2023 718 Boxster S: Does a convertible top make the 718 better? | One-Mile Review

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Damon drives a brand-new 718 Boxster S with a PDK transmission. Earlier this year he drove a 718 Cayman S with PDK. Does a convertible top enhance the driving experience, or is it just different?

#Porsche718 #porscheboxster
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[tompierson]

Regarding investment value, I had a 2017 718 Boxster S (Rhodium Silver) and traded it two-plus years later for a similarly equipped 2019 version (CPO) in Racing Yellow. The Porsche dealer gave me as trade-in exactly what I'd paid for the 2017, essentially meaning I drove it free. They sold the 2017 within five days. IMHO, the "purists" who decry the flat four turbo don't necessarily reflect the market. The 718 is a stellar driving experience.

[MrRoyck]

They are all Porsches: flat four, flat six, air cooled or water cooled pick what suits you, they all part of the rich heritage, pedigree and craftsmanship of the brand. If don’t like the flat four noise then go either 718 flat six or 981 S, who cares which version is superior that is just a subjective opinion to fuel social arrogance and snobbery. Flat fours are intrinsically part of Porsche history so is mid engine and not just rear engine. Porsche club UK every Porsche matters and are welcomed without focusing on divisive issues.Go out and kdrive the hell out of your BoxEngine, driven not hidden in garage gassing about what’s better. Enjoy your Porsche folks!

[boston]

Great review! I own a 2018 718 Boxster S which I bought new. Just love this little car. It is fast, fun, comfortable, practical, and very reliable. I was comparing the performance numbers with a 718 Boxster 4.0 GTS, and they are very similar. The 4.0 liter has a better-sounding engine; however, I cannot justify its cost over a 718 Boxster S. I also love the previous 981 flat 6 engine, the engine sound is nicer, however, I prefer the 4-cylinder turbo engine as it is much faster off the line, easier to drive fast as well as the new PCM is far superior to the 981.

[AM-ukjv]

I think the 718 S are the best performance bargains if you spec them with PTV, SC, and SPASM while keeping the other options minimal. My 718CS is just a tick under $95k with a manual. It handles just like a 4.0 GTS and is a bit lighter, but over $15k cheaper. In the real world, the S and 4.0 are just as fast as each other. Aside from sound, I don't think there's much to lose when going with a performance optioned S over a 4.0 GTS. Is the 4.0 GTS worth $15k-20k+ over the S? I'm not that convinced that it is. But I'm not a flat 6 purist nor a noise snob.

[offsideundo]

"S" on the Boxster gives you the "Sport" button. Sport Chrono option adds the "Sport Plus" button (as well as some other dynamic enhancements). Signed: a 981 Boxster S w/Sport Chrono owner who is ridiculously in love with my car.

[Anonymous-krb]

Not complaining, but on approach to the Eisenhower tunnel (elevation 11, 158ft) the 310hp 3.4L engine in my 987.2 Boxster S is only wheezing out approx. 208hp. I've driven a 718 Boxster S here in Colorado and 350hp at ANY elevation is a game changer.

[chrisbennett]

I have never driven a PDK (or a Boxster for that matter) but all I hear is people talk about how great it is. How much faster it shifts, yada yada. If I were to daily a car like this I might consider the PDK if I lived in an urban setting. Otherwise, I would rather have a manual. It requires the driver to engage with the car in a manner an automatic can’t. Thanks for posting! Cheers!

[rich]

Shame the Cayman does not have sunroof. Would increase sales for those who do not want a convertilble.

[tractionsavant]

I own a 2007 987 S from new and found your review quite interesting. I have been curious as to how satisfying the new ones are compared to my old flat 6. Glad to see your favorable review. My question is about your ratings. You graded a C as a daily driver, B minus for road trips and B for fun factor. So what cars would garner A or A+ in your rating system? By the way, my wife's and my own largest suitcases fit in the two trunks with plenty of room left over for smaller bags and stuff. We have taken is as far as South Dakota, the Colorado Rockies and the wilds of Ontario and loved it on these trips. I would rate ours higher.
jeff

[mkdrum]

Beer in the front, pizza in the back. It’s even got a nice flat shelf to put your pizza box, but watch out for greasy boxes! Cold stuff you definitely want in the front. That’s where I put the cooler on my 100mi twice a week commute. If it’s a tiny cooler you can put it in the passenger footwell, but that’s just awkward.
981 Boxster in Sapphire Blue Metallic and it’s been awesome. I’m very curious to see what Porsche does with the electric Boxster.

[hbullock]

This is totally a "do you prefer ragtop or not" question. Being designed as a cab, the boxster has never given up performance to caymans. You either like top down cars more or you don't. Also, the weather / camera didn't do the python much favors. It is a much richer color, most of the time. FWIW, my PG spyder always gets parked up front. :)

[rayborg]

The 718 is a great way to motor top down.If I would hunting for an open top its got to be a Boxster and nothing else this 718 will do nicely.A manual worth looking for this model.

[SpeedYellow]

The reviewer subconsciously keep referring to “engine noise”. If this car has a Flat-6 he’d be saying sweet music.
This one is a very good car, but the previous generations Boxster’s were brilliant.

[davedovala]

Not specific to this article, but it seems the PDK use case is rarely if ever explained by journalists while the enjoyment of a manual is always mentioned. On track, I learned that PDK autonomously downshifts to the proper gear to maximize corner apex acceleration while cracking off split second redline upshifts down the straights with no pause in forward momentum. I thought my heel/toe skills were pretty okay, but no match for the PDK robot!

[inflatable]

What's the point of the S model? I think most people go either base 718 or GTS 4.0.. If it's about the extra power (300HP not enough?!?), you can easily tune the 2.0L to 350HP as well with even more torque.. Saves you a lot of money..

[malcolmnicholls]

When I was a kid in London (1962) British racing green was any green. Some race cars were this colour-yuck! Love the car, may buy used when my ship comes in .

[frankiebpr]

Thank you. Have you driven the GTS 4.0?

[jessedaniel]

Top down makes any Porsche sports car better. But I’m a little biased

[lifeonvanisland]

Great review. I own a 981 Boxster S, and the sound from the flat six is way nicer than the 718. I think the 981 is perhaps the best value Boxster considering you need to spend a fortune to get the new 4.0 six on a 718

[miker]

Can 718 Boxster run SSCC without heat soaking the intercooler? Either 125 or 150 MPH classes are what i’m aiming for but that seems to be the limiter. Everything else seems delightful, potential daily driver, DE days, etc. Thx