Help me! FK8 Type R vs 718 Cayman T
Discussion
Hi,
I am currently looking to change my car (a large diesel BMW) and want something more fun. I keep flip-flopping between these two and am really quite torn.
It would be a daily driver and my only car - but I have access to a large car if/when required. Annual mileage is around 12k.
I have looked at and driven all sorts, and these are my two favourites, contrasting though they may be in some respects.
The cars would both be around 2020, used examples. I don't really need much practicality, although I do count it as a slight negative, one being a 2 seater.
In terms of power, both are similar at 300bhp vs 320. I'd also ideally prefer PDK on the 718.
Pro's and cons for me (probably missed some):
718
Pros:
Pros:
There are many other things/differences but my main line of thinking is (and TLDR) - these are two cars with similar power, both have excellent handling, is the 718 worth the extra...?
I am currently looking to change my car (a large diesel BMW) and want something more fun. I keep flip-flopping between these two and am really quite torn.
It would be a daily driver and my only car - but I have access to a large car if/when required. Annual mileage is around 12k.
I have looked at and driven all sorts, and these are my two favourites, contrasting though they may be in some respects.
The cars would both be around 2020, used examples. I don't really need much practicality, although I do count it as a slight negative, one being a 2 seater.
In terms of power, both are similar at 300bhp vs 320. I'd also ideally prefer PDK on the 718.
Pro's and cons for me (probably missed some):
718
Pros:
- It's a Porsche which holds a certain appeal
- Looks great
- A pure sports car with a fantastic chassis and balance
- Longer warranty included with approved used compared to Honda (unless you pay)
- High quality cabin and better general refinement
- £15k~ more expensive, potentially - although residuals will offset this somewhat etc
- 2 seats and general lack of practicality for large objects, although this is rarely going to be an issue
- I like the engine but it's nothing to get too excited about
- On average, higher costs to run (although the service schedule is longer)
- Specs are very hit and miss
Pros:
- I love how these look - I know that isn't the case for everyone
- One of the finest cars to drive of its type
- Good level of standard spec (adaptive cruise, CarPlay etc)
- No shortage of performance
- Sounds pretty good although like the 718, engine sound is lacking
- 4 seats and a large boot when needed
- Lacks the premium and more grown up image of the 718 - but I don't really care about that in honesty
- More regular service intervals so probably not that much cheaper overall to run in that respect
- It's a Civic underneath, which makes it feel expensive, even though it's another level of engineering entirely
There are many other things/differences but my main line of thinking is (and TLDR) - these are two cars with similar power, both have excellent handling, is the 718 worth the extra...?
I'm going to go against the consensus so far. I'd be getting the FK8. That thing is indescribable, the way it picks up the revs and disappears down the road. If you're a keen driver, owning a Type R (of any vintage) is a must at some point in your life, even if its just to experience first hand the crazy engineering and visceral driving feel of a road going legend. Yes it's "just a Civic" underneath, but that's like saying a Bentley Continental is just an Arteon W12. The finished product is worlds apart from the base car.
Plus, there's the added advantage that because it IS a Honda, you'll only ever see your dealership for servicing or MOTs.
Plus, there's the added advantage that because it IS a Honda, you'll only ever see your dealership for servicing or MOTs.
Got a mate looking for a Porsche at the moment so I'll mirror the conversation I had with him... I have a funny relationship with Porsche! I love their top end stuff, the GT3 Touring is one of my favourite cars of all time. If I had £100k to spend, I'd buy a GT4 Cayman without thought. However, below that? Never really done it for me I'm afraid, I just prefer alternatives.
Personally I wouldn't go for either of your suggestions though, it'd be an M2 for me.
Personally I wouldn't go for either of your suggestions though, it'd be an M2 for me.
Shifter1 said:
Are they even comparable or the same type of car? To me they are not.
Although, I suspect, this is why the OP is asking the question as you can't make an easy comparison (if you can ignore the badges on the bonnet) and it is not unusual to be picking between the top end of one marque and the lower end of another at a similar price point.As above, I might be more tempted by something with more than 4 cylinders, like the M2 or even an older Cayman with the flat-6.
June last year I looked at the M2, Cayman and FK8.
I ended up going the M2 as it’s the perfect balance of both while being a good bit more fun than either.
I’d highly recommend just test driving all 3. They are all brilliant 5 star cars with different characteristics so it’s just picking which you prefer.
I ended up going the M2 as it’s the perfect balance of both while being a good bit more fun than either.
I’d highly recommend just test driving all 3. They are all brilliant 5 star cars with different characteristics so it’s just picking which you prefer.
Thanks for the replies.
I’ve tried M2’s, both normal and Comp, great cars but I’ve had a few BMW’s and would like a change.
I get they aren’t obviously comparable, but to me they are.
- similar power and the same engine size
- both designed to be a raw driving experience on a typical B road
Of course the Porsche is a pure sports car, but the FK8 is universally raved about for many of the same reasons.
I’ve tried M2’s, both normal and Comp, great cars but I’ve had a few BMW’s and would like a change.
I get they aren’t obviously comparable, but to me they are.
- similar power and the same engine size
- both designed to be a raw driving experience on a typical B road
Of course the Porsche is a pure sports car, but the FK8 is universally raved about for many of the same reasons.
They drive very different, obviously… but under the limit just different… the civic is possibly more sharp in terms of steering responses. ..as you get closer to the limit the Civic handles more like a good fwd car, whereas (for me at least) the Porsche moves into amazing car territory…
So, if you intend to drive in a restrained/legal manner, Civic.
So, if you intend to drive in a restrained/legal manner, Civic.
Truckosaurus said:
Shifter1 said:
Are they even comparable or the same type of car? To me they are not.
Although, I suspect, this is why the OP is asking the question as you can't make an easy comparison (if you can ignore the badges on the bonnet) and it is not unusual to be picking between the top end of one marque and the lower end of another at a similar price point.As above, I might be more tempted by something with more than 4 cylinders, like the M2 or even an older Cayman with the flat-6.
ZX10R NIN said:
This is a heart decision so I won't tell you which one to buy BUT I will say that if you're doing 12k a year in the 718 your residuals won't be as strong as you may have accounted for.
That's another consideration. It needs to be able to take a fair few miles - which it no doubt can, but it's less than ideal on such a car... finance wise.To me the sheer fact that the OP is considering both makes them eminently comparable. They may be two different approaches but both aim at a similar outcome, ie enjoying the driving experience.
I would probably suggest the Cayman as one probably needs to tick the mid engine Porsche thing once or twice in their life and ticking the sorted FWD hatch box is probably much easier in terms of opportunities to do so among the way.
I would probably suggest the Cayman as one probably needs to tick the mid engine Porsche thing once or twice in their life and ticking the sorted FWD hatch box is probably much easier in terms of opportunities to do so among the way.
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