Spyder RS v GTS 4.0 - Why the last petrol-powered Porsche Boxster ISN'T the best
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- The Spyder RS is the first Porsche Boxster to receive the full RS treatment. It's also the first Boxster to be fitted with a Porsche Motorsport engine, namely the 500hp flat-six from the 911 GT3. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best...
As the Boxster prepares to ditch internal combustion for a fully electric powertrain, we compare the brand new Spyder RS with the much more affordable GTS 4.0. What are you really getting for your extra £50,000? On some of the best roads in South Wales, The Intercooler co-founders Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel compare both cars and answer that very question.
Read our Spyder RS v GTS 4.0 comparison test - www.the-intercooler.com/libra...
0:00 Introduction
0:35 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
3:32 Porsche 718 Spyder RS
10:03 Conclusion
#porsche #porscheboxster #sportscars
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Once I heard that GT4 and Spyder could no longer be ordered, I knew the time to buy a GTS 4.0 was now, so I did just that and got myself a Boxster GTS 4.0 two weeks ago, before this already endangered mid-engine, naturally aspirated, manual transmission, roadster formula goes completely extinct. I've been driving around in temperatures well below freezing with the top down and been having the most blissful time. There is such a thing as "just right" and I feel this Boxster GTS 4.0 got the recipe "just right".
+1. .. Agreed. .. No sense of fooling around. .. This EV thing is messing with Porsche AG's head. .. You got it... march down to the local dealership and place yer Boxster GTS 4.0 bet. .. Done & done. .. I like it.
P.S., Meine Frau has a '16 Cayman GTS (981), and myself a '98 Carrera S (993) both from new. ..
There's no such thing as to old a Porsche. ..
Cheers, Vail, Colorado
Ordered mine in late March last year, just couple of days before discontinuation of GT4/Spyder was announced, but didn’t consider them tbh as I plan to daily it in the warmer months. At first I had the Nov allocation, but it got cancelled and I was afraid that it won’t get produced at all, but eventually it did, the process finished yesterday, so probably I’ll pick it up in 2-3 weeks, can’t wait for that, the break-in period will be a real torture. I went for the PDK tho.
I’ve owned every iteration of the Boxster from the original 2.5 986, a 3.2 987s, a 3.4 987s, a 981s and currently a 718 Spyder. I have zero interest in an electric Boxster, so I guess my 718 Spyder is the last I’ll buy!
+1. .. Ditto. .. Zero electric Porsche cars for my wife and I. .. We're a 993 Carrera S and 981 Cayman GTS family for better or worse. .. Zero interest in EV's. .. Hey its cold in the Colorado mountains..........
@@michaelschneider-porsche, of all manufacturers, is perhaps ditching I.c.e. powered cars too early... it's a purists brand that catered to the experience of driving and their engines have always been iconic.
Adding the weight of batteries destroys the nimbleness of a porsche and the electric motor will feel like any other car.
Most people uninterested in cars will switch to evs if forced, but porsche sells to drivers, and drivers won't switch to evs so easily.
I have had, a 986 S, 987 S, 981 GTS and now a 718 GTS 4.0. Thanks you, No electric Porsche for me.
Nobody will buy an EV 718. The F4 barely sold. It's all about emotions and exhaust music.
Why not compare the Spyder RS to the Spyder?
My conclusion to this test is - there is a Porsche for everyone. It’s not about wrong or right, it’s about personal flavour….. nice video
Good perspective @mortenberg2897 .
I have the 4RS. You dont buy one of these things uninformed. I love it!! Even compared to my 3 Gt3s have owned in the past. Its simply epic.
I have a Cayman GTS 4.0. I love it. I do 75% street driving and 25% track. I’m interested in the GT4 RS. Would I be dumb to entertain it since I drive on city streets? Is your RS livable or really just for track driving?
So disappointed you all didn't mention the 981 Spyder because I think it's the sweet spot between all of them and you almost can't get one now.
I’ve got a 981s boxster and I’ll never sell it, love the sound
What year is your Boxster S and have you had any issues? DRS Real Estate Investments
I had one for 7 years, it's a magnificent piece of engineering. I added a Cobb tune and Soul exhaust, what a car!
Great cars. Rock solid and glorious driving experience
Sounds better than the 4.0, front also looks better
Don’t forget the looks of the Spyder RS-GORGEOUS!
On god that car be looking lit 🔥
Great review...you are nailing what petrolheads are looking for! Having owned 5 911's, incl. Turbo S cab, the BGTS 4.0 is sublime. Versus a 992 GTS cab the BGTS is a better sports car; more fun, handles/rotates better, N/A engine, perfect power and size for threading down UK B roads, an analogue interior, & looks better. Snap one up while you still can.
spot on here. While I love the look, speed, and refinement of the 992 for a daily, something is missing from modern porsches as weekenders. Wasn't impressed with the turbo s when I test drove it. Ended up staying with my MC20 as it was a lot more raw and felt quicker and faster, even tho on paper, the turbo s is faster. Even my 991.2 gts manual was too refined for my taste so it's nice to see that some porsche models are still driver focused like these cars.
Production of my 718BGTS finished today, so I’m obviously biased, but the 992 was a big disappointment for me when I tested it on track during the Porsche Experience event. Don’t get me wrong - it’s an incredibly capable car and this is actually its problem - it’s just too good, everything is too easy, you feel like the car is doing everything for you, it lacks fun. On the other hand BGTS is all about fun and excitement, at any speed.
When I came to that event I was afraid that first experience with 911 will make me regret that I ordered 718 and in the end force me to change the order, but actually it was totally opposite - BGTS is the exact answer to what I was looking for and non-GT 992s simply are not, they’re pretty damn far from that.
@@vvarioPL +1. .. Well said, the post air cooled 911's are Grand Touring cars. .. Not mocking the Grand Touring metamorphosis, however, the Boxster/Cayman twins have it all over the crop of 911. IMHO. ..
Full Disclosure: In the garage.
'98 Carrera S (993) from new.
'16 Cayman GTS (981) from new.
Spot on, the 992 just looks and feels big - more a grand tourer than a sports car.
Yeah I really struggle to see past the 718 unless you're into the top end 911
This is an unpopular opinion, but I agree with Dan regarding the sound of the RS.
There is no denying that it sounds exciting, but I am not a fan of the dry raspy intake sound.
The reason why I think the modern ITB engines don't have that guttural sound as they used to is because of direct injection.
On port injection engines or carbureted engines, you get the air and fuel mixing together before enter the intake valves, so what you hear is a wet mixture which gives a deep sonorous intake noise.
For this exact reason on older cars that run on weber carbs you can always hear if your engine is running too lean, because the intake sound will start to sound more tinny and raspy. And for those of us who have been used to driving old cars, hearing a raspy intake noise will make us nervous!
With direct injection, the fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber, so all you hear is air, dry air. The impactful fuel-air mixture sound is gone. To someone who is used to driving old cars, when I first drove the 4RS, I kept thinking the engine was running too lean, lol. Now I am not sure during the high RPMS is the engine's secondary set of injectors are being used in combination with the DI injectors, because I am certain the sound becomes deeper and more sonorous at the high rpm range.
Having said that, at the end of the day, I am sure in 10 years time, we will all look back and say that... damn! the 4RS and Spider RS were truly awesome sounding cars.
That's a fantastic analysis on the induction sound, and couldn't be any more valid. I first noticed this when I heard the GMA T50. Compared to the McLaren F1 (it's spiritual predecessor), it sounds "dry" and "airy", which is really, quite boring to experience. There's just something about those older, less-efficient engines that speak to the soul, especially with their induction sound.
wow - never considered that. thanks
Lucky enough to be able to drive a GTS quite regularly and it's utterly joyous.
Excellent review. Spot on with the GTS review.
I’ve been on a list to order one since 11/23 and now I’m told Porsche is no longer taking Boxster GTS 4.0 orders. One dealer says they’re moving the factory line to build EVs and that’s it, no more GTS builds and another dealer says they’ll resume taking orders in one to two quarters. Anyone else in the same boat?
I picked up an allocation on the last day of 2023, they still exist, but you'd have to be calling every dealership in the country to find one about now.
987 spyder & spyder rs are two best boxster variants, and they happen to have the same quirky roof 😉
The GTS 4.0 is fantastic. Can't wait to get driving again.
Excellent review and very informative comparison. Really like this channel already.
A “regular” Spyder 6MT with aftermarket OAP is the sweet spot for 115-120USD.
I own one. Totally agree.
Which OAPs do you have?
Agree as an owner of 718 Spyder. I have soul OAP’s and open valves. Transformative. And previous car was Ferrari 360 with tubi.
Well optioned and ADM and its more like 150k... ask me how I know. But I agree with you...
Here in the UK an OAP is an Old Age Pensioner, and no-one wants to drive around with one of them! And we can’t legally modify our exhausts like you guys can either…
put cups on the GTS you will get the steering feel the same. P zero are lifeless, I run PS4S on my 4.0 GTS, great cars.
Any discussion must include the DeMann Motorsports 4.0l,, built to a 4.5l 500PS.
@@michaelschneider- not really, it's not been that great imo. seems too slow for the price.
Same for my 4.0 as well. PS4S and a OPF delete is all the mods you need on the car. I mean unless you want to do the deman 4.5 and transmission mod.
@@michaelschneider-not really - heavily modifying a Porsche isn’t exactly a popular or financially viable concept for 99% of buyers.
While it would certainly improve steering feel to be on the same tires, I don't think the SPASM equipped GTS would match the feel of the Spyder RS with its 991.2 GT3 RS front suspension set-up.
Nice comparison Dan. The GTS is a great second car, whereas the Spyder RS is a great fourth or fifth car. Even though it’s not limited, I suspect the Spyder RS is an invitation-only car, you wouldn’t be able to walk into an OPC and order one.
My buddy did exactly this…and had no previous buying history with any Porsche dealer. He has an RS Spyder allocation, but it’s not in the UK that we live ;)
In the UK you’ve about as much chance of getting a RHD Spyder RS as you have a 992 GT3RS. It’s different in other European countries though as they don’t have the same degree of excess demand over supply. In the US they don’t have fixed pricing, so if you’ve got the money, you can have what you want!
The GTS 4.0 is a car you could daily drive. The RS would be impossible to daily drive due to the acrobatics to get the top up or down. I would take the GTS 4.0 with a PDK ( I know - cue the haters! ) and drive it everywhere.
great work chaps!, delighted with your conclusion
I have just taken delivery of a 718 Spyder (2021). Its already under my skin. My first Porsche. Won't be my last...if I sell it!
I bought a base 14 981 cayman. For me it’s best you can get out of these cars for the road. The 2.7 sounds the best, especially with PSE or carnewal mod. And with the X73 package it shines. And the lower torque lets you whine it out on public roads at not go to jail speeds. It’s the perfect car really and I will never get rid of it.
Sounds so much better in person
I had a 981 spyder until recently and no got delivery of a spyder RS - it is a totally different kind of beast ... and the perfect super car for any back road here in the Alps....
love these 2 cars, both sound awesome at any revs, imo.
Really enjoyed the video and looking forward to reading the article. As an owner of 718 manual Spyder and one who has been offered an allocation for a Spyder RS, I wish they had included 718 Spyder in the comparison.
Might be because there’s little difference other than looks between a regular Spyder and the GTS, both in price and performance, whereas there are big differences between the 3 cars they looked at?
Watch Mat Farahs 718 Spyder RS Review. Personally if I was offered an allocation for a Spyder RS I’d turn it down I think and keep my 6 speed Spyder.
@@675daytonariderthat is the way I’m leaning - love 3rd pedal driving and OAP that transforms the sound
@@neilturner6749 just by this comment I can tell you’ve never driven both. The (718) spyder is a full-blown Porsche motorsport car as well (first boxster they did).
If you watch this video, you will see them talk about just how button down the car is compared to the GTS. You will find the spider to be similar as it has things like a full GT3 front end.
981S, Borla exhaust and roof down...all you ever need from a Boxster experience for a fraction of the price of the others.
The Borla exhaust on the 981 is a work of acoustic art! At least that's my experience.
Love the video, may I ask where was this filmed? Thank you
Nice comparo. All the other reviewers marvel at the sound of the RS but I just haven’t been able to agree, at least it wasn’t coming across on a youtube video. Makes me rethink whether it’d be worth going from my 23’ Spyder and paying so much more money just to get an RS if I’m lucky enough to get an allocation.
The 981 GTS (with PTV, SC, PASM and PSE) is a fantastic drivers car, a really sublime blend of power and drivability. The 718 GTS 4L moves the game on small amount, both cars are truly excellent. The 3.4 engine in the 981 GTS is a lovely engine and was used in the 991 911 (base model). I'm lucky enough to own some great cars e.g. 991.2 GT3 RS and still own a 981 GTS because it so much fun and so useable.
I really don't like the sound of the RS as you said a tinny sound like a loose baffle in the muffler,in the gt3 this engine sounds beautiful, creamy smooth ,a joy to the ears😊
Very well done gents. I love that you both are honest in your criticisms and don't just praise the SRS for being the popular, range-topping exclusive. I own a highly modified 987BS and a 981 Cayman GTS both Manuals. I've had considerable seat time in a 718 spyder and IMO that car with a manual is really peak Porsche. My feeling is that the RS exists to exist. It is obviously a purebred GT product, but I'd be hard pressed to sell my soul for one if my budget could only swing a base spyder or GTS. To your point, a 981 GTS (especially with a few mods) is extremely competitive on a backroad, and honeslty the older engine is far more charasmatic even thought it lacks the torque of the 4.0. That being said, my favorite is still my old 987 because of the analog feel and 300hp is usually fast enoguh for most B roads.
Pdk is by far the best transmission on earth.
First time viewer. Love this guy Andrew. Who is he? And yes I subscribed
Great video
Pretty simple, one is a daily, the other is a weekend car.
The RS is an amazing car, I’d love one but cannot afford one however I like the words Andrew used in his summary, 'with these cars it's about the feeling and the occasion'
Nice to bring in the 981 GTS as a wild card but personally I’d bring in the 987.2 Spyder into the mix to challenge how far 'the feeling and the occasion' has progressed from the first to the last ICE Spyder
Porsche stopping putting a combustion engine in its sports cars is like having a digital Rolex, you lose everything that makes it great.
I wonder if the complaints of rigidity would have been eliminated with the optional X-73 suspension in the 981 GTS? Also there are options in the software via PIWIS and in addition to the GT3 steering program the GT2 RS program seems to be highly recommended. I have the same vintage and color 981 BGTS (manual) as sampled and I feel the same about it as Charlton Heston felt about his guns.
Well, they disagree in the appreciation of the RS, and I disagree with them 😂. I had a 718 Spyder for almost 3 years and the engine, compared to the GT3, is super weak in power, and torque and does not have a good Porsche sound note, I had two different exhausts (Soul and then Kline with no particulate filter etc but it doesn’t sound like the 981, and nothing to say compared to the gt3 engine..Having a 992 Gt3 I compared them back to back during these years.
Compare it to a regular Boxster shape (I hate the bubble roof it makes look awful) with an electronic roof, it is an apple to oranges, GTS is a great daily car with some track capabilities, and Spyder RS is an event drive in a nice weather day, is beautiful, good sound, and ready to be hammered, but not a daily in any circumstances. Spyder RS is a two or third car garage that you enjoy some days, the GTS is like all regular roadster/cabriolet that you can use for all duties without the drama of the RS, but still having a great handling and NA engine.
I've had a Cobb tuned 982 Spyder for 3+ years and I've driven a tuned 991 GT3 and in no way would I say the Spyder was "super weak".
The exhaust note otoh, that may be the "super weak" you're thinking of.
Can you do a video on how the 981 GTS vs 718 GTS 4.0 compare?
rubbish lol they touched on the EPS on the 981 but it's dire. and the 4.0 l engine has so much more torque.
I think yourself and everyone here knows the end result of that Ollie - the 981 sounds better with no PPFs, but the 718 is noticeably quicker and slightly improved in ride/handling.
@@Mrdfastcars yeh I don’t know, I’ve only driven the GTS 4.0 once and whilst the steering felt slightly livelier, I struggled to find a noticeable difference in performance. The sound & sense of speed in my 981 GTS makes it feel as fast. I also feel that the 981 is prettier, particularly the front which looks more classic
@@Ollie_5 Agreed, the EPS is good to go in the 981 GTS. On public roads and indeed round a track the 981 GTS is a lot of fun, real world, it gives little up to the 718 GTS 4L and then engine sounds a lot better in the 981.
Don’t forget you can do the GT3 steering calibration and it greatly improved the feel of the 981 EPS.
Will be not all electric boxsters, read the update regarding this, from the factory guys. By the way very nice reportage. Thanks guys
What do you gents make of the 981 Spyder then in this context?
Manual GTS 4.0 for me is the pinnacle of the current line up (911 included). It’s small, light, just comfortable and practical enough for most uses. The steering is fantastic, the engine is very powerful! The build of the car is perfect, I also really like the more analogue interior. I’d love to have a go in that Spyder though!
That engine is much louder in the states. Really a screamer. Love it
I wonder if the improved steering feel and response in the Spyder is due to a factory “GT” geo ? My 981 Spyder came alive after somebody who new what they were doing set it up
981 GTS great bang for your buck with that engine sound
Horses for Courses. I like the raspy sound of the RS and the 8.5-9k rpm - a legendary engine to enjoy. If we are really speaking of pre-owned, then I'm happy sticking with the 355 GTB ;)
I absolutely love these two cars, they are some of the very best sports cars arround and I'd love to own either 🥰🤍💚
However, since the new Spyder RS has softer suspension (And better looks depending on who you ask) I think I actually would now take the Spyder RS over the GTS 4.0 just because of the looks and sound! (I wouldn't do the same choice in a Cayman)
Now, are the sound and looks worth twice the price? That is a different and question and I think might be worth it, but the GTS 4.0 just makes more sense, half the price, and yeah, my heart says Spyder RS no doubt, but the GTS is probably the best car here.
What I am trying to say is I love them both and would be more than happy to own either of the two 🥰🤍💚 But the Spyder RS comes slightly on top for me, only because if I was buying an everyday Sports Car I'm buying a Toyota GR 86, take that car out of the equation and I would take the GTS 4.0 without a sliver of a doubt :)
Is there a difference between cayman and boxster?
981 GT4. That's the one.
Man how I wish you had a 987 Spyder to go with the lot of these for comparison. I'd have loved to hear how it compared as a street car.
Also the sound mix on the video is a bit off. Dan's in-car commentary is much quieter than when you insert the voiceover which is far too loud. And then you have to turn the video back up again when it comes to your discussion with Andrew later on.
Simple answer is: the best is the „regular“ 718 Spyder. Best of both worlds: more special and beautiful car then the gts with many gt parts, with the more torquy engine be a manual.
Anyone know what roads this was filmed on please?
I think it’s the B4560 south of Llangynidr in south Wales. Was there in Tuesday in a Boxster GTS 4.0!
@@DavidWilliams-iq3eu Amazing thank you so much!
Been watching so many car videos they're begining to sound the same - same adjectives, superlatives & hyperbole; makes me wish English had even more words. But yeah, GTS 4.0 all the way for me.
Regular 718 Spyder might have been a more relevant comparison. And then the question is the trade off between the GT engine in the RS and the availability of the manual box in the "regular" 718 Spyder.
718 Spyders long out of production though, and they were comparing the current models. They threw in the older 981 to give a “value” proposition alternative, but the 718 Spyder and GTS are so similar in spec, performance and price that it would’ve been an unnecessary complication to throw in to the debate!
@@neilturner6749 981 is out of production even longer! And you can't really order the RS. So, the whole availability and age thing is rather moot. The 718 Spyder would make for an intersting comparison in terms of what's the ultimate modern driver's Boxster. I'm not sure many people are cross shopping the RS and the GTS.
@@neilturner6749 stop telling people the GTS and the Spyder are similar in spec and performance. One is an actual GT car with all of the associated positives and negatives, and drives very differently from the other. If it was a second car, I would’ve gone GTS for the comfort and ease, but given it was one of several, I went spyder, which to me was a more special (especially the handling) experience.
If I I've have enough money to buy a 718 rs syder , I'm having a it Badge as a "boxster RS" because that what it is , I love all Porsches I just don't like the "it's only a boxster " snobbery ..... at the end of the day it's the end evolution of the 986 2.5 boxster ... well done Porsche for finally makeung it .....
To me, the Spyder is the ultimate Boxster. Just crazy enough, without being pushed into more unlivable territory the way the RS is
I have to say my ideal Boxster would probably be an 18 GTS. Before they introduced those stupid particulate filters. And I would never ever buy an electric toaster boxster.
Agree with Andrew!
I totally agree , I think many will look back and say why did we do this , yes I have 0;interest a hybrid / ev boxer
I own a 718 Spyder PDK and have tested the 718 Spyder RS. There is no comparison. Both great sports cars, but the Spyder RS is so much more exciting to drive. More importantly the engine noise is not as loud as the GT4 RS, the suspension is not as firm as the GT4 RS, the PDK gearbox is amazing and it puts a smile on your face like very few cars can achieve. Look at your smile at 3m 56s. The right tyres are essential for both cars.
But twice the $ and no manual, i own a spyder too.
I would like a rs, but I could not get to 9k rpm on my trips to the food supermarket. : )
@@waltvancourt5052 You should try a road trip to the Dolomites. Then you can get out of 2nd gear 😀
@ncourt5052 You don't have to reach 9k. I had 718 Syder for 3 years and at the same time a 991.2 GT3 and 992 GT3 ...the GT3 engine sound, vibration, and character make you enjoy it since 3k rpm ahead, not need 9K, for me 718 4.0l engine is not in my fav list, I will take my old 981 Gt4 3.8l engine any day
Good to see the Spyder RS support. I have one on order. Currently have a GT4RS and will have to sell one after I compare them.
You have to fix the valves and remove the over axle pipes for the 718 to be anything at all, even to be on the 981's level for that matter. However, do those things, AND add BMC air cleaners and (if manual) you would have the best car Porsche makes. In PDK though the RS is obviously lightyears superior to the non-RS variant.
For the middle ground, with extra character without the "race car for the road" moniker, but with added specialness...981 Spyder, you're welcome.
They’re still too close in asking price to make sense vs a new 718 GTS. Once more 718 Spyders are on the Used market, 981 Spyder prices will fall down to sit a little above 981 GTS levels, at which point they’ll become a more sensible option.
When there would be only the 718 GTS, I would never had a "boxter". It's simply boring for me. The looks, the engine, the ride.
For me the Sypder RS was the car which made me buy a boxter, have over 3800km in it and I freakin love it! Compare to the GTS which I gave back at Porsche experience with the note "I hope my Spyder RS will be more thrilled, otherwise I'll be disappointed"
Having owned a Cayman GTS and now a GT4RS, I can say that the GT4RS is by far the better track car. But the GTS was the better road car.
I have a 718 GTS 4.0 and love it. I drive 75% daily and 25% track. In the summer, I obviously track more. The GT4 RS is under my skin and I can swing to afford one. But I don’t know if that is stupid of me since I live in an urban area and like to drive my 718 pretty regularly. Will the RS be punishing and past fun for me?
You know what's the best Porsche Boxster is(? are?)
That'll be a tie between the 987 Boxster Spyder, 981 Boxster Spyder or the 981 Boxster GTS.
Maybe the “regular” 718 Spyder with a manual box is the perfect boxter. It looks great, manual box, GT engine, … for an all season road car, it is a superior option to RS in my humble opinion
The “regular” Spyder doesn’t have a GT engine. It has exactly the same engine as the GTS 4.0; which is no bad thing as it’s a marvellous engine.
718 spyder is the sweet spot! More power and agility than GTS with more practicality than the spyder RS.
GTS 4.0 or 991.1 Carrera S cabriolet???
I wish you compared the RS with the spyder instead
Ok, so from a bloke who owned and loved the 981 Boxster gts for over 8years. What a fabulous road car, and what an absolute flop on the track. On the latter it leaned into corners more than a woke politician. On the former it was spitting sublime. I want my car to be good on both, open top. I will pay for it. So come august I will let u know if my new Spyder RS can deliver.
Yeah the SRS is not your everyday Boxster. It's not trying to be. The GTS is a good first or second car. The SRS is a good 4th or 5th car.
Of course the RS is the more exciting and valuable car…now and in the future.
No surprise Dan always chooses the underdog.....everytime almost predictable now. Not saying the GTS is. not a great car. 888MF has real ownership experience I would listen to him.
"King of Boxster!"
Great presenter, easier on the earthan Matt Watson of Car Wow. Wishing you success!
+1. .. Ditto that. ..
Great review.
I agree that the sound of the RS could become a bit annoying of the time.
For me the older car with the 3.4 litre engine is the sweet spot both for value and an unfiltered engine note.
718 Spyder would have been the choice for that comparison
Great review and really enjoyed the discussion.....but, I think you should of had the 981 Spyder rather than the 981 GTS as the outlier comparison and baseline test...That would have really given both of those a good run for their money.
It's a 718 not a 981
@@pauldavies7251 no..my statement is correct, so not sure what your point is ?
I think the point was to show that there’s a much cheaper alternative in the used 981 GTS, which is better value than the Spyder.
@@neilturner6749 Indeed..but the 981 Spyder is still cheaper than 718 GTS 4.0 and SRS. ..and I would have liked to have seen them use this rather than 981 GTS.
@@villaman4818ok Id thought 981 Spyders were asking similar money to the early 718 GTS that are now on the market.
Is the GTS a better buy? Which one will depreciate more when you go to sell it? You are more likely to get your money back with the RS.
They didn't even get into the fact that the GTS or "regular" Spyder can be had in a manual..which completely changes the discussion as the RS cannot be had in one.
Yeahhhhh thanks
I don't think the 981 GTS makes sense as a value proposition. A well specced 981 Boxster S is very, very close and you could get one for about £25k at the moment. At £50k or anywhere near, you'd be better off bagging a 718 4.0. The 981 GTS needs to be nearer £30k to make sense. It's a nice car, but over valued.
I see your point in that in 981 Gen, they all had nice sounding 6 cylinders. Big “but” here though - at £50k you’re miles off with comparing 718 GTS pricing
@@neilturner6749 Er, nope! Cheapest 4.0 Cayman GTS on AT right now is £56k. It only has 25k miles and it's manual. There are five under £60k. For me the 981 GTS looks like pretty bad value both compared to the 4.0 car and a 981 S in a good spec for about £15k-plus less. It's over valued.
Not the case 981 GTS has more torque, more HP, three radiators. None of these can be specced. Nothing wrong the the Cayman S but its not really that close. Add to that the high spec (981 GTS) interior from the get go and they are generally well apart. Hence the price differential.
@@VK6AB- The 981 GTS has a totally inconsequential amount of additional power and torque. Yes, 325PS is that close to 340PS. It's not even 5% more power. It's very, very close. Yes, 273lb/ft is very close to 280lb/ft. The performance difference isn't something you can feel. A lot of S models are low spec, that is absolutely true. But a well specced S doesn't command a huge premium and is almost indistiguishable from a GTS to drive. You get almost nothing for the extra money from the GTS except the front bumper and the badge, and it's really the latter people are paying extra for - the badge.
@@flat6croc You also missed the third radiator. 😀 You sound very much like a S owner, you hear the same from Carrera S owners. God is in the detail, nothing wrong with a S but the reality is the GTS variants have a lot more about them, always a much higher spec and that torque difference is there across the power band plus the additional power at the top end. The third radiator makes a big difference around a track, dropping oil temps by 10 degrees giving optimal cooling and ultimately protecting the engine to a greater degree. The market recognises the differences and thats why the GTS commands a significant premium. The improved front end on the GTS allows that third central radiator to work efficiently and gives the car a distinct and sharper look. The lesson I have learned with Porsche (after owning 20plus sports cars and doing 5 seasons of Cup) is simple, the GTS is the pick of the standard range (whether 981, 982 - 718, 991 and 992) and the GT3 RS is the pick of the GT Div. cars. This goes to both driving and reduced depreciation. I believe this sufficiently to have examples of both in my garage. 😀
The roof solution on the spyder is absurd 😂
It is the point of view of journalists who focus on counting pennies instead of delving into the technical aspects! To be fair, the “Spyder RS” should be driven to the extreme to shine and thus compare with the inferior GTS.
The Spyder RS would sound better with aftermarket OAPs.
About the sound.
Just give Akrapovic a chance...and you will hear difference
It would have been interesting if you added a 718 Spyder w 6MT to this comparison test. Nobody will buy an EV sports car, it's an oximoron.
The GTS is a good looking car but the Spyder RS is a Great looking car
Sorry to disagree with you, i have had a 718 Spyder manual, the engine is boring as hell. It's got a good low down torque, but top end is very dull and limited to 8k. Either sound not good for me. Worst of all, its tall gearing is pretty much unuseable on twisty roads. Unfortortunately i couldn't have an allocation for either 4RS or Spyder RS and got one with PDK now, marginally better, but absolutely no match for RS engine sound, top end delivery and sense of occasion. In my opinion the only downside of Spyder RS is the roof so limited on top speed
Yeah, they reduce the airflow in the intake and detune it what is the same engine as the 911 except put in backward with the transmissions in the back, making it in my opinion, an even better car ¿`_
I don't think that Porsche is going to dump it's ICE engines for electric, in fact I think the reverse, judging by what other German manufacturers like Mercedes are doing. Prediction, if Porsche do make electric only Boxsters, they won't be selling any Boxsters at all in a little while.
No matter what you say, your reaction while driving it is the tell. The RS is the better car, and a better investment.
718 Spyder is the sweet spot.
I have a 718 B GTS 4.0 pdk with a Kline Innovation Inconel exhaust. Removing the OPF and going with an X pipe exhaust makes a night and day difference. The car sounds so exotic that it transforms the experience. I’m probably getting 80-90% of the RS experience and 50% of the price. Also, once I’m out of warranty I’ll get a tune so that should close the gap even more.
Forget it I had a 718 Spyder and a 992 GT3 for 3 years back to back, and about the engine/sound/ character experience, the 4.0L of Spyder does not provide nearly 50% of the experience of a GT3 engine. And yes, I had Soul first and then the Kline system without particulate filter, sounds good at high rpms, but deep and with a deep note under 6K, totally different beasts.
One is a good NA engine, and the GT3 is a true masterpiece. If we talk about price/product GT4/Spyder is the best combo instead of a RS or a GTS, just my 2 cents.
Did you have the SS or Inconel Kline? My Inconel exhaust is extremely high pitched in the entire rev range.
I'll take the 981 GTS for the win.
No surprise here, coming from the guy who prefers Carrera T to a GT3 . Spyder RS is a masterpiece made for enthusiasts who will appreciate specific sound, 9k rpm, harsh suspension and painful roof, specially for softer drivers Porsche make GTS with soft suspension and button operated roof so you have free hand to wipe your tears 😭
Don't be a baby dude, he clearly loved both cars
the thing about the gt3 RS engine is that it is only brilliant in the top range...after 6.500 rpms..until there...there is no car.. an engine needs to have around 600 Nm to be relatively lively...less than that it gets numb in the mid range..
Sorry I had two Gt3, 991.2, and now 992, and it does not happen for me; it has good torque, over 3k, better than my ex 718 Spyder with exhaust. You have to drive it happy, always around 4k rpm, and it is an exceptional engine; if I want torque I use my Taycan Turbo lol
@@bill9629 I mean, the problem is that I am used to NA engines like the SLS and the F12 or smaller displacement cars with turbo. When you drive the GT3, and I drove the GT3 RS 991.2, it really felt that it lacked forward push....it does go, but it is not emotional in terms of the acceleration. The sound is amazing, but overall, it lacks something. However, I have to say, this aspect I kind of miss, I recognize it might not be the most healthy one to make good lap times in rear drive cars, too much torque and too much responsiveness in the rear axis, can actually impair the acceleration capabilities out of corners, and so, the Gt3 is obviously a wonderful optimized compromise in the track. But for the road, where you are not squeezing the curve exit, and you are not negotiating every throttle request to avoid ruining the trajectory, one very important fun factor is the torque. Even with torque, modern cars tend to be a bit numb in the initial throttle response, because of economy and emission regulations, but honestly, nothing beats the immediate crisp response of a big NA engine with more than 650 Nm of torque, preferably in a car weighting less than 1400 kg.
As a 981 Cayman GTS owner, I might be biased. However I think there's no better buy than the 981 GTS, which in my opinion sounds and looks better than the 718. It also weighs about 80kg less which you do feel in corners, and the power is just on point so that you can actually use every single bit of it when you want to get crazy on public back country roads.
Yeah, you’re biased. I am too though, and feel my 718 Spyder is the best looking Modern Porsche.
@@2006Vantage I was referring to the 718 GTS, the 718 Spyder is indeed a stunning looking car.
@@JuJu_Vega ok that makes sense!
Referring to that car and engine as "electrifying" is an insult, no?
981 GTS and 996.2 GT3, problem solved 😉