Chris Harris On The New Porsche Boxster's Unfavourable "Personality Transplant"
In an episode of Chris Harris Drives, the man gives his thoughts on the new 718 Boxster and its downsized powerplant
Mirroring Harris’ thoughts on the 718 Cayman S in the most recent Top Gear series (this particular video came out before the series before appearing recently on YouTube), the man concludes that there’s a lot to like about the new four-cylinder Boxster, despite the change in noise.
As for our two-penneth, we miss the noise, but it’s hard to ignore the Boxster’s newfound power and improved chassis.
The debate about the 718 Boxster and Cayman’s 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre powerplants will no doubt rumble on for some time. Where do you stand?
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Waiting for the GT4 RS. Noise will be back. Good noises.
Yes but it won’t be called the 718
I’m not a fan of the sound, but it’s still one of the best cars in its class.
It is the best car in its class
I think my biggest argument is “what do you compare this car to?”.
The point is, if you forget that 6-cylinder Caymans/Boxsters ever existed, no-one would complain. Why? Because rather than being compared to the predecessor, this car would be compared to its competitors, namely cars like the new Alpine (which we are yet to hear, but I doubt the engine is any better), 4-cylinder F-type, TT S and so on. The only competitor which has more than 4 cylinders is the M2, and that car has its own flaws. V6 F-type and TT RS are much more expensive than the 718.
And in that sense, the 718 is one of the best cars. The engine is amongst the best 4-cylinder engines on the market - its sounds better than any other, delivers lots of power and is super responsive, especially the 2.5 one. In fact, the 2.5L engine has almost no turbo lag.
Therefore, I think, if you are upgrading from 981 (or earlier) Cayman/Boxster, you might be disappointed. But most people who buy the 718 are like me, upgrading from a hot-hatch or some sort of sports saloon. And then the 718 feels brilliant.
Another thing is how the car is being used. If its a weekend car only, then I would totally recommend buying the 981 Boxster or a used V6 F-type convertible.
But 718 is an amazing daily driver. It might lack the noise and character of the 6-cylinder engines, but it is much more usable in town (thanks to vast amounts of torque at any RPM), has better fuel economy (it does matter, at least in the sense that you don’t need to stop for fuel as often) and lower costs, such as tax and insurance. Not to mention that the 718 is much, much faster than any 981 Cayman (GT4 aside)
I compleatly agree with you. If Cayman had a hanbrake it would be a perfect Porsche. But since it doesn’t I would spec mine like yours (I would take the S model tho)
You hit the nail on the head perfectly. I have driven a few Caymans in the past couple of years, and I admit I was underwhelmed from the straightline performance after stepping out of my 911, but the sound and the agility made up for it and I was impressed by the overall car, mostly due to the rawness of the sound. Now that I’ve driven a 718, I’m completely disappointed. The sound is muted and I don’t like modern 4 cylinders to begin with, and it just isn’t as raw as the 981 Cayman. I could see how someone in your shoes would love it though, because it is still a great car.
Instead of getting a optioned out one for about 60k, I would get a 981 Cayman GTS
I would get a Boxster GTS, if it was a weekend car. But for a daily, I prefer the 718 Cayman
I wonder if this new Porsche flat 4 would fit in the back of a classic Beetle…
Why put it in a classic beetle? It’s already in a new beetle
My 987 boxster sounds a thousand times better than that, hate the 718.
I cannot legitimately pay $90K for such a raucous-sounding 4-banger. I’ll keep my 986 Boxster S#
I’m in complete agreement with Mr. Harris here. During my short time at Porsche I regularly drove the 981, and it was legitimately the best car Porsche had on sale that moment (especially since the GT3 was still blowing its engine internals all over the place).
Nothing came close in terms of driving experience. Compared to the 981, the 991 felt bloated even at slow speeds. Porsche’s top of the line sportscat has gotten a bit too big and comfy for its own good. The 981 still has that pure, razorsharp feel without sacrificing everyday usability. If I had the luxury of even being close to affording that sort of car, I’d take the 981 any day.
The new 718 may be better in many ways, but the soulful sounds of Porsche’s iconic flat six just make it stale for me. It may be the best smallish sportscar on the planet, I’d still pas it on for the beatiful symphony offered up by the 981.
the 918? I don’t know if typo or simply very lucky!
TBH the 718 sounds like an STi and it’s not that bad.
You don’t want a Porsche to sound like a 30k Subaru.
I grew up on the Beetle, so a 4 cyl Boxster is like a lowered, wider chopped Beetle on STEROIDS! And it probably has better fuel economy. It is like my childhood dream car.