The 4 cylinder debate

[carnaby35]

Just purchased a 718S after owning a 6cyl 911 and Boxster S. Talk about trepidation!!! Sleepless nights!!
Nobody likes the 4 cylinder, they are rubbish, they sound awful, they should be a 6 cylinder. Etc etc etc etc
Wow, worry worry, I've paid a lot of money for this car and I will lose a lot of money on it because nobody wants one.
WHAT A LOAD OF BUNKUM!!!! The 718S is absolutely superb, yes a 'different' sound but one with plenty of character and a lovely sporty note with the odd sporty crackle on the overrun which gets even better with sports exhaust and sport mode selected.
The quick fire changes via PDK gearbox are fantastic and the box changes down in an instant when you press the accelerator giving access to fantastic performance and speed that you cannot believe when you glance at the speedo. Handling is on another level after my previous 987S gen2. Interior is modern and superb with lots of mod cons which really gives the feel that it is a state of the art car. Any worry and trepidation has now disappeared after the first 50 miles of driving this fantastic motor.

Long live the four cylinder!!!!!????????????

 

[dean wilkinson]

Awesome car Chris, looking forward to seeing it soon!

 

[rowtietowers]

I too had similar doubts - previously had a Gen 2 987S (plus a 987S & 986S prior to that) then briefly flirted with a new Macan SD which I hated. Was so unhappy I was looking at a secondhand 981S with PDK but I was never a fan of the rear end styling & headlight design of the 981. My wife suggested why not go for a 718 non S (I couldn’t stretch to an S) "as you’d want to change it in a couple of years anyway!” so ended up more or less a straight swap from the Macan to the 718 (although 2 separate dealers).
2 years ownership & I’m more than happy - yes it sounds "different” but the build quality is superb, fuel economy is high 30’s on a long run (we’ve done 2 European tours since we got it) & it gets admired wherever it goes probably helped by the colour Miami blue. Would have no hesitation recommending one but don’t listen to the F6 naysayers!

 

[dpoynton]

I have a vested interest as I have a 718 Boxster S.

Sounds to me to be similar to the, oh no! they're water cooled now (993 to 996) brigade.
Pre-718 Boxster/Cayman owners talking up their book to try to keep their values up.

It's called technology and addressing new regulations.

Is the 718 series great to drive? Yes. End of.

David

 

[pfs]

I have a late 981 GTS manual with a history of owning a variety of other Porsches and was genuinely interested to try a 718 GTS with an open mind. I did so and must agree with comments that the car handles and rides very well (with some subtle improvements on the 981). The interior was up to usual Porsche standards and mostly familiar with again some detail improvements on the 981...evolution rather than revolution. I was really hoping the engine would provide the low end turbocharged shove to compensate for the lack of cylinders and was very dissapointed as it was remarkably flat below 3000 rpm. Stand alone this is great car and anyone buying one without experience of a flat 6 will be more than happy. It certainly is more than quick enough for UK roads. But....the combination of the missing sound and linear power delivery of a howling flat six made the conclusion an easy one...I'm staying with my 981 GTS.

Paul

 

[carnaby35]

Seems to be that those who own a 718 and have driven them a while to get to know them think that they are fantastic. Those that don't own one and have just had a taster of a test drive think they're rubbish!!
Think that there might be a bit of a trend here.????

 

[AndrewCS]

Seems to be that those who own a 718 and have driven them a while to get to know them think that they are fantastic. Those that don't own one and have just had a taster of a test drive think they're rubbish!!
Think that there might be a bit of a trend here.????

Over the past three years, my `taster - getting to know them` drives have included several four hour, non stop runs on challenging, great driving roads. Using standard and S models, they have mostly all impressed (one used CS was a right `dog`) but did not give me the overall driving experience that I want and have had ... from a manual Cayman R and get from a 981 CS PDK.

I am loath to go into more detail as each of us has differing expectations, perspectives and `feel`... save to say, enjoy what you have !

 

[Motorhead]

... each of us has differing expectations, perspectives and `feel`... save to say, enjoy what you have !

After the seemingly endless huff and puff on the subject, I reckon Andrew has summed up the situation very succinctly.

Jeff

 

[turbo jonny]

Interesting Andrew. I have a 981 S PDK ( boxster ). A fabulous all round sports car but it does lack feel. It could not compensate for my 987 Spyder in that respect - and i assume very similar to your Cayman R. So unless you have modified your 981 do you not miss it ?

This is of course leaving aside the manual v PDK.

I am open to finding a Boxster good enough to have just one but until then i must have 2 !

 

[AndrewCS]

Interesting Andrew. I have a 981 S PDK ( boxster ). A fabulous all round sports car but it does lack feel. It could not compensate for my 987 Spyder in that respect - and i assume very similar to your Cayman R. So unless you have modified your 981 do you not miss it ?

Only had the CR for a year but did do 9k, in all seasons / conditions. A good car but not the best (for me) for the roads / conditions up here. It did not have the bucket seats and given my passion for four hour, non stop trips the standard items were not that good for my frame [] . I have unlined Recaro buckets in a modified Mk1 Golf GTI that are more comfortable !

The CR`s suspension, on factory settings was also not the best for our roads ... often `skipping`under braking. Granted, I could have modified the settings but once I`d driven the 981 with it`s PASM and improved seats I was converted. On long Highland runs the CR used to go light on the front end, I partially offset this by running slightly reduced pressures. I did do the PCGB Anglesey track day in 2017 with it, save to say that it was superb.

As regards feel, all forgotten now and it`s easy to live with what I have. The only modifications being slightly more negative front camber than standard and Michelin PS4S tyres. One of the reasons that I do run out for hours is to enjoy the benefit of the tyres as they are kept hot - warm, there is a real difference in the front end feel the more that they are worked. The CR`s Michelin PS2`s had nothing like the feel of these PS4S`s, which have now done 13k and are down to 5mm.


The main reason for change was the PDK, I`ll save that sermon for another (more on topic) time though []

 

[turbo jonny]

Hi Andrew -

I have the buckets in my Spyder and find them very comfortable although i have not done any long trips. I have the 14 way in my 981 and can drive all day, then add its PDK and PASM and it eats up the miles in comfort - 1st sports car my missus really loves for these reasons. It is still on Pirelli N1 though and am planning to change to Michelin next time. Have PS3 with negative camber on my Spyder and they feel perfect.

If i went to one Boxster it would be PDK ! I will make an effort to try the various 718 over the next year and change the tires on the 981 before i make any decisions - thanks

 

[Wollemi]

Chris, congratulations on your new car; I’m sure you will enjoy it hugely! Great colour too.

No doubt you will already be familiar with BJ Inne‘s threads in the Cayman section. He is another four cylinder enthusiast, writing about his 718S and now 718GTS in the "My 2019 718 Cayman GTS PDK” thread. Brian writes very well and interestingly about his cars and what he’s done with them, well worth looking if you’ve not found them yet.

Graham