uniquely raw and analog, I have to say without equivocation, the best open top production Porsche is the clearly the 718 Spyder.
Last edited by Underblu; 06-25-2020 at 10:48 AM.
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06-24-2020, 09:23 PM
#2
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Very cool, I almost bought a 981 Spyder and wondered how it would compare to the 718 Spyder, now I know!
It should only be a few more weeks, I can't wait...
It should only be a few more weeks, I can't wait...
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Underblu (06-24-2020)
06-24-2020, 09:43 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Thanks for the review. My GT4 gets built on July 3. I’m getting excited.
06-24-2020, 09:48 PM
#4
Thanks for the comprehensive review and comparison. Very much appreciated. Mine arrives next week at dealership (fingers crossed a). I have been waiting over 3 years - sounds like it will be worth the wait.
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Underblu (06-24-2020)
06-25-2020, 12:03 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
great review, love the detail...
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Underblu (06-25-2020)
06-25-2020, 01:02 PM
#6
I dropped off my 981 Spyder today and picked up my 718 Spyder, It’s remarkable how two very similar cars can feel quite different.
An overview of the two cars:
The 981 Spyder is more raw, the passive suspension much more tactile, You can feel the grooves in the road through the LWBS, and while the steering might be electric it felt much closer to the hydraulic steering in my 987S than my previous 981 S with PASM. I’ve had a good many Porsches going back 20+ years starting with air cooled 911s. The 981 Spyder was the first new Porsche I bought that felt like a step back rather than a step forward. Which can be good and bad. Its probably the car whose ethos most reminded of my first air cooled Carrera.
It may come as a surprise that I like the 718 Spyder better. The composure of the new suspension, what it lacks in tactile feedback it makes up with competent precision. It’s the same formula that makes the GT3 such a compelling ride. This 718 Spyder feels like a modern sports car and the refined evolution of the 981/718 platform into its most potent and capable form. In comparison, the 981 seems like a hotrodded 981 with that big *** Carrara 3.8 mated to an even stiffer X73. While the sheer visceral analog goodness of that combo is undeniable, I wanted something more refined, more 991 GT3 like and in that regard the 718 Spyder truly delivers.
718 Spyder: Good lord what an engine:
If you told me the engine was pulled from a GT3, I would believe you. The flexibility of this 4 liter engine feels much better than the 3.8 especially mated to the long ratio manual gearbox. It almost feels like they shortened the gears. Where the 3.8 seemed to strain and hesitate moving up the RPM range, the new 4 liter almost feels like a GT3 motor. It’s linear torque band seems effortless. There’s no dead zone. Even brand new, the 4.0 felt free revving in a way that I only felt from a GT3 engine. I can’t wait to get this engine broken in. With the 981 Spyder, keeping the car under 5k rpms was borderline unpleasant. With the 718 Spyder even under 5k RPMs, it’s still a blast.
718 Spyder The best MT gearbox ever?
The 981 Spyder MT was superlative but the 718 Spyder’s MT feels faster, snappier. If I ever longed for the gated shifter of a very sweet MT Ferrari, I don’t anymore. It’s that good. I don’t know why it feels better than the gearbox in the 981 Spyder but it definitely does.
The 718 Spyder suspension = GT3 goodness:
The GT3 is modern sports car perfection. And a lot of that goodness comes from how nicely the chassis and it’s parts play together. As I mentioned before, the 718 Spyder is essentially a mid engine convertible GT3 for 1/3 the price and less junk in the trunk than the badass 911 Speedster.
The 718 Spyder exhaust note. Wtf happened to the Carrera wail?
Ok the exhaust note isn’t terrible but it’s not great either. It’s kinda like you generic sports car brand A. What’s unsettling is the correlation between engine noise and rpm You rev, then suddenly there’s the sound, there’s like an exhaust note lag which reminds me vaguely of lipsyncing that goes out of sync. Maybe I’m just used to my 981 Spyder‘S perfect exhaust note and timing but something seems odd. Maybe I need more 718 Spyder seat time. Maybe the particulate filters particularly suck.
The 718 Spyder a few final observations:
Why did they change the latch button on the 718 Spyder’s convertible top and make it harder to press down than the 981 Spyder. It worked before, why make it more difficult.
Cowl shake in the 718 is pretty much non existent. It’s much better in this regard than my 981 Spyder.
The reverse camera doesn’t change back to car play when you put the car in 1st gear. At least mine didn’t. Probably a little software bug.
Conclusion: The King is dead, Long live the King!
For a long time I felt the 981 Spyder was a beautifully raw visceral sports car and the best open top production sports car Porsche makes. While the 981 Spyder it is still uniquely raw and analog, I have to say without equivocation, the best open top production Porsche is the clearly the 718 Spyder.
An overview of the two cars:
The 981 Spyder is more raw, the passive suspension much more tactile, You can feel the grooves in the road through the LWBS, and while the steering might be electric it felt much closer to the hydraulic steering in my 987S than my previous 981 S with PASM. I’ve had a good many Porsches going back 20+ years starting with air cooled 911s. The 981 Spyder was the first new Porsche I bought that felt like a step back rather than a step forward. Which can be good and bad. Its probably the car whose ethos most reminded of my first air cooled Carrera.
It may come as a surprise that I like the 718 Spyder better. The composure of the new suspension, what it lacks in tactile feedback it makes up with competent precision. It’s the same formula that makes the GT3 such a compelling ride. This 718 Spyder feels like a modern sports car and the refined evolution of the 981/718 platform into its most potent and capable form. In comparison, the 981 seems like a hotrodded 981 with that big *** Carrara 3.8 mated to an even stiffer X73. While the sheer visceral analog goodness of that combo is undeniable, I wanted something more refined, more 991 GT3 like and in that regard the 718 Spyder truly delivers.
718 Spyder: Good lord what an engine:
If you told me the engine was pulled from a GT3, I would believe you. The flexibility of this 4 liter engine feels much better than the 3.8 especially mated to the long ratio manual gearbox. It almost feels like they shortened the gears. Where the 3.8 seemed to strain and hesitate moving up the RPM range, the new 4 liter almost feels like a GT3 motor. It’s linear torque band seems effortless. There’s no dead zone. Even brand new, the 4.0 felt free revving in a way that I only felt from a GT3 engine. I can’t wait to get this engine broken in. With the 981 Spyder, keeping the car under 5k rpms was borderline unpleasant. With the 718 Spyder even under 5k RPMs, it’s still a blast.
718 Spyder The best MT gearbox ever?
The 981 Spyder MT was superlative but the 718 Spyder’s MT feels faster, snappier. If I ever longed for the gated shifter of a very sweet MT Ferrari, I don’t anymore. It’s that good. I don’t know why it feels better than the gearbox in the 981 Spyder but it definitely does.
The 718 Spyder suspension = GT3 goodness:
The GT3 is modern sports car perfection. And a lot of that goodness comes from how nicely the chassis and it’s parts play together. As I mentioned before, the 718 Spyder is essentially a mid engine convertible GT3 for 1/3 the price and less junk in the trunk than the badass 911 Speedster.
The 718 Spyder exhaust note. Wtf happened to the Carrera wail?
Ok the exhaust note isn’t terrible but it’s not great either. It’s kinda like you generic sports car brand A. What’s unsettling is the correlation between engine noise and rpm You rev, then suddenly there’s the sound, there’s like an exhaust note lag which reminds me vaguely of lipsyncing that goes out of sync. Maybe I’m just used to my 981 Spyder‘S perfect exhaust note and timing but something seems odd. Maybe I need more 718 Spyder seat time. Maybe the particulate filters particularly suck.
The 718 Spyder a few final observations:
Why did they change the latch button on the 718 Spyder’s convertible top and make it harder to press down than the 981 Spyder. It worked before, why make it more difficult.
Cowl shake in the 718 is pretty much non existent. It’s much better in this regard than my 981 Spyder.
The reverse camera doesn’t change back to car play when you put the car in 1st gear. At least mine didn’t. Probably a little software bug.
Conclusion: The King is dead, Long live the King!
For a long time I felt the 981 Spyder was a beautifully raw visceral sports car and the best open top production sports car Porsche makes. While the 981 Spyder it is still uniquely raw and analog, I have to say without equivocation, the best open top production Porsche is the clearly the 718 Spyder.
06-26-2020, 02:33 AM
#7
Three Wheelin'
I dropped off my 981 Spyder today and picked up my 718 Spyder, It’s remarkable how two very similar cars can feel quite different.
An overview of the two cars:
The 981 Spyder is more raw, the passive suspension much more tactile, ............ The 981 Spyder was the first new Porsche I bought that felt like a step back rather than a step forward. Which can be good and bad. Its probably the car whose ethos most reminded of my first air cooled Carrera.
It may come as a surprise that I like the 718 Spyder better. The composure of the new suspension, what it lacks in tactile feedback it makes up with competent precision. ................... I wanted something more refined, more 991 GT3 like and in that regard the 718 Spyder truly delivers.
.......
The 718 Spyder suspension = GT3 goodness:
...........
The 718 Spyder exhaust note. Wtf happened to the Carrera wail?
Ok the exhaust note isn’t terrible but it’s not great either. It’s kinda like you generic sports car brand A. What’s unsettling is the correlation between engine noise and rpm You rev, then suddenly there’s the sound, there’s like an exhaust note lag which reminds me vaguely of lipsyncing that goes out of sync. ...............
...............
Conclusion: The King is dead, Long live the King!
..............
An overview of the two cars:
The 981 Spyder is more raw, the passive suspension much more tactile, ............ The 981 Spyder was the first new Porsche I bought that felt like a step back rather than a step forward. Which can be good and bad. Its probably the car whose ethos most reminded of my first air cooled Carrera.
It may come as a surprise that I like the 718 Spyder better. The composure of the new suspension, what it lacks in tactile feedback it makes up with competent precision. ................... I wanted something more refined, more 991 GT3 like and in that regard the 718 Spyder truly delivers.
.......
The 718 Spyder suspension = GT3 goodness:
...........
The 718 Spyder exhaust note. Wtf happened to the Carrera wail?
Ok the exhaust note isn’t terrible but it’s not great either. It’s kinda like you generic sports car brand A. What’s unsettling is the correlation between engine noise and rpm You rev, then suddenly there’s the sound, there’s like an exhaust note lag which reminds me vaguely of lipsyncing that goes out of sync. ...............
...............
Conclusion: The King is dead, Long live the King!
..............
Funny, when 981 Spyder was released, everybody was lamenting that 987 Spyder was the most analog, raw and visceral experience that was no more. 981-gen was considered bit soft. Attributed mainly to steering feel and longer wheelbase. The 982-gen is far more competent in terms of chassis and suspension improvements. However, this has made 981-gen feel raw! Essentially, is 982-gen superior but too clinical and sterile? Best production open-top Porsche; but, is best Spyder-gen? We need a comparison test of all three gens.
Regarding the disconnect you're hearing in the exhaust note: it's the result of exhaust valves being closed in lower range and opening above 4.5-5k. So, you're hearing an oscillating sound with valves closing and opening. Just keep them opened at all times; you'll feel better! It has nice, deep sound at a much lower volume; regardless, it IS generic-sounding. The exhaust design itself is highly restrictive. Without mods, you'll remain dissatisfied!
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06-26-2020, 02:39 AM
#8
“We need a comparison test of all three gens.”
There was a recent video posted comparing 987 and 981 Spyders. The presenter promised a future comparison video of 987 981 and 982.
There was a recent video posted comparing 987 and 981 Spyders. The presenter promised a future comparison video of 987 981 and 982.
06-27-2020, 05:19 AM
#10
Hey @Underblu — Thanks for the thorough review! I'm also "upgrading" from a 981 Spyder, and can't wait to receive my 718 Spyder in a few weeks.
Can I bother you for a quick favor? Can you please check the underside of the rear deck, and let me know if the emissions sticker can be found on it? (It was on the 981, and want to confirm it's the same for the 718)
Can I bother you for a quick favor? Can you please check the underside of the rear deck, and let me know if the emissions sticker can be found on it? (It was on the 981, and want to confirm it's the same for the 718)
06-27-2020, 01:02 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Underblu, thanks for the great review. I have a question about “Why did they change the latch button on the 718 Spyder’s convertible top and make it harder to press down than the 981 Spyder. It worked before, why make it more difficult.”
I’m confused, as I thought it was carried over from the 981 Spyder... are you talking about the physical button on the center console?
I’m confused, as I thought it was carried over from the 981 Spyder... are you talking about the physical button on the center console?
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Underblu (07-07-2020)
06-28-2020, 12:58 AM
#12
Burning Brakes
Thanks Underblu:
I totally agree with your comments - just received ours today. Totally impressed. Mini-GT3 for non track use. May be best Porsche value. I plan to give this 718 Spyder to my daughter but intend to borrow it a lot. Might have to buy one for myself to keep. Agree with the damn button. Silly two pressure/holes for the front plate on our Canadian spec as well
718 Spyder is the Porsche to own and keep.
I totally agree with your comments - just received ours today. Totally impressed. Mini-GT3 for non track use. May be best Porsche value. I plan to give this 718 Spyder to my daughter but intend to borrow it a lot. Might have to buy one for myself to keep. Agree with the damn button. Silly two pressure/holes for the front plate on our Canadian spec as well
718 Spyder is the Porsche to own and keep.
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Underblu (06-28-2020)
06-28-2020, 10:27 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
06-28-2020, 10:42 PM
#14
06-28-2020, 11:38 PM
#15
Rennlist Member