Porsche 718 Boxster - Real World Review
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
The Porsche Boxster, with it's hard top sibling, is the entry point into the Porsche range. Introduced first in 1996 just in time to bolster Porsche's finances. There have been three generations prior to this, this latest version now called the 718 Boxster.
Some say the Boxster saved the company and this may not be overstating it's importance but whether or not this is true it has been responsible for Porsche's dominance in this sector and until the arrival of the new Alpine A110 has been without a doubt the best out there and by a margin.
However Porsche's decision to drop their 6 cylinder engines and promote 4 cylinder power for the latest 718 has in the opinion of this writer at least handed an opportunity to the rivals. We had the Cayman GT4 and the engine in this was wonderful. When compared to our Golf R the engine in the 718 is terrific, when pitched against the old engine it is nowhere, except perhaps in outright power. The 718 badge is from Porsche's racing past.
The new Boxster’s engine is a 2.0-litre unit with 296bhp and 280lb ft, the Boxster S has 2.5 litres with 345bhp and 310lb ft and the Boxster GTS gets 361bhp and 317lb ft. All engines have a single turbo.
Porsche’s claims a kerb weight claim for the Boxster of 1335kg.
Porsche’s intention with the new suspension was to add precision to the handling without sacrificing ride comfort. Stiffer coil springs and thicker anti-roll bars add to the MacPherson strut set-up but, more important, the car gets more direct electromechanical power steering, larger dampers, a new, stronger rear subframe and wider rear wheels.
You can opt for PASM adaptive dampers (accompanied by shorter springs for a 10mm drop in ride height or on the Boxster S PASM Sport, standard on the GTS, which makes the suspension stiffer and lower again.
The flat four engine responds with great enthusiasm, in all gears. all credit to Porsche for all but eliminating turbo lag, there is a momentary delay, but it’s minimal, and the unit’s enthusiasm from 2000rpm onwards is quite startling.
All of this makes the 4 pot unit a good one especially in 2 litre format. However whilst as good as or better than the 4 cylinder engines of it's competitors, a worthy replacement for it's predecessor it is absolutely not!
The Boxster makes a virtue of its mid-engine balance, it changes direction fluidly and provides the benchmark for how an open two-seat sports car ought to feel. However the chief differences between the 718 and its predecessor are the breadth and depth of its adaptive ride quality and the sharpening of its chassis.
In the PASM’s softest setting, the Boxster makes light work of the most uneven UK roads. The 10mm suspension drop barely troubles wheel control even with optional 20in Carrera S wheels fitted and the Boxster’s stiffened chassis lets you lean ever more deeply into delivering seemingly endless grip and poise. As a generator of composure, and the playful confidence that comes with it, the Boxster remains unparalleled and Its performance on the Pirelli P Zero tyres was redolent of our Cayman GT4, a car that completely refused to become unstuck in corners and still remained brilliantly driveable.
Prices start at 45K for the base 718 model, and the one tested here, rising to 62.5K for the GTS before extras.
Did we like it? Engine aside, we thought it incredible and still the best out there. Though we have not driven the Alpine A110 yet.
Subscribe now to see further videos on the 718 Boxster GTS. Coming soon!
Visit us at:
Website: www.ss8000cars.org
Instagram: / ss8000cars
Stats: Autocar
Пікірлер: 23
I think you meant to say it has a similar engine to a Mk 7 Golf, not "the same". It's a boxer-, not an inline-four. The 718/982 shares its engine architecture with the 991.2 Carrera.
@SS8000cars
5 жыл бұрын
You are absolutely correct and thanks for pointing this out.
@jamesm9486
Жыл бұрын
@@SS8000cars you are an idiot
Nice video; very useful! Thanks. Also, nice Submariner.
Nice review guys good job, was nice to see that someone noted the brake light location as a separate location not just built ins on the rear lights, things like this I reckon people just don't tell you about.- as a general comment, not aimed at you guys in any way........out of all the reviews I have watched there is still a lot that NOBODY has put into a review. (relevant or not, some people still want more information (like me) like the sound system and the BOSE sound system with the roof down and up in the Boxter (since the roof is not as sound capturing as its Cayman metal roof counterpart) or nature calls from birds with the roof down or up (how quickly must you clean that or if it rains and that happens now you have a stain??) or visitors landing when at lights - more pros and cons are needed ....maybe even does one ensure that there is a spray can of sun screen for a sunny day in the Boxter and you have the roof down. What about waterproofing the roof or the longevity of the roof even without the water proofing eg drying out and fading. I also have not seen a review on the quality of the phone calls in the care. I also have not seen a review of 718 base Boxter with 19Inch wheels with and without PASM and the same for 20Inch wheels with PASM - going over speed bumps of all types and driveways for example at what point does scraping begin, also what is the ride comfort like? I have heard its less comfortable on 20 Inch wheels, is that true? - These are things as maybe a PROS and CONS for choosing either the 2021/2 718 Boxter or the Cayman that I know Id like to know about before spending hard saved or earned cash on one of these two.
You guys are great , keep making videos!!
For me Ian the nearest competitor would be Jaguars 2.0L i4 T f- type, but you can't go wrong with Porsche
Prefer my Boxster 981 manual with Sports exhaus,sounds great, last of the breed 2016 model , purchased from your friends at Hatfield Porsche, was their high spec demo car .
@ashleyjames308
5 жыл бұрын
Doesn’t handle as well and the old six is dog slow in comparison. The 718 is extremely fast.
@sparkford04
5 жыл бұрын
@@ashleyjames308 don't think I will changing up(?)anytime soon for a minor difference in handling or for that matter for being "extremely fast" . I can get the later from my Golf R mk7.5 should I feel that I desperately need it within the UK legal limit or occasional track days.
@ashleyjames308
5 жыл бұрын
keith morris I think you’re missing the point. The 718 is a noticeably better car in every respect, which is what usually happens when a new model comes out. It’s so much better and the engine so much quieter that I don’t think your arguments hold water. The Satnav, for example, can work in parallel with your iPhone so that you can locate any destination and display maps from each on the two screens. You may not notice the improved ride and handling, but I do and when I say that it’s extremely fast, I mean that a stab of the throttle pedal will get me past almost anything where the six wouldn’t do it. It just howled it’s way up the rev range and took for ever. Likewise the PDK is a vast improvement over manual and makes driving much more of a pleasure. I have to admit to having no interest in track days. Last ones I did were on motorbikes in the seventies and I haven’t bothered since. However I did drive my 718 up and down numerous mountain passes in northern Spain and loved it. It’s where you realise what the car is designed for. Go and try one.
@sparkford04
5 жыл бұрын
@@ashleyjames308 Chase the latest technology www.autoexpress.co.uk/porsche/cayman/105535/new-porsche-718-cayman-t-and-boxster-t-revealed
The S is a little more than a larger engine with more power. You get larger wheels as standard, and a few interior upgrades like a bit more leather and alloy pedals. Perhaps more interesting is the variable geometry turbo tech from the 911 in the S, which further reduces turbo lag. Having said all of that I still bought a base model and specced it with 10K of options. Even at 10K was being very selective. These cars soon become very expensive when you option in kit that is standard in competitors. Another interesting point is this car has the same fake sound producer (soundaktor) as the Golf R. In fact literally the same part number. How these cars sound inside vs outside is quite different.
@borinvlogs
2 жыл бұрын
S also has bigger brakes, twin design exhausts which i think are a must.
quite a quaint review. the golf r comparison are a wheeze, how much does the boxster weigh, 1500 kgs lol
1500 kg? Do you even prepare for your videos? Come on guys, Wikipedia is your friend. Same engine as an in-line 4 pot? OMG
"Real world" review-but hardly any mention of luggage carrying ability, and no view of luggage spaces. Quite important if it's going to be your only car.
The S is worth every penny. It’s 10k more but it’s a different machine, the regular 718 lags.
@blueberrycobbler
5 жыл бұрын
M M I with Nick Murray, the extra 12k isn’t worth it and in his words the base Cayman has more than enough power for everyday driving.
half price now - people are dumping them now the 4.0 gts 6 cylinder is coming out - saw one for $50K with 25kms
feels like an MX-5??? hahahaha - this shows how little you guys understand about cars. Its like saying The Bentley feels a bit like an Audi A8
@doriangray2347
2 жыл бұрын
It absolutely feels like an mx-5 rf ND2. I own both now