Introduced as a 1997 model year, the Porsche Boxster represented a real renaissance of the mid-engine sports car concept at Porsche. In response to the overwhelming success of the Porsche two-seater cabriolet, the manufacturer developed variants of its flagship model in the following years, starting with the first-generation S version, the engine of which was introduced in 1999.
This was followed by the introduction of the Porsche Cayman, a coupé variant based on the second generation Boxster, type 987, in 2005. The pace of release of the different versions has accelerated to the present day, so that the fourth generation of mid-engined sports cars, called the Porsche 718, constitutes a real range within the manufacturer’s more global lineup. Porsche Lauzon helps you see more clearly so that you can choose the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster or the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman that suits you best.
On the other hand, if you plan on taking your new 2020 718 to the track on a regular basis and you’re a driving ace, here’s a difference worth mentioning: the Cayman is stiffer than the Boxster. This is easily explained, and is not exclusively related to these models: a coupe will always have superior structural rigidity thanks to its fixed roof, which greatly reinforces it, compared to a cabriolet version of the same model that will necessarily be more flexible in this regard, due to the lack of a hardtop.
The Cayman will react more vividly to its driver’s commands and will be more efficient when cornering, while the Boxster is more flexible. If you’re looking for track time, the Cayman will be your best choice. But don’t think the Boxster isn’t competent on the track, quite the contrary. The Boxster will compensate for its slight lack of rigor in corners with sensations at the wheel that will be multiplied by its fast open-air driving! The Boxster’s philosophy is above all roadworthy, with the possibility of occasional track use. But no matter which Porsche 718 you choose in Laval, on the North Shore of Montreal, you will get a kick out of driving it!
Let us talk about another size difference: the differences between the “standard”, T and S versions. While the “standard” and T versions are all equipped with boxer-type 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines that deliver 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the S versions have a power boost that puts them in a different league in terms of performance in the Greater Montreal area. Indeed, the 2020 718 Cayman S and 2020 718 Boxster S are also powered by a turbocharged flat-four like the above-mentioned versions, but with different characteristics. Its displacement is increased to 2.5 litres, and it offers more power and torque (350 hp and 309 lb-ft).
The result is naturally superior performance for these S variants with equivalent transmission, with a faster 0–100 km/h sprint (4.2 seconds) when equipped with the PDK gearbox and the Sport Chrono Package. Standard versions equipped with the same options, and T versions when the Launch Control mode is activated, display a 0–100 km/h slower by half a second (4.7 s). The top speeds achieved are also to the advantage of the S variants, with the latter peaking at 285 km/h, compared to 275 km/h for the standard and T versions.
In short, the 718 range with all its variants allows you to choose a Porsche driving experience adapted to all driver profiles! All you must do now is find out which criteria are important to you when choosing your future 2020 Cayman or Boxster, as these will determine which version suits you best. Do you still have questions? Contact one of our specialists at your Porsche dealer located in Laval, on the North Shore of Montreal. It will be our pleasure to answer them and help you make the right choice. We look forward to meeting you!
Date Posted: June 9, 2020