by “not that type of car”, you mean a car that you put in reverse? A reverse-less transmission would likely as as much weight as the LWBs. Porsche, if you’re listening, reach out for info as to where you should send royalties.

 

TIL different people like different things.

 

I don't cram it into spots at the mall. It pretty much goes from my garage to tracks, or for a cruise and back into my garage.

 

I have LWBS in my current Spyder and had them in my previous 2 Spyders. I couldn’t imagine the car without them. They are beautiful, comfortable and exude specialness. They were/are the 918 seat and Porsche only offers them on select models.

The only time I may have preferred the 18w sport seats is when I’ve been injured. That being said you should buy the seats that appeal to you regardless of what anyone thinks . Purist? What does that even mean in this context. These are water-cooled daily drivable sports cars with ABS, working heat and AC, stability control etc. Purist, lol. try driving an 84 Carrera around the Ring. That’s pretty pure and hardcore, Afaic, anyone who would seriously look down on someone for not having LWBS is the same type of joker who looks down on 718 (non 911) owners.

 

Had the lwb on my gt3rs I DD for 3 years…

1) they suck getting in out of (biz partner called them the coffin)
2) they are not comfortable by any of my friends 2 cents after 10-15 mins
3) they look awesome
4) you don’t need a seat guard, after 7,300 daily miles over about 3 years it looked perfect still with no protection
5) 1 of the reason I got tired of driving this car and sold it, I’m low 30’s good shape and it’s still a pita tbh

Just Got my 718 gt4 manual 2 weeks ago with 2 way sofas

1) SO comfortable….I’m in love
2) amazing bolstering, will be more than enough
at track as I do a lot of hpde
3) About same weight as lwb
4) cost $5,900 less plus tax
5) no wtf in n out

my 2 cents….if you get an RS go for it or if you rarely drive. But Gt3/gt4, the 2 ways are AMAZINGGGGG!!!!

I just think it’s a shame to buy a normal Gt3 or gt4 and not daily it/drive as much as you can (as well as track)

p.s. the 718 gt4 manual is no joke 10x as fun as my 991.2 3rs on the streets and highways of LA, the 718 gt4 might be the most fun car ive ever had…

 

While I agree with your sentiment, I think the crux of the issue is that most people would agree how awesome the LWBS look. However, there is a narrow range of people who are truly comfortable like you. While I am not daily driving my Boxster, I do take longer rides and my wife and I have different settings. I also appreciate the heat and ventilation which extends top down driving season for us. I think if there would a bit more manual adjustability, LWBS adoption would be much higher. Porsche has somewhat addressed this by allowing you to buy different inserts, but that’s less a problem than reclining and exit/entry IMO.

I do think the two way seats are also good, just less convenient if you have another person constantly changing the settings.

 

I suggest filing this topic in the same bin as the PCCB vs iron brakes and manual vs PDK discussions. Everyone has their opinion of what works best for their personal needs and desires. Just be glad Porsche offers the choices.

 

But then that makes them not be LWB. Cool thing about them is they're about as close to a race seat as you can get from OEM, and I happen to find them very comfortable, even for a 1000 mile drive. Recline, etc., isn't what race seats do. Hell many don't even slide. I kinda wish they didn't have the electric up/down and instead required adjusting which screw hole got used. Of course many would need to take it to a dealer for that and Porch would want us to purchase some one-time-use nuts anytime they were adjusted

 

@Visceral but seriously, I initially found entry and egress... difficult... but now I have my method down, and I don't find entry and exit too difficult. Involves doing ~a dip putting left hand on the bolster or door kick plate, right hand on bolster. Pop myself up like I'm on parallel bars, feet out, shuffle hands, right hand on kick plate or left bolseter, stand up. I never park this car near other cars, and if I do park it in a tight spot, like my traier or putting it on the lift, I slide the seat all the way back. Key is put in the ignition before entering, and removed last thing before closing door. Good use for left hand key. I'm in good shape, so no biggie. Sounds like an ordeal, but it's second nature now.

If I still have this car in my 70s, I'll still be giving my out of warranty hips, knees, shoulders a work out. Or I may just stop caring about the condition of top of the bolster material. For a sports car, I'm 98% bucket, 2% sofa. Benefits are too much. Any time I get in another car now, I wonder if I just fell into a la-z-boy, really didn't know what I was missing. Also, now that I've been in some actual race buckets (with neck safety), I see where these land, and IMO Porsche did a very good thing by making these available in a current form on a street car. Very good compromise. It was a big selling point for me vs an Evora GT. What we need now is a removable steering wheel included with the option package, that'd remove about 60% of the difficulty, assuming one sets appropriately close to the wheel

 

Next time I want to make a Troll post that gets major traction, I will just make a snarky comment about seats.

 

It seems those who own the 2-way or 18-way seat enjoy them

It seems those who own the CF bucket seats enjoy them

Funny how that seems to work out

There are going to always be a few outliers who bought one or the other and wish they made a different choice

So there is not much debate about which is 'better' . . . only options and choices made according to preference

As another member mentions above, same is true for manual vs PDK and many similar topics

Avera

 

Visceral,

You .......... Sir are a Very-very brave fellow.

Before I ordered my 2021 Cayman GT4 I took the time and I will add a LOT of Time to do the following regarding the Porsche LWB seats.
I watched Every YouTube video I could find and also purchased every Magazine on the GT4 which Always had comments on the Porsche LWB seats.
I even placed orders for the (Back-GT4 Issues).
Also of course went On-Line and did my Research so NOT to miss anything on the Porsche LWB seats.

I loved the way those seats looked and even though for me they seemed Super-Expensive I still was thinking to myself.
Man, these LWB seats are the $hit !!!

Then as I kept watching the videos and the Magazines plus the On-Line Reviews.
I soon found out that the Porsche LWB seats might be just the thing if ????
You were going to TRACK the GT4 and or Spyder.

I wasn't ready just yet to give-up.

So I figured keep watching, reading and researching until you reach the point that you are confident with what to do.

In the end there was Zero-Doubt I'd be CRAZY for a guy 77-years old and only driving my GT4 on the STREET to order it with the Porsche LWB seats.

I went with the 18-Way Bucket-Seats and my (Opinion) is .......................
Sure if your TRACKING the GT4 or Spyder "Frequently" then sure go with the Porsche LWB seats.
But ................
If they, GT4 & Spyder are simply going to driven on the street and NOT-Tracked but you wish for maximum comfort the 18-way seats are the only practical choice.

Terry

 

I can't imagine a Porsche GT product, at least my own, without them. Part of the experience. I know there are better aftermarket solutions out there, but don't really want to mess with that

 

Fair point. I remember a local Porsche guru showing me many years ago "how" to get in a car with buckets. From that day on piece of cake..

 

I have a driver side bucket and a 2 way passenger seat for my wife. Only downside is aesthetics for those who can’t stand mismatched seats but it’s perfect for us. I can also swap the driver seat back for road trip if desired.

The really hard core track guys would move to a halo seat. LWB is not that great if a track seat but workable.