The other day, I had the chance to borrow a base model 718 Cayman as a loaner. And just about a month ago, I also happened to drive a base model 981 Cayman.

This time, rather than a test drive report or review, I want to focus on the characteristics I feel these two 98x-series cars have, and what exactly sets them apart.

The 718 and 981 Caymans

To be precise, 718 is the model name, but the development code for the 718 is actually 982. So, it’s more accurate to refer to them as 981 and 982.

The 981 was introduced in 2012, and the 718 (982) came out in 2016, so you can think of it as a major facelift. While the basic exterior and interior shapes are carried over, there are differences in details — for example, the design of the rear tail lamps and the shape of the air conditioning vents inside differ noticeably.

The biggest difference, however, lies in the engine. Comparing the base models, the 981 has a 2.7L naturally aspirated 6-cylinder, while the 718 uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, so you can think of them as fundamentally different in character.

Other major changes include the suspension and chassis, such as the addition of a rear transverse strut, larger diameter pistons and cylinder tubes in the shock absorbers, and changes to the steering ratio, among many other updates.

Impressions of Driving the 981 and 718

First, let me clarify this is just my personal impression, but if I had to sum it up in one word, the 981 feels “supple,” while the 718 feels “rigid.”

Characteristics of the 981

Let’s start with the 981. When I say “supple,” it might sound like the 981 is weak or fragile, but that’s a misunderstanding. Here, “supple” refers to the engine’s lightness, the suspension’s smoothness, and the handling’s fluidity.

The 2.7L naturally aspirated 6-cylinder boxer engine really spins up lightly. This feeling is completely different from the 718. From low revs, the tachometer needle rises smoothly and lightly, continuing through mid and high rev ranges.

The engine sound also rises in pitch and quality in proportion to speed and engine load, giving the driver an incredibly pleasant sensation.

Even without the sport exhaust, while it lacks bubbling sounds, it produces a very satisfying tone, reminiscent of the early 991 Carrera.

On the other hand, it’s not very powerful. When you start off in first gear and quickly shift to second, even if you press the accelerator hard, don’t expect violent acceleration. Of course, it’s much faster than an ordinary car, but compared to the 718, the difference is huge.

In cornering, when you turn the steering wheel, there’s a slight delay before the car rotates smoothly into the turn, so some might feel the response isn’t sharp. However, this actually makes it easier to sense the weight transfer and gives a higher level of control.

So, while advanced drivers might appreciate this, beginners might find it a bit lacking for a sports car.

The charm of the 981 lies in its light-feeling engine, the corresponding sound and tone, and the handling characteristics that match that lightness. The balance of engine, power, sound, and handling is excellent, making it a car with superb overall tuning.

Characteristics of the 718

So, what about the 718? The word “rigid” fits well. From the moment you start the engine, the sound is deep and throaty, with an uneven-length exhaust note that exudes power.

In normal mode, there is noticeable turbo lag, so there’s a slight pause when you want to accelerate quickly, but in sport mode, the idle speed is higher and the turbo is on standby, allowing for relatively smooth acceleration.

Once the turbo kicks in, it’s very fast. Many people will think, “Wow, this is quick!” In terms of speed, the 981 simply can’t compete. To match it, you’d need at least an S model and to push it hard at high revs.

The engine is that powerful. The sound has a V8-like deep bass tone that grows louder with revs, but the quality and pitch don’t change much. It’s like the flat torque curve is directly reflected in the sound, so the balance between torque and sound is well achieved.

And the handling has evolved significantly compared to the 981. First, the rear stability is incredible compared to the 981. When cornering hard, the 981’s rear can feel a bit twitchy, but the 718’s limit is much higher. So, for most drivers pushing it enthusiastically, nothing untoward happens, and it delivers very stable driving.

If you install the 718’s transverse strut on a 981, you can get close to this behavior, but the 718 is still a step ahead. The high-speed stability is also better on the 718, making it easier to push hard with confidence. The steering response is quicker too — I’d say about 10% sharper than the 981.

The 718’s appeal is its cyborg-like high performance. Anyone can drive it fast, and its power and handling are straightforward, impressing most people.

However, gaining these advantages means losing something compared to the 981: the sensory feel.

While the engine has torque and power, you can sometimes feel a notchiness or torque dip caused by turbo lag depending on how you operate the accelerator.

Also, compared to the 981, the engine’s lightness, the build-up of sound, and the sensuality are honestly a bit lacking.

Who Are the 981 and 718 Suited For?

Based on my experience, here’s who I think each model suits best. You don’t have to match all points, but the more you do, the more satisfied you’ll be after purchase.

Who the 981 Suits

• People who enjoy manual gear operation and revving the engine hard
• Those interested in classic Porsches
• Fans of high-pitched, well-textured engine sounds
• Those who prefer winding roads over circuits
• People who find joy in the car’s feel and their own driving input
• Those who believe driving enjoyment comes from their own experience behind the wheel

Who the 718 Suits

• People who prefer letting the car handle gear changes and enjoy driving in low to mid rev ranges
• Fans of the latest Porsche models
• Those who like deep, throaty engine sounds
• Circuit enthusiasts rather than winding road lovers
• People who find speed and power the main source of driving pleasure
• Those who prioritize car design and modernity

Of course, design preference is a big factor beyond this, so consider that separately. Excluding looks, these points are key.

Currently, both the 718 and 981 are soaring in the used car market, reaching price ranges that are almost out of reach, as you probably know. However, the reasons for their price increases differ greatly.

The main reason the 718 is rising in value is due to supply shortages caused by long new car delivery times.

Meanwhile, the 981’s rise is driven by its 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, which predates noise regulations, and by expectations of future value appreciation. This is true worldwide in the used market, so it’s likely accurate.

If you’re thinking of buying a 981 or 718, consider this information carefully and find the Cayman that best fits your style and preferences. I hope this article helps you in that process.