I performed a similar comparison, in its own right it's a decent car but when you realise you can have 90% of the same thing but with that flat 6 soundtrack and a more natural power delivery you can't not head toward the 981, I've started adding some of the 718 handling add ons to my 981 now on my channel.
Having thought about it for me I would pick the 981 S over a standard 718 but it’s still a tough one between 981 S and 718 S, the power of the 718 just makes it a whole new experience
@@nuttsoncars2710 I get the power argument the 981s is showing its age against newer hot hatches in a straight line but ultimately I need that noise to enjoy my drives and the 718s actually sounds a little unpleasant to me, I prefer the base 2.0l.
11:46 this is exactly why I've just bought an exceptionally well specced and cared for 2.7 987.1. My M140i has made me lazy. In the Cayman I'm going to have to work for my progress, which with only 245bhp, means I get to enjoy Porsche's mid-engined joy flat out, everywhere. I can't wait.
@@scnupe7 nope 981 's is a must. much more refined than the 987 and the none 's' models do not hold their price . always go for the s,,,always. Also the 718's dont hold their price aswell as the 981s
@@simplysimon966 so why are you preoccupied with holding of value, a car is a liability not an asset that pays dividends. I beg to disagree that Cayman must be S, MarkCup70 is a fantastic track driver and will beat you or any average other driver with his Cayman 978 2.7, you have to watch his channel. Most people who buy the Cayman S as a gratification can not tap into the extra power legally, if you reside in an urban environment with speed cameras/ bumps, the average limit of 20mph, what advantage would the Cayman S give you on a normal road with 70 mph limit. The base Cayman can keep up with the S and will only give advantage to a competent driver on the German autobahn,yet the Base will still be in your mirrors. The Cayman S is ideal for track use not for city driving! The best Cayman is the one you can afford!
Can I also say i really enjoyed this open and honest review of the 718, it is a beautiful car with the red and black wheels, also for a 26 year old to own such a cool Porsche must be a dream come true. Keep up the good reviews, looking forward to the next one.
Weather you like the sound or not the 718 is a better car in every way possible. I think it sounds decent but better with an exhaust system/muffler delete
Awesome Channel. I own a Cayman 987, stock 2009. Around 300bhp remapped. First sports car, however I’m going for an upgrade this year. Between a 718S & 981S. I’m put off by the 4 cylinders in the 718. It’s that traditional Porsche 6 Cylinder sound. I’m guessing the 4 cylinder won’t be the same. Which one guys? 981 or 718
Hi thanks for watching! It really is a tough one we own both and I (James, own the 981S) would go for a 718 S - the power just really adds another dimension to the car and if you’re into your remapping your possibilities are much greater with the turbo charged engine - the chassis could definitely handle it!
For me, a car like this needs to sound as good as it looks- so I bought the 981CS. The 718 doesn't sound bad per se, but the sound just doesn't suit the car as well. I don't think I'd replace my 981 with any Cayman except a really nice 981GTS perhaps. That said, I only bought it 6 days ago so it's not relevant for a little while! What does matter to me is that the 3.4 is just as efficient in the real world. Sure the 718 doesn't sound bad but there's nobody saying it sounds better so without any real economy gain it seems a bit pointless to me. They should have made the 3.4 a mild hybrid instead- I just sold a Lexus GS450h which has a 200hp electric motor and the 3.5 V6 from an Evora (NA and tuned to 292hp). If Lexus can get a 2 tonne car to match the 981CS in overtaking performance and still get 50mpg then surely that was a better route for Porsche? Makes the car a bit heavier but even 100kg would be worth it.
@@jonfrench7133 I never understand that point though, when driving my 981S I never think "what this needs...is to be faster" - it'll already match an F430 round any track, I can't use that performance on a public road. What it needs is less road noise, aircon that doesn't break every week, more readily available tyres in the right sizes, more standard equipment and ventilated seats (they're sweaty). The 718 doesn't fix any of that. It's still a great car, but money aside I'd still pick the 981 without any hesitation at all. Amusingly...by many accounts the 981S is actually more economical in the real world too. I've personally had over 47mpg (about 40mpg US) multiple times on long runs just cruising.
@@jonfrench7133 most people never take their porsche to track. performance advantage is a bit irrelevant when roads are full of speed cameras traffic and police.
wouldn't changing out the exhaust and possible downpipes change the exhaust tone to sound better? all the reviews i watched is based on a stock performance exhaust
And people who think that sound doesn’t play a part in the driving experience are missing the point of a sports car. Since the 718 handles only 10% better but sounds 10 times worse, you’re getting a significantly more complete package with the 981. With the 718, there will always be something missing.
@@Kr0nicridah hahaha Kr0ni.... 10 times worse? Really? 10 times? Isn’t a sports car a culmination of all performance aspects? I commend you for your love of sound but your hate for the 718 has taken you to a sorry place. Both cars are fantastic. The 981 sounds better but if that’s your most important criteria for sports car ownership your missing the point. Most of us have more senses than just hearing.
@@101ktm I don’t hate the 718. If you had even a modicum of comprehension ability, you’d see that I actually quite like enjoy the car for what it is. I am, however, happy with what I drive. Your accusation that I only like the 981 because of its sound tells me you’ve never actually driven a 981 or a 987. I’ve driven all of them and can tell you that the differences in handling characteristics aren’t as great as you’d like to think, so get off your high horse and stop living in your delusion.
@@Kr0nicridah "10 times worse" so your degree in sports car acoustics came with a specific formula for that statement or was that just a wild a$$ guess?
718 is a superior sports car. Also can be easily tuned for additional performance. Laugh at the purists who make fun of the sound and get in their flat six’s with automatic transmissions.
I agree that the 718 is the better driving car and certainly has more tuning potential (as all turbo cars do compared with NA). However, there is no such thing as an “automatic” 981; if you’re referring to the PDK that is a dual clutch transmission - same as in most modern race cars. It is very quick and happy being manually shifted using rack mounted paddles. That is pretty much the only way I drive. I also love the 6 speed manual especially with a short shift configuration. I think it’s great to have options, and both transmission specs add something to the enjoyment of the car.
@@TheTravisTube I have no problem with the Cayman/Boxster in any of its multitude of configurations...flat 4 or 6, coupe or convertible, manual or PDK (which a majority of owners use as an "automatic" as stated). The cars are all magnificent in their own ways. The owners of a specific configuration who take the time to knock another configuration are what I question. I almost didn’t test drive a 718 after watching numerous videos and reading so many negative comments about the sound. Thankfully I did drive one. The sound issue is way overblown. If I cared about 0 - 60 times or raced the car I would have opted for the PDK. I chose the manual because of the fun factor of clutching and shifting.
@@101ktm Funny that you claim to dislike people who condescend on certain builds yet you yourself are quick to hate on 981 PDK owners. Just because you drive a manual doesn’t make you any more of a car enthusiast then PDK owners, even if you’d like to think so. As for your claim about the 718 being the superior sports car, market prices say otherwise.
@@Kr0nicridah nope, wrong Kr0nicridah, i do not hate on 981 PDK owners at all.... if you argue that a turbo charged flat 4 doesn’t sound like a true sports car and then drive a flat 6 with a PDK than you truly don’t care about the traditional sports car and you are not a "purist" which would be a flat 6 with a manual (or a flat 4 with a manual which is not made anymore). The flat four 718 outperforms the 981 which is why I stated it was superior.
@@101ktm You stated “laugh at the purists who make fun of the sound and drive PDK flat-6 Caymans”. If that’s not condescension, I don’t know what is. And does superior performance necessarily equate to a superior sports car? By that logic, a McLaren 650 S would be a superior sports car to a Carrera GT - yet one is legendary while the other has mostly been forgotten. Sports cars are more about emotions than performance - especially when the performance of both cars in question is in the same league. Someone who opted for a manual should know that. I’ve spent a few days with a 718 and think it would be a fantastic daily driver. It’s torquey, practical and has far less cabin drone than a 981. But I don’t think owning one in manual gives you license to call yourself any more of a purist than someone who drives a 987 or 981 PDK. Doing so makes you sound like you’re trying to justify your purchase. It’s possible to enjoy your 718 while realising that PDK 981 owners don’t necessarily think they’re purists. They probably just prefer their cars.
Please buy the following options for your 981S which will transform your car. FVD sport headers and FVD tune. You will go from 315 to 370hp. The 981S is basically a detuned 991.
I prefer the lights on the 981 - not really into the ore triangle look. How did he get it for 30k? The very cheapest i've seen is £37k. I'd still rather have a 981 - that sound!
Great vid, I have a base 981 and I think they are future model classic. Just do not feel the 718 will reach that status. On its own the 718 is a great car but when you compare against 981, I think most drivers would prefer the 981
Wastage time to watch. On 718 just you put into Sport and the acceleration and agility you get against 981 it is different world. Thanks god 981 is gone. Why should I rev engine every time to 7K if I want to go?
981 has got nothing on the 718 accept it sounds louder 718 is faster better tech looks much better and just a better car all round I have both by the way.
I believe the 718 is even better looking than a 911. Maybe the most beautiful Porsche ever designed. But..the sound of the engine..OMG. Who cares its super fast and goes 300km/h. Nobody reaches such speeds, unless on track. The 718 appears to me stupidily fast and boring. The 981 instead, looks to me much more fun to drive. What a sound the 6 flat.. Even having the money to buy a brand new 718, i would go for a used 981.
Kind of strange, all who under rate it don't own one, I own two. If the 2019 Cayman disappointed you, I did not know it, I watched you. Are you saying you would kick Emma Stone out of bed because she does not sound like Emma Watson? Oh, Emma you did disappointed me to be honest, that voice ruined it for me. You did scrape someone else's car twice. Your guest should be more important than this production.
Nutts On Cars I tried the 718 Cayman S. It’s a pretty good car in isolation but if you grew up hearing flat 6 Porsches, it’s always going to be a disappointment. It’s quite frustrating you have to get a GTS to get that flat 6 tone in the 718. Love your content, particularly on the 981s and Carrera T! Keep it up!
Love your content - was pretty tough to hear the discussion, however. Thank you for the upload
Yep we need to improve audio :)
@@nuttsoncars2710 yes please. can barely hear a thing
@@nuttsoncars2710 Simple? Attach microphones ON the person and fitted with sound dampers for unwished sound.
I performed a similar comparison, in its own right it's a decent car but when you realise you can have 90% of the same thing but with that flat 6 soundtrack and a more natural power delivery you can't not head toward the 981, I've started adding some of the 718 handling add ons to my 981 now on my channel.
Having thought about it for me I would pick the 981 S over a standard 718 but it’s still a tough one between 981 S and 718 S, the power of the 718 just makes it a whole new experience
@@nuttsoncars2710 I get the power argument the 981s is showing its age against newer hot hatches in a straight line but ultimately I need that noise to enjoy my drives and the 718s actually sounds a little unpleasant to me, I prefer the base 2.0l.
11:46 this is exactly why I've just bought an exceptionally well specced and cared for 2.7 987.1. My M140i has made me lazy. In the Cayman I'm going to have to work for my progress, which with only 245bhp, means I get to enjoy Porsche's mid-engined joy flat out, everywhere. I can't wait.
Same reason I went for a Base 981 instead of the S.
@@scnupe7 nope 981 's is a must. much more refined than the 987 and the none 's' models do not hold their price . always go for the s,,,always. Also the 718's dont hold their price aswell as the 981s
@@simplysimon966 so why are you preoccupied with holding of value, a car is a liability not an asset that pays dividends. I beg to disagree that Cayman must be S, MarkCup70 is a fantastic track driver and will beat you or any average other driver with his Cayman 978 2.7, you have to watch his channel. Most people who buy the Cayman S as a gratification can not tap into the extra power legally, if you reside in an urban environment with speed cameras/ bumps, the average limit of 20mph, what advantage would the Cayman S give you on a normal road with 70 mph limit. The base Cayman can keep up with the S and will only give advantage to a competent driver on the German autobahn,yet the Base will still be in your mirrors. The Cayman S is ideal for track use not for city driving! The best Cayman is the one you can afford!
Did you drive in sport mode in the cayman?
Can I also say i really enjoyed this open and honest review of the 718, it is a beautiful car with the red and black wheels, also for a 26 year old to own such a cool Porsche must be a dream come true. Keep up the good reviews, looking forward to the next one.
Thanks Michael, appreciate it!
Weather you like the sound or not the 718 is a better car in every way possible. I think it sounds decent but better with an exhaust system/muffler delete
Awesome Channel. I own a Cayman 987, stock 2009. Around 300bhp remapped. First sports car, however I’m going for an upgrade this year. Between a 718S & 981S. I’m put off by the 4 cylinders in the 718. It’s that traditional Porsche 6 Cylinder sound. I’m guessing the 4 cylinder won’t be the same. Which one guys? 981 or 718
Hi thanks for watching! It really is a tough one we own both and I (James, own the 981S) would go for a 718 S - the power just really adds another dimension to the car and if you’re into your remapping your possibilities are much greater with the turbo charged engine - the chassis could definitely handle it!
He can’t keep his eyes off the Speedo 👀
Yeah he is almost giving getting a permanent cross eye 👁
Where’s the comparison? I could barely understand what they were saying.
For me, a car like this needs to sound as good as it looks- so I bought the 981CS. The 718 doesn't sound bad per se, but the sound just doesn't suit the car as well. I don't think I'd replace my 981 with any Cayman except a really nice 981GTS perhaps. That said, I only bought it 6 days ago so it's not relevant for a little while!
What does matter to me is that the 3.4 is just as efficient in the real world. Sure the 718 doesn't sound bad but there's nobody saying it sounds better so without any real economy gain it seems a bit pointless to me. They should have made the 3.4 a mild hybrid instead- I just sold a Lexus GS450h which has a 200hp electric motor and the 3.5 V6 from an Evora (NA and tuned to 292hp). If Lexus can get a 2 tonne car to match the 981CS in overtaking performance and still get 50mpg then surely that was a better route for Porsche? Makes the car a bit heavier but even 100kg would be worth it.
After watching it back have to say the 981 sounds lovely! Not surprised you wouldn’t swap.
Have to agree BUT the performance advantage of the 718 is massive
@@jonfrench7133 I never understand that point though, when driving my 981S I never think "what this needs...is to be faster" - it'll already match an F430 round any track, I can't use that performance on a public road.
What it needs is less road noise, aircon that doesn't break every week, more readily available tyres in the right sizes, more standard equipment and ventilated seats (they're sweaty). The 718 doesn't fix any of that. It's still a great car, but money aside I'd still pick the 981 without any hesitation at all.
Amusingly...by many accounts the 981S is actually more economical in the real world too. I've personally had over 47mpg (about 40mpg US) multiple times on long runs just cruising.
@@jonfrench7133 most people never take their porsche to track. performance advantage is a bit irrelevant when roads are full of speed cameras traffic and police.
@@borinvlogs wow, i feel the advantage every time i get behind the wheel. Lol i think on a racetrack the na would actually be better.
Nice video, but a huge shame that most of the conversations were pretty much inaudible. The auto-generated subtitles helped - but still not ideal.
Hi Eddie, I know it’s so hard to get the audio right :(. New camera is on route with a built in mic so the next video should be loads better!
wouldn't changing out the exhaust and possible downpipes change the exhaust tone to sound better? all the reviews i watched is based on a stock performance exhaust
Possibly yeh
People who buy sports cars for the sound instead of how it drives are missing the point and automatic to boot.
And people who think that sound doesn’t play a part in the driving experience are missing the point of a sports car. Since the 718 handles only 10% better but sounds 10 times worse, you’re getting a significantly more complete package with the 981. With the 718, there will always be something missing.
@@Kr0nicridah hahaha Kr0ni.... 10 times worse? Really? 10 times? Isn’t a sports car a culmination of all performance aspects? I commend you for your love of sound but your hate for the 718 has taken you to a sorry place. Both cars are fantastic. The 981 sounds better but if that’s your most important criteria for sports car ownership your missing the point. Most of us have more senses than just hearing.
@@101ktm I don’t hate the 718. If you had even a modicum of comprehension ability, you’d see that I actually quite like enjoy the car for what it is. I am, however, happy with what I drive. Your accusation that I only like the 981 because of its sound tells me you’ve never actually driven a 981 or a 987.
I’ve driven all of them and can tell you that the differences in handling characteristics aren’t as great as you’d like to think, so get off your high horse and stop living in your delusion.
@@Kr0nicridah "10 times worse" so your degree in sports car acoustics came with a specific formula for that statement or was that just a wild a$$ guess?
I don't think he likes you driving he's car....haha
718 is a superior sports car. Also can be easily tuned for additional performance. Laugh at the purists who make fun of the sound and get in their flat six’s with automatic transmissions.
I agree that the 718 is the better driving car and certainly has more tuning potential (as all turbo cars do compared with NA). However, there is no such thing as an “automatic” 981; if you’re referring to the PDK that is a dual clutch transmission - same as in most modern race cars. It is very quick and happy being manually shifted using rack mounted paddles. That is pretty much the only way I drive. I also love the 6 speed manual especially with a short shift configuration. I think it’s great to have options, and both transmission specs add something to the enjoyment of the car.
@@TheTravisTube I have no problem with the Cayman/Boxster in any of its multitude of configurations...flat 4 or 6, coupe or convertible, manual or PDK (which a majority of owners use as an "automatic" as stated). The cars are all magnificent in their own ways. The owners of a specific configuration who take the time to knock another configuration are what I question. I almost didn’t test drive a 718 after watching numerous videos and reading so many negative comments about the sound. Thankfully I did drive one. The sound issue is way overblown. If I cared about 0 - 60 times or raced the car I would have opted for the PDK. I chose the manual because of the fun factor of clutching and shifting.
@@101ktm Funny that you claim to dislike people who condescend on certain builds yet you yourself are quick to hate on 981 PDK owners. Just because you drive a manual doesn’t make you any more of a car enthusiast then PDK owners, even if you’d like to think so.
As for your claim about the 718 being the superior sports car, market prices say otherwise.
@@Kr0nicridah nope, wrong Kr0nicridah, i do not hate on 981 PDK owners at all.... if you argue that a turbo charged flat 4 doesn’t sound like a true sports car and then drive a flat 6 with a PDK than you truly don’t care about the traditional sports car and you are not a "purist" which would be a flat 6 with a manual (or a flat 4 with a manual which is not made anymore). The flat four 718 outperforms the 981 which is why I stated it was superior.
@@101ktm You stated “laugh at the purists who make fun of the sound and drive PDK flat-6 Caymans”. If that’s not condescension, I don’t know what is.
And does superior performance necessarily equate to a superior sports car? By that logic, a McLaren 650 S would be a superior sports car to a Carrera GT - yet one is legendary while the other has mostly been forgotten. Sports cars are more about emotions than performance - especially when the performance of both cars in question is in the same league. Someone who opted for a manual should know that.
I’ve spent a few days with a 718 and think it would be a fantastic daily driver. It’s torquey, practical and has far less cabin drone than a 981. But I don’t think owning one in manual gives you license to call yourself any more of a purist than someone who drives a 987 or 981 PDK. Doing so makes you sound like you’re trying to justify your purchase. It’s possible to enjoy your 718 while realising that PDK 981 owners don’t necessarily think they’re purists. They probably just prefer their cars.
Please buy the following options for your 981S which will transform your car. FVD sport headers and FVD tune. You will go from 315 to 370hp. The 981S is basically a detuned 991.
Sounds like a lot of money lol
Sounds like a lot of fun you mean!
Would it be worth doing that to a base 981?
I prefer the lights on the 981 - not really into the ore triangle look. How did he get it for 30k? The very cheapest i've seen is £37k. I'd still rather have a 981 - that sound!
That steering wheel on the 718 needs a good clean
Great vid, I have a base 981 and I think they are future model classic. Just do not feel the 718 will reach that status. On its own the 718 is a great car but when you compare against 981, I think most drivers would prefer the 981
Agreed, the 718 just won’t have the same following which should help 981 values!
that turned out not to be true 😀
♥️♥️
Good video cheers currently considering changing my 987s Cayman for 718 Boxster (non S) so good to see comparison..
Wastage time to watch. On 718 just you put into Sport and the acceleration and agility you get against 981 it is different world. Thanks god 981 is gone. Why should I rev engine every time to 7K if I want to go?
981 has got nothing on the 718 accept it sounds louder 718 is faster better tech looks much better and just a better car all round I have both by the way.
"Looks much better"....that so funny and reveals what a dufus you are.
I believe the 718 is even better looking than a 911. Maybe the most beautiful Porsche ever designed. But..the sound of the engine..OMG. Who cares its super fast and goes 300km/h. Nobody reaches such speeds, unless on track. The 718 appears to me stupidily fast and boring. The 981 instead, looks to me much more fun to drive. What a sound the 6 flat.. Even having the money to buy a brand new 718, i would go for a used 981.
981 has low torque to really enjoy the ride, my old f30 316d BMW feels quicker. 718 has a lot punchier engine.
Kind of strange, all who under rate it don't own one, I own two. If the 2019 Cayman disappointed you, I did not know it, I watched you. Are you saying you would kick Emma Stone out of bed because she does not sound like Emma Watson? Oh, Emma you did disappointed me to be honest, that voice ruined it for me.
You did scrape someone else's car twice. Your guest should be more important than this production.
Sorry I tried. Revvy Flat 6 981 all the way!
After watching it back the 981 does sound nice after the 718!
Nutts On Cars I tried the 718 Cayman S. It’s a pretty good car in isolation but if you grew up hearing flat 6 Porsches, it’s always going to be a disappointment. It’s quite frustrating you have to get a GTS to get that flat 6 tone in the 718. Love your content, particularly on the 981s and Carrera T! Keep it up!
Yep fully get that, maybe the next generation will all return to flat 6 as they 718 hasn’t been a great success for Porsche
Let’s hope so. The emotion of a NA flat 6 is half the reason you buy a Porsche.
The boxster looks nice, just needs an engine!!!
The 718 engine sounds disappointing.
The 981 does sound good after the 718 have to admit after watching it back
Absolutely terrible audio. Why even release this? Stopped watching.