rescueswimmer

Edited, "After more research and pondering I know the 981 Manual is the right car, Unless the bottom drops out of the 4.0L market in the next year. With that any differences between a 15 and 16 981, Other than back up cameras which might have been an option in 15. "

Wanted to reach out to the hive and get some advice. So the quick and dirty version, I was looking for fun weekend driving car, and maybe some cars and coffees etc. So I had fallen in love with the GT4 but the current pricing and I'm sure they will continue to go up, I have a hard time paying over MSRP for a used car, I know they are special. So I decided I'd like to cap my search at around 80k So that put me in the 18-19 718 GTS range and obviously 15 and 16 981's So I had the chance to drive a 19 Boxster GTS PDK, a 20 Boxster GTS 4.0, PDK, but not a 981. I have perused the forums and watched all the youtube video's I could find on the difference etc. With that being said I had not had a chance to drive any of these in a manual except for a 21 GT4, Not sure I love the 2.5L turbo, made lots of power and was plenty fun to drive, but did not care for the exhaust note, but It could grow on me I guess. So my question to you guys. Is there anything on the 981 that is deal breaker, or must have option? Any big differences from a 15-16 model year, Any reason to pickup up a 3 year newer 718 2.5L All the videos I have seen they all say 3.4 sounds better than the 4.0L

I appreciate the info.

RS

Newusername

For your use case, a nicely equipped S or GTS with your transmission of choice would be my suggestion. The 3.4 is a great one and give you a great exhaust note along with some very good performance, more than enough for the street.

smilin

they are all great cars. sounds like you’ve driven enough to figure out manual vs pdk, 3.4 vs 4.0, turbo vs na, older vs newer. find one that moves you, and do it. don’t compromise, else you’ll spend money on a do over.

i recently sold a ‘16 bgts, manual (trim level comes with pse) and i highly recommend it as a car that will move you! it’s the slowest of the configurations mentioned but still stupid fast and sounds awesome and is developing a great rep for reliability.

nhnguy12

I'd pick up a well specced 981 S or GTS and pocket the rest of the cash. I test drove a 4 cylinder 718 a few years ago and I don't think I'd ever learn to love the sound. I was also offered an allocation for a 4.0 GTS @ MSRP earlier this year that I turned down. I would have basically been paying an extra 70k for an engine that's ~20% more powerful but doesn't sound as good because of modern sound regs + GPF w/ the same chassis. Even the sales rep admitted to it not being that big of an upgrade. In terms of must-have options, only Sports Chrono is questionable in terms of retrofitting. Personally I'd consider PSE a "must-have" but that can be retrofitted. With your budget you can go with a GTS and not have to worry about it because those come standard. If you like the GT4 driving experience I would opt for the passive Sport Suspension (X73) that has higher spring rates than PASM. Or you can use some of that money you saved towards Ohlins. Even if you find a spec with PASM, X73 springs can be added later while retaining PASM functionality. One thing you probably saw during your research is that the newer cars have better electronic power steering feel. If you end up going the 981 route there are ways to update that as well.

Kitc2246

First 981s have electric steering. As mentioned a 15-16 981 GTS will give you all the goodies. You can find S's that are similarly equipped all the way back to the 2013 Boxster S. A main difference between the S and GTS is the few extra HP. In an S with PDK, Sport Chrono is a must IMO especially if you plan to track. PTV is another option that can be found on the S.

IndigoInkTaco

I'd say to base some of it on aesthetics. Finding an S w/ GTS performance options is easier than retrofitting the interior/front bumper, etc.

Must haves on mine were Sport Chrono and Sport Exhaust. Suspension and PTV would've been nice but not deal breakers. Got the first two and I added a full x73 kit afterwards. I'll add a tune to gain back the lost hp/tq that the S suffers from and to smooth out the powerband.

dps214

981 S or GTS and $10-30k left over to roll around in. Even at equal price between 981 and 718, 981 is the better choice unless you can spring for a GT4 or GTS 4.0. If you're patient and don't need a pristine example, you might be able to find a 981 GT4 in or very close to your budget.

rescueswimmer

I am patient that is for sure. I will be waiting until I find the perfect spec, If a GT4 with some miles falls through I may go that route, but I think you guys helped swing me towards a 15-16 GTS manual.

jg (atl)

I have a 2016 BGTS that was delivered in November 2015. It has a manual and X73. It was special ordered and about the only thing I did not get that I have had second thoughts about is Torque Vectoring - but I don’t track the car and haven’t missed it. I was tempted by the GTS 4.0 but decided there wasn’t enough difference to really make me want to trade up.

No difference between the 15 and 16 Boxsters. No backup camera availability, though I have installed an aftermarket one. I absolutely love the X73 suspension. And the sport exhaust is a necessity too.

Ernest72

You can turn on PTV with PIWIS. Only the rear braking part not the LSD. Look into it. It makes turning great for street driving.