I am fortunate enough to own a Boxster GTS and without a doubt i would take the Boxster over the Cayman. Nothing beats a ragtop with wind going thru the cabin. It is so joyful to drive especially with the sport exhaust engaged. It makes you smile everytime!
I've only got the poverty-spec (981 Boxster S, lol), but Boxster v Cayman was an easy choice for me: Boxster all the way. The sound you get from the driver's seat is amplified in the boxster, even with the top up, because the cloth top simply blocks less sound. When you drop the top, it's a whole other level. Don't get me wrong, the Cayman is an awesome car, and there are valid reasons to prefer it (better safety, track use, lower cabin noise), but I love my Boxster because it's loud, raw, and doesn't shield me from the sights/sounds/smells of driving this magnificent platform!
The profile of that GTS is simply beautiful. And the sound that the engine makes combined with the PDK sounds so wicked good! Definitely NOT a girls car.
This is the soundtrack that made me fall in love with water cooled Porsches. The new 4.0L is epic, but the 981 generation cars still sound better. Thanks MotoMan!
I recently traded in my 2010 Cayman S for a highly optioned 2016 Boxster GTS. I really wanted to go back to a convertible, so I did expensive research included every possible on-line review as well as driving the new Boxster 718 as a potential replacement. I have to admit it was Motoman’s face at 4:36 of this video that finally convinced me to go with the flat six over the new Turbo 4. I have never regretted it. The noise with the top down is my favorite aspect of this amazing car. Such a huge upgrade from my Cayman S which served me well for 6 years. Thanks Motoman.
Agree, this is just perfect. I have never enjoyed a car ever like this. Still after couple of years, I just can not part with it. Built quality, second to none, economy excellent, performance enough, maintenance dirt cheap. THE PERFECT SPORTS CAR for me (and my boys!) Like they say, use it everyday, then just change the wheels and head for the track, have enormous fun, drive back, wash 'n shine her, put those magnificent low profile Carrera OEM's back on and next day off to church again. Awesome car. Life's too short not driving a Porsche.
981 boxters all have a magnesium roof with cloth covering. FYI 911 may be the icon but it feels huge compared to the boxter and is more of a executive car. Boxter is much more fun.. 2015 GTS owner
You are so right! It has taken Porsche engineers decades to overcome the basic design flaw of the 911. The Boxster had great handling from the start. Those who know, know. Enjoy!
One of the very best reviewers out there! I would take the Boxster. But then, I have test driven several Boxsters, never a Cayman. Unlike many cars where they later put out a topless version, the Boxster is the original, the Cayman came much later. And it shows. If I didn't need more seats/storage and less maintenance costs, this would be #1 on my list. Yes, over a 911. Even slightly over the Lotus. Which is still the gold standard for handling and steering. I love my Civic Type R, and am truly blessed to have it. But I doubt anyone in a Porsche GTS looks wistfully at my Honda. Unless they have just paid for maintenance. And then, for sure.
Personally, I would stick with the Boxster GTS regardless. Unless you are a serious serious driver, I doubt that what you are doing with your Porsche on any-given-weekend outshines the fun factor of a ragtop. In my my head the "I'd take the Cayman" trope is a car nerd myth.
I totally agree. I drive an older Boxster S with 260 hp and the car's abilities totally outweights mine. The ragtop is what sold me . It adds yet another dimension to an already great car.
MotoManTV Some people just like the simplicity of the cayman. And don't like the boxster with the roof up. This aspect I'd have to agree. But when you are talkin gabout spending over 50k on a car, this all of a sudden changes. Why the heck would I want to pay more, for a hardtop coupe? Can someone explain this to me? And don't use the shoebox with a cover is more rigid or easier to bend analogy. I will pay money via paypal if somoen can logically explain this. The boxster, IMO, is the only Porsche worth the money. I love the spyder.
I'm so pissed Motoman has been around 6 years and I only discovered it 6 months ago. Not that I haven't gone way back to see old vids but still. Awesome show awesome gts video.
I'm happy with the Caymen being hard top only and the Boxster being a canvas soft top. If you look at say the M4 convertible, to me the hard top roof just doesn't look right and takes away the look of the car. Nice review.
I would still go for the Boxster GTS over the Cayman with some sunroof. Having the top totally down still gives a different dimension to driving. Let's keep the panoramic sunroof on the spouse's SUV 😜
I really enjoyed the layout of this video. Aged like a fine wine. I hope you can do another one on the 981 Boxster S and how it compares for the money is today's used car market.
Depends a bit on the price point of a Cayman-Targa, presumably even more than the coupe. With the Boxster $3k less (pretty much why I bought the Boxster GTS), the choice would also depend on the relative ride character (balance, stiffnes, etc) and even how the exhaust sounds to the driver. BTW, anyone who hasn't driven this car and a 911 cannot judge the merits of each. I have, and the Boxster wins hands down. If you want to spend $20-40k more for bragging rights, well, "a fool and his money are soon parted".
John Hobson I wanted a 911 since I'm like 4 years old - and I only learned what 'bragging rights' are like 10-15 years later in life... the 911 is simply an iconic car, I don't care what the neighbours say.
@@williamjackson5357 Wow! Hardly remember writing this. I still have my 2015 Boxster GTS and a 2016 Cayman GT4, so my choice is clear. It seems the 911 continues to offer more performance but at a price.
After 3 reliable years with a 2013 base Boxster 981, I am on the hunt for a Boxster GTS. Sonically perfect flat six’s only, flatulent turbo 4’s need not apply...
A Targa Cayman with a short cut roof like on the 914 would actually interest me. A 914 2.0 Boxer was my very first Car and I loved it. Strange choice I know, but it was basically a cheap rustbucket which taught me everything about driving old school middle engined cars which are quite the beasts and it was quite fast. I would love to try the difference of over 40 years of development in a head to head with a boxter. That would be fun. Your suntan? Haha! Been there....
Someone already mentioned it, but if I had to choose then it would be the Boxster as it is just more fun outside the track. To add, what stops someone from using the Boxster for a weekend track drive? Yet, it gets complicated if looks and noise preference matters. For example, a red Boxster just doesn't go well with soft roof. I have seen white and yellow Boxsters and they look gorgeous. Environmental and exhaust noise also matters since the Cayman have different interior noise.
My previous car was a 987 Boxster S. Currently own a 981 Cayman GTS. Miss the “closeness” to the Wummmmmmp of the Boxster flat 6, but wouldn’t go back to a Boxster. But would buy a Targa Cayman.
I don't watch a lot of USA derived motor shows because they do not talk about handling and sports car dynamics. While you did mention it a little, where is the analysis of what the car does? Is it progressive oversteer, or lift-off oversteer? What do the brakes do when pushing into a late entry corner? You had some great roads, the car cornered flat, but where was the analysis? I race a MGF mid engined car in Australia, that was never exported to the States. It took a lot of work to the suspension to make it balance at race speeds. Would the GTS be the same? Anyone that thinks the GTS is a "girls" car must be a misogynist ! Make one thing clear, top down cars are fun. And top down cars at track days are even more fun. And this GTS is fun just looking at it. OK, Brian Cooley from CNet does talk about car dynamics a little.
Great review Motoman. With the current more aggressive body design & that Oh-so-beautiful exhaust note, girl car did not even come into my mind until you said it. It's definitely not girly. I'd take this over a cayman any day coz I love open tops too. Those who like to track their cars would naturally take a powerful cayman and that is logical.
I would (and did) choose the Cayman because I can pick up a friend to play a round of golf and put both our bags in the rear trunk without removing them from the bags!!
I also love open air feeling BUT as you discovered - it is useless to drive under hot daylight sun. So the best moments are dawn or dusk. Second important drawback - the interior gets dusty,grimy and dirty in no time from all that open top driving. SO in the end (also considering even stiffer chassis) I would go for the Cayman and leave that "open air" feeling to my motorbike moments :)
i was really impressed with the boxster spiders new design until i saw the manual roof and the soft top (i prefer hard tops). but this GTS looks good as well!
The Cayman is definitely the choice for the track guy/girl---------but for straight cruising fun (and occasional track), summer headrush -------the Boxster rules!
Hey, man! You guys need to work on your audio levels and mixing. Loved the video - but please... the important information you're relaying... don't allow the engine noise or squeaks be louder than your voice!
Well it depends where you live, if you live in sunny California you get the Boxster with a manny trans. Then if you live in northeastern part of the country, you might want the Cayman all in the GTS trim.
The Boxster, especially the S or the GTS, is the only rag-top I would ever buy - no other convertible comes close to looking as good. That said, I think I'd go with the Cayman.
I prefer the Boxster, but then I grew up in California driving a Miata. If I didn't live in the land of sun, I would probably get a Cayman. For people that want to race, I would get something old, like a Miata.
I've always preferred the Cayman. I just prefer a hardtop over a soft top convertible or even a hardtop convertible. But a Cayman with a sunroof would be nice. I'd have one
Thanks for the review! It made me take another look at those gen1 boxsters that are really really afforable now for weekend sports beaters on a budget. Does anybody know if there is engine access to those from above or do you really have to put it on a lift and drop the whole engine onto a cradle?
Still odd that this car weighs about the same as my dad's early generation Renault Espace 2.1 Turbo Diesel used to be. 1400kg or so that one was. 1200kg for gasoline versions. Back in those days, a VW Golf was 865kg.
Cloxxki Yes, VERY funny . . . Really hit me hard when we drove the current gen Golf GTI for the first time. VW supplied us with a first gen Golf GTI and it practically weighed the same as a happy meal . . . Thanks for bringing up a good point. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BdCnuhvtQyA.html
I saw a limited edition orange 2008 Boxster up for sale recently...beautiful. As to the question, I would want to see a Cayman/Boxster with a hard-top folding roof, for security. Soft-top convertibles bring out the paranoia in me--too many punks in the city. (be a bit heavy, granted)
Great video thanks moto--man. My question is, based on your driving experience with the gts would you recommend a carrera s or 4 s over the cayman gts? And if so why or why not. If not, what car within its price range would you take?
TheCa007 That is a VERY difficult question to answer but I would *always* start with the answering the question with a question: What are you doing with the car? If you have kids or need some more 'practicality' (if you could call it that with cars like this), then you have to do the 911. If it is just you, then it goes right back to the purpose of the car for your unique case.
a freakin Cayman TARGA !!!!! yes yes and yes I would not be able to afford it but the list would me in full effect. oh and is has be electronic no manual push back lol but I would like that too
i think some lotus with its monster handling computer to keep you on the road looked good. but ive always thought cayman for the porsche, because well i like an aircon and enclosed cabin, rigidness. etc. if i had the money i may have all 3, but i dont. its all dreams, any will do till like someone said, a lotto win.
Haha been there with the suntan... Thank god its not permanent. Would you listen to that exhaust! I could listen to it all day. The Karmin Red & the Turbo Wheels looks really good coupled together... However, I'm not a fan of the black interior (I usually love them) On a 0-To-Lotus scale, how would you rate the Boxter? Did Zee Germans out-lotused Lotus with their own version of the playbook? I'll have the Boxter over the Cayman for 3 reasons: -The Boxter looks better. -I never liked the Cayman. -I want that brown top gosh darn it lol! As always, excellent episode M! And again Happy 6th anniversary :)
IceDree Is my Lotus addiction that bad that we need a scale . . . :) Tough to put her on a scale . . . that is where the all the difference lies . . . GET IT????? In all seriousness . . . 0 - Lotus? I would put this car somewhere north of 5 - however, we need to revisit this discussion with the Boxster Spyder - Stay tuned. P.S. - I too would have preferred a different interior color - can't wait to see a good pic of that Blue/Saddle Top GTS floating around your neighborhood.
MotoManTV hahaha . . . ;)You are getting a Spyder as well? Ssswweeettt!Yep Yep, especially with Brushed aluminum trim ... Porsche's Carbon Fiber trim sucks.Yea, I'm keeping an eye for it .... hoping to see it again (with the top up this time)
IceDree Loved the 'scale' so much, answered this one in a bit more detail in our latest PREVIEW: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-b2E3puGk5vY.html
Paul Hill I never said the Cayman Sucks, I said I never liked it ... I just don't like the overall design & shape of the Cayman .... my personal preference . . . :)
In the world of make believe, yes, I think a targa top for the Cayman would be a brilliant idea. Back in reality, I must admit that I am impressed with this car. While I've long been a fan of hard tops over convertibles, I think the joyous sound this beast makes is a phenomenal argument for some roof down driving. Also, by Porsche standards, this car actually looks like a pretty decent bargain. As for people who still think the Cayman is a "woman's car", grow up. Any car that delivers what you want from it, whether it is utility, fun luxury, design, or whatever, is a good car regardless of gender.
Difficult choice. I'd probably enjoy the Boxster more, because you get the better sound when the roof is down, but the Cayman looks arguably better and more masculine than the Boxster. Wouldn't they just make a perfect pair in the garage?
christian Chichester So a funny behind the scenes story: Matt D'Andria from Adam Corolla's Car Cast, Christian Seabaugh from Motor Trend and Jonathan Ramsey from Autoblog all live on my same exact block. Our neighbors think we are an international drug syndicate . . . :)
christian Chichester Answered your question in a bit more detail in our latest PREVIEW: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-b2E3puGk5vY.html
justinhamill954 They aren't rivals at all but this Boxster is much better than a SLK Merc. Luxury cruiser GT go for the S class coupe or CL550. If you want the best handling roadster money can buy get this!
***** Having owned both an Elise and a Boxster, my opinion is it's two different cars. The Elise is is more a track car you can use on the street where the Boxster is a street car you can enjoy on the track. Having owned 32 cars in my lifetime, the Boxster is the one I truly miss. Motoman talks a lot about balance. I think this is spot on. Great balance between luxury, sportiness, handling and comfort. The Elise will run circles around the Boxster in a tight track like Streets of Willow. But on the street, once the novelty of the Elise wore off (give it a month or two -- personal experience), the Boxster is the car to drive on public roads. Driving the Boxster with the top down during nice weather on twisty roads is an experience to live for. If you are a bench racer who looks at magazine numbers, I understand how it could be difficult to truly appreciate the Boxster. Spend a week driving it is the best way to understand. I have been looking at a 2008 F430 Spider (manual transmission), and honestly speaking, if I have to choose just one, a fully loaded 2016 Boxster Spyder would be a much enjoyable car to live with and one I would be able to put a lot more STRESS FREE miles in (Not worry about parking, not having haters spit on your car while you drive it, people making snide remarks about your car or about you... I can go on and on). As far as Motorman's question, an open top Cayman is a compromise. So I would choose the Boxster over a compromised open top Cayman. Choosing between the Boxster Spyder and the GT4 -- THAT's a tough question!
MiegmaishMenas Hmm in Aus they are clear. I've only ever seen cars with them clear. Must then be a weird US thing. Why do people there like then orange?
