992 GTS to 718 Spyder
Discussion
Current car is a 992.1 Targa GTS, and obviously on the back of the 992.2 launch last week I've been looking/thinking about the current cars replacement, and don't think the gen 2 car is where I want to be going, as the gen 1 car is already mightily fast & accomplished in every aspect, that I just don't see the need for anything faster.
The more I think about it I want to get back into something that is more fun to drive. That doesn't mean being super quick, but just something that is more 'analogue' so to speak.
I was initially thinking GT3. Naturally aspirated, manual gearbox, etc, and then even considered Ferrari 458's, again being naturally aspirated, but then I found myself looking at the 718 Spyder as a potential replacement.
A few queries though (on varying significance);
1. I appreciate that it may not be the case, but the Spyder to some degree just seems a posh boxster, and therefore a step back from a 911 (992)
2. I am thinking buckets, manual box, and back actually needing to add input rather than have the car do everything for me. Someone has however mentioned that changing gear manually in buckets is not idea as your leg catches the side bolster. Is this correct ?
3. I've looked at 3 Spyders now. 2 had sports seats which just doesn't seem right to me, and one with buckets which I was just sent a video of. The price ranges were from 85k to 105k (the one with the buckets being the most expensive). My concern is when I ran the registration of the latter through WBAC is was saying 78k trade in value, which whilst I understand does not always reflect the market, it is a gauge at best
Ideally I'm looking for a 2023 car, bucket seats. Should I be wanting carbon ceramics as it won't be going on track so suspect they may be over kill ? Where do people think price should be for such a car as my gut says 90k ?
The more I think about it I want to get back into something that is more fun to drive. That doesn't mean being super quick, but just something that is more 'analogue' so to speak.
I was initially thinking GT3. Naturally aspirated, manual gearbox, etc, and then even considered Ferrari 458's, again being naturally aspirated, but then I found myself looking at the 718 Spyder as a potential replacement.
A few queries though (on varying significance);
1. I appreciate that it may not be the case, but the Spyder to some degree just seems a posh boxster, and therefore a step back from a 911 (992)
2. I am thinking buckets, manual box, and back actually needing to add input rather than have the car do everything for me. Someone has however mentioned that changing gear manually in buckets is not idea as your leg catches the side bolster. Is this correct ?
3. I've looked at 3 Spyders now. 2 had sports seats which just doesn't seem right to me, and one with buckets which I was just sent a video of. The price ranges were from 85k to 105k (the one with the buckets being the most expensive). My concern is when I ran the registration of the latter through WBAC is was saying 78k trade in value, which whilst I understand does not always reflect the market, it is a gauge at best
Ideally I'm looking for a 2023 car, bucket seats. Should I be wanting carbon ceramics as it won't be going on track so suspect they may be over kill ? Where do people think price should be for such a car as my gut says 90k ?
To answer your points
1. Not just a posh Boxster. Bear in mind the 718 Spyder is a step up from the 981 as it has essentially the GT3 underpinnings same as 718 GT4. So it is a GT4 without a roof. Far more focused than your GTS yet remarkably usable and compliant to drive with one of Porshes best manual gearboxes although some complain about the highish gearing which really isn't a problem in practice. Great engine, almost bespoke with 8k rev limit great torque and remarkable economy.
2. Untrue.
3. Quite spec dependent but decent spec and mileage cars from OPCs 23 model year with ceramics and buckets non pts are mid £90ks. Quite seasonal pricing dip in the winter.
Ceramics don't make a huge difference in price unlike the GT3, probably add half the option cost new to value so £2.5k ish v steels.
Best advice would be to drive one and see how you get on with the different mid engine handling characteristics of the Spyder v the 911.
Buckets essential imo and I find them more comfortable than the sports seats and you sit IN rather than ON them so more in tune with the chassis etc.
Great usable package at the money and more convincing than the GTS imo.
The other option of course is the GT4 which I prefer (Spyder produces fair amount of wind noise) others like a cab might worth trying both to see which works best for you.
Only weak point is the PADM in fact my GT4 has just failed is in next week under warranty.
1. Not just a posh Boxster. Bear in mind the 718 Spyder is a step up from the 981 as it has essentially the GT3 underpinnings same as 718 GT4. So it is a GT4 without a roof. Far more focused than your GTS yet remarkably usable and compliant to drive with one of Porshes best manual gearboxes although some complain about the highish gearing which really isn't a problem in practice. Great engine, almost bespoke with 8k rev limit great torque and remarkable economy.
2. Untrue.
3. Quite spec dependent but decent spec and mileage cars from OPCs 23 model year with ceramics and buckets non pts are mid £90ks. Quite seasonal pricing dip in the winter.
Ceramics don't make a huge difference in price unlike the GT3, probably add half the option cost new to value so £2.5k ish v steels.
Best advice would be to drive one and see how you get on with the different mid engine handling characteristics of the Spyder v the 911.
Buckets essential imo and I find them more comfortable than the sports seats and you sit IN rather than ON them so more in tune with the chassis etc.
Great usable package at the money and more convincing than the GTS imo.
The other option of course is the GT4 which I prefer (Spyder produces fair amount of wind noise) others like a cab might worth trying both to see which works best for you.
Only weak point is the PADM in fact my GT4 has just failed is in next week under warranty.
av185 said:
To answer your points
1. Not just a posh Boxster. Bear in mind the 718 Spyder is a step up from the 981 as it has essentially the GT3 underpinnings same as 718 GT4. So it is a GT4 without a roof. Far more focused than your GTS yet remarkably usable and compliant to drive with one of Porshes best manual gearboxes although some complain about the highish gearing which really isn't a problem in practice. Great engine, almost bespoke with 8k rev limit great torque and remarkable economy.
2. Untrue.
3. Quite spec dependent but decent spec and mileage cars from OPCs 23 model year with ceramics and buckets non pts are mid £90ks. Quite seasonal pricing dip in the winter.
Ceramics don't make a huge difference in price unlike the GT3, probably add half the option cost new to value so £2.5k ish v steels.
Best advice would be to drive one and see how you get on with the different mid engine handling characteristics of the Spyder v the 911.
Buckets essential imo and I find them more comfortable than the sports seats and you sit IN rather than ON them so more in tune with the chassis etc.
Great usable package at the money and more convincing than the GTS imo.
The other option of course is the GT4 which I prefer (Spyder produces fair amount of wind noise) others like a cab might worth trying both to see which works best for you.
Only weak point is the PADM in fact my GT4 has just failed is in next week under warranty.
Thanks.1. Not just a posh Boxster. Bear in mind the 718 Spyder is a step up from the 981 as it has essentially the GT3 underpinnings same as 718 GT4. So it is a GT4 without a roof. Far more focused than your GTS yet remarkably usable and compliant to drive with one of Porshes best manual gearboxes although some complain about the highish gearing which really isn't a problem in practice. Great engine, almost bespoke with 8k rev limit great torque and remarkable economy.
2. Untrue.
3. Quite spec dependent but decent spec and mileage cars from OPCs 23 model year with ceramics and buckets non pts are mid £90ks. Quite seasonal pricing dip in the winter.
Ceramics don't make a huge difference in price unlike the GT3, probably add half the option cost new to value so £2.5k ish v steels.
Best advice would be to drive one and see how you get on with the different mid engine handling characteristics of the Spyder v the 911.
Buckets essential imo and I find them more comfortable than the sports seats and you sit IN rather than ON them so more in tune with the chassis etc.
Great usable package at the money and more convincing than the GTS imo.
The other option of course is the GT4 which I prefer (Spyder produces fair amount of wind noise) others like a cab might worth trying both to see which works best for you.
Only weak point is the PADM in fact my GT4 has just failed is in next week under warranty.
Re point 1, I appreciate is really isn't.
Point 2, good to know. I obviously need to try them, but there are few around to try to be honest in the spec I want.
Point 3, 90-95k I could arguably live with, but 104/105k is pushing it as I mentioned
Re ceramics, again I'd agree, I'm not really bothered about them. The best bit on a road car is the obvious lack of brake dust.
Finally, as for a GT4, its a proper weekend car, so would be nice to have the option to remove the roof. Thats the main reason for looking at Spyders, as the Targa is fantastic in the right weather.
Something to bear in mind is that most of the later Spyders are PDK. Manual, PCCB's, Buckets are harder to find on later cars but 100% the best configuration as it makes the car feel so much lighter. Also, with the buckets you can sit at a better height compared to the 18-ways I've found. I also found the exhaust to be louder on a 22 plate compared to a 19-plate.
The market for Spyders is being hit by the Spyder RS arrivals, so lots coming up at the moment, suspect prices may soften in the short term.
I’m very pleased with mine. I went from an Elise to a Cayman GTS 4.0 and missed the engagement that the Elise offered, the Spyder has that little bit extra. Plus the roof comes off 😀
I’m very pleased with mine. I went from an Elise to a Cayman GTS 4.0 and missed the engagement that the Elise offered, the Spyder has that little bit extra. Plus the roof comes off 😀
I’d go look at the 458 
The 992 does nothing for me, but neither did the 991. Although a Touring might be quite nice.
I honestly think that Boxster / Cayman is where the best of Porsche is today. The Spyder looks great but not sure if that roof would get annoying.
I wouldn’t discount the 4.0 GTS. That’s probably what I would do.
The 992 does nothing for me, but neither did the 991. Although a Touring might be quite nice.
I honestly think that Boxster / Cayman is where the best of Porsche is today. The Spyder looks great but not sure if that roof would get annoying.
I wouldn’t discount the 4.0 GTS. That’s probably what I would do.
I had a 2022 718 Spyder (PDK, buckets, ceramics), which I traded in for a new 992 GT3 Touring. I also currently have a 992 Targa 4S and a 991.2 GT3 CS. The GT3s also have PDK, buckets and ceramics. I live in the north of Scotland (i.e. great, empty roads), don’t track the cars and don’t do city or motorway driving - they were/are all weekend cars.
I went from a previous 991.2 GT3 CS to the Spyder, with my logic being i would get the same chassis, but in a smaller package (better for the roads around me) and I didn’t get to the 9,000 rpm of the GT3 that often, so i wouldn’t miss the step down to the Spyder’s engine. Plus, I’d get to take the roof off (which isn’t a big deal to put up/down, so don’t let that be a factor in your thinking), all the better to hear the engine.
My logic was mostly correct, but at any sort of decent speed with the roof down, I found the wind noise drowned out the engine/exhaust noise (it drowned out everything), so it felt like I was driving a hairdryer. Turns out it’s the noises, as much as anything, I like about my cars. Hence the swap from the Spyder to the GT3 Touring. I then bought the Targa for roadtrips with my wife, as I figured there was no decent noise to lose, so even if there was wind noise, no biggie. Since you currently have a Targa, FWIW, with the roof down, in my view, at any decent speed, there is a lot more wind noise in the Spyder than the Targa.
I enjoyed the experience of the Spyder, while it lasted, but I should have stayed in the 991.2 GT3 CS. If you are going to tootle around town/country roads in the Spyder, then I imagine it would work well, although I never tried that, so can’t say for certain.
Nice to have the choice in front of you. I hope this helps.
I went from a previous 991.2 GT3 CS to the Spyder, with my logic being i would get the same chassis, but in a smaller package (better for the roads around me) and I didn’t get to the 9,000 rpm of the GT3 that often, so i wouldn’t miss the step down to the Spyder’s engine. Plus, I’d get to take the roof off (which isn’t a big deal to put up/down, so don’t let that be a factor in your thinking), all the better to hear the engine.
My logic was mostly correct, but at any sort of decent speed with the roof down, I found the wind noise drowned out the engine/exhaust noise (it drowned out everything), so it felt like I was driving a hairdryer. Turns out it’s the noises, as much as anything, I like about my cars. Hence the swap from the Spyder to the GT3 Touring. I then bought the Targa for roadtrips with my wife, as I figured there was no decent noise to lose, so even if there was wind noise, no biggie. Since you currently have a Targa, FWIW, with the roof down, in my view, at any decent speed, there is a lot more wind noise in the Spyder than the Targa.
I enjoyed the experience of the Spyder, while it lasted, but I should have stayed in the 991.2 GT3 CS. If you are going to tootle around town/country roads in the Spyder, then I imagine it would work well, although I never tried that, so can’t say for certain.
Nice to have the choice in front of you. I hope this helps.
I'd have a look at Spyder RS too if one ever comes up for sale and you can maybe stretch to it even owners with large supercar collections rave about them. They are v.expensive but resale shd be strong too and an OPC should give you a full px value for your GTS against one. A 992 GTS is very desirable bread and butter stock for an OPC 
Hergiswilreid said:
I had a 2022 718 Spyder (PDK, buckets, ceramics), which I traded in for a new 992 GT3 Touring. I also currently have a 992 Targa 4S and a 991.2 GT3 CS. The GT3s also have PDK, buckets and ceramics. I live in the north of Scotland (i.e. great, empty roads), don’t track the cars and don’t do city or motorway driving - they were/are all weekend cars.
I went from a previous 991.2 GT3 CS to the Spyder, with my logic being i would get the same chassis, but in a smaller package (better for the roads around me) and I didn’t get to the 9,000 rpm of the GT3 that often, so i wouldn’t miss the step down to the Spyder’s engine. Plus, I’d get to take the roof off (which isn’t a big deal to put up/down, so don’t let that be a factor in your thinking), all the better to hear the engine.
My logic was mostly correct, but at any sort of decent speed with the roof down, I found the wind noise drowned out the engine/exhaust noise (it drowned out everything), so it felt like I was driving a hairdryer. Turns out it’s the noises, as much as anything, I like about my cars. Hence the swap from the Spyder to the GT3 Touring. I then bought the Targa for roadtrips with my wife, as I figured there was no decent noise to lose, so even if there was wind noise, no biggie. Since you currently have a Targa, FWIW, with the roof down, in my view, at any decent speed, there is a lot more wind noise in the Spyder than the Targa.
I enjoyed the experience of the Spyder, while it lasted, but I should have stayed in the 991.2 GT3 CS. If you are going to tootle around town/country roads in the Spyder, then I imagine it would work well, although I never tried that, so can’t say for certain.
Nice to have the choice in front of you. I hope this helps.
Not really I went from a previous 991.2 GT3 CS to the Spyder, with my logic being i would get the same chassis, but in a smaller package (better for the roads around me) and I didn’t get to the 9,000 rpm of the GT3 that often, so i wouldn’t miss the step down to the Spyder’s engine. Plus, I’d get to take the roof off (which isn’t a big deal to put up/down, so don’t let that be a factor in your thinking), all the better to hear the engine.
My logic was mostly correct, but at any sort of decent speed with the roof down, I found the wind noise drowned out the engine/exhaust noise (it drowned out everything), so it felt like I was driving a hairdryer. Turns out it’s the noises, as much as anything, I like about my cars. Hence the swap from the Spyder to the GT3 Touring. I then bought the Targa for roadtrips with my wife, as I figured there was no decent noise to lose, so even if there was wind noise, no biggie. Since you currently have a Targa, FWIW, with the roof down, in my view, at any decent speed, there is a lot more wind noise in the Spyder than the Targa.
I enjoyed the experience of the Spyder, while it lasted, but I should have stayed in the 991.2 GT3 CS. If you are going to tootle around town/country roads in the Spyder, then I imagine it would work well, although I never tried that, so can’t say for certain.
Nice to have the choice in front of you. I hope this helps.
As I said, I was initially thinking GT3 but can't get a slot for a 992 due to not having significant buying history (and don't want to pay considerable overs for a used one), so the 991.2 was the obvious option. I really want to own a GT3, but for the driving I do I suspect it won't be the car for me, as the Targa probably suits my needs more and has the option of open top motoring when the weather suits. This is obviously why the Spyder has come into the running, as I'm thinking it will be a more compelling drive, ie needs to be worked more, whilst still having the roof down option is the weather is good. It will be a proper weekend car, so don't need the every day usability of the 992.
I daily drive a manual GT4 with the buckets and Clubsport. There's no issue with changing gear/hitting the bolster; not sure how you could!
Have you watched the Harry's Garage vid on the Boxster GTS 4.0? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33SC1IHld9Q
Not quite the drama of a Spyder, but it does sound like it would tick all of your boxes and, I suspect, will hold its value very well. I saw a Gentian Blue Boxster 4.0 out in the sun last weekend and it looked glorious.
Have you watched the Harry's Garage vid on the Boxster GTS 4.0? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33SC1IHld9Q
Not quite the drama of a Spyder, but it does sound like it would tick all of your boxes and, I suspect, will hold its value very well. I saw a Gentian Blue Boxster 4.0 out in the sun last weekend and it looked glorious.
You can listen to the opinions of others but the only real answer is to get out there and drive them, try buckets, try comforts, try manual try pdk, try steel brakes try PCCB's etc and then decide if its the car for you.
My opinion FWIW , I have had a 991.1 GT3 that followed a 997.2RS didn't like the PDK and found it didn't come alive until licence loosing speeds. Then a 981,GT4 impressed as was more analogue, changed for a 718,GT4 a step up in every way except sound. I followed this with 2 x 718 Spyders, 1 with buckets, PCCB's , the other comforts and steels, both manual.
As well as I had a 992 GT3 manual, buckets, PCCB's great car but had a lot of trouble with it and lost the love. Also on B roads the car does feel big. Sold.
Currently I have 2 Spyders the comfort car which is up for sale and I have just bought a 23 car PTS, Buckets, PCCB's and manual. For me that is all the Porsche sports car you need, if you want roof down summer motoring it is easy to do (not like the Spyder RS) I decided as you cannot get them any more I wanted a end of manufacturing car with all the kit as a keeper.
On the road 400BHP is fine , my car is analogue enough to to keep you involved , small enough for B road blasts, love the manual gearbox as good as any, love the bucket seats very comfortable a little upright but you can get after market brackets to sort and for me the PCCB's have better feel. Later models do have a better exhaust sound don't know why.
Against, you do get quite a bit of tyre noise (a Porsche problem) and wind noise but its an open Sports car for heavens sake.
Get some test drives and I will be very surprised if like driving you won't love a manual Spyder.
HoneyBadgerUK said:
I daily drive a manual GT4 with the buckets and Clubsport. There's no issue with changing gear/hitting the bolster; not sure how you could!
Have you watched the Harry's Garage vid on the Boxster GTS 4.0? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33SC1IHld9Q
Not quite the drama of a Spyder, but it does sound like it would tick all of your boxes and, I suspect, will hold its value very well. I saw a Gentian Blue Boxster 4.0 out in the sun last weekend and it looked glorious.
Fundamentally, I don't think I could go back to a Boxster from a 992. I know that may sound odd, but want something a bit 'special' which the Targa is, and think the Spyder would be the same.Have you watched the Harry's Garage vid on the Boxster GTS 4.0? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33SC1IHld9Q
Not quite the drama of a Spyder, but it does sound like it would tick all of your boxes and, I suspect, will hold its value very well. I saw a Gentian Blue Boxster 4.0 out in the sun last weekend and it looked glorious.
I went from a 718 Spyder (I have had 2 - 1 manual with buckets the other pdk and comfort) to a 992.1 Targa GTS.
Open top motoring is a big thing for me - especially for the 2 days a year it’s sunny. For me the Targa is so much more enjoyable than the Spyders were. The roof is much easier and just prefer the drive and the way it all works.
Nice problem to have, but if you already have the Targa GTS then I would say you have best Porsche Open Top car.
Open top motoring is a big thing for me - especially for the 2 days a year it’s sunny. For me the Targa is so much more enjoyable than the Spyders were. The roof is much easier and just prefer the drive and the way it all works.
Nice problem to have, but if you already have the Targa GTS then I would say you have best Porsche Open Top car.
Hobo said:
Fundamentally, I don't think I could go back to a Boxster from a 992. I know that may sound odd, but want something a bit 'special' which the Targa is, and think the Spyder would be the same.
I had 6 years in a Cayman R, it was fantastic....... sold it recently and bought another 911, 991.1 Carrera S and it's nice to be back in a 911.The Boxster/Cayman package is fantastic as a drivers car but it's not and never will be a 911, there is something about a 911 that is just undefinably special. If i had your budget i would be running a 911 of some sort and a 987 Spyder alongside it, same spend much better garage.
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