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2013 Porsche 981 Boxster vs 2018 Porsche 718 Boxter: Which One Should You Buy?

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Join me as I take the 2013 Porsche 981 Boxster and the 2018 Porsche 718 Spyder (982) on an unforgettable two-week test drive across the breathtaking islands of O'ahu and Maui! 🌴🏝️

In this video, I’ll dive into the details of both these iconic sports cars—from their performance on winding coastal roads to their handling through tropical mountain passes. You'll see stunning island scenery while I compare the driving experience, features, and overall feel of these two Porsches.

Which one offers the better ride? Which is the smarter buy? Whether you're a Porsche enthusiast or someone looking for the perfect weekend getaway car, this video will help you decide!

🔧 Specs Breakdown
🏎️ 981 Boxster: The mid-engine marvel with its naturally aspirated flat-six engine.
🏎️ 718 Spyder: / 982 Boxter: A modern upgrade with sharp handling and a turbocharged flat-four.

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#Porsche981Boxster #Porsche718Spyder #Oahu #Maui #SportsCarComparison #LuxuryCars #CarReview #Porsche

20 Comments

@LesDenwey 1 year ago

I went from a 2019 718 Cayman S to a 2015 full-option (including 18-way seats) 981 Boxster GTS. I’m so so so so so much happier now, the car gets smiles from me on every trip, would never go back to a 4-cylinder 718. But that’s me.

@opulan 2 years ago

Always a happy day when theres high quality porsche content!

@glennhand4053 1 year ago

A good honest review, with some personal preferences thrown in. I drive a 2003 986 S, and you can see where an almost bankrupt Porsche was coming from back then, cutting corners on things that didn't matter so much to enthusiasts, but still creating the basics of a sublime sports car. Go for the more refined car if you can afford it, but any well-maintained Boxster will put a smile on your face.

@smxlad 2 years ago

The 718 is such a superior product , people love to hate on it. Why ?
Just because it got a bad review by a particular YouTuber then others jumped on the bandwagon, all they can criticise it for is the exhaust note. Stop the hate guys. I have a 992 and a 718 and prefer my 718 to be honest

@johnnash4797 7 months ago

I bought a 2014 boxster S PDK last summer. Absolutely love it. Roof down for 6K miles in 2025

@davidmacgown321 5 months ago

I think the cobalt blue is a beautiful color. I'm suprised that color wasn't more popular with Boxsters.

@viperx220racing3 1 year ago

Not sure it a fair review. The 981 sounds worn out & in need of some TLC. Fortunately my 981 came with a really high level of spec. I have replaced the steering wheel with a 991 one for the better paddles and multifunction switches. Added CarPlay and many other quality of life mods inside the car. I settled on a late model 981 for the six cylinder engine. 😃

@sleepcenterbeds 1 year ago

mate you should be doing reviews for honda jazz.
i have had 3 boxters - and they are great cars .

@andyhulme6666 1 year ago

You’re not comparing apples with apples matey. Some of the options you’re talking about, seats etc were available on the 981.

@jeremybaker8173 2 years ago

Hi there. Love your channel and epic Hawaii scenery. Sorry to be a pedant but that is not a 718 spyder! 718 spyder is a
Drop top gt4 with the 4 litre N/A engine and manual roof - a very different car which didn’t come out until 2019/20. What you are driving is a standard turbo charged 718 Boxster. Very different to the spyder variant.

@willyd-adv 2 years ago (edited)

Think I spotted you in a Porsche 944 this morning, I waved from my old Vespa

Also couldn't agree more about the turning left (right) rule in the USA

@nfused 2 years ago

Saw your silver porche parked on tuam st yesterday 👍

@jeanlambrechts2102 1 year ago

En 17:57 il me semble que le Boxster 981 que vous avez essayé est le Boxster de base équipé du 6 cylindres 2.7 L et non la variante S équipée du 3.4 L. Dans ces conditions, pas étonnant qu'il y ait un énorme écart de performance avec le 718 S équipé du 2.5 L turbo de 350 CV. Lors de l'acquisition d'un Boxster en 2018, j'avais essayé le 718 S et le 981 GTS. J'ai choisi ce dernier pour l'agrément du 6 cylindres et la sonorité du moteur. En ce qui concerne vos critiques de l'intérieur du 981, je ne reconnais pas mon Boxster. Je roule également en 911 991.2 et la qualité des deux intérieurs sont comparables. Je suis par contre d'accord avec vous sur les boutons poussoirs pour changer les rapports de vitesse dont est équipé votre 981, mieux vaut choisir une variante 981 avec palettes au volant.

@chattingwithshap8010 1 year ago

Actually it really depends on what you want. I just bought a 2013 Boxster S decently optioned. The price is not that much different than a 2018 718 Boxster S. As others have said, you have to drive one that’s not beaten up.

@YYZ-SRQ 1 year ago

It is a pretty flawed review, should review like for like spec'd cars. The 981 you tested was a low spec'd car, my 981 has dual zone climate (an option) which is the same unit that goes in the 718, 14-way sport power seats with lumbar support and memory (option), you can option to the sport design steering wheel with flappy paddles, etc. You are comparing an old car with 180K km that does not look well maintained. My windows go up and down when you open and close the door, the volume knob is tight too name a few things in your video. Mine is a 2016 so perhaps they improved on some things in the 4th model year

@scwazrh 3 weeks ago

I’m not sure how anyone could pick a 4cylinder turbo engine over a na 6

@simonfletcher7114 2 years ago

I had to buy my 981s with all those things you mentioned. Sports Steering wheel must. Not bothered by 18 way seat positions. However the indicator sticks,,,, wow they are terrible. Feel like they are gonna snap off. My volume knob all good. My 981s has plenty of puff,,,, what a sound. Luv it.