andy7777

I think the lazy engine referred to the 718 4 liter. The 981 and the 987 Spyder shared the same engine.

DaveGee

Not sure that’s correct Andy. The 987 Spyder has a 3.4L while the 981 has a 3.8L engine.

DaveGee

andy7777

you're right Dave, I was thinking of the regular 981. I've never driven the 3.8L but assume it is more torquey under 5000. I do like the way the 982 Spyder presents itself and your choice is completely understandable. My significant other hates riding in the Cayman R with buckets, quite likes the new 718 Boxster S. Porsche does some serious magic with damper control. The 718 has SPASM and 20 inch wheels, on normal setting it rides comfortably over crappy Michigan roads on the same ride height as the X73 suspension in the CR.

Zeus993

My thoughts?
987.2 Spyder = more hard core, revier (shorter stroke length?), snotty, little canyon carver. Maybe not the best date ride with your sig other. Roof? Love it for it's form and function (dropping the back lid springs and tensions the roof) but I'm an old short-board windsurfer and used to quickly rigging sails. And you can lend it to a friend Spyder owner in a pinch (yes, I actually did just that when a frient had his roof slashed outside his hotel on a road trip. He used mine while his was repaired).

981 Spyder = better styling, larger engine, great engine note, great for comfort crusiing Roof? Heavier and looses some points for form and function and more difficult, IMO, to put up. Great date car.

718 Spyder = larger torgquier, not as revy, stunning styling, slight more numb driving experience, Roof s the 981. Ditto on the great date car. A real head turner.

d90spyder

Great perspective Zeus! You’ve spent time behind the wheel of all the Spyder’s and even a 3RS and 911 T, so your opinion carries weight. It’s awesome that you came back to the 987 Spyder after owning the cars in your stable.

Zeus993

Yep. And it was FANTASTIC to get back in the 987, like coming home to something so good, so familiar, so honest (can you describe a car as being honest?). I also like mechanical watches. gas stoves and HiFi. Analog stuff. The 987 Spyder comes close to the 997.2 GT3 RS but without the maniacle power and speed and the circus (police and all) that goes with it. The Spyder is the better car of the two for the driving I do. We have a pack of us in town that drive together. Like minds, like cars.

P.s. And again, I don't mean to disrespect the 981/718 Spyders. They're BEAUTIFUL and respected Porsches. But this is a 987.2 Spyder forum and thus I think it's OK to let biases come out. Hell - there's lots one could dis about the 987.2 Spyders - the roof, the bland front end, the dated interior etc..., right? But that's not what we're here for.