TBH that was easy…mine has manual transmission and whilst I think PDK is an accomplished system, it still doesn’t do it for me…I’d rather have full control (lets not start a PDK debate again though).
Aside from that, even if I had borrowed a manual I would not want to swap the 981 for the 718…comments above mention it is fast..in the driving I did today (admittedly in the wet) it wasn’t noticeable. I am sure in a straight line it would be a bit (0.6 seconds to 60 I think?) but real world I didn’t notice any difference and assume that those who have commented above were comparing a 986/987 in non-S guise to an S (and older cars were slower anyway…my 2.7 987 (comparable to older S’s) was 6.1 secs to 60 whereas the new 718 base is is 5.1 and S is 4.6 in 6MT form).
In summary my 981 S at 5.1 secs compared to a new PDK 718S at 4.6 ish just wasn’t that noticeable in normal driving.
The torque seemed comparable too (I’m sure the specs would show the 718 IS more torquey but in the real world I didn’t notice it, or at least I dont need it..ffs the manual 981S will do anything from 20 to 115mph ‘ish in 3rd gear!)
As far as comfort and equipment it is a familiar place to be if you own a 981, some subtle changes to air vents, steering wheel, the Sport Plus/sport/boost button on the wheel too (apparently you only get it if you spec Sport Chrono, otherwise you just get a Sport button on the central tunnel like the 981).
The PCM system is newer and much more sensitive to an approaching hand, more standard spec is included too…it now has the option of Airplay and online stuff too, but then the price is marginally more so you are not getting anything ‘free’. My car cost £56299 after discounts and incentives and a comparable 718 S 6MT would be around £62k before any discount you may be able to achieve (two and a half years later).
I dont think the 718 offers much more for the money compared to the 981 and certainly not for me to pay close to £30k to change ‘up’ (and I wouldn’t see it as a change up TBH, its not better it’s just different)
Lastly the engine has to be mentioned….I got the wife to try to video it, unfortunately it didn’t quite capture the sound true to life (and I can’t post some of the clips for self incrimination reasons). One is below…
The engine note is not terrible (actually saying that it reminded me of the way a Diesel engine sounds, i.e. a bit clattery) but does not sound as good as a flat 6, it sounds like a cheap motor has been put into a premium car..(sorry to prospective 718 buyers) I mean it actually sounds like a cheap engine…it lacks that performance sound, that feeling of quality engineering that the flat 6 gives you. The car I borrowed didn’t have PSE as I think they have only just made it available and the demos have it missing, maybe that will make it better…the car as standard did ‘pop and spit’ a little bit once warm.
Anyway after getting a px value of £32500 from them on mine, (so the car has cost me about £30000 in deprecation, deposit, pcp payments (since paid off) over the last 30 months then !..and that’s not including one minor service, tyres, insurance etc) I declined the offer of a 718 order slot.
I am completely happy, irrespective of the financial aspects, to keep my car for the foreseeable and can be completely honest when I say the 981S does everything i need it too, there is nothing in the current product range I can see myself trading it in against..the only possible future being a 911 (to scratch that itch) but at a £50000+ cost to change I can’t, and wouldn’t want to afford that ether…the 981 is simply far to good.
Not getting a sale on a 718 they then tried to persuade us into a newer Cayenne instead…you have to love ’em :)
