When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Not dumb at all. I had a Boxster S loaner and it was one of the best driving experiences I've ever had. The ONLY, and I mean ONLY negative to it as that atrocity of a 4 cylinder behind you. The powerband and power are perfect, aside from the fact that after multiple hard runs, you may find yourself bored of accelerating as while it kicks hard, it isn't very rewarding, rev-begging, nor do you want to hear it "sing" at high RPM's. But the HANDLING, oh the handling. My 911 has PTV+, PASM, H&R springs, and 305's, and the 718 feels like a go-kart scalpel compared to it. The one I had didn't have PASM, so you could feel some "float" to it, but it just worked flawlessly, it's even very comfortable. It's SO much fun to toss around.
Again, the only thing I couldn't stand was that engine sound. Which had me strongly considering a 981 GTS. You don't get the same power nor do you get the quicker 911 Turbo steering rack, nor the handling refinements, but you get the symphonic orchestra and just a more rewarding package. If only there was a mix of the two..... which I guess is the GT4. I strongly considered a GT4, but prices were holding so high and I was just craving fulfilling my 911 dream.
The 718 GTS will bar none be the best driving Porsche on sale right now. Better than any 911 short of likely a GT3. You just can't beat the Cayman/Boxster chassis when it comes to fun factor or inherent handling balance, and they really created an engineering masterpiece (they had to, to win people over despite the 4 pot). Though, you don't get that extra-exotic rear engine setup that feels so charmingly awkward, yet is ultimately rewarding once you master its many benefits. Also, you gotta figure out if you can live with the sound.
2017 911 C2 owner here (also happens to be guards red), and I'd be lying if I said I haven't seriously considered the same switch.
The 718 is a bigger bang for the buck (albeit very slightly). The 911 has that insane prestige factor, it's like a black american express, gets me in anywhere. Price-wise there is about a 20% difference between a similarly optioned 718 S and a C2.
In the end, I'm going to stick with the 911. But if I could afford one more car in my fleet, it would be a 718 Boxster S.
I had a Cayman for 2 years before coming to the 911. The cars are very different in my experience, but like them both. I definitely miss the back hatch and the exhaust note of the NA engine. Good luck!
I've been driving a 718 Boxster while my '13 C2S has been in the shop. I had a '12 Cayman S before that. While the 718 is quick and fun to drive, it just doesn't have the raw appeal of driving the snot out of a NA engine. The sound just isn't there either.
I test drove the Cayman GTS and loved it, but leased a 16 base Cab because it, "Felt better" than my 2004 C2. I've had a deep yearing to get back into the Cayman GTS and am thinking about ending my lease and purchasing a slightly used Cayman GTS. Thanks for your post.
2017 911 C2 owner here (also happens to be guards red), and I'd be lying if I said I haven't seriously considered the same switch.
The 718 is a bigger bang for the buck (albeit very slightly). The 911 has that insane prestige factor, it's like a black american express, gets me in anywhere. Price-wise there is about a 20% difference between a similarly optioned 718 S and a C2.
In the end, I'm going to stick with the 911. But if I could afford one more car in my fleet, it would be a 718 Boxster S.
Neither the Porsche 911 or American Express Centurion Card can get you in anywhere. I would say it is more comparable to a McLaren Senna.
I had the same thoughts when I bought my 2018 Carrera 4S and test drove the 718. I was waiting on my paperwork so I figured I might as well check it out. It felt responsive, agile, and the 4/turbo had very usable torque. I went with the 911 because I prefer the 911 look and back seats. But in all honesty, I was left impressed with the 718. I think you will enjoy the change.
Had the same experience...went from a 997 C4S to a 2014 981S and it was great. Loved that car every drive. Not insanely fast as say a 991 turbo or something but enough that I enjoyed every drive and any rode. Also accessibility made it better daily driver than my 997 and my wife said it was more quiet and comfortable than my 997. Less raw too. However I did get lured into trading it for a 2013 Carrera S and I do enjoy all that car has to offer in terms of space and power and presence. It is a different drive and I do think my Cayman S was the better "driver's" car. If I were to have an extra $60k lying around now...I'd get a 981 Cayman/Boxster and then go down south to Fl to a certain Motorsports shop and have them swap out a 991 Carrera base engine into the thing, brakes, and an IPD plenum and a set of headers and a tune. Now that would be heaven to drive and the sleeper 981 from hell. The 718 Boxster/Cayman GTS works well and I am sure will do the job but I would be curious as to what the new 718 Cayman GT4 will offer in the Spring/Fall 2019.
Best advice here.....all seem to concur...drive what you want to and enjoy. Life is too short and its your money and your car!
I had a Boxster S back in 2004, kept it a long time, even while having a 911 Turbo. Eventually sold it to a friend's brother and stuck with the 911 platform, including ordering a 2015 GTS spec'd just how I wanted.
But when 991GTS prices crossed 981GT4 prices on the way down, I saw a chance to essentially trade even into a GT4. I've realized that the mid-engine Porsches are my home, especially if you give them a stick and enough hp to make them accelerate like the Carreras. And I haven't found the perception of the gen pop to be any different between 911 and Cayman, if that's what a person cares about. Both look like a high-buck sportscar, which engenders the same typical resentment and negativity in most people, whether they openly admit it to you or not.
12-19-2017, 03:24 AM
