anyone got a 718 Cayman PDK (2.0)

[fergusor]

Hi,

Yes I've got the 2.0 718 Cayman with PDK. This is my first Porsche though so I can't comment on the difference between the 981 and 982.

I've always had manual cars and when I first test drove the 718 Boxster the only gearbox they had available was a PDK. So I drove it not expecting to like it but was surprised by how much I did.

A few months later I drove the manual, and although I enjoyed that too I opted for the PDK mainly for the performance benefits it brings.

I mainly drive it in Sport mode as the response is so much quicker. I've set my individual settings to run in Sport mode with the adaptive dampers on, handles and goes like a dream.

And I love the noise too

Happy to answer any other questions you have.

Richard.

 

[colski1961]

toying with the idea of ordering a 718 Cayman PDK 2.0 ltr to replace my MY16 Cayman PDK 2.7 early next year but just wanted to hear from anyone who has one and what they think, even better if they made the same jump from Cayman to 718 Cayman. Had a test drive and thought it was quick enough, didn't mind the engine note (it's about the drive for me).

 

[Brian_Innes]

Colin,

Good for you! One thing I would definitely recommend with the PDK is the Sport Chrono option. PTV and mechanical locking diff also well worth choosing. Even the 2.0lt has 300bhp. You don't need to be a track day fan to benefit from the PVT and locking diff. Pulling out of T junctions in the wet, exiting tight hairpin bends, all use the PTV and locking diff. Go for both of these is my advice.

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Colin,

I'm not sure whether or not your test car had the PSE option fitted. I had a sit in a 2.0L 718 Cayman recently and was very surprised how loud the exhaust was with the PSE switched on, even at idle.

Definitely something to try before you buy I think, as its dramatic effect may not suit everyone.

I'm hoping that the PC will give me a 718 courtesy car when my 987.2 CS is in for service next month so that I can judge for myself the advances Porsche has made in Cayman development during the 8-years since I purchased mine.

Jeff

 

[colski1961]

Hi Brian

thanks for the advice, I'll bear those in mind.

Colin

 

[Fudgie]

PDK 718 boxster I test drove was great & I sometimes regret not holding out for PDK Cayman instead of opting for the manual demo car my opc had, maybe next time...

With regard to the PSE option, mines got the standard system but with the black twin pipe option, this looks way better than the standard single pipe (imo) and is plenty loud enough for me.

I haven't got any of the trick suspension options but it still drives fantastically well & is a great all-rounder.

 

[Brian_Innes]

Colin,

I hope you decide to take the plunge and order a 718. I did just that in June 2016 with my current 718 Cayman S PDK.

At the time I felt I was taking a huge gamble, as the press reports had been particularly scathing, and the disdain expressed by some owners on this Forum towards the 4 -pot turbo were gathering momentum day by day and week by week.

The 718 does not deserve the stick it receives from some car journalists and a persistent core of Porsche owners. To these people the car is hated, and nothing good can be said about it. There is nothing that can be said, or written, to change such entrenched opinions.

To my open mind, I took the gamble and bought one, specced exactly as I would wish, and with all the sporty bits I could add at the time. If the 718 had turned out to be a bad buy and a retrograde step for the Cayman I had grown to love, I would have had no hesitation in saying so, vigorously and honestly. The car would have been sold by now.

It has been my experience in over 9 months and 7000 miles on road and track with the 718, that it is an absolutely brilliant driver's car. Porsche, as is their way, have engineered significant dynamic and technological developments into the 718 which surpasses all previous Cayman models, with the exception of the track focused GT4.

Good luck with your deliberations and if nothing else, it's fun speccing-up your dream car on the configurator.

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Brian,

I have to commend you on your honest approach. As I've said elsewhere, in particular I'm finding the whole N/A flat-6 vs flat-4 turbo thing rather tiresome and, as an interested party, welcome your appraisal - as I'm sure do many others on here.

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

Thank you Jeff for your grounded and very fair comment.

I am also wearisome of the whole 6-pot/4-pot turbo debate. It's so futile.

I run as my daily driver an Abarth 595 Competizione 180 bhp turbo 4-pot. Now, that is a challenge for the n/a only brigade to accept. Turbo lag by the bucketful! A ride like a pogo stick. But I love it! The Abarth makes my 718 seem like a Panamera by comparison such is the difference in refinement.

I'm a realist and hold no entrenched views on anything to do with cars. Times change and we have to go along with it.

I'm more than happy with my 718, and so long as my health allows me to enjoy it to the full will do so with every fibre of my will.

Brian

 

[Pthornley]

Hi there

not exactly what your after however I have gone 2.7 981 manual to a 2.0 718 manual, so can offer an opinion from that point of view

i ran my 981 for a year prior to changing and did 10k miles in it, it was a great car however it was lightly specced and just felt basic inside, it was my first Porsche so I really didn't look around, however it was a great drive and very eye catching.

While it was in in for a replacement rear Brake light the dealership lent me their yellow 718 which was just loaded with options, full leather, yellow belts Dials and trim, 20 inch wheels, connect plus, the top spec seats, 4 point led lights etc etc. I think it was about 15k in options.

i had it for 3 days and loved the car, the colour was just so eye catching and I preferred the exhaust note. A have friends with 911 turbos and the exhaust note just seemed better and angrier than the 981.

so I thought about it for a few months and ended up buying the demo car from the dealer, I'm 1000 miles and a few months into ownership and in my opinion it's just a better car all round, I think the sound is better ( I know that's not a popular opinion ), it's much faster, much better as a daily driver since there is much more torque, the connectivity is great with apple car play, google earth and street view is pretty cool on the nav, full leather really makes a huge difference in interior quality, the rear 718 lights looks angrier where I always was a bit unsure about the rear 981 lights, they were very soft looking in comparison, the new steering wheel is great and looks a lot more modern, thats all all I can think off so far. As you can tell I dont regret swapping one bit !

 

[Motorhead]

Circa £43k for a base Cayman is a relative steal for a performance sportscar, although granted that can be ramped up significantly when ticking the options.

For comparison, a base 2.0-litre Jag F-Type Coupé retails for about £50k.

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

Pthornley,

That's great to hear another positive report on the 718 and good for you in biting the bullet and going for the high spec demo. Yellow is a bright, safe colour, and I'm sure you'll love every mile driving it. Believe me, the 718 gets better and better the more you drive it.

My 718 CS PDK has now done over 7000 miles and I noticed a step change improvement in fuel economy after 6000 miles. I also take the view that the 718 is the best mainstream Cayman yet. For the flowing Highland roads I use, it's a faster, smoother power delivery out of tight corners than my Cayman R manual ever was. The chassis grip and braking are also a significant step forward from previous Caymans barring the GT4. As for the sound, I've got used to it. The PSE is quite rorty when the flaps are opened up. The new engine is also beautifully responsive and the revs blip quickly like a sports motorbike when at rest. I'm loving every mile.

Brian