I can’t disagree with that. Having regular access to both a 911SC targa and a 987.2 Spyder, I love them both. I know the targa can be a “fast” car but I really don’t enjoy pushing it as much as the Spyder. The targa feels like a leatherman wave but the Spyder feels more like a scalpel. Both are lightweight tools that feel balanced in the hand but the targa feels more utilitarian in comparison.

 

I keep hearing the term "Tossable" used to describe the Boxster/Cayman, but not for any other car.

 

The Boxster and Cayman are without question the most tossable A couple of other cars that come to mind, the first generation MINI and Miata’s which are both small and light. I have an 06 JCW which is very tossable but also twitchy, not nearly as smooth in the corners as the Porsche.

 

I saw an insightful article on Car and Driver that echoes the sentiments I’ve been seeing on this forum lately: https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...st-generation/

 

Agreed. Although the exhaust isn't identical, I had gundo-hack cans and the Sharkwerks bypass on my 997.2 base and it sounded like a buzzsaw coming down the road. I could hear it 3/4 of a mile away when I friend took it for a spin.

To get that sound out of the Spyder, get a aftermarket exhaust (Soul) and skip PSE, which is too quiet. Then, go headers if you want more sound and a bit more torque. Sport headers+tune should give you 350p easily as they neutered this car at the factory. Plenty of dynos are available on the Cayman R: you can expect the same output from your car tuned.

 

Forgot to say; you are welcome to meet up and hear our 981 with Soul Sport headers (stock exhaust) anytime you want. We will be upgrading the exhaust when funds allow.

 

Great write up and article. There is something special about a car that is entertaining and full of charisma independently of how fast it can go or how hard it needs to be driven.

The best cars are enjoyable at sane speeds but rewarding when opened up. I feel a car like the Spyder fits that perfectly.

 

Awesome comparison and write up.

Much of my sentiments I absolutely share and agree with based on how you feel regarding the two vehicles. Recently I reluctantly sold my 981 spyder and today got a chance to drive a .2 GT3RS - and my nod goes to the spyder on all around smiles. Although a truly awesome car - the RS felt too refined, perfected and digital in many ways.

Oh and the sound was definitely there on the 'newer' spyder

 

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I fitted 200 cel cats and have the PPCB with 6 piston calipers on my Spyder, the cars perfect, I also own the 991.2 GT3 but I will always keep the 987.2 Spyder.

Fix the brakes and noise and it's the perfect B road blaster. It's maybe the best drivers car Porsche have ever made. I am on 9 Porkers to date and 987.2 Spyder wins hands down.

 

am also thinking about the lightweight flywheel upgrade to make it more rev happy

 

I was advised against LWFW for street use

 

Nice write up! Appreciate the comparison. I’ve never driven a GT3 but absolutely love my 987.2 Spyder.

Having owned a 987.1 Cayman MT, a 997.2 911 Cab PDK and an Audi R8 V8 MT, the 987.2 Spyder ticks all the boxes I want in a backroads roadster and agree with all the points you make about it.

Recently installed a Fabspeed Tracktec exhaust (traded a RL member for my PSE) and wow. Talk about a major sound improvement.

 

Can those of us who haven't found our Spyders yet find a way to hide these glowing Rennlist reviews from the general public?

 

I still have my Spyder and also had a 2014 GT3 at the same time five years ago. Ran low on garage space and let the GT3 go. Although more capable, it simply wasn't as much fun to drive on the street.