Whilst we wait for Andrew to get his new Spyder end of this month and as he currently owns a BGTS too and has had a Spyder Gen 1 & GT3 RS his challenge is to do 1000's of miles in five minutes and see if he agrees or disagrees with this new owners experiences to date 
No pressure Andrew
[h1]Spyder driving impressions after Euro Pick-up.[/h1]I am just back from picking up my 2016 Spyder in Germany where I put 2000 miles on it through Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria. My background in the way of cars, so you know what I base my opinion. 2006 C4S, 2011 BSpyder, 2014 CS and 2015 BGTS w/x73. Most of my driving was during break-in period, but I did get some High revs in especially at Leipzig on their track and their car. This 2016 Spyder has the perfect power for its chassis. In Sport Plus, the tail is very happy to come out without much effort on switchbacks and tight turns when coming on the power early. It can be quite fun!! I sometimes wished in the BGTS that I had more power at lower revs, even though I felt power was fine when running it at 6000rpm and above. I think the power is perfectly dialed in for this car, if not a wee bit overpowered. When on the Autobahn on the last day, I had the opportunity to get it close to top speed. 172mph. The car pulled and kept pulling until I had to get on the [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/brakes]brakes[/link] as a morning commuter decided to cut over (Autobahn is not what it use to be), it felt like its top speed of 180+mph could easily be reached. On some of the backroads I was able to run it up in the way of revs and it had me grinning big. Because this car is a different beast in the way of power of the BGTS, 45hp does make a difference. Handling: The [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/suspension-and-steering]suspension[/link] X73 with beefed up [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=sway%2Bbars&linkCode=ur2]sway bars[/link] rides stiffer than the BGTS. Not sure why, but I felt the BGTS had the best suspension X73 I have ever had on a Porsche. The suspension sure makes the car feel like it is on rails, maybe even more so than the BGTS albeit a rougher ride. Glad these cars don't have PASM, it was a reason why I didn't pursue the GT4. At 170+mph the car was stable, very stable and at lower speeds it is the same. Felt more planted than my '06 C4S at 170mph. Steering: Nice smaller steering wheel. Steering ratio is quicker as stated and is really nice with multiple switchbacks all day long!! However, I never felt it was an issue in the BGTS. One thing I do take issue with is the light [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/suspension-and-steering]steering[/link] feel. On my BGTS I opt'd for no Steering Plus, I liked the heavy feel at lower speeds that reminded my sports cars of old. The steering is so light in this car that it is the hardest thing for me to get over. Don't get me wrong it was nice to have the lighter feel/less effort on the switchbacks of the Alps, but it could be a little heavier. I will probably get use to it over time and it will be a non-issue. It is the lightest [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/suspension-and-steering]steering[/link] feel of any Porsche I have ever owned. The CS/BGTS might be 2x heavier. Even though the feel is light it is bang on and direct, very easy to get the car where you want it to go. Gearing: The 375hp helps the tall gearing with the better torque you have at lower rpms, but still the gearing ratios are too tall from what I remember in my 2011 Spyder which engaged the driver a little bit more with more frequent shifting. So, you hear about reviewers negatively referencing the tall gearing, but know the extra [link=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGU4XRK]HP/Torque[/link] helps a little in my opinion. Short shifter is perfect. Roof: I loved the Tent of the 2011 Spyder even though it was a PIA. The BGTS power roof up to 30mph was ideally convenient and made me balk when thinking of ordering this car. The roof of this new Spyder requires you to get out of the car, but it is not bad. Sure the Wings of the roof require extra steps but if you have a passenger jump out it makes it quick work if the rain is starting. Just make sure to keep your fingers top side of the roof as the underside could take a finger off if not careful. Roof is not insulated and therefore is louder than a normal [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=boxster&linkCode=ur2]Boxster[/link], but seems quieter than my 11 Spyder. Wings flap when you get to about 150mph+, but it's not that bad. I went with Bose as my experience with these Spyders are that they are louder than an insulated roof or coupe, so a decent stereo helps over the extra noise. Bose is fine, but found myself using the stereo only one time, because of the sound this car makes! Sports [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/car-body-parts-and-car-exhaust]Exhaust[/link]: It is the same as found in the BGTS. But oh, it doesn't sound the same! I guess the sound is similar when rolling off the throttle or being off power, but under acceleration the sound is phenomenal, spectacular and raw, it is raspier (the bigger engine definitely changes the note under power). Even when you have the SE off, if you mash the throttle from 1/2 to full, the valves seem open up and the roar comes alive! Great surprise that kept me entertained the entire two weeks. I only turned on the radio once when the top was up and it was raining. I feel bad for the GT4 folks that have a fixed roof and lose some of this great sound. Even when I put of the non insulated roof in this Spyder it mutes this great soundtrack a little. I really loved the BGTS' SE, but this brings it up to another level! I got the [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=standard%2Bseats&linkCode=ur2]Standard seats[/link] and they are very comfortable. Alcantara centers hold you in place nicely. No lower back issues even without a lumbar adjustment. I was doubting my decision to trade the BGTS in for this Spyder, but I remember how much I like the 2011 Spyder. That with the 45 hp bump made me make the decision. I don't regret my decision. This car is Loud, Lively and just a bit more fun that the BGTS. I won't use this car as daily driver and therefore I think it is perfect. The roof could be an issue for some and sometimes for me on short rides I may just leave the top up, especially for security reasons when parking. If I was using this as a daily driver or I knew I would get lazy and not want to get out to take down/up the top I might go with the BGTS. This is a great car and I was thrilled every morning I got in it! For those of you that ordered a [link=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003272YX4]Boxster Spyder[/link], good choice! For those of you that decided on a BGTS, I feel it is the best all-around [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=boxster&linkCode=ur2]Boxster[/link] for ride feel roof convenience and everyday life, BUT just don't drive a Spyder!
No pressure Andrew
[h1]Spyder driving impressions after Euro Pick-up.[/h1]I am just back from picking up my 2016 Spyder in Germany where I put 2000 miles on it through Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria. My background in the way of cars, so you know what I base my opinion. 2006 C4S, 2011 BSpyder, 2014 CS and 2015 BGTS w/x73. Most of my driving was during break-in period, but I did get some High revs in especially at Leipzig on their track and their car. This 2016 Spyder has the perfect power for its chassis. In Sport Plus, the tail is very happy to come out without much effort on switchbacks and tight turns when coming on the power early. It can be quite fun!! I sometimes wished in the BGTS that I had more power at lower revs, even though I felt power was fine when running it at 6000rpm and above. I think the power is perfectly dialed in for this car, if not a wee bit overpowered. When on the Autobahn on the last day, I had the opportunity to get it close to top speed. 172mph. The car pulled and kept pulling until I had to get on the [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/brakes]brakes[/link] as a morning commuter decided to cut over (Autobahn is not what it use to be), it felt like its top speed of 180+mph could easily be reached. On some of the backroads I was able to run it up in the way of revs and it had me grinning big. Because this car is a different beast in the way of power of the BGTS, 45hp does make a difference. Handling: The [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/suspension-and-steering]suspension[/link] X73 with beefed up [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=sway%2Bbars&linkCode=ur2]sway bars[/link] rides stiffer than the BGTS. Not sure why, but I felt the BGTS had the best suspension X73 I have ever had on a Porsche. The suspension sure makes the car feel like it is on rails, maybe even more so than the BGTS albeit a rougher ride. Glad these cars don't have PASM, it was a reason why I didn't pursue the GT4. At 170+mph the car was stable, very stable and at lower speeds it is the same. Felt more planted than my '06 C4S at 170mph. Steering: Nice smaller steering wheel. Steering ratio is quicker as stated and is really nice with multiple switchbacks all day long!! However, I never felt it was an issue in the BGTS. One thing I do take issue with is the light [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/suspension-and-steering]steering[/link] feel. On my BGTS I opt'd for no Steering Plus, I liked the heavy feel at lower speeds that reminded my sports cars of old. The steering is so light in this car that it is the hardest thing for me to get over. Don't get me wrong it was nice to have the lighter feel/less effort on the switchbacks of the Alps, but it could be a little heavier. I will probably get use to it over time and it will be a non-issue. It is the lightest [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/suspension-and-steering]steering[/link] feel of any Porsche I have ever owned. The CS/BGTS might be 2x heavier. Even though the feel is light it is bang on and direct, very easy to get the car where you want it to go. Gearing: The 375hp helps the tall gearing with the better torque you have at lower rpms, but still the gearing ratios are too tall from what I remember in my 2011 Spyder which engaged the driver a little bit more with more frequent shifting. So, you hear about reviewers negatively referencing the tall gearing, but know the extra [link=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGU4XRK]HP/Torque[/link] helps a little in my opinion. Short shifter is perfect. Roof: I loved the Tent of the 2011 Spyder even though it was a PIA. The BGTS power roof up to 30mph was ideally convenient and made me balk when thinking of ordering this car. The roof of this new Spyder requires you to get out of the car, but it is not bad. Sure the Wings of the roof require extra steps but if you have a passenger jump out it makes it quick work if the rain is starting. Just make sure to keep your fingers top side of the roof as the underside could take a finger off if not careful. Roof is not insulated and therefore is louder than a normal [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=boxster&linkCode=ur2]Boxster[/link], but seems quieter than my 11 Spyder. Wings flap when you get to about 150mph+, but it's not that bad. I went with Bose as my experience with these Spyders are that they are louder than an insulated roof or coupe, so a decent stereo helps over the extra noise. Bose is fine, but found myself using the stereo only one time, because of the sound this car makes! Sports [link=http://www.eurocarparts.com/car-body-parts-and-car-exhaust]Exhaust[/link]: It is the same as found in the BGTS. But oh, it doesn't sound the same! I guess the sound is similar when rolling off the throttle or being off power, but under acceleration the sound is phenomenal, spectacular and raw, it is raspier (the bigger engine definitely changes the note under power). Even when you have the SE off, if you mash the throttle from 1/2 to full, the valves seem open up and the roar comes alive! Great surprise that kept me entertained the entire two weeks. I only turned on the radio once when the top was up and it was raining. I feel bad for the GT4 folks that have a fixed roof and lose some of this great sound. Even when I put of the non insulated roof in this Spyder it mutes this great soundtrack a little. I really loved the BGTS' SE, but this brings it up to another level! I got the [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=standard%2Bseats&linkCode=ur2]Standard seats[/link] and they are very comfortable. Alcantara centers hold you in place nicely. No lower back issues even without a lumbar adjustment. I was doubting my decision to trade the BGTS in for this Spyder, but I remember how much I like the 2011 Spyder. That with the 45 hp bump made me make the decision. I don't regret my decision. This car is Loud, Lively and just a bit more fun that the BGTS. I won't use this car as daily driver and therefore I think it is perfect. The roof could be an issue for some and sometimes for me on short rides I may just leave the top up, especially for security reasons when parking. If I was using this as a daily driver or I knew I would get lazy and not want to get out to take down/up the top I might go with the BGTS. This is a great car and I was thrilled every morning I got in it! For those of you that ordered a [link=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003272YX4]Boxster Spyder[/link], good choice! For those of you that decided on a BGTS, I feel it is the best all-around [link=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=automotive&keywords=boxster&linkCode=ur2]Boxster[/link] for ride feel roof convenience and everyday life, BUT just don't drive a Spyder!
