Porsche 718 vs 981 Boxster: Review and comparison by an owner
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Now featured on the Porsche Club GB official website, this is an in depth review of the Porsche 718 Boxster 2.0 PDK from the point of view of a 981 owner. Is the 4 pot turbo really that bad, or does it get more bad press than it deserves?
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/ @tds981
Watch the video to find out and to see this being driven around some of Scotland's twisty roads.
We explore the new Porsche infotainment system including 'Apple Carplay'. Also, learn how to spec your new Porsche to get the best from it, we discuss popular options like the Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE), Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM) and gearbox selection between PDK Vs 6 speed manual.
The car is specified as follows:
2.0l turbo base model
PDK
Black
20" Carerra sport wheels
PSE
Sports wheel in alcantara
Alcantara armrest with Porsche lettering
Led front lights Inc wash function
Pcm Inc Nav, Bluetooth and USB
Model designation delete
This video was filmed on a Sony FDR-X1000v, DJI Mavic Air and Samsung S9. You may find this video useful as a how to or buyers guide for a Porsche 718.
#Porsche #718 #981 #Boxster #718 gt4
google 981vs718 youtube review test race
Please take the time to Subscribe - ua-cam.com/channels/TAmNIVer9kgcGeV_w2PDeQ.html
Nice review! Going to Stuttgart on Monday to pick up a 2015 981 GTS clocking 28k km. Cannot wait to get my hands on the beast!
Thank you, you will love it, what colour?
I have one. Amazing car. Bought new and just gave it to my younger brother 6 years later. He’ll keep it for 4 years then give it back. Ain’t leaving my hands though
Thanks for the great video. Cheers from a Canadian fan. I just sold my 2009 987 Boxster S which had 200,000 km on the odometer. I traded in for a 2016 GT4. I test drove a 981 however I didn't like the exhaust sound or the PDK. Long live the manual.
Thanks David. I'm yet to drive a 987 but understand it's one of the best. Congrats on the gt4 👍
Thanks mate.@@TDS981
The real video starts at 9:03 😋 But nice review!! Thx 👍🏼
Thanks, 😎😎😎
definitely prefer the 3.4 981
👍
Great review. Really enjoyed it. It’s true that 300bhp is more than enough to enjoy on the road and the chassis of the car is fantastic, very drive-able. I am slightly biased towards the 981 GTS in manual as I was driving one on Sunday. Really great car and crucially sounds absolutely epic but the 718 is clearly a very capable and enjoyable car to drive, I’ll know more when I have a go in one.
Thanks, simple really buy the 981 if you prefer the sound and power delivery of the F6 and the 718 if you are happy to sacrifice these attributes for some dynamic improvement. Both are great cars.
Good review and comparison. Just came across the channel. If you're still out and about regularly might catch up at an event. Would love to compare the 718 with the A110
👍
You sum up nicely when at 9:01 you say "a lot better" when driving the 981. I've had several drives in 718s since they arrived, twice courtesy of Porsche at Silverstone driving endless laps around their track and on a couple of occasions when originally trying to decide between a 981 and a 718. It really is all about the engine noise - it truly it is. Surely that's what sports cars are about - the feel, the noise, the excitement. Any other differences between the cars are slight, or pale into insignificance given the engine noise - even the extra pull of the extra torque in the 718 - the 981 (especially in S) is plenty fast enough, and is slightly faster than the 718 in any case.
Switching constantly between the 981 and 718 as I did, you are so aware of the differences in engine noise between the two. When cruising, the 718 has a very intrusive "rumbly drone" which you just want to turn down. In the same situation, the 981 is somehow just really pleasant, sounding like a real thoroughbred sports car behind your ears - sometimes, with the top down you'll turn the music off, and just enjoy the sound of the engine - I cannot imagine ever doing that in a 718. It's great just to hear the revs shoot up in the 981 when you drop a gear and surge forward. It's a great experience hammering down an open road with the engine on full song as the PDK flicks between the gears. Floor it and the 981 makes a fantastic sound, hitting nearly 8,000 revs it screams like an F1 - sounding like a sports car should. It's wonderful, and the thought that the 718 may have a bit more pull doesn't bother you one jot... whilst the 718.. just doesn't sound good at all. It's just not the same in a 718. Well that's my two-penneth any way. Both are fantastic cars, but..
..personally, I will never sell my 981S. I fear we will never see it's like again.
I think you've summed that up quite nicely, there are some, I guess that are less concerned about the acoustic side of things, as I said I believe they are more likely to be new to the brand. Have you watched my 981 vids, lots of 981 noise in tbose.?
Good review lad, do a full one on the 981, considering a buy atm and an owners view is always better than a journal 😊
Thanks man. Some more 981 content here. ua-cam.com/video/GpazGjg65mc/v-deo.html
Awesome car you will love it, what are you trading from?
Have done the s2000 thing and current z4 , history is mostly cosworth based so love powerful torquey motors.718 specced up beyond the budget so 981 is probable purchase but worried about low torque and revving nature
@@zagamuffinv I've owned an S2000 and a z4m in the past, 981 has more mid range than either but it's a bit less exciting right at the top end. I also run a Golf R alongside and switching between the two I never feel the 981 is lacking. PDK helps as it has an extra gear so you are in the zone more often than the manual.
Great review, i'll be sticking with my 2016 flat 6 cayman with sports exhaust, it sounds sooo good...
Yep seems to be the status quo
Almost bought a nicely optioned 2017 Boxster S with 7k miles for $59k....missed out on it when someone scooped it up from under my nose. Kept looking and found a 2013 Boxster S time capsule with (albeit different but likely) more suitable options, nicer wheels, Brombacher exhaust, a rare color combo and only 4,000 miles! Picked it up for $49.9k. Very happy with the decision. Sure the newer car is an overall better car but I don't feel like we're missing out with the 981. A 718 S with a tune would be a considerably faster...but not necessarily a better overall Porsche experience. I agree that the 718 IS evolution...but with a little less soul. The driving experience/sound with the 981 is simply incredible. Adding the Brombacher tune and filters to get a bit more power and I'm sure it'll be more than satisfying for many years to come.
Sounds like it worked out just fine in the end.
I'd like to transfer the 718 steering wheel and infotainment over to the 981.
@@TDS981 Agreed on that, the new wheel is a lot nicer and the 981 infotainment system and GPS is a bit disappointing/dated.
I just couldn't consider parting with my 981 Spyder for any of the current 718 line up. The noise spoils the experience for me, and cheapens the car. Fingers crossed the next Spyder doesn't suffer an uprated version of this engine. Enjoyed your video.
Yes I can certainly see why, the Spyder is probably my favourite 981. Thanks for subscribing, really appreciated.
I’ve got the 718 GTS and never had the 981 flat six but yes it’s more soulful but I love my GTS and does really make the 981 look a little slow now as it’s so much better in every way apart from the sound. Try the 2.5 it’s such a proper weapon and punches so much above it’s weight now. Nice vid from a fellow Porsche owner 👍
Thanks, your comment is appreciated. Yes the 2.5 is on another level now- very quick car and punches well above its weight, especially in GTS form. I'll try and get hold of one :)
Honestly would take the drop in performance for the superior sound.
Yes I would still have the 981, this video is very old now. I liked the idea of the 718 4.0 but the gap in price is too big and it still doesn't sound as good.
Instead of the 4.0 I am tempted to run a 2.5 on the side with a big tune I think it would be an absolute weapon !
The turbo 4 is silencing the haters, prices are going nth as just alot of car for the money. 4.0 is just too much coin for most and the 981 a bit if a slouch. Stage 2 on a turbo 4 gets it pulling harder and faster then a 23 gt3 over the quarter. Thats quicker then a 4.0 will ever be and half the price. If performance matters little the 6 symphony is a joy, but properly piped the 4 turbo is very nice on the ears. With talk of a stage 3 and 500hp on tap, no wonder their rising in value.
There is something for everyone be it the 981 or 718, each option is now at least retaining value so it's even easier to enjoy them which is the most important thing.
Nice video with a good sum up "718 is evolution with a little less soul" - a quick tip if I may, if you put a link in channel comments UA-cam spams it out, so I restored your comment from my spam folder 👍 thanks for looking in on my channel. - Roger
Can't believe you watched it Roger and thank you for the tip. Noted for future !
Nice review, thanks - hoping to collect a 781 this year. Will be new to brand so trying not to get drawn into the engine sound debate too much and focus on other attributes!
You will love it!
A lot of 981 owners is claiming it is somehow better. While I agree that upgrade from 981 to 718 does not make much sense, 718 feels and IS quicker. I compared 981 gts to 718 and went with 718s pdk. Sound is not bad at all, but of course different. Just try both before buying, you can't go wrong.
Yes the 718 S and GTS are seriously quick cars with easy to access power.
Do you feel any difference in the size of the cars? Did the 981 feel bigger and more bulky or less maneuverable compared to the 987 or 718? I've never owned a car wider than 170cm so on tight country roads it feels very chunky to me.
No not at all, but that's because they are all similar. I owned an s2000 when I first got the 981 and driving them back to back it never felt too big to me. Over time you get used to what you drive.
I'd quite like to fit that 718 steering wheel to my 981 (manual), though I'm not sure what's involved, especially when it comes to the airbag.
Agreed I think it's 50% of the improvement between the two cars and you can match multifunction with decent paddles. I understand you need to buy the wheel, airbag, and an adapter depending on what you have fitted already. Best part of £1k probably but you can offset that by selling your old one.
I have a 981CS with a 718 sport design wheel fitted. It's definitely a big upgrade! Mine was done by a previous owner so I have no clue about cost but I researched it when buying the car- partly because it's a heated wheel but that isn't hooked up (button is hidden so I'm not bothering). There's a bunch of stuff on various forums, especially Rennlist and Planet-9.
@@ApothecaryTerry Nice, it's good to know it can be done. It's certainly an upgrade that's on my todo list.
Think you'd prefer the 718 to the 981 if it had a 6 cylinder... would that sway you?
Yes the little benefits and the the flat 6 would be great. The particulate filters they are adding to the 4.0l do spoil the noise though so I'd want to do something about that. Honestly the 3.4l 981 is such a bargain and if you watch some more recent videos I've found a way to make it handle more like the 718.
@@TDS981 thank you 👍, think I've seen one of the videos you're referring to like the rear ARB upgrade.... simple, effective and good value.
Yep, you right saying 718 is lacking soul compared to 981. If both versions were available on sale at same time , 718 would struggle to get any sales after a test drive, however fast, it's engine just sounds and feels wrong. Those loving the 718 are simply 'making a virtue out of a necessity', I am afraid...it's a classic example of how faster doesn't always mean better, I mean it's not like everyone complained the 981 wasn't fast enough, did they?
While I think we are aligned - the 3.4 is a superb engine, we do have to appreciate that some buyers aren't as concerned with the sound and prefer the power delivery of the turbo engine, it all boils down to preferences and I do wish my 981 looked as fresh as the 718.
Thanks for that 981 for me then.
Really good review
People seem to say the 987 is more raw and has more soul than the 981. Then the 981 has more over the 718. Seems like they're going in the wrong direction and it's becoming too refined an Audi TT. Have you driven the 987? I'm currently looking at buying the 981 or 981S in manual. Does the S feel faster all around or just give you more unusable power?
The 987 has hydraulic steering so you feel a bit more connected but the looks (imho), engines and chassis of the 981 are better. The 981 is lighter, but more refined with a higher limit so feels less exciting at the outset, once you understand the 981 those feelings begin to fade. There is no wrong decision.
I prefer the S because I'm accustomed to that performance level, the 2.7 is a nice engine and needs to be pushed a bit more which can be fun.
Manual vs pdk, I think the gearing is a tad too long on manual so I'd always opt for pdk on the 981. On the 718 the max speed per gear is lower so manual on that.
@@TDS981 I did feel the gearing was long on the 981 but don't particularly like automatic. Does the gearing still feel long in the S model or even longer? I remember feeling like the 981 was a much bigger heavier car. Maybe it was an illusion due to interior space though? I'm not sure.
@@MadelnMachines Have a go with a PDK for discounting it, it's not your typical auto - take a look at my Scotland tour videos you'll see how quickly it changes - it's so good , although some interaction is lost i don't feel let down by it. 3.4 and 2,.7 gearing is the same.
981 is a lighter car, it's a little bigger and initially feels quite refined. i recall thinking it was a little sensible at first but it's just that the limit is further away.
@@TDS981 I guess you can only really test it's limits on rare occasions you get lucky on the road or just track. Maybe having a higher limit is not a good thing in that respect unless you're an out and out racer. Perhaps I'd be better off with an MX5 MK4. Much more usable gearing, feels fun at any speed, hard top, more tail happy, convertible adds to the excitement. I just love the look and design of the 981 so much and then sound. Not to mention... It's a Porsche.
@@MadelnMachines have to buy both lol
Thanks for the review - I think I'll stick with the 981 for now :-)
4.0l be a different story I'm sure 👌
I am an old school N/A guy, so I would stick with the 981. The lack of that revving engine note is a problem for me when it comes to sports cars. If you are talking about just a normal daily like a sedan or SUV, I wouldn't be too bothered about turbos as you don't really expect a decent engine note from such cars.
Agreed Alex. Appreciate your input, thanks.
Enjoyed the review. Looking forward to seeing if you do anything along the way with the car. Mod wise, performance or nonperformance. After my current lease is up, planning on a 2.0 718.
I drive a 981 - watch to the end 👍
My 981 will get minor tweaks which I plan to share but going forward I'm planning to get behind the wheel of more cars Porsche in particular and share some of the great roads we have here. Glad you enjoyed it .
Excellent and fair review. Great video very professional !
Thank Jon, appreciated
Very nice review - appreciate your sincerity.
Thanks, appreciate you taking the time to comment 👍
Thanks for a great and fair review. I love my 981 Boxster S here in the USA. The 781 technology and radio look better, but not worth making the change to the 781.
Yes we are aligned then.
Me too, love my 981 Spyder😹
Can I have your thoughts on the PDK vs manual in the 981?
Typically i would prefer a manual in this type of car but in the 981, I personally prefer PDK simply because the gearing in the manual is a little bit too long. Max speed in 2nd gear with the manual is circa 85mph. PDK is a little less engaging but since it is 7 speed, the max in gear speeds are a good bit lower which better suits the engine and power delivery. In my experience PDK is so good that losing a bit of engagement is worthwhile for the gains it provides. There are of course people that will value the engagement above all else - so I guess that's what it really comes down to.
Test Drive Scotland thanks. Do you think the 981 will keep depreciating? I have a 2013 S PDK.
@@LuiS-xo7qw I'm not sure where you live but in the UK as the 718 gets cheaper I believe depreciation will continue as more people will be tempted by the newer car, but, still a reasonably safe place to keep your money in my opinion especially if you have a good spec. I think they will continue to depreciate slowly and then level out slowly.
Test Drive Scotland thanks. Yes the car isa a well spec’d 981s with PTV PASM Infotainment etc and I only have about 30000 km on it. I have been wresting myself with selling it in favor of a manual gearbox it’s such a difficult decision for me
The audio is not that clear.
981 all day baby
😎
Coming from 2019 Mazda MX-5 ND2 with 2.0 NA engine with 184hp and MT, test drive 718 Boxter T with PDK really dissapointed me. That lag. Terrible. Either 718 GTS 4.0 MT or I'm staying with the MX-5.
A 981 3.8 or 3.4 is what you should get, far better value for a similar experience.
Nice video... you can’t beat the NA engines👌
GT3 is slightly better ;)
But the turbo 4 does beat the NA engine.
Anyone know the name of the song at the end?
Good review, thanks!
The sound of the engine is really bad though, sounds like a golf R. I stick to my 981 gts.
Can certainly understand why ;)
Nice video! Thanks for sharing
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Well done fella!
👍
Why would anyone like a Porsche sound like a Subaru Impreza?
@Joe H That's true. The only problem here is that the cars are identical for practical purposes. 99% of the people will already soil their pants exploring the potential of the 981 and the 982 is only marginally better. So now the difference between 4 and 6 suddenly means the world, because it isn't just any old 6 either, it is basically the iconic 911 engine. It is not even a contest, 981 wins hands down (not my opinion - confirmed by sales numbers). It takes like 10 seconds to decide that: simply downshift in to 2nd at 80 Kmh - 982 sound like a vacuum cleaner before and after, while 981 breathes fire like a little dragon. In short, the 982 never sounds exciting on public roads (and most likely anywhere).
Btw, what is this comment section, there is seemingly nobody who can type or name any of these cars, including the apparent/soon to be owners. No, it is not a 918, that is something very different, there is no 781, either, and it really is a 982, certainly in the context of calling the other car a 981... ;) Lastly, Porsche do not sound like Subarus, Subarus sound like Porsches, because Porsche already built flat-4s before there even was a Subaru company...
Fair and accurate assessment based on all uses of the car and not just when the car is having its neck wrung. I too think the 718 2.0 is adequate power for any road in the UK anything above can't realistically be driven on its limit. unless you use it on the track regularly or engage in pointless drag strip activity, 350, 400, 450, 500+ is for pub conversation only in any car. Can't beat that flat six noise though lol!
Appreciate your comment, a manual 2.0l will be a real bargain in the years to come. 👍
The engine noise is the biggst let down on this!
Depends on what you like i guess but yes it is tough to accept if you like the F6.
I genuinely enjoyed your review. I own a 981s here in the States and I will agree with you...lots of reviewers talk about not having enough power in the 2.0, but c'mon - I can list on 1 hand the number of times I've been able to drive mine at the limit. With the turbo married to the 2.0, I'm sure it's 99% of the time plenty of grunt. I do love the sound of my 981, (I had a 987.2 Cayman S with a Remus Exhaust and it' was just a bit too hearty - or is that hardy - a sound for this old soul), but your point about those who haven't driven a Porsche before may not understand the protests about the engine/exhaust sound and not be bothered by it. btw, if there's a place I'd rather be than on back roads in my Boxster S winding it out, I haven't found it. I hope you continue your reviews.
Thanks for the encouragement, it's appreciated. Yes can't disagree, it's awesome getting out and about in these cars whichever version you drive. 😎
981 manual Boxter/Cayman 🤘
👍
I own a 981S with PSE. Just love the sound. Keep the 981
Agreed, it's not going anywhere ;)
great vid,Bottom line for me - A 4 cylinder cannot be a true Porsche ....sorry
@@draytek12 quite a lot of 4 cylinder Porsche's over the years so it's not factually correct but they aren't for me, I need that sound.
First 5 seconds seals the deal really.
I could replace that opening scene with an Impreza and would be difficult to tell. 👍
It would have been a better and more fair comparison to review the 718S vs the 918S.
Performance wise the base 718 and the 981s are actually closer. 718s is 350bhp.
Test Drive Scotland it’s still not really a fair and completely valid vs test and talk comparisons, updates/improvements/changes on a 718 against a 981 S when you choose the least powerful, 2.0 718. There is a very notable difference driving dynamics with the extra power and sound of the 718 S vs a 718. So I’m lost to how your comparing some of your points 🤷♂️🤷♂️
@@stewart5462 Thanks for the feedback but I have to say that this video is a review of the base 718 and not a back to back review against a 981s. It just so happens that I own a 981s so at the end I can draw some personal comparison to it.
However, to take your point I would argue that the 981s actually more closely matched to the base 718 from a performance perspective.
As I said, the base car is my pick of the bunch and it should have come across in the film that I was enjoying the car.
I've also driven the 2.5 and whilst I can agree the exhaust note has more substance, the tone to me is less pleasant than the 2.0l f4.
Therefor, the outcome would been the same - it's all about preference and what part of the experience you enjoy the most.
I'm working on a follow up video where I discuss the topic further, please keep watching and giving your input as I enjoy the discussion and am keen to hear from 718 owners.
The 718 is a very good car, but in my opinion it doesn’t compare to the naturally aspirated 918.
I prefer my GT4.
Gt4 😎
Well you have a damn GT4! Haha not quite same. They are making a 718 GT4. That thing is going to be a beast.
@@thomasferrarojr.9772 I'm going to discuss this next video, stay tuned.
@@TDS981 I have an Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio, so I'm a happy camper, but I'll definitely check it out! Have you driven one? It's amazing and an actual bargain for what it delivers! Cheers.
@@thomasferrarojr.9772 I haven't but it's a car I admire, I was an M3 owner (E92) for some time but given the choice now.....
Turbo lag up the ying yang :(
Put a 918 wheel on your S. You clearly have the better car.
Since established that the rear of this car is stiffer than the 981 and have been able to add some of the parts. Wheel would be good too 👍
Bought a 718 2 years back roof leaks like hell so the floor is like a puddle and was just told by porsche a few weeks back the clutch is gone and not coverd by warranty and possible gearbox faults the car has 15,000 on the clock and also needs new disc and break pad the thing is a money pit don't by one
Sad to hear, hope you are able to resolve.
The 718 is a huge fail, it doesn’t look as good as the 981 and it doesn’t sound as good as high are to VERY important factors in a sports car
The 4.0l goes a long way to fix that now, but there is some progress in the 718, the steering is better and I've been impressed with the extra chassis bracing it has after retrofitting to the 981.
718...not a real Porsche a VW hybrid.
A bit harsh I think. Not many vws handle like that.