Seems like there a lot of self serving marketing hype being parroted by some posters who have never been on a race track at anything close to the speeds needed to appreciate a gt4 suspension over a tuned X73, yet talk about it like it’s a must have. Lmfao.
Even auto reviewers that preferred the 718 Spyder as a track car couldn’t deny that the 981 Spyder was a little more raw, a little more visceral and a little more analog.
The 718 Spyder vs the 981 Spyder is not dissimilar than the Ferrari 488 vs the 458. The 488 is an improvement in almost every measurable performance metric over the 458 except 0-60. The 488 is similarly a little more aggressive with scoops and fins. Yet the 458 despite not being a limited production car is holding its value compared to the 488, just for the sound of its engine.
Engine
981 Spyder: classic tried and true Carrera 3.8 engine with that quintessential flat 6 howl
718 Spyder: 3 liter engine bored and stroked to 4.0. A bit more horses, same torque, same 0-60 time. Muffled howl.
Suspension
981 Spyder: I don’t think there is a suspension as universally lauded and praised as the X73 which was tuned for use on the 981 Spyder. The 981 Spyder was always designed as a specialty lightweight road car and is truly unique in that regard.
718 Spyder: will now share the same suspension with the GT4.
So If Nordschliefe times are the goal here, then this is the suspension to have. The simple yet superlative more analog X73 vs the buttoned down, precise Motorsport PASM suspension
Aesthetics
This is completely subjective, both cars are visually very similar. I slightly prefer the cleaner, less black plasticy look of the 981 Spyder but both cars represent imho, the prettiest current production Porsche you can buy.
Weight
981 Spyder lighter
718 Spyder heavier
Lighter is always better
Intangibles
The 981 Spyder is a very limited and rare car. Could someday this rare, analog, lightweight version command a premium? It’s possible.
The 718 Spyder production is currently slated to meet whatever demand is there so total numbers remain to be seen
Don’t forget the the parallels between the 718 Spyder and the 488 and the 981 Spyder and the 458.
Full disclosure, I own a 981 Spyder and am allegedly #2 on my dealer’s 718 Spyder allocation list. If I can get the garage space, I will try to hang onto both cars, particularly if they release a 718 Spyder with PDK.
Kind of had thoughts in back of my head about possibly trading my 2016 Spyder with 6000 miles for an 2020 718 Spyder.
New car warrantee; bigger engine, more HP, bigger wheels & tires, PASM, Car Play, backup camera.
I like some things that are new like Apple Car Play since 2016 can't do anything on screen.
Still interested in the Bucket seats but I am fine with the base seats I have in the 2016. Not sure I would be comfortable in them for 1-5 hour drives. Originally wanted them in my 2016 but saved $6K without them. I have to sit them again; not sure my 250 lb. body will be happy in them.
PASM would probably be a good thing.
I guess 39 more HP would be nice but also isn't really needed.
I've read that the Spyder now has the GT4 suspension but don't see anything the spec's about GT3 front suspension that the 2016 GT4 had.
Bad =
They aren't going to limit production so with only 700 2016 would I be trading in something that will be worth much more in the future ?
Currently they aren't offering anything great for trade in; 74-75K. Best offer was from Tesla for 83K. There are always some listed in Pano for 95-105K but I don't think they're selling for that.
I own this 2016; no payments. Configured at $108K - 75 = 33 That's $1000-550 depending how many months you finance for 36,48,60.
What's the sound changes in mufflers. I get prays everyday on how great it sounds. New filters in 2020 do what to sound.