I have driven a 718 S and a 718 GTS and I don’t think they are compromised in any way. The power difference between the two is 12kw, but I couldn’t feel any difference and still took an RS3 at a robot with ease and you can reach ridiculous speeds by just overtaking. The S was also surprisingly better specced than the GTS (Obviously at the first owner’s expense). The 718 doesn’t have the NA sound, but specced with the PSE, they are actually brilliant little cars when you throw them around a bit.
-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
2014 Porsche Cayman S PDK Sports Chrono
- Thread starter MR_Y
- Start date
I have driven a 718 S and a 718 GTS and I don’t think they are compromised in any way. The power difference between the two is 12kw, but I couldn’t feel any difference and still took an RS3 at a robot with ease and you can reach ridiculous speeds by just overtaking. The S was also surprisingly better specced than the GTS (Obviously at the first owner’s expense). The 718 doesn’t have the NA sound, but specced with the PSE, they are actually brilliant little cars when you throw them around a bit.
MR_Y
Well-known member
I hear you.
If I had the big bucks, I would still find a GT(add number here) Porsche to be too much car for my daily driver needs. You need a lot of open and quiet road, preferably some decent amount of track time too, to properly use the full ability of these great machines. Using a GTx as a daily driver and an occasional weekend blast car would be sacrilege, since you will only be using <50% of these cars' abilities. The same will hold true for any car that punches over 300kw - you pay a lot for these cars, but you can only access a fraction of their potential on normal roads, even on weekends.
I feel that the 981 S, and even some of the lower rung models in the F Type and Supra stables, are actually the best compromise for people like me. Who want to daily their cars and have the weekend blast on normal roads, but don't feel like their fun is being neutered by not having access to a racetrack or miles of open, smooth, quiet roads.
Even if I had the super bucks, I would probably be happy with just a GTS. If I had space for more toys, I would invest in a GT4 for track purposes.
adamr
Well-known member
To support the posts ....Bought the wife a base 718 a few years back, thinking its fine for her. Damn thing was way way quicker than I thought it would ... And we not talking S ... Past 200 it will continue hurtling to stupid numbers. Its engaging , it sounds good (insert piece where reviewers are on tik here). You honestly don't need the S version for the first time in a boxster. Its an amazing bloody car. Highly highly rated. Hothatch owners please think twice before trying to mess with any of those 4cyl 718s ...
... So then late last year I bought a 718 gt4. First off, a 718 gt4's suspension setup is not made for doing a launch control and a drag race ... Its not a drag car at all ... That 718 base I'm sure will fuck me up in a straight line with its pdk box ...But ...a GT4 is a very very different car when compared to other 718 models. And you absolutely right ... when driving the GT4 you dont care at all about what speed you doing. I've not once looked at the speedo ... All im worried about is just trying to get that shift right ... Getting max grip around a corner. Its amazing ... Like sooooo special. Kinda happy BMW left a sour taste in my mouth with the BMW M2 CS's pricing and their compulsory donation.
BMW have lost me as a client for a good few years now to Porsche ... M division specifically. The M3 pricing was always around that of a Boxster S price and now its more expensive than a 992. The product as well does not feel as special as the M cars of years gone. They chasing numbers ... Sadly, not a driving experience anymore. Market and resell values on the right Porsche's are amazing. Same can't be said about the BMWs; I guess maybe thats fine for most who prefer throwing their money at banks. Its sad really and very difficult for me to choose a BMW M again.
Even from a customer relations perspective. Porsche centre JHB always remembered me and always tried their best to get me back into a GT car ... And they actually told me that: "We want you back with us in a GT car". I might not agree with some of their policies and they absolutely sideline you when you buy a porsche outside of their network (been on that end ) ... And still they made me feel more valued than any BMW dealer has ever made me feel (even when I rock up to the dealer in a Picanto)
Vote with my wallet I did.
Edit: up at this witching hour as a result of the thunder jolting my heart ... Actually still feel that stress on my heart (damn am getting old lol)
Sent from my KB2000 using Tapatalk
... So then late last year I bought a 718 gt4. First off, a 718 gt4's suspension setup is not made for doing a launch control and a drag race ... Its not a drag car at all ... That 718 base I'm sure will fuck me up in a straight line with its pdk box ...But ...a GT4 is a very very different car when compared to other 718 models. And you absolutely right ... when driving the GT4 you dont care at all about what speed you doing. I've not once looked at the speedo ... All im worried about is just trying to get that shift right ... Getting max grip around a corner. Its amazing ... Like sooooo special. Kinda happy BMW left a sour taste in my mouth with the BMW M2 CS's pricing and their compulsory donation.
BMW have lost me as a client for a good few years now to Porsche ... M division specifically. The M3 pricing was always around that of a Boxster S price and now its more expensive than a 992. The product as well does not feel as special as the M cars of years gone. They chasing numbers ... Sadly, not a driving experience anymore. Market and resell values on the right Porsche's are amazing. Same can't be said about the BMWs; I guess maybe thats fine for most who prefer throwing their money at banks. Its sad really and very difficult for me to choose a BMW M again.
Even from a customer relations perspective. Porsche centre JHB always remembered me and always tried their best to get me back into a GT car ... And they actually told me that: "We want you back with us in a GT car". I might not agree with some of their policies and they absolutely sideline you when you buy a porsche outside of their network (been on that end ) ... And still they made me feel more valued than any BMW dealer has ever made me feel (even when I rock up to the dealer in a Picanto)
Vote with my wallet I did.
Edit: up at this witching hour as a result of the thunder jolting my heart ... Actually still feel that stress on my heart (damn am getting old lol)
Sent from my KB2000 using Tapatalk
Last edited:
TurboLlew
Honorary ///Member
Agree 100%
The Cayman was too polished for me... the GT4 (in the specs available at the time anyway) was not raw enough for what I wanted... but they will get me with a GT3 RS one day I am sure LOL. The way they went out of their way to find me a car, understand me etc at Porsche is something that stays with you.
There was a discussion on one of the groups about the 'other' post protesting that the M3 and M4 are better than 911s and you have to compare it to the Turbo S... again I say, people must stop being brainwashed and feeling like they must defend the multibillion euro company that has (literally on social media) said they don't care about them or their opinions.
If you drive a Porsche (any Porsche), you will see the night and day difference in build quality and feel. Service is next level. Sales experience next level. And it is cheaper than buying a BMW now! You don't have to make excuses or constantly saying 'it is better in person'. There is more to that 911 than the numbers suggest and you see it when you drive. Same story with Ferraris: even the older cars have a feel to them that no amount of power from a BMW or Benz can compensate for (still nothing turns in like a Ferrari).
I would drive a GT3 as often as I possibly could (as I do with everything I own). The real sacrilege is having these things gathering dust without having been enjoyed (either for fear of losing value or because a trip is 'unworthy' of it). You don't have to drive a car to 9/10ths to love it and enjoy it and not all of us sit in hour long queues of traffic.
MR_Y
Well-known member
So, the offending dealership was PC Umhlanga.
After some back in the forth, the headlight issue was resolved today. The dealer principle also got involved to expedite the resolution of the issues.
I am happy that all is well and just in time too, since I have a breakfast run planned for Magaliesberg soon.
ChrisPy
Active member
I thought I was the only person to think like this. I to buy cars to drive them and would easily daily a GT3RS if I could afford one.
I’ve actually been looking at getting a std 991.2 GT3 or 991.2 GTS, and I know I will get a lot of flak from people when I’ll end up telling them that I daily it and put 20-25k km per year on it. It’s just that to me I buy the car to enjoy it. Not just keep it locked up.
back on point thought the caymans are great options these days, but I need the four seats. Otherwise I would look at that. A 911 with a roof box would be my favourite.
@MR_Y whats the details of this breakfast run??? Sharing is caring.
TurboLlew
Honorary ///Member
If something was ever going to get me a load of hate, warnings or bans on this forum it will be posting about service levels in Durban be it restaurants, dealerships, stores etc. Attention to detail, attitude, respect... You only realise how badly it sucks when you've experienced what is is 'supposed' to be like elsewhere. Guys like @Jeremy know I have tried to spend money 'back home' when buying big things where possible. I've never (not once) been able to with a car.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Porsche Club breakfast run
2 separate runs for Gauteng to avoid large crowds. One will be from Linksfield to a Greek place (Cullinan, I think) in Pretoria West. The other run is from Centurion to Magaliesburg (that's the one I am attending).
ChrisPy
Active member
ElitistPorsche Club breakfast run
2 separate runs for Gauteng to avoid large crowds. One will be from Linksfield to a Greek place (Cullinan, I think) in Pretoria West. The other run is from Centurion to Magaliesburg (that's the one I am attending).
npower
Active member
Thanks for that update. I use Porsche Umhlanga as well. Never had any issues with them, although I just use them for regular services. So far never had to do repair work. These cars are unbelievably reliable, touch wood!!
MR_Y
Well-known member
Their aftersales service is great (I have friends who use them).
The issue here was the sales process. They missed a few critical things, though I think it was a perfect storm of unfortunate events.
The dealer principle did apologise and everything has since been rectified.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Managed to do a few sprint runs early this morning, once the car got up to optimum oil and coolant temperature. I just used the Chrono system in the car, so allowance has to be made for me manually switching on and off the stop watch. With all the Sports Chrono launch control settings set at maximum attack mode, I managed a 5.8 seconds 0-100kph. Granted, a split second or two can be shaved off to account for me manually switching off the timer. The ground was quite level and conditions were dry. I have an advanced driver day in April with this car at Kyalami, so would be keen to do a properly timed sprint.
For interest sake, Dennis Droppa managed a 0-100 sprint of 5.2 seconds with the brand new GT4 4.0 at the Highveld, so I am not too embarassed with my time in a 3.4 litre car.
You can read his test here
www.timeslive.co.za
For interest sake, Dennis Droppa managed a 0-100 sprint of 5.2 seconds with the brand new GT4 4.0 at the Highveld, so I am not too embarassed with my time in a 3.4 litre car.
You can read his test here
REVIEW | The 2020 Porsche Cayman GT4 crackles with charisma
A high-revving four-litre engine maxes out the sound and charm of 718 Cayman
www.timeslive.co.za
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update.
Went on a breakfast run today to Magaliesburg. Some interesting observations on this car:
- I learned that you can keep the car in Sport Plus, but switch the adaptive suspension to comfort (standard). This gives a forgiving ride, but keeps the gearbox and engine in the sportiest setting.
- When the car is in Sport Plus and gearbox in automatic mode, even with partial throttle engaged, the gearshifts are brutal. Brutal in a great way. Each gearshift thumps through your back, quickly and forcefully. I drove the car most of the way with the above settings on and it was a brilliant experience. You want to hit the red line and feel each gearshift whack your back (you feel it in the seat and through your spine).
- The car vibrates a bit when pushing on, even with the adaptive suspension in standard mode. The rear end is planted, but the engine sends tremors through your seat and the body shell. More so with the sports exhaust on. I was told that this is normal, but will check it out when the car is next booked for a service. This did not impact the handling though.
- The ride quality on these 20 inch wheels, non RFT, and adaptive suspension is quite good. I did the same route in my 320d F30 (18 inch RFT) back in early 2018 and it felt about the same as my Cayman now. For the record, my Boxster (19 inch and adaptive suspension) felt softer than both these cars.
- Even though there were quite a few, fairly large, speed bumps, the car did not touch or scrape these. The approach angle is pretty decent for a sports car.
- I always put the Auto Stop Start off, because it is annoying in traffic. However, out on the open highways, if you switch it on, it engages coasting mode in 7th gear. Basically, this puts the car into neutral. I used it on the N14 and it did improve fuel consumption. My average for the trip was 10.3 litres per 100km, that is with hard driving on secondary roads. Overall average, since buying the car, is sitting just under 14 litres per 100km. I will use the coasting mode on my highway drives more often.
- I had a run against a 981 Cayman GTS (same 3.4 as mine, but with a small bump in power). The gap was not that great against my 981 S. However, a base 718 (2.0 4 cylinder turbo) whipped us both in the short sprint stakes (did not have much opportunity to push it to insane speeds though, where the NA 6 would likely crush the 718 turbo 4).
I met a few guys who are planning some legal drags soon among the Porsche community. Would be keen to assess the car's performance under those controlled conditions.
The breakfast run allowed me to push this car harder than before and I can see that there is more to this car. Will be keen to take it to the track to properly open her up.
(Update: I have booked the car in this week to check the vibration issue. Best case, it could be a rear wheel balancing issue. Worst case, it could be an engine or gearbox issue - some say the active mounts on the gearbox, as part of the Sports Chrono package, give up over time)
Went on a breakfast run today to Magaliesburg. Some interesting observations on this car:
- I learned that you can keep the car in Sport Plus, but switch the adaptive suspension to comfort (standard). This gives a forgiving ride, but keeps the gearbox and engine in the sportiest setting.
- When the car is in Sport Plus and gearbox in automatic mode, even with partial throttle engaged, the gearshifts are brutal. Brutal in a great way. Each gearshift thumps through your back, quickly and forcefully. I drove the car most of the way with the above settings on and it was a brilliant experience. You want to hit the red line and feel each gearshift whack your back (you feel it in the seat and through your spine).
- The car vibrates a bit when pushing on, even with the adaptive suspension in standard mode. The rear end is planted, but the engine sends tremors through your seat and the body shell. More so with the sports exhaust on. I was told that this is normal, but will check it out when the car is next booked for a service. This did not impact the handling though.
- The ride quality on these 20 inch wheels, non RFT, and adaptive suspension is quite good. I did the same route in my 320d F30 (18 inch RFT) back in early 2018 and it felt about the same as my Cayman now. For the record, my Boxster (19 inch and adaptive suspension) felt softer than both these cars.
- Even though there were quite a few, fairly large, speed bumps, the car did not touch or scrape these. The approach angle is pretty decent for a sports car.
- I always put the Auto Stop Start off, because it is annoying in traffic. However, out on the open highways, if you switch it on, it engages coasting mode in 7th gear. Basically, this puts the car into neutral. I used it on the N14 and it did improve fuel consumption. My average for the trip was 10.3 litres per 100km, that is with hard driving on secondary roads. Overall average, since buying the car, is sitting just under 14 litres per 100km. I will use the coasting mode on my highway drives more often.
- I had a run against a 981 Cayman GTS (same 3.4 as mine, but with a small bump in power). The gap was not that great against my 981 S. However, a base 718 (2.0 4 cylinder turbo) whipped us both in the short sprint stakes (did not have much opportunity to push it to insane speeds though, where the NA 6 would likely crush the 718 turbo 4).
I met a few guys who are planning some legal drags soon among the Porsche community. Would be keen to assess the car's performance under those controlled conditions.
The breakfast run allowed me to push this car harder than before and I can see that there is more to this car. Will be keen to take it to the track to properly open her up.
(Update: I have booked the car in this week to check the vibration issue. Best case, it could be a rear wheel balancing issue. Worst case, it could be an engine or gearbox issue - some say the active mounts on the gearbox, as part of the Sports Chrono package, give up over time)
Last edited:
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update AT 32,000km
I notice that on full throttle acceleration, when revs are high, there is a vibration coming from the rear of the car. I can it feel it in my seat and the steering wheel (though, the car still steers fine). When I back off the throttle, the vibration goes away. It is noticeable when accelerating from, say, 100kph onwards. But, it disappears when I ease off.
I booked my car with Porsche PTA, seeing that JHB branch have no available slots for the next few weeks.
I also chatted to an ex-technician recently and he said that it could be the drive shaft.
He also advised that PTA check it, since the service levels are a bit better there anyway.
As a simple check, to rule out wheel imbalance, I performed wheel balancing on the car today at TWT Sunninghill (excellent service there).
The wheels are fine, but they did show me that one of the wheels was repaired (you can see that the inside of the rim is not fully flush, though the rolling side of the rim is fine). This was a buckled rim repair, though the wheel is balancing fine. I am annoyed that the selling dealership did not disclose this repair. Though, I expect that the previous owner may have done it and it was not picked up by the dealership inspection.
I notice that on full throttle acceleration, when revs are high, there is a vibration coming from the rear of the car. I can it feel it in my seat and the steering wheel (though, the car still steers fine). When I back off the throttle, the vibration goes away. It is noticeable when accelerating from, say, 100kph onwards. But, it disappears when I ease off.
I booked my car with Porsche PTA, seeing that JHB branch have no available slots for the next few weeks.
I also chatted to an ex-technician recently and he said that it could be the drive shaft.
He also advised that PTA check it, since the service levels are a bit better there anyway.
As a simple check, to rule out wheel imbalance, I performed wheel balancing on the car today at TWT Sunninghill (excellent service there).
The wheels are fine, but they did show me that one of the wheels was repaired (you can see that the inside of the rim is not fully flush, though the rolling side of the rim is fine). This was a buckled rim repair, though the wheel is balancing fine. I am annoyed that the selling dealership did not disclose this repair. Though, I expect that the previous owner may have done it and it was not picked up by the dealership inspection.
Last edited:
MR_Y
Well-known member
Diagnosis of rear vibration issue:
The gearbox is mainly to blame and needs to be replaced.
Another cause of the vibration is a component on the rear axle, close to the right wheel. This also needs to be replaced.
Parts above will take 3 weeks to arrive.
Costs will be covered by maintenance plan.
Awaiting courtesy car next week.
I still feel that Porsche Umhlanga should have picked up this issue, if they properly tested the car before selling it to me.
The gearbox is mainly to blame and needs to be replaced.
Another cause of the vibration is a component on the rear axle, close to the right wheel. This also needs to be replaced.
Parts above will take 3 weeks to arrive.
Costs will be covered by maintenance plan.
Awaiting courtesy car next week.
I still feel that Porsche Umhlanga should have picked up this issue, if they properly tested the car before selling it to me.
glad you have a plan!
npower
Active member
Was it the right rear wheel that was repaired?
MR_Y
Well-known member
Different wheel.
I asked Porsche Pretoria to do a full check of the car, in case the selling dealer failed to find other issues.
On the plus side today, I participated in a track and road test day at Kyalami. Had a few laps in a GT3 RS Weisach (pic attached), Taycan base RWD and a 718 Spyder 4.0. So, not completely disgruntled with the brand...
Last edited:
