Boxster/Cayman 718 GTS/SRS/GT4 & GT4 RS!
Discussion
Being a petrol head constantly thinking of cars ( apart from y'day being Valentine's Day where I showered the wife with flowers and gifts before I then took the 981 BGTS out for a drive 
) I've been thinking what car I get next.
As much as I love the look of 911's I prefer the size of the Boxster/Cayman cars for placement on the road.
I posted on another forum that I've been looking at the SRS which ticks the 'convertible' box as well as having the GT3 amazing engine. I do love the noise of my 981 so although the obvious next move might be a 718 I slightly think I'd miss the noise?
I suppose for a likely 25k uplift I could get into the 718 GTS whereas the 718 Spyder is likely more like 35ish depending if I go manual or PDK.
I massively like the look of the GT4 RS but all the reading tells me it's far more of a track car and not so much for road use.
Not totally discounted it, more interested in actual owners views?
And, maybe the 718 GT4 where there is the manual or PDK option works as a better road and track car for a good bit less.
So, the 718 GTS 4.0 with good spec can be had for less than the 718 GT4 but does it miss lots of what the GT4 has to offer or, is it the perfect road/occasional track car for close to what the GT4 has to offer ?
The car would not be a daily by any stretch.
It'll be my weekend/summer car although being able to drive it during some winter months might come in handy.
I'm also ( very slightly) wondering that as much as the GT4 RS & SRS sound epic, maybe the excitement of the noise wears off and some form of regret creeps in which is why there seems a good few for sale.
Could the 718 Spyder be the perfect car then ?
Less roof hassle than the SRS, possibly easier to live with although not the noise I love with the 981 BGTS.
Need the PH massive views on this guys.......
Sorry for so many questions.
Damn you Porsche for making so many amazing variants !
Sorry , forgot to add I'd like to do 3/4 track days per year
) I've been thinking what car I get next. As much as I love the look of 911's I prefer the size of the Boxster/Cayman cars for placement on the road.
I posted on another forum that I've been looking at the SRS which ticks the 'convertible' box as well as having the GT3 amazing engine. I do love the noise of my 981 so although the obvious next move might be a 718 I slightly think I'd miss the noise?
I suppose for a likely 25k uplift I could get into the 718 GTS whereas the 718 Spyder is likely more like 35ish depending if I go manual or PDK.
I massively like the look of the GT4 RS but all the reading tells me it's far more of a track car and not so much for road use.
Not totally discounted it, more interested in actual owners views?
And, maybe the 718 GT4 where there is the manual or PDK option works as a better road and track car for a good bit less.
So, the 718 GTS 4.0 with good spec can be had for less than the 718 GT4 but does it miss lots of what the GT4 has to offer or, is it the perfect road/occasional track car for close to what the GT4 has to offer ?
The car would not be a daily by any stretch.
It'll be my weekend/summer car although being able to drive it during some winter months might come in handy.
I'm also ( very slightly) wondering that as much as the GT4 RS & SRS sound epic, maybe the excitement of the noise wears off and some form of regret creeps in which is why there seems a good few for sale.
Could the 718 Spyder be the perfect car then ?
Less roof hassle than the SRS, possibly easier to live with although not the noise I love with the 981 BGTS.
Need the PH massive views on this guys.......
Sorry for so many questions.
Damn you Porsche for making so many amazing variants !
Sorry , forgot to add I'd like to do 3/4 track days per year
Edited by Esquire on Sunday 15th February 19:23
Regarding tracking the SRS are you aware there is a speed limit with the roof up of 120 odd mph which may be relevant? I think I read that someone had found that it is logged by the car if you exceed the limit…
I’ve not had the roof error - but I follow the procedure in the manual carefully, several of the online “tutorials” do not.
Good luck with your decision.
I’ve not had the roof error - but I follow the procedure in the manual carefully, several of the online “tutorials” do not.
Good luck with your decision.
elisered said:
Regarding tracking the SRS are you aware there is a speed limit with the roof up of 120 odd mph which may be relevant? I think I read that someone had found that it is logged by the car if you exceed the limit
I ve not had the roof error - but I follow the procedure in the manual carefully, several of the online tutorials do not.
Good luck with your decision.
Cheers for the reply. I ve not had the roof error - but I follow the procedure in the manual carefully, several of the online tutorials do not.
Good luck with your decision.
Makes sense roof on at big speeds although seemed to remember seeing reviews there they say the roof could be left on at top speeds ? Guessing im wrong with this one.
The epic(ness) of the SRS is hard to ignore over the either mentioned cars
Edited by Esquire on Sunday 15th February 21:23
Esquire said:
Cheers for the reply.
Makes sense roof on at big speeds although seemed to remember seeing reviews there they say the roof could be left on at top speeds ? Guessing im wrong with this one.
The epic(ness) of the SRS is hard to ignore over the either mentioned cars
981 and 718 Spyders yes - SRS no. And the latter is epic IMHO.Makes sense roof on at big speeds although seemed to remember seeing reviews there they say the roof could be left on at top speeds ? Guessing im wrong with this one.
The epic(ness) of the SRS is hard to ignore over the either mentioned cars
Edited by Esquire on Sunday 15th February 21:23
I've got a 4.0 Boxster 25 Years (so basically a GTS with some shiny bits added) and it's probably the last sports car I'll ever buy as it does everything I want and more. I don't do track days but for 2-4k mile touring holidays in Europe I've found it to be the perfect car for the job, comfortable, practical, capable and huge fun when you want it to perform especially through places like the passes across the Alps and the hills through Tuscany and Umbria.
In the end though it'll probably come down to what you like and you'll likely only know that if you go out and drive all of the candidates on your list.
Good luck.
In the end though it'll probably come down to what you like and you'll likely only know that if you go out and drive all of the candidates on your list.
Good luck.
Esquire said:
I'm assuming you own one.
Does the novelty of the noise wear off eventually & becomes annoying ? Much drone at lower speeds ?
Yes it’s a special car which some will get on with and others not.Does the novelty of the noise wear off eventually & becomes annoying ? Much drone at lower speeds ?
The “noise” is controlled by your right foot so perfectly possible to drive without annoyance or drone and the roof is a non issue for me.
But then again I didn’t recognise the many faults that the internet ascribes to the 981 Spyder it replaced :-)
I remember now there was a thread on Rennlist last year of someone who “lost” the roof - apparently properly secured and not at excessive speed. Did a lot of damage to the clamshell - never saw the outcome of the inquest.
Esquire said:
elisered said:
Regarding tracking the SRS are you aware there is a speed limit with the roof up of 120 odd mph which may be relevant? I think I read that someone had found that it is logged by the car if you exceed the limit
I ve not had the roof error - but I follow the procedure in the manual carefully, several of the online tutorials do not.
Good luck with your decision.
Cheers for the reply. I ve not had the roof error - but I follow the procedure in the manual carefully, several of the online tutorials do not.
Good luck with your decision.
Makes sense roof on at big speeds although seemed to remember seeing reviews there they say the roof could be left on at top speeds ? Guessing im wrong with this one.
The epic(ness) of the SRS is hard to ignore over the either mentioned cars
Edited by Esquire on Sunday 15th February 21:23
Anyhow think it’s time to scratch an itch again and do fancy the look of a SRS after seeing the one at Alexander’s prestige last month. Do like the black one at Wolverhampton.
Anyhow regarding the speed restriction with roof on? Is this in the manual?
Have owned 2 x 718 GT4, GT4RS and currently have SRS. My Short resume would be: they are all special cars with the RS twins being in a different league. Did a few long road trips in both RS cars and the SRS was definitely the better of the two. Which to buy? Well, if it’s primarily a road car you want then the SRS wins hands down. At the moment they are a proper bargain also.
Re the much maligned roof, early on mine displayed the fault a couple of times - suspect that may have been my own fault mind you, haven’t had the fault for months now my technique has improved. Sure an electric mechanism would be much handier but I’d rather have the car, with the full fat RS engine and the roof as is, than no SRS. Once you’re used to it, it’s not much more hassle than say a Caterham or Lotus Exige/Elise. Re the 125 MPH “issue”, I’d say that’s a red herring really if you live in the UK - your a brave (or foolish) man doing these kind of speeds. If it’s on the Autobahn then let’s face it, on cup tyres it’s going to be a dry day anyway before your trying high speed runs, so a non issue - in my mind anyway.
Re the much maligned roof, early on mine displayed the fault a couple of times - suspect that may have been my own fault mind you, haven’t had the fault for months now my technique has improved. Sure an electric mechanism would be much handier but I’d rather have the car, with the full fat RS engine and the roof as is, than no SRS. Once you’re used to it, it’s not much more hassle than say a Caterham or Lotus Exige/Elise. Re the 125 MPH “issue”, I’d say that’s a red herring really if you live in the UK - your a brave (or foolish) man doing these kind of speeds. If it’s on the Autobahn then let’s face it, on cup tyres it’s going to be a dry day anyway before your trying high speed runs, so a non issue - in my mind anyway.
finmac said:
Have owned 2 x 718 GT4, GT4RS and currently have SRS. My Short resume would be: they are all special cars with the RS twins being in a different league. Did a few long road trips in both RS cars and the SRS was definitely the better of the two. Which to buy? Well, if it s primarily a road car you want then the SRS wins hands down. At the moment they are a proper bargain also.
Re the much maligned roof, early on mine displayed the fault a couple of times - suspect that may have been my own fault mind you, haven t had the fault for months now my technique has improved. Sure an electric mechanism would be much handier but I d rather have the car, with the full fat RS engine and the roof as is, than no SRS. Once you re used to it, it s not much more hassle than say a Caterham or Lotus Exige/Elise. Re the 125 MPH issue , I d say that s a red herring really if you live in the UK - your a brave (or foolish) man doing these kind of speeds. If it s on the Autobahn then let s face it, on cup tyres it s going to be a dry day anyway before your trying high speed runs, so a non issue - in my mind anyway.
Great write up thank you. Re the much maligned roof, early on mine displayed the fault a couple of times - suspect that may have been my own fault mind you, haven t had the fault for months now my technique has improved. Sure an electric mechanism would be much handier but I d rather have the car, with the full fat RS engine and the roof as is, than no SRS. Once you re used to it, it s not much more hassle than say a Caterham or Lotus Exige/Elise. Re the 125 MPH issue , I d say that s a red herring really if you live in the UK - your a brave (or foolish) man doing these kind of speeds. If it s on the Autobahn then let s face it, on cup tyres it s going to be a dry day anyway before your trying high speed runs, so a non issue - in my mind anyway.
Good point re the roof and going fast in the UK anyway.
Is it essential to get a car with the Wiessack pack would you say ?
I would say that the 4.0 GTS is a much better road car than the 718 GT4 / Spyder / RS models and is more a than adequate steed for a few trackdays per year.
It's plenty fast enough on the road, more playful too in my experience vs a previously owned 981 GT4 and far more livable-with all year round. I drove my GT4 all year round on Cup 2s and did a few trackdays in it, and (for me at least) the GTS is the better all-round proposition.
I kept the GT4 for more than 4 years and I've had the GTS 4.0 for more than 5 years.
There are no bad choices here, of course. Just what suits you best.
It's plenty fast enough on the road, more playful too in my experience vs a previously owned 981 GT4 and far more livable-with all year round. I drove my GT4 all year round on Cup 2s and did a few trackdays in it, and (for me at least) the GTS is the better all-round proposition.
I kept the GT4 for more than 4 years and I've had the GTS 4.0 for more than 5 years.
There are no bad choices here, of course. Just what suits you best.
Esquire said:
finmac said:
Have owned 2 x 718 GT4, GT4RS and currently have SRS. My Short resume would be: they are all special cars with the RS twins being in a different league. Did a few long road trips in both RS cars and the SRS was definitely the better of the two. Which to buy? Well, if it s primarily a road car you want then the SRS wins hands down. At the moment they are a proper bargain also.
Re the much maligned roof, early on mine displayed the fault a couple of times - suspect that may have been my own fault mind you, haven t had the fault for months now my technique has improved. Sure an electric mechanism would be much handier but I d rather have the car, with the full fat RS engine and the roof as is, than no SRS. Once you re used to it, it s not much more hassle than say a Caterham or Lotus Exige/Elise. Re the 125 MPH issue , I d say that s a red herring really if you live in the UK - your a brave (or foolish) man doing these kind of speeds. If it s on the Autobahn then let s face it, on cup tyres it s going to be a dry day anyway before your trying high speed runs, so a non issue - in my mind anyway.
Great write up thank you. Re the much maligned roof, early on mine displayed the fault a couple of times - suspect that may have been my own fault mind you, haven t had the fault for months now my technique has improved. Sure an electric mechanism would be much handier but I d rather have the car, with the full fat RS engine and the roof as is, than no SRS. Once you re used to it, it s not much more hassle than say a Caterham or Lotus Exige/Elise. Re the 125 MPH issue , I d say that s a red herring really if you live in the UK - your a brave (or foolish) man doing these kind of speeds. If it s on the Autobahn then let s face it, on cup tyres it s going to be a dry day anyway before your trying high speed runs, so a non issue - in my mind anyway.
Good point re the roof and going fast in the UK anyway.
Is it essential to get a car with the Wiessack pack would you say ?
In summary tho, buy what you like!
Stunters said:
I would say that the 4.0 GTS is a much better road car than the 718 GT4 / Spyder / RS models and is more a than adequate steed for a few trackdays per year.
It's plenty fast enough on the road, more playful too in my experience vs a previously owned 981 GT4 and far more livable-with all year round. I drove my GT4 all year round on Cup 2s and did a few trackdays in it, and (for me at least) the GTS is the better all-round proposition.
I kept the GT4 for more than 4 years and I've had the GTS 4.0 for more than 5 years.
There are no bad choices here, of course. Just what suits you best.
Thanks . 4.0 GTS very much also in the running . It's plenty fast enough on the road, more playful too in my experience vs a previously owned 981 GT4 and far more livable-with all year round. I drove my GT4 all year round on Cup 2s and did a few trackdays in it, and (for me at least) the GTS is the better all-round proposition.
I kept the GT4 for more than 4 years and I've had the GTS 4.0 for more than 5 years.
There are no bad choices here, of course. Just what suits you best.
For clarity - do you have the cayman 4.0 not the BGTS and also how were the brakes on track ? Does the GTS get slightly larger brakes over the S ?
I also had a 981 GT4 on Carrera S brakes which were adequate on track days .
finmac said:
WP is very much a personal thing - is it worth £10K odd new was the question I had, for me the answer was no. A couple of reasons, I am lucky enough to have other cars with lots of CF so wasn t fussed about having another plus I like the unpainted bonnet, lastly not planning selling the SRS any time soon so the CF seem poor value. Saying all that, there s currently plenty WP cars for sale at good prices so the extra cost is not such a factor second hand.
In summary tho, buy what you like!
Thanks so much In summary tho, buy what you like!
james28 said:
Agree with the above I bloody love my cayman 4.0 gts coming from 2 boxster spyders.
It does everything really well fast enough, agile , sounds great and looks bloody great too
And you could quite happily drive to a track day and drive home after.
Great . It does everything really well fast enough, agile , sounds great and looks bloody great too
And you could quite happily drive to a track day and drive home after.
On steels and not PCCB's I'm assuming?
Option B could be to keep my very lovely 981 BGTS PDK and buy a Cayman GTS manual with the right Spec for winter and occasional track days
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