As you slide into the driver’s seat, the scent of premium leather and the soft hum of the engine transport you to a world of precision and power. You’re about to experience the Porsche 718 Spyder in its element – a symphony of curves and acceleration that will leave you breathless. But not all models are created equal. What sets the best years apart from the rest, and which ones should you avoid? Let’s take a closer look at the 718 Spyder’s performance, design, and legacy to uncover its secrets.
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Key Takeaways
- The 981 Boxster and Spyder retain high values, especially when compared to less desirable four-cylinder models.
- The 718 Spyder’s features and performance make it a viable alternative to the 911, offering better value.
- The 981’s production run reflects a shorter life cycle, contributing to its high value and legacy as a supreme sports car.
- There is no worst year for the Porsche 718 Spyder, as its design, features, and performance set it apart as a supreme sports car.
- The 718 Spyder stands on its own merits, making it a supreme sports car in its own right, unaffected by its production run.
Design and Features
With its athletic, masculine design language, the 718 Spyder takes inspiration from the 918 and 991-generation 911, banishing the “hairdresser’s” image that once plagued the model.
You’ll appreciate the manual top, which lets you open the convertible top with ease.
The design language creates a unique look that sets the Spyder apart.
Inside, you’ll find Bucket seats that provide excellent support during spirited driving.
Particularly, the 718 Spyder features hydraulic steering, which provides precise and natural-feeling control.
Performance and Handling
As you get behind the wheel of the 718 Spyder, you’ll notice its chassis and suspension have been tweaked to minimize body roll, giving you a more modern and composed driving experience.
This setup is a significant step up from the 981S Boxster, allowing for a more precise and planted feel on the road.
With this level of precision, you’ll be able to take on twisty roads with confidence.
Chassis and Suspension
You’ll notice the 718 Spyder’s suspension is more composed, boasting a more modern feel that makes it a capable performer.
The chassis and suspension are built around each other, making it a more visceral sports car with minimal body roll.
The suspension is more precise, with a GT3-like feel, allowing for better body control and a more planted feel on the road.
With the right tire choice, like the Michelin PS4S, you’ll experience a great balance between handling and comfort, making the 718 Spyder a great option for those who want a more performance-oriented Boxster.
Body Roll and Planting
The 718 Spyder’s suspension tuning plays a crucial role in minimizing body roll and promoting a planted feel.
You’ll notice its more composed and modern feel, reducing body roll and making the car feel more planted compared to the 981 Spyder.
The suspension is precise, similar to the GT3, making it a mid-engine convertible GT3 for a fraction of the price.
With minimal body roll, the 718 Spyder feels planted, making it perfect for daily driving that’s close to the limit.
This balance makes it an excellent choice for drivers who want a thrilling ride without compromising on comfort.
Production and Legacy
This generation’s production run dropped to 54,374 units, a result of a shorter life cycle rather than a decline in sales.
You’ll find the 981 Boxster and Spyder retaining high values, especially when compared to less desirable four-cylinder models.
The 981’s production run reflects a shorter life cycle, contributing to its high value and legacy as a supreme sports car.
Its features and performance made it a viable alternative to the 911, establishing its own legacy and value.
As you consider the 981, remember its value lies in its performance, features, and legacy, not just its relation to the 911.
Comparison to 911 and Other Models
Performance enthusiasts seeking a driving experience akin to the 911’s, but without the hefty price tag, should stop their search right here at the 718 Spyder.
You’ll find a beautifully refined and visceral sports car that’s a viable alternative to the 911, offering better value.
The 718 Spyder’s features and performance make it a true GT, rivaling the GT4RS.
You might question whether the 911 is worth the extra cost, especially considering the 981’s production run reflects a shorter life cycle.
The 718 Spyder stands on its own merits, making it a supreme sports car in its own right.
Manual Top Experience and Considerations
You’ll find that the manual top operation takes about a minute to complete, and it’s easy to do, making the top-down experience a breeze.
You’ll also appreciate that holding the release button on the key fob simplifies the process.
Manual Top Operation
Operating the manual top on your Porsche 718 Spyder is a process that takes around a minute to complete, whether you’re putting it up or taking it down.
You’ll find the manual top operation to be great, with some owners even enjoying the process. It’s not a big pain, rather a manageable task that requires reasonable hand-eye coordination.
Holding the release button on the key fob facilitates the top-down procedure, making it a non-issue. The trade-off is well worth it, as you’ll get to enjoy the Spyder’s aesthetic benefits and its exceptional GT4RS-inspired performance.
Top Down Experience
The Porsche 718 Spyder’s manual top-down experience is an integral part of its overall appeal.
You’ll find the process of opening or closing the manual roof takes around a minute, and it’s not a hassle.
In fact, it’s a pretty big part of the Spyder’s looks – the car looks much better with the top down.
You might be concerned about the manual top operation, but it’s a trade-off for the GT3 front end suspension and bespoke rear suspension.
Simple to Operate
Putting the top up or down is a straightforward process that won’t leave you frustrated.
You’ll find the manual top easy to operate, even if you’re a senior daily driver. It takes under a minute to complete, and you can do it with two people.
The trade-off is worth it, as you get the GT3 front end suspension and bespoke rear suspension, major performance benefits.
Holding the release button on the key fob makes the top-down procedure even easier to manage. It’s not rocket science, and you’ll find it manageable, a minor quibble compared to the Spyder’s overall benefits.
Allocation and Dealer Relationship
You’ll likely find that securing a Porsche 718 Spyder allocation is a challenge, especially if you’re a dealer with a limited sales history or lacking a strong relationship with Porsche.
To increase your chances, focus on building a strong partnership with the manufacturer:
- Meet sales targets: Consistently meet or exceed the sales targets set by Porsche to demonstrate your commitment and capabilities.
- Invest in training: Guarantee your staff is well-versed in Porsche’s products, including the 718 Spyder and GTS, to provide exceptional customer service.
- Maintain a high-quality facility: Invest in a modern, well-maintained facility that meets Porsche’s standards to showcase their luxury vehicles.
- Stay up-to-date with Porsche representatives: Foster a strong relationship with Porsche representatives to stay informed about new models, allocations, and marketing initiatives.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Porsche Macan, Porsche 911, Porsche Panamera and Porsche 996. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
