Semki

Hi 981 is start in 2012 and life of generation is ~7 years
now in 2016 718 start woth new name
its restyle marketing?

so. its restyle? 981-718 complete in 2019 and In spring watch new 718 generation?

Or now 718 a completely new generation that will last 5 years without changing the bodywork? If this is the case, then 981 lived only 5 years that does not correspond to a general update in German machines

skiahh

2017 is the start of the 718s. 2016 is still the 981.1.

Marine Blue

Technically the chassis and suspension are the same as the previous car although with some minor updates. The engine and transmission are new. Interior is the same as the 981 but updated.

erik_plus8

In analogy with bigger sister 911 the facelift of 981 should of course be called 981.2 - nothing else.

Semki

So, I think it makes no sense to buy 718 now, because in ~ 2019, there will be a new generation and it will be a shock. And I will lose ~ 40% of my cache when I want to change it to a new one. Because the changes are small-porsche too strong. Most likely I'll go with a 981 used

This does not apply to 911. After all, the 911 are a bit similar to each other, without strong changes externally

Jamie140

As a general observation, 718 doesn't have overwhelming demand. So used 718 could present a strong value proposition.

However, I believe 981 is by far the better car.

GregWormald

Don't wait too long or the current version will be very different and likely electric. Unless that entices you buy whatever version you want now and enjoy it.

Cars are not a viable proposition if you want to keep your money--they depreciate rather than appreciate (with few exceptions).

Greg

pc4ever

I'd love to hear your rationale for this statement. From my perspective, the 981S does nothing better than the 718S except perhaps sound better. And there is virtually no comparison on the track between the two. It takes a GT4 to outperform a 718S.

How do you defend your comment?

Jamie140

Performance is one thing. Engagement another. My only benchmark is my Spyder.

skiahh

It's all very subjective. I had a 718 Boxster as a loaner when my 981 Boxster S was in for service. There are things I like about the 718 more than mine, but more that I don't. For example, I like the new rear end of the 718 (though many don't), but the front of the 981. I really dislike the egg pod vents of the 718 compared to the countoured vents of my 981. Those are small things, though.

I'd been skeptical of all the "wailing and gnashing of teeth" over the sound of the 4 vs 6. After driving it, I'm not skeptical any more. The 6's sound is far more engaging for a sports car. I really didn't think it'd matter to me, but everything else being equal, it would. Even with the performance numbers being better on the 718, it would unless I was buying it for a strictly track car.

Around town, I didn't notice any measurable difference from the instant torque of the turbocharged engine. You just don't have the room. On the highway, the .whatever second difference to 60 is also of no consequence and, of course, they both cruise perfectly well at highway speeds.

They're both more than any of us will ever need or use on the road. Canyons and twisties? Both are right at home there and I suspect us "mere mortal" drivers can't tell the difference in how they handle those types of roads. I'd put them both in the "perfect" category.

So really, what it comes down to, is what will you use the car for? and what makes you smile more? Race track? 718 is obviously the better choice if your goal is to win races; it's faster. But if it's just having fun racing around the track for your own enjoyment, it gets fuzzy. Daily driver or weekend canyon cruiser? I have to go with the 981 for the overall engagement, feel and look of the car. But, of course, that's all subjective. If, for example, you grew up tuning WRXs or other "ricers", you may be more into the sound of the 4 banger and that's your engagement point.

n4v4nod

My answer for the OP:
Porsche is milking the Boxster/Cayman platform. The 981 was a complete new platform compared to the 987. Porsche gave the 718 the 982 designation for a reason. They are extending the platform lifespan. A typical .1 facelift only lasts a couple years. Porsche using the 982 means a 3-4 lifespan... Base and "S" 2017-18, GTS 2019, GT4 and Spyder 2020... with a parts bin special edition to close... typically Black or Platinum Editions. Which means a 983 isn't happening until 2020-21 MY. I would assume a whole new platform then... including alternative in one way or another. Porsche is a marketing machine. This is all based personal opinion and on history from what Porsche done in the past.