Il CP

Hi gang

Have decided to get either a Boxster GTS 4.0 or a Spyder as an "extra" runabout friends and family members can borrow for a bit of fun and roadtrips.

What I'm really interested in knowing, is how these cars differ in terms suspension stiffness and interior road noise? I know, why not just get one of the four bangers? I just cannot stand that engine, and I will be using it too. I suppose my thought is, why bother with the GTS 4.0 if they are same in terms of comfort.

Thanks in advance.

TXshaggy

They are far from the same in comfort.

The Spyder rides lower and has a stiffer suspension. Interior noise is amplified since the top is only a single layer of canvas.

With that being said, I’d go for the Spyder every time. My son had the GTS so conversant on both.

Do an advanced search on “GTS vs” you’ll find hundreds of posts

clutchplate

The Spyder is noisy, you won't care. It's stiff, you won't care. The top is a pain, you'll get too much attention, it costs more, you can't drop the top on a whim, you won't care.

Once you take a Spyder into its first turn at speed with that magical GT suspension you'll know you made the right choice.

Zeus993

I would echo the sentiments of "clutchplate". The 718 Spyder is a true GT car that has a magic factor that is greater than the sum of its parts.

I drive it 98% of the time with the top down. It's easy to put it up if you need it but it's just so much fun to romp around in it with the top off.

The suspension and steering are incredible, especially with the Michelin Cup 2's that mine came with. I had originally wished I'd ticked the "summer tire" box and gotten P4S's but after REALLY driving it HARD on a twisty, undulating coastal road, in dry weather with no traffic, OMG - an out of body experience! They complete the car, IMO. That being said, they can get a little loose in wet weather, something we have a bit off here in the PNW.

DFW01TT

Based on your intended use, get the GTS, the top is simple to operate and you have nearly 90% of the fun factor of the Spyder.
Don't put a highly refined tool in the hands of a novice.

Adrift

You’re all answering as if You were going to drive the car. He said a runabout for family and friends.

As a hardcore spyder fan myself, I would say your answer is 100% boxster gts 4.0. GT cars are an acquired taste. 95% of the rest of humanity will want the softer ride, the automatic top, the quieter interior, more ground clearance. Plus it’s cheaper, and I assume easier to get.

Given your described intention, the gts is the very obvious choice, imo. Unless your family and friends are all track rats. lol

OttawaSteve

May be academic anyhow. Considering the current situation with extreme demand and serious supply issues that are getting worse, I would take whichever one I could get.

QWKFLAT6

II CP,
Remember me? I’m your twice removed 3rd cousin who plans to visit you in the Fall. I look forward to the trip and catching up on family gossip. By the way, the Spyder sounds like an awesome idea.
Joe

Larry Cable

this!!! - given recent anecdotal evidence from this forum Spyder allocations don't exist - but GTS 4.0L are obtainable ...

Il CP

Thanks all. Very helpful.

While the general comfort was on my mind, the top was not. It definitely needs to be easy to operate. It's a car that anyone should be able to enjoy with zero worries or hassle.

The allocation is a non-issue, so it's all centered around practicality vs. fun factor. Like was said, this car will still offer a lot of what the Spyder has to offer, and if anyone who drives my cars want a more raw Porsche, there's the 981 GT4 and 992 Touring. The GT4RS is also inbound, so at some point that will be available too.

The GTS just seem like the perfect blend. Some may take it on a trip that involves a ferry or channel train, or go to a shopping mall where there's a parking garage with steep inclines or speed bumps. I want just be able to tell people where the keys are and say "have fun" while not worry about whether or not they will get in a jam because they were handed a car with too many odd limitations. It will ruin the experience for them if they have problems traversing simple obstacles or can't get in their driveway.


So based on all of this, my dealer was informed that I wanted a GTS 4.0. Now it is time to figure out the config.

Thanks again all, and sorry about the late reply. Life got in the way.

Il CP

Yes I remember. But after the scene you caused at the last family event, I think we have to take a pass on that. We can't have you streaking around naked with your man-thong hanging from your ears and a bottle of Dom in each hand, when we are playing in the pool after the BBQ lunch.

TriggerHappy

Forget being a long lost 3rd cousin - can we switch car lives! Clearly I have not optimized my life decisions! Having a spare BGTS4.0/ 718 Spyder for family and friend romps and placing in a stable with a 981 GT4, GT3 Touring and a soonto arrive GT4 RS - is a mighty fine dilemma to have in life. Cheers mate! I am sure either would be a great decision - but I would rather drive the Spyder as I have yet to drive mine! 😁

nicholascanada

I went back and forth but ultimately went with the GTS4.0 because it was all that was available to me. I think it has some serious pluses in my mind as a city DD, but my heart is still set on a GT car due to the suspension etc. additions. I think the GT4 and Spyder could easily be DD for my purposes and enjoyed, even if they never see a track. I know many others disagree with that, but I want a superior driver’s car, and I believe the GT options would better serve me over my GTS4.0. But perhaps my mind will be changed in May when I take the wheel of mine…but I doubt it. Still hope one day on sourcing a GT4/Spyder.

KayC

btw nice plate. noticed the 718 in there haha