Noah Fect

They have been sandbagging the specs on the turbos, for whatever reason. E.g., look at road tests of the base 991.2 versus the figures quoted by Porsche marketing.

I wouldn't be surprised if a base 718 can beat a 981 S. Nor would I care. They will both be blown into the same weeds by a Camaro, so it makes sense to base your shopping decisions on different criteria.

Dom991.1

Not to throw fuel on this fire (or incite anyone) but rather to share something of relevance to this conversation from the internet - I was SUPRISED and saddened to see the 718 as #20 on this list: https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/the-cars-america-should-have-loved-but-didn%E2%80%99t/ss-AAvb3c4?ocid=mmx&PC=EMMX01

Hopefully this turns around quick -Dom

SpyderSenseOC

I've owned one car on that list. An XR4Ti. Loved that car. Black, manual trans, sunroof. If only I could have cured the brake shudder.

lajoiedp

I actually like the fact that the 718 is a hidden gem and that you rarely see one on the road. In fact, in my neck of the woods, I've never seen one... except at a dealer.

fast1

It's great to own a rare car which is rare because of a limited production, not so great when its rare because not many want one. Based on performance the 718 should be selling well, but I suppose that not many buyers are interested in $80K+ 4 cyl cars. OTOH if you love your car and plan to keep it a long time, I don't see a downside in owning a car which isn't in demand.

Archimedes

Pontiac Azteks are pretty rare as well...

lajoiedp

Let me guess, you own a 981/987? I don't see that many of them either, so they must not be in demand either. Please!!! My point is that the Porsche Cayman/Boxster model is rare, the 781 even more rare (as it just came out). Not because it's not better than the 981/987, because in my opinion it is (I have driven both) but because sports cars of this type, in general, are of minimal demand by the general public. BTW, my Cayman after discount was in the $60k's. Is it acceptable to spend on a 4 cyl car (turbo-charged) that has more HP and Torque then its predecessor?

lajoiedp

So is a VW Golf.

Archimedes

Yes, but one was limited production and they sold every one and the other was mass produced and they couldn't give them away.

MidEngineRules

This never ends! Peak power is so irrelevant to the driving experience, yet it's the bottom line argument for so many. I typically use about half my car's peak torque and hp at any point while I'm out driving, and I only drive my car for pleasure. I don't care if it's a 987, 981, or 982 these cars have the performance to more than satisfy the demand from the driver in any driving situation. Peak power is meaningless unless you're redlining the car through every gear along your journey. At that point, you can make an argument as to a performance difference. I'm assuming you never owned a 987 or 981 as you seem to really miss the point of these cars and go straight to the spec sheet to argue merit.

lajoiedp

GregWormald

Buy the cheapest 718 you can.
Get the 7 litre normally aspirated V8 transplant.
Great sound. 500 hp. and all the torque you could want.

MidEngineRules

You are a marketer's dream. You really blindly believe all that's being sold to you. Greatly improved yet it doesn't outperform my 981 Spyder, which is a beast in comparison. Do you have the PASM sport suspension option? Because if you don't you also don't have the "improved handling" which is really a comparison of base to base. You have the same steering as my 981 Spyder, which is a Porsche norm to pass parts to future models. You also have less power than my car. A lot less. Less top speed. Less braking power and less road holding ability. You do have a higher center of gravity, although that's a negative. But in reality I could care less which car is faster as I can only drive one at a time. I will never own a 718 because it does not excite me in any way. Not that the standard 981s were that exciting to me either. I would have kept my 987 Cayman R, which is driving perfection if the Spyder didn't come along. I would also take back my former Cayman R, which was $90k new, over your 718 in a heartbeat as the Cayman R is the better driving experience and will also be more desirable car to own in future years, and more valuable. The steering alone in the Cayman R is sublime. I'm sure you'll disagree based on some magazine story and the fact you've "driven both."

RRDnA

Lots of groundhog day here..........

I find it fascinating the level of antipathy shown by 981 owners towards 718 (982) owners. Its worth remembering there are always way faster cars, way better handling cars and way better looking/sounding cars out there in the real world. Porsche sports cars are very good but in the main they are a long way from the top of the hill.

Personally, I have a lot of time for the Cayman/Boxster in any form - in my opinion its the best sports car Porsche make.

lajoiedp