Nice review. Almost 2 years ago I was making my decision between the 718 and 981 Spyder and went for the 981. As always in Porsche evolution the successors are getting more and more performant but doing only very few track days if any and spending most of the time with the Spyder on B-roads and in the Alps, I found the 981 to be noticeably more emotional with its raw character. And still also the 981 is a very quick car with a good set of tires.
@@2006Vantage I felt that the 981 is the sweet spot between emotions and modern technology. Certainly the 987 is even more raw than its successors and a great car too but the roof construction is much more complicated, max speed is limited and I preferred the fact that the 981 was the first Spyder getting components (engine, steering, brakes etc.) from the 911. If I could own several Porsche, the 987 Spyder would be one of them though.
@@2006Vantage Well the 987 is the most raw one, it has almost a classical touch but is still a very engaging car, the 981 is the most emotional one with a rough character and with one of the best exhaust sounds from Porsche and the 718 is the fastest and most perfect one with a better suspension than its predecessors but lacking a bit in emotion compared to the 981. All of them are great, if you are looking for the most emotional driving experience on B roads and in the alps, I would prefer the 981. If you also go on the racetrack or like to frequently do track days, the 718 will be the better choice.
@@Dathumm. Just get rid of the gas particulate filters on the 718 which is very easy to do then it’s basically a better version of the 981 sounds and looks better.
They are actually both the same weight and not 180kg difference. 981 was lunch at a time where you could still quote absolute Dryweight, no fuel, no oil, no driver. 718 is full tank, Oil and driver which is roughly 150kg
Great review. Lovely to allow the comparison to take a few minutes more. 718 Spyder for me. Cargraphics x-pipe exhaust and Öhlins dampers tastefully added on my car by the previous owner. 10/10.
Nice thoughtful video, if a bit too diplomatic in the summary. Yes, both cars are excellent, but that smile on your face while driving the 981 betrayed your true feelings. 😉
My eyes want the 718, but my heart is screaming 981 all the way.... It is like dating a 10 (very pretty but bit cold) VS a decent 7 (warm and more communicative during action)
I believe that you summarized quite well the use of each car … now for me if the spyder is a weekend car used as a second/third car I will go with the 981 … my choice is different for the gt4 … simply because the pdk remains a must for the track ..while on the road the manual gearbox is so fun !
As an owner of a Cayman 981S, I can attest to the beautiful sound the 981 makes. It is very telling that they need to make changes to the 718 exhaust to try to make it sound like the 981, but they can't. I would pick the 981 Spyder version and upgrade the radio to Apple Carplay.
Real surprise to see Tim Harvey in the video, true legend in my book. Great comparison video, with lots of real world information about both cars., feel a little disappointed that the 987 Spyder wasn’t included, although I can understand why. I haven’t driven any of the spyders but I did recently review the 987 Spyder at ASHGOOD PORSCHE for my channel and loved it’s simplicity and rawness. 987 is approaching £50k , 981 is just above £70k and the 718 is £90k plus. The 987 is the lightest at 1275kgs, but I think the sweet spot is the 3.8 981. Great video guys what’s the next one?
718 looks much more grown up for sure, tweak the exhaust a bit and it is a winner. In reality the 718 Spyder in manual is a GT4 with open roof to enjoy it has the engine 4 liter 420 HP, suspension, aero and gearbox all from the GT3 and GT4 OMG dream.
Enjoyed that thank you. Personally not in a position to buy either but as owner of a highly modified (I would argue the most highly modified 986 Boxster in the UK), I take a lot of inspiration from these speedsters. Also, need to comment on the level of video and sound quality on this video, it was really high quality so I’m looking forwards to whatever video comes next.
I modded the heck outta my 3.2 987S, ECU tune, Milltek full exhaust, AASCO lightweight flywheel, under drive pulley, Bilsteins, carbon steering wheel, short shifter (both Porsche). In essence, a homemade Spyder. Got a 981 Spyder last year, I miss my old 987, “A newer Porsche is a better car, but a worse Porsche”.
@@clu4u similar vibes to mine (and yes, I keep the spec saved on my phone because people always ask and I can never remember lol) • Schrick Fast Road camshafts • Schrick Valve Springs and Titanium Retainers • Porsche 997 Intake manifold and injectors • Porsche GT3 throttle body • IPD Plenum chamber and silicon pipe work • LN Engineering Deep Sump kit • LN Engineering Spin On Filter Adapter • Porsche X51 oil baffle tray • Wayne Schofield “Chip Wizards” custom re-map • Spin on oil filter kit (no more messy cartridges) • Tarret engineering engine mounts • Porsche Cayman 987 front engine mount • Cargraphic Stainless Exhaust Manifold set • Cargraphic Stainless 200 cell sports catalysts • Cargraphic Stainless rear sport silencer with twin tail pipe Performance 289hp (250 std) / 250lbft (215 std) • Standard 6 speed Porsche Boxster transmission • Carbonetix LSD with plate carbon clutch pack • Porsche Cayman 987 short shift • Porsche 996 GT3 front wheel carriers • Porsche 996 GT3 front 6 piston calipers and disks on the front • Porsche 996 Turbo rear discs with Boxster 986 Front calipers on the rear • KW V3 Stainless Coil over suspension (height, bump and rebound adjustable) • All bushes replaced with Polyurethane bushes • Porsche 996 GT3 front adjustable anti roll bar and drop links • Tarret Engineering rear adjustable anti roll bar with drop links • Front and rear upper strut braces • Full set of poly bushes • Hunter alignment and corner weight at Ninemeister for fast road driving. (Used daily so didn’t want the full track day set up) • 3 piece OZ Racing Superleggera Forged wheels 18”x10” Rear 18”x8.5”Front
To me and based on first hand experience, the 718 is better in every way, with one exception, and an important one… the sound. The aftermarket cannot make the 718 sound like the 981 unfortunately. It can help, but unfortunately it can’t get it on par based on what I’ve seen
The 718 uses a pasm setup as opposed to the 981s fixed rate dampers. Press the sport button to stiffen it up for track work and it will be stiffer than 981, but not really useable on normal roads. 981 I think is the best setup for road fast driving and combined with that amazing sound!!!
No exhaust will ever make it sound like the flat 6. For me sound is a very important part of a sports car experience. The 718 is the more capable car but the engine on the 981 wins it for me.
@@wheelsandwatches well maybe but removing them results in an ecu failure code and an mot failure and invalidating the warranty. Some maybe up for that but i’d prefer to stay stock. gpf is a killer
The 718 looks PROPER too... 918 is a nice looking car but not as hunkered down and expensive looking like the 718 is. Much more aggressive and exotic looking. The US doesn't get the Particulate - so wonder how the sound differs in US vehicles being compared?
Not quite an accurate video. The 718 GT4 and Spyder are the same car , suspension , HP, aero under the car. Difference is hard top wing and down force. The previous Spyder was not the same as its GT4 , less HP , different suspension . The old Spyder sounds better because of the new particulate filter all new Porsches have. I love our 718 Spyder .
The 981 spyder is NOT the same suspension and engine as the 981 GT4. The 981 spyder is NOT a product of the GT department of Porsche, where the 982 is! That's a huge difference in handling performance and driving dynamic.
@@RacksonRacksonRibss the current generation of the 718 is called the 982. “The Porsche 982 is the internal designation of the fourth generation Boxster/Cayman (third generation Cayman) made by German automobile manufacturer Porsche.” It debuted in 2016.
Seems to be some vaguely misleading specs given… I have had the pleasure of owning both, and nothing stated in this review is wrong, just mildly inaccurate…
Either get the 987.2 for a raw, lightweight analog special, or a 718 for the first true Porsche motorsports GT boxster. I believe time will be more kind to the original 987.2 and 718, while the 918 will be stuck in between.
Nice review. Almost 2 years ago I was making my decision between the 718 and 981 Spyder and went for the 981. As always in Porsche evolution the successors are getting more and more performant but doing only very few track days if any and spending most of the time with the Spyder on B-roads and in the Alps, I found the 981 to be noticeably more emotional with its raw character. And still also the 981 is a very quick car with a good set of tires.
With that mindset, why not go with the more emotional and raw 987.2?
@@2006Vantage I felt that the 981 is the sweet spot between emotions and modern technology. Certainly the 987 is even more raw than its successors and a great car too but the roof construction is much more complicated, max speed is limited and I preferred the fact that the 981 was the first Spyder getting components (engine, steering, brakes etc.) from the 911.
If I could own several Porsche, the 987 Spyder would be one of them though.
@@Dathumm thanks for the response. Actively looking to add a spyder and have been struggling with which gen to add.
@@2006Vantage Well the 987 is the most raw one, it has almost a classical touch but is still a very engaging car, the 981 is the most emotional one with a rough character and with one of the best exhaust sounds from Porsche and the 718 is the fastest and most perfect one with a better suspension than its predecessors but lacking a bit in emotion compared to the 981. All of them are great, if you are looking for the most emotional driving experience on B roads and in the alps, I would prefer the 981. If you also go on the racetrack or like to frequently do track days, the 718 will be the better choice.
@@Dathumm. Just get rid of the gas particulate filters on the 718 which is very easy to do then it’s basically a better version of the 981 sounds and looks better.
They are actually both the same weight and not 180kg difference. 981 was lunch at a time where you could still quote absolute Dryweight, no fuel, no oil, no driver. 718 is full tank, Oil and driver which is roughly 150kg
Not true
Great review. Lovely to allow the comparison to take a few minutes more. 718 Spyder for me. Cargraphics x-pipe exhaust and Öhlins dampers tastefully added on my car by the previous owner. 10/10.
Nice thoughtful video, if a bit too diplomatic in the summary. Yes, both cars are excellent, but that smile on your face while driving the 981 betrayed your true feelings. 😉
Yep the 981 is visceral.
My eyes want the 718, but my heart is screaming 981 all the way.... It is like dating a 10 (very pretty but bit cold) VS a decent 7 (warm and more communicative during action)
lol
What a nice video!!! And all the details. I really needed this. Thanks for the effort!
I believe that you summarized quite well the use of each car … now for me if the spyder is a weekend car used as a second/third car I will go with the 981 … my choice is different for the gt4 … simply because the pdk remains a must for the track ..while on the road the manual gearbox is so fun !
981 is more emotional and pure: it sounds better, it is sharper and in my opinion looks even better (not sure about the black alloys)
As an owner of a Cayman 981S, I can attest to the beautiful sound the 981 makes. It is very telling that they need to make changes to the 718 exhaust to try to make it sound like the 981, but they can't. I would pick the 981 Spyder version and upgrade the radio to Apple Carplay.
Real surprise to see Tim Harvey in the video, true legend in my book. Great comparison video, with lots of real world information about both cars., feel a little disappointed that the 987 Spyder wasn’t included, although I can understand why. I haven’t driven any of the spyders but I did recently review the 987 Spyder at ASHGOOD PORSCHE for my channel and loved it’s simplicity and rawness. 987 is approaching £50k , 981 is just above £70k and the 718 is £90k plus. The 987 is the lightest at 1275kgs, but I think the sweet spot is the 3.8 981. Great video guys what’s the next one?
I think you'll find most knowledgeable Porsche owners will agree with you.
Mine is just like the 981 featured, it's awesome ❤
718 looks much more grown up for sure, tweak the exhaust a bit and it is a winner. In reality the 718 Spyder in manual is a GT4 with open roof to enjoy it has the engine 4 liter 420 HP, suspension, aero and gearbox all from the GT3 and GT4 OMG dream.
981 for me ❤ trying to find the perfect spec 981 at the moment ! Not many sapphire blue manuals for sale 😢
Did you find one??
Yea did you find one? I did this year
Enjoyed that thank you. Personally not in a position to buy either but as owner of a highly modified (I would argue the most highly modified 986 Boxster in the UK), I take a lot of inspiration from these speedsters. Also, need to comment on the level of video and sound quality on this video, it was really high quality so I’m looking forwards to whatever video comes next.
I modded the heck outta my 3.2 987S, ECU tune, Milltek full exhaust, AASCO lightweight flywheel, under drive pulley, Bilsteins, carbon steering wheel, short shifter (both Porsche). In essence, a homemade Spyder. Got a 981 Spyder last year, I miss my old 987, “A newer Porsche is a better car, but a worse Porsche”.
@@clu4u similar vibes to mine (and yes, I keep the spec saved on my phone because people always ask and I can never remember lol)
• Schrick Fast Road camshafts
• Schrick Valve Springs and Titanium Retainers
• Porsche 997 Intake manifold and injectors
• Porsche GT3 throttle body
• IPD Plenum chamber and silicon pipe work
• LN Engineering Deep Sump kit
• LN Engineering Spin On Filter Adapter
• Porsche X51 oil baffle tray
• Wayne Schofield “Chip Wizards” custom re-map
• Spin on oil filter kit (no more messy cartridges)
• Tarret engineering engine mounts
• Porsche Cayman 987 front engine mount
• Cargraphic Stainless Exhaust Manifold set
• Cargraphic Stainless 200 cell sports catalysts
• Cargraphic Stainless rear sport silencer with twin tail pipe
Performance 289hp (250 std) / 250lbft (215 std)
• Standard 6 speed Porsche Boxster transmission
• Carbonetix LSD with plate carbon clutch pack
• Porsche Cayman 987 short shift
• Porsche 996 GT3 front wheel carriers
• Porsche 996 GT3 front 6 piston calipers and disks on the front
• Porsche 996 Turbo rear discs with Boxster 986 Front calipers on the rear
• KW V3 Stainless Coil over suspension (height, bump and rebound adjustable)
• All bushes replaced with Polyurethane bushes
• Porsche 996 GT3 front adjustable anti roll bar and drop links
• Tarret Engineering rear adjustable anti roll bar with drop links
• Front and rear upper strut braces
• Full set of poly bushes
• Hunter alignment and corner weight at Ninemeister for fast road driving. (Used daily so didn’t want the full track day set up)
• 3 piece OZ Racing Superleggera Forged wheels 18”x10” Rear 18”x8.5”Front
@@MattiusMaximus Holy cow! You spent more on mods than the car??!!
What a great video! Nice work.
To me and based on first hand experience, the 718 is better in every way, with one exception, and an important one… the sound. The aftermarket cannot make the 718 sound like the 981 unfortunately. It can help, but unfortunately it can’t get it on par based on what I’ve seen
Great video
I’m curious how the 718 is softer when it’s on a stiffer suspension
The 718 uses a pasm setup as opposed to the 981s fixed rate dampers. Press the sport button to stiffen it up for track work and it will be stiffer than 981, but not really useable on normal roads.
981 I think is the best setup for road fast driving and combined with that amazing sound!!!
No exhaust will ever make it sound like the flat 6. For me sound is a very important part of a sports car experience. The 718 is the more capable car but the engine on the 981 wins it for me.
The 718 has a 4.0 flat six, the particulate filters ruin the sound for some.
omg it was a flat 6
@@jonfrench7133 it was the exhaust gpf making it sound like that. Easily changed.
@@wheelsandwatches well maybe but removing them results in an ecu failure code and an mot failure and invalidating the warranty. Some maybe up for that but i’d prefer to stay stock. gpf is a killer
@@jonfrench7133 only in your market. Not a big deal in others. My 718 with Kline exhaust sounds like a proper GT car.
The 718 looks PROPER too... 918 is a nice looking car but not as hunkered down and expensive looking like the 718 is. Much more aggressive and exotic looking.
The US doesn't get the Particulate - so wonder how the sound differs in US vehicles being compared?
US spec still has the particulate filter, it's just not monitored
Nearly 400 pounds heavier for the 718? Brutal.
Not quite an accurate video. The 718 GT4 and Spyder are the same car , suspension , HP, aero under the car. Difference is hard top wing and down force. The previous Spyder was not the same as its GT4 , less HP , different suspension . The old Spyder sounds better because of the new particulate filter all new Porsches have. I love our 718 Spyder .
I’ll take either one but I’m #2 on the list for a GTS 4.0 now. Hopefully I’ll get lucky.
I'll take the 981 everyday, even if they were the same price. Would have been fun to also have the 987 Spyder in the mix as well....
Enjoyable and food for thought.....thanks both. :)
981 is the far more visceral experience.
Everyone knows the 981 reigns supreme with the exception for the 718 Spyder RS with that glorious cup car engine
Really great video. Would recommend using a tripod in the next one. Thumbs up.
I’m pretty sure they are using prior generation GT3 engines majorly de tuned
No they don't, they are heavily revised base 911 engines. The 718 gt4/spyder RS got the gt3 engine but the non-RS variants didn't
The 981 spyder is NOT the same suspension and engine as the 981 GT4. The 981 spyder is NOT a product of the GT department of Porsche, where the 982 is! That's a huge difference in handling performance and driving dynamic.
982?
@@RacksonRacksonRibss the current generation of the 718 is called the 982.
“The Porsche 982 is the internal designation of the fourth generation Boxster/Cayman (third generation Cayman) made by German automobile manufacturer Porsche.” It debuted in 2016.
I dont believe that the new car is 180 pounds more. There must have been a change in measuring method.
Exactly. Not that 99% of owners can tell the difference. But pedigree will matter in values in 20 years time
It is the exact same engine as the 981 GT4 engine...just with about 5 or so less BHP.
leaning on a manual's shifter can wear out its synchronizers
Both absolutely brilliant cars but the Hood is a real Faff..
981 Spyder 0-60 time is 4.3 sec, not 4.5 sec. The slower 4.5 sec time is for 0-100 kph..
The video is full of mistakes. People should not pay any attention to this video.
Seems to be some vaguely misleading specs given… I have had the pleasure of owning both, and nothing stated in this review is wrong, just mildly inaccurate…
Either get the 987.2 for a raw, lightweight analog special, or a 718 for the first true Porsche motorsports GT boxster.
I believe time will be more kind to the original 987.2 and 718, while the 918 will be stuck in between.
What a load of bullocks
718Spyder is boring
I don't like a a liter clutch.