981 Boxster GTS/Spyder Question
07-29-2020, 12:49 AM
#16
Rennlist Member
no knock on the spyders but
today in my 981 bgts non -dd i had the roof up and down like 5 times dodging some tstorms on 2 hour jaunt to mtk. so it does come in handy lol.
the diff in sound with top down is addicting.
today in my 981 bgts non -dd i had the roof up and down like 5 times dodging some tstorms on 2 hour jaunt to mtk. so it does come in handy lol.
the diff in sound with top down is addicting.
07-29-2020, 01:13 AM
#17
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
So much to consider!
07-29-2020, 01:21 AM
#18
Rennlist Member
981 spyder is the better drive
it’s a great car.
porsche nailed that one
my favorite of the post 997 gt cars
would still have mine if i didn’t burn so easily....
it’s a great car.
porsche nailed that one
my favorite of the post 997 gt cars
would still have mine if i didn’t burn so easily....
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pdds (08-03-2020)
07-29-2020, 01:41 AM
#19
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
07-29-2020, 02:29 AM
#20
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07-29-2020, 10:29 AM
#21
Traded it in for a 2016 Boxster Spyder, 6MT, guards red/black interior, as a bonus the CarGraphics headers fit both 3.4L (BGTS) and 3.8L (Spyder) engines. Sweeter ride; love it more.....
Thoughts, in no particular order.....
Traded for the Spyder because of color (a bright red convertible??? c'mon, man!), seats (GTS had 4 way; Spyder has 18-way), engine upgrade, and styling (the humps, man!).
The Spyder has a firmer ride (duh!) than GTS. Even with GTS set in "sport plus" mode, the Spyder is still firmer. Which means that the GTS is a better highway cruiser/weekend getwawy car but the Spyder is more fun on the twisties around where I live.
The engine makes a difference (again, duh!). The 3.8 has more low end power and torque. Has more of a "whoa! this puppy could get away from me if I don't watch it" vibe than the 3.4 (to me, this is a "good thing"). I'd love to test drive a 718 with the 4.0 and see what I think. I remember test driving a 718 S and how the torque curve felt so different than my 981.
The top: Have to admit, I do miss the convenience of a one-button top. However, I do think the Spyder top looks better up as compared to the GTS. Also, the thing that bugs me about Boxsters (and 911 Cabrios for that matter) is the way the top is still visible when it's down. I like that the Spyder hides it all under the humps (the humps, man.... the HUMPS!). Spyder top is single ply; GTS top has multiple layers. So Spyder with top up lets you hear more engine/exhaust sound while GTS would be better if you want to do a long, multi-day road trip.
The sound. When I test drove the GTS, the thing that sold me on it was the sound. With PSE engaged and the engine screaming as it nears red-line, the sound is intoxicating. Paying north of $100K for a car that you're going to have to pay another $5-10K to redo the exhaust to get rid of the <expletive deleted> "particulate filters" so you can have the sound isn't something I'd willingly sign up for. Swapping the cats makes it even more magical. (Background: I got the CarGraphics headers used from a fellow Rennlister for about 1/2 retail; IDK if I'd pony up for full retail on them. Nothing wrong with them, just the MSRP is pretty high.)
Obviously, highly individualized decision. For me with things like this, it helps to write down what's important to you, prioritize that list, then go shopping, If I can find a car (or even better car(s)) with all or most of what's on my list, then I let emotion take over. When I get a smile that won't go away, I know I've found it.
Good luck!
07-29-2020, 12:01 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I had a 2015 BGTS, 6MT, PASM, dark blue metallic/black interior, replaced cats with CarGraphic street headers, o/w stock. Sweet ride; loved it.
Traded it in for a 2016 Boxster Spyder, 6MT, guards red/black interior, as a bonus the CarGraphics headers fit both 3.4L (BGTS) and 3.8L (Spyder) engines. Sweeter ride; love it more.....
Thoughts, in no particular order.....
Traded for the Spyder because of color (a bright red convertible??? c'mon, man!), seats (GTS had 4 way; Spyder has 18-way), engine upgrade, and styling (the humps, man!).
The Spyder has a firmer ride (duh!) than GTS. Even with GTS set in "sport plus" mode, the Spyder is still firmer. Which means that the GTS is a better highway cruiser/weekend getwawy car but the Spyder is more fun on the twisties around where I live.
The engine makes a difference (again, duh!). The 3.8 has more low end power and torque. Has more of a "whoa! this puppy could get away from me if I don't watch it" vibe than the 3.4 (to me, this is a "good thing"). I'd love to test drive a 718 with the 4.0 and see what I think. I remember test driving a 718 S and how the torque curve felt so different than my 981.
The top: Have to admit, I do miss the convenience of a one-button top. However, I do think the Spyder top looks better up as compared to the GTS. Also, the thing that bugs me about Boxsters (and 911 Cabrios for that matter) is the way the top is still visible when it's down. I like that the Spyder hides it all under the humps (the humps, man.... the HUMPS!). Spyder top is single ply; GTS top has multiple layers. So Spyder with top up lets you hear more engine/exhaust sound while GTS would be better if you want to do a long, multi-day road trip.
The sound. When I test drove the GTS, the thing that sold me on it was the sound. With PSE engaged and the engine screaming as it nears red-line, the sound is intoxicating. Paying north of $100K for a car that you're going to have to pay another $5-10K to redo the exhaust to get rid of the <expletive deleted> "particulate filters" so you can have the sound isn't something I'd willingly sign up for. Swapping the cats makes it even more magical. (Background: I got the CarGraphics headers used from a fellow Rennlister for about 1/2 retail; IDK if I'd pony up for full retail on them. Nothing wrong with them, just the MSRP is pretty high.)
Obviously, highly individualized decision. For me with things like this, it helps to write down what's important to you, prioritize that list, then go shopping, If I can find a car (or even better car(s)) with all or most of what's on my list, then I let emotion take over. When I get a smile that won't go away, I know I've found it.
Good luck!
Traded it in for a 2016 Boxster Spyder, 6MT, guards red/black interior, as a bonus the CarGraphics headers fit both 3.4L (BGTS) and 3.8L (Spyder) engines. Sweeter ride; love it more.....
Thoughts, in no particular order.....
Traded for the Spyder because of color (a bright red convertible??? c'mon, man!), seats (GTS had 4 way; Spyder has 18-way), engine upgrade, and styling (the humps, man!).
The Spyder has a firmer ride (duh!) than GTS. Even with GTS set in "sport plus" mode, the Spyder is still firmer. Which means that the GTS is a better highway cruiser/weekend getwawy car but the Spyder is more fun on the twisties around where I live.
The engine makes a difference (again, duh!). The 3.8 has more low end power and torque. Has more of a "whoa! this puppy could get away from me if I don't watch it" vibe than the 3.4 (to me, this is a "good thing"). I'd love to test drive a 718 with the 4.0 and see what I think. I remember test driving a 718 S and how the torque curve felt so different than my 981.
The top: Have to admit, I do miss the convenience of a one-button top. However, I do think the Spyder top looks better up as compared to the GTS. Also, the thing that bugs me about Boxsters (and 911 Cabrios for that matter) is the way the top is still visible when it's down. I like that the Spyder hides it all under the humps (the humps, man.... the HUMPS!). Spyder top is single ply; GTS top has multiple layers. So Spyder with top up lets you hear more engine/exhaust sound while GTS would be better if you want to do a long, multi-day road trip.
The sound. When I test drove the GTS, the thing that sold me on it was the sound. With PSE engaged and the engine screaming as it nears red-line, the sound is intoxicating. Paying north of $100K for a car that you're going to have to pay another $5-10K to redo the exhaust to get rid of the <expletive deleted> "particulate filters" so you can have the sound isn't something I'd willingly sign up for. Swapping the cats makes it even more magical. (Background: I got the CarGraphics headers used from a fellow Rennlister for about 1/2 retail; IDK if I'd pony up for full retail on them. Nothing wrong with them, just the MSRP is pretty high.)
Obviously, highly individualized decision. For me with things like this, it helps to write down what's important to you, prioritize that list, then go shopping, If I can find a car (or even better car(s)) with all or most of what's on my list, then I let emotion take over. When I get a smile that won't go away, I know I've found it.
Good luck!
Your comments about the top are pretty important to me. We travel quite often from WA state to AZ to our place down there and from that perspective the GTS quieter and easier-to-use top would be a big advantage. So maybe the GTS is the best combo of a fun/twisties car and roadie car?
Also, concerning the suspension on the GTS vs Spyder: I found the x73 suspension on the GTS cars I’ve driven to be awesome—wouldn’t want it stiffer or softer. Is the Spyder suspension stiffer than the x73?
Your comments now make me lean more towards the GTS! I really need to drive the Spyder to compare.
07-29-2020, 12:45 PM
#23
This is just the perspective I’m looking for—thank you!
Your comments about the top are pretty important to me. We travel quite often from WA state to AZ to our place down there and from that perspective the GTS quieter and easier-to-use top would be a big advantage. So maybe the GTS is the best combo of a fun/twisties car and roadie car?
Also, concerning the suspension on the GTS vs Spyder: I found the x73 suspension on the GTS cars I’ve driven to be awesome—wouldn’t want it stiffer or softer. Is the Spyder suspension stiffer than the x73?
Your comments now make me lean more towards the GTS! I really need to drive the Spyder to compare.
Your comments about the top are pretty important to me. We travel quite often from WA state to AZ to our place down there and from that perspective the GTS quieter and easier-to-use top would be a big advantage. So maybe the GTS is the best combo of a fun/twisties car and roadie car?
Also, concerning the suspension on the GTS vs Spyder: I found the x73 suspension on the GTS cars I’ve driven to be awesome—wouldn’t want it stiffer or softer. Is the Spyder suspension stiffer than the x73?
Your comments now make me lean more towards the GTS! I really need to drive the Spyder to compare.
Rennlist being what it is, someone will correct me on this if I'm wrong but I believe the X73 suspension is standard on the 981 Spyder and indeed, PASM isn't even an option for it. Don't know if this holds for 718 cars.
If I were looking at doing 1500 mile road trips twice or more a year (that's about right for Seattle to Phoenix, isn't it?), I'd look more at the GTS than the Spyder. PASM with sport plus engaged is no slouch and you can have plenty of fun on a twisty road. PASM in normal mode is going to be a lot easier on the derriere on a long road trip than X73 would be. As you mention, the multi-ply roof of the GTS is also more audibly comfortable than the Spyder roof on a long road trip. Again, don't know that single-ply/mulit-ply top holds for 718 cars.
Honestly, if I were thinking about a convertible for a long road trip, I'd take a look at the Lexus LC500. Granted, it's probably nowhere near as fun on a twisty road as a Spyder but it looks like a pretty sweet ride!
Mix up a white Russian for me, will ya... DUDE! ;-)
07-29-2020, 01:01 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
You're welcome.
Rennlist being what it is, someone will correct me on this if I'm wrong but I believe the X73 suspension is standard on the 981 Spyder and indeed, PASM isn't even an option for it. Don't know if this holds for 718 cars.
If I were looking at doing 1500 mile road trips twice or more a year (that's about right for Seattle to Phoenix, isn't it?), I'd look more at the GTS than the Spyder. PASM with sport plus engaged is no slouch and you can have plenty of fun on a twisty road. PASM in normal mode is going to be a lot easier on the derriere on a long road trip than X73 would be. As you mention, the multi-ply roof of the GTS is also more audibly comfortable than the Spyder roof on a long road trip. Again, don't know that single-ply/mulit-ply top holds for 718 cars.
Honestly, if I were thinking about a convertible for a long road trip, I'd take a look at the Lexus LC500. Granted, it's probably nowhere near as fun on a twisty road as a Spyder but it looks like a pretty sweet ride!
Mix up a white Russian for me, will ya... DUDE! ;-)
Rennlist being what it is, someone will correct me on this if I'm wrong but I believe the X73 suspension is standard on the 981 Spyder and indeed, PASM isn't even an option for it. Don't know if this holds for 718 cars.
If I were looking at doing 1500 mile road trips twice or more a year (that's about right for Seattle to Phoenix, isn't it?), I'd look more at the GTS than the Spyder. PASM with sport plus engaged is no slouch and you can have plenty of fun on a twisty road. PASM in normal mode is going to be a lot easier on the derriere on a long road trip than X73 would be. As you mention, the multi-ply roof of the GTS is also more audibly comfortable than the Spyder roof on a long road trip. Again, don't know that single-ply/mulit-ply top holds for 718 cars.
Honestly, if I were thinking about a convertible for a long road trip, I'd take a look at the Lexus LC500. Granted, it's probably nowhere near as fun on a twisty road as a Spyder but it looks like a pretty sweet ride!
Mix up a white Russian for me, will ya... DUDE! ;-)
Funny you mention the LC500, I did take a look at those. Just sounded like a heavier car and no MT so I crossed that one off my list.
May be leaning more towards the GTS now!
White Russian coming up! : )
07-29-2020, 02:23 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
Billy’s summary was a great read. Always enlightening to read from an owner of both models.
One comment to add on X73. It is firmer than PASM GTS and rides 10mm lower. Between the 981 GTS and Spyder, both with X73, I recall that the shock valving on the Spyder is slightly different due to the difference in weight distribution but are otherwise the same. I thought I read the anti roll bars may be thicker too but I need to look up part numbers to confirm that. In any case, ride quality should be nearly identical.
I think X73 rides quite good, especially for the performance and the -20mm ride height looks perfect on these cars. However, I agree with the earlier comments that a PASM GTS will be a more comfortable ride and makes for a more relaxed highway cruiser.
Both cars are great and you’ll be happy with either. Good luck.
One comment to add on X73. It is firmer than PASM GTS and rides 10mm lower. Between the 981 GTS and Spyder, both with X73, I recall that the shock valving on the Spyder is slightly different due to the difference in weight distribution but are otherwise the same. I thought I read the anti roll bars may be thicker too but I need to look up part numbers to confirm that. In any case, ride quality should be nearly identical.
I think X73 rides quite good, especially for the performance and the -20mm ride height looks perfect on these cars. However, I agree with the earlier comments that a PASM GTS will be a more comfortable ride and makes for a more relaxed highway cruiser.
Both cars are great and you’ll be happy with either. Good luck.
07-29-2020, 03:00 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Billy’s summary was a great read. Always enlightening to read from an owner of both models.
One comment to add on X73. It is firmer than PASM GTS and rides 10mm lower. Between the 981 GTS and Spyder, both with X73, I recall that the shock valving on the Spyder is slightly different due to the difference in weight distribution but are otherwise the same. I thought I read the anti roll bars may be thicker too but I need to look up part numbers to confirm that. In any case, ride quality should be nearly identical.
I think X73 rides quite good, especially for the performance and the -20mm ride height looks perfect on these cars. However, I agree with the earlier comments that a PASM GTS will be a more comfortable ride and makes for a more relaxed highway cruiser.
Both cars are great and you’ll be happy with either. Good luck.
One comment to add on X73. It is firmer than PASM GTS and rides 10mm lower. Between the 981 GTS and Spyder, both with X73, I recall that the shock valving on the Spyder is slightly different due to the difference in weight distribution but are otherwise the same. I thought I read the anti roll bars may be thicker too but I need to look up part numbers to confirm that. In any case, ride quality should be nearly identical.
I think X73 rides quite good, especially for the performance and the -20mm ride height looks perfect on these cars. However, I agree with the earlier comments that a PASM GTS will be a more comfortable ride and makes for a more relaxed highway cruiser.
Both cars are great and you’ll be happy with either. Good luck.
-MT
-X73 suspension
-Full leather
-either 14 way or 18 way seats
-heated seats (plenty of cold, non-rain days where I live!)
-color other than black (really hard to keep clean/looking nice) or Agate Grey (just not a "sports car" color)
-satin black wheels
07-29-2020, 03:07 PM
#27
Instructor
After owning manual pcars for 10 years, ordered 2015 BGTS with PDK, its a superior transmission. The 3.4 has a higher pitched wail than the 3.8 or 4.0, really wicked with race headers, Considering a Spyder now that PDK is available but might rather have a GTS 4.0 due to more interior options plus I prefer to press a button to operate the top.
07-29-2020, 03:12 PM
#28
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
After owning manual pcars for 10 years, ordered 2015 BGTS with PDK, its a superior transmission. The 3.4 has a higher pitched wail than the 3.8 or 4.0, really wicked with race headers, Considering a Spyder now that PDK is available but might rather have a GTS 4.0 due to more interior options plus I prefer to press a button to operate the top.
Unfortunately, I only had a mere 9 months on my 987.1 Cayman S (my first Pcar) with a MT and so I'm wanting for more. Maybe after driving a MT for a few years I'll be ready to make the switch to the PDK--certainly a lot of them to choose from!
The new GTS 4.0s look like they are going to be great cars for sure and that easier to operate top is certainly a nice thing to have, very convenient.
07-29-2020, 04:32 PM
#29
One more thing.....
Scored *major* points with GF when I pointed out the fire extinguisher at the front of the passenger seat in the Spyder and told her I had that put in because...... she's so HOT! :-)
Scored *major* points with GF when I pointed out the fire extinguisher at the front of the passenger seat in the Spyder and told her I had that put in because...... she's so HOT! :-)
07-29-2020, 04:46 PM
#30
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
My old Cayman S also had a fire extinguisher but only on the driver's seat, so I couldn't use that line with my wife--wrong side of the car! Food for thought, tho...