348SStb

Hi all,

I am looking for some genuine 718 Spyder feedback as the car industry reviews don’t really satisfy. I am aware that many folks outside the US have already taken delivery of their 718 Spyders. Congratulations!

I think this would also interest many of the other members who wish to learn more about the 718 Spyder.

1) How does the 718 ride quality compare with that of the 981 Spyder? I am a little concerned it may feel very firm since the 718 Spyder has the 991.2 GT3 front end.

I can say my 981 Spyder is firm but acceptable. However, after a full day or driving it, I am usually beaten up pretty well.

2) Thoughts on 718 Spyder vs 981 Spyder in general? Please include sound, power, shifter, transmission in general, etc.

3) Is the top operation exactly the same as that in the 981 Spyder?

4) Care to take a few moments to post a YouTube video of some cold starts (without revs until at least about a minute later) and maybe some driving sound?

As for Porsches I am lucky enough to own currently a 991.2 GT3 Touring, 991.2 Carrera S Cab (manual), 981 Spyder. I love my 981 Spyder to pieces and I *won’t* be selling it ever. I will simply acquire a new 718 Spyder if I feel it’s worth the $110k for another Spyder. Space is becoming limited for me and acquiring the 718 Spyder likely means jettisoning another (non-Porsche) vehicle, which is always sad.

Cheers,
Dave
Florida/New York

orclean1

I am a buyer if you decide to make room by letting your Spyder go

Ray
LI,NY

Mr Fish

Hope this helps:

1) How does the 718 ride quality compare with that of the 981 Spyder? I am a little concerned it may feel very firm since the 718 Spyder has the 991.2 GT3 front end.
The ride is great, it has a certain fluidity to it, the damping definitely feels more controlled over the 981 ie it feels better quality of components. While similar to the GT4 I would say it is a little more compliant, and again a bit more complaint than a 991.2GT3. Overall very pleased with he ride. I've driven all the way to Belgium in it an no problems.

I can say my 981 Spyder is firm but acceptable. However, after a full day or driving it, I am usually beaten up pretty well.

2) Thoughts on 718 Spyder vs 981 Spyder in general? Please include sound, power, shifter, transmission in general, etc.
The new 718 is still reasonably special and targeted, it hasn't been dumbed down or made much more civil than the 981.. The sound is less contrived being a GT product now without the silly fart noises. It is perfectly loud enough in the cockpit when pressing on but is quiet between 2-4k when the valves are always closed for EU regs (whether the US cars will be different I don't know) The noise is more bassy and less raspy than the 981. Gear shift is very similar slightly lighter but notchier(maybe be because new) very good. I also don't have a massive problem with the gear ratios as this engine is WAY better than the 981 with more apparent torque low down. I does rev out much better than the old engine.

3) Is the top operation exactly the same as that in the 981 Spyder?
Yep exactly the same, buttons very slightly different but yes the same.

4) Care to take a few moments to post a YouTube video of some cold starts (without revs until at least about a minute later) and maybe some driving sound?
Sorry not something I'm good at and it's dark after work at the moment in the UK!

Overall it is a great car and I'm not sad to see the 981 go for the 718... It drives sublimely and is much more useable on the road than the GT3s... You'll love it. (for reference I've owned 997.2GT3, 991.2 GT3 981 Spyder and 981 GT4.)

348SStb

Thank you Mr. Fish for that excellent write up!

Mr Fish

Here's a pic on the way to work this morning at 0 deg C roof off.. My earlier comments stand the car is great, maybe needs to be a little louder the quiet zone is the worst bit but I'd imagine they will programme the valves differently for the US!?

Jet Jockey

Nice picture!

Yellow Submarine

Thank you for the write up and that picture, mr Fish! Very cool you drive it open even @0 C. Mine arrived at the dealer now here in Belgium but I am keeping it there until January 1st of the new year so the papers say 2020 rather than 2019. I am definitively coming to UK sooner or later with it! Found my bear cap which I used in my 2003 Z4 until I had my 981 Cayman 2.7.

I might never sell the Spyder as my Cayman was perfect as a daily but it lacked the last percentage of feeling I lusted for. I hired a 981 GT4 for a day and while I loved it, the noise was tiresome and the clutch was heavy. All the reviews seem to point out that the exhaust as more polite (some say way to silent, but probably not for me) and the new clutch is lighter.

fhp911

I'm interested to know about the Spyder manual top.

How easy/difficult is it to open/close?
When the top is closed, how effective is it in keeping out noise, rain, snow, etc?
Boxster owners -- how do you compare the top with the Spyder top? Ease of use, acceptability in a DD, anything else …

Thanks,

seahack

I am concerned about the 30mm drop. Any issues with scraping the front lip?

Thank you.

Atomark

I never drove the 981 Spyder, I owned a 718 B GTS before my 718 Spyder arrived two weeks ago. In comfort setting, the Spyder is just a tiny bit stiffer than the GTS was, but its very supple and controlled and it doesnt bother me in the least. Long drives are fine just like the GTS.
the sound is more muted due to gpf, and annoyingly the valves stay shut to 4k even with pse turned on. This needs fixing.
the quality of the sound is good though, albeit the volume is low. Nice bassy 6cyl rumble, much better than the GTS!
I was worried I’d miss the pops&crackles but I don’t really!
I think it is.
With an exhaust upgrade I think the 718 Spyder will be the better car!

Atomark

I owned a 718 Boxster GTS before I took delivery of my new 718 Spyder. The GTS scraped the front lip more easily than Spyder on the same roads I drove before. I cannot explain this as the Spyder is lower, but its a fact.
suspension on the Spyder does bottom out earlier than the GTS did when you hit a pothole (don’t!)

brgds

seahack

Thank you for your post. Just so I know, was your GTS lowered 10 mm or 20mm?

Atomark

my GTS was lowered 20mm!

seahack

Thank you for the information. That is encouraging.

StudGarden

Anyone know the ground clearance of the very front? Looking at pics I can't see how it could possibly get in or out of my driveway with a standard cul-de-sac drain curb without getting completely destroyed (and maybe even the rear diffuser too). I could tolerate minor cosmetic scrapes to a replaceable plastic piece but it looks so low it would wreck it to body shop levels every time which would of course make it a no go.