From the 981 to the 718

The other day, I was talking with a Porsche owner.

He had been driving a 981 Boxster Black Edition (PDK) until recently, but just switched to a 718 Spyder (MT).

When deciding to switch from the 981 Boxster to the 718 Spyder, he struggled with various thoughts, but

• He wanted to try driving a manual Porsche
• He was drawn to the cool design of the 718
• The 718 Spyder is equipped with a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine

So, after several test drives, he decided to make the switch.

A few months later, when I had the chance to catch up, I asked, “How do you like the 718 Spyder?” and he said this:

When I first drove the 718 Spyder, I felt it was completely different from the 981. The 981 is supple, but the 718 is very solid.
The handling has improved significantly, and I thought, “This is evolution at its finest.” I also love the cool design, so I’m glad I bought it.

Then he added, “But…”

Honestly, I think I preferred the engine sound and feel of the 981.
The 718 Spyder’s engine is very loud at startup and idle, but once you start driving, it suddenly becomes quiet. Then, when you exceed 4,000 rpm, the valves open and the sound gets louder.
It’s not a smooth, natural crescendo of engine sound like the 981; the tone is completely different. Now, I find myself thinking, “I want to hear that 981 engine sound again.” (laughs)
Also, I’m debating whether to install a valve controller, but while it passes inspections with it installed, you have to remove it to extend the certified warranty (though this may vary by dealer), so that’s a bit of a hassle…

He also mentioned that because the 718 Spyder has less sound insulation, when it’s quiet and you can’t hear the exhaust, you constantly hear small stones hitting the car and mechanical noises.

He had known and understood these points before buying, but he said there are many things you only realize once you actually own the car.

718 Spyder + 981, 991.1?

Regarding the engine sound, although he often finds himself nostalgic for the 981, he said this:

I have absolutely no regrets about switching. The driving and performance of the 718 Spyder are fantastic, the design is cool, and I’m happy I chose bucket seats.
At the same time, buying the 718 made me appreciate the living, breathing feel, engine sound, and character of the 981 even more.
Knowing both, I’ve come to understand the unique appeal of each. So I’m glad I bought it.

That said, he’s now considering adding a 981 Boxster or a 991.1 early model 911 to his garage, even while owning the 718 Spyder (laughs).

However, for base grade 981s, it’s almost impossible to find one with the three options he values most: PASM, Sport Chrono, and Sport Exhaust. And even when he finds a 991.1 early model he likes, the listing often disappears right after he’s notified, or when he calls, he’s told it’s “already under negotiation” and it sells immediately.

People must be really busy with work, but their response times are incredibly fast… lol

Which car suits you and what you want from a car can only really be understood by owning it.

You can’t see everything from just a test drive; it’s only by driving the car in your daily life that you truly get a feel for it.

And even if, like this owner, you have mixed feelings after switching, that doesn’t mean you made a mistake—it helps you choose your next car better and leads you to a car you’ll be even more satisfied with.

Actually, my husband often gets asked for Porsche buying advice these days, and at first he would say things like:

“Ah, that option was essential—I should have added it.” “I added this, but it wasn’t necessary.” “Seats are super important! Next time I’ll go with these!”

Gradually, he’s become clearer about what he really wants.

Wow, cars really are a deep rabbit hole… (laughs)