Amazing Handling Performance

The sound is amazing, but what impressed me even more was the handling.

I’ve experienced both PASM and sports chassis on the 981 GTS before, so I expected the Spyder to feel similar to the GTS sports chassis.

However, that expectation was completely wrong. Honestly, the handling feel was astonishingly good. I even found myself telling my passenger during the test drive, “This might be the most natural-feeling handling car I’ve ever driven!”

The 718 Spyder’s chassis and handling are incredible, but the 981 Spyder feels more supple yet with very quick gain in grip and a very high front-end contact feel. I think the 718 probably has a higher limit performance, but the driving feel that pleased me more was the naturalness of the 981 Spyder.

It’s hard to describe, but broadly speaking, among the contemporaries 991 and 981, 992 and 718, the 911s tend to have sharper front-end turn-in, while the Boxster/Cayman models have a beneficial ‘looseness’ and suspension flex.

The 911 steers sharply with the front biting and the rear pivoting quickly, while the Boxster/Cayman initially delays a bit before the car’s path draws a clean circle like a compass.

That’s the general characteristic, but the 981 Spyder leans more toward the 911-like behavior. It feels sharper and quicker to respond at the front than any 981 or 718 I’ve driven before.

This movement is close to the 991 Carrera S Cabriolet, about 10% sharper than the 981 GTS sports chassis.

So it’s very pleasant and rhythmic to carve through corners. Of course, everyone has their own driving ‘rhythm,’ so it may not suit everyone, but at least it perfectly matched my driving rhythm.

Also, the steering and overall body feedback are rich with information. In the brief moment of light roll before cornering, you can clearly feel how the load is distributed.

Because of this, you can confidently give the Spyder instructions with throttle and steering, and even on your first drive, it feels like a longtime partner that understands the driver’s intent.

If I were to point out the handling feel difference between the 718 and 981 Spyders, this is the biggest one.

The 981 delivers more feedback through the steering, while the 718 can feel somewhat cyborg-like to some.

Handing the car over to a friend to drive from the passenger seat reveals some negatives. When powering through tight uphill corners, the rear grip can feel a bit overwhelmed by power and G-forces, causing slight unsettledness. The 718 seems improved here, with stronger rear grip.

Still, it’s a joy to drive. It appeals strongly to the driver’s senses, drawing them deeper into the car.

There are many cars faster, more luxurious, cooler, and with higher status than this 981 Spyder, but it clearly shows that fun doesn’t always correlate with those factors.

Ride Comfort

Regarding ride comfort, it’s not bad at all. It’s firm, but not so harsh that it’s unbearable or painful for city driving. Compared to the GT3, there’s less low-speed jitter, and the 981 retains a certain smoothness unique to it.

Compared to the 718 Spyder, the 981 feels a bit firmer. I think many would find the 718 more comfortable.

Which Spyder to Buy: 718 or 981?

Many people might be wondering whether to buy the 718 Spyder or the 981 Spyder. If I were to advise,

• You love the cool looks and design of the 718 Spyder.
• You don’t care much about the car’s sound or prefer a deeper tone.
• You prioritize speed and power performance.

I’d recommend the 718 Spyder.

On the other hand, if you’re more suited to the 981, you probably:

• Value driving enjoyment over outright performance (though this depends on personal taste).
• Care deeply about sound and prefer a higher-pitched tone.
• Prefer a slightly firmer ride over comfort.

By the way, although prices for the 981 Spyder have dropped somewhat from before, I doubt they will fall much further. The reasons are that it’s the last naturally aspirated engine before current noise regulations, far rarer in circulation than the 718 Spyder, and mostly left-hand manual, which may lead to future overseas exports.

For my kind of hard touring use, an electric soft top is essential, so unfortunately it’s off my list, but if you’re aiming for a 981 Spyder, I personally highly recommend it.

The 981 Boxster Spyder will surely be called a classic someday.