Unpopular Opinion Attempt 

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390) 04/07/2018 at 15:40 • Filed to: Unpopular opinions

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I suck at unpopular opinions here, but this time I think I nailed it: The turbo-4 is the best thing that ever happened to the Cayman/Boxster lineup.

Here’s why:

They finally have their own unique sound compared to the rest of the modern Porsche Family. Not that it was a bad thing, but it’s no longer a smaller and lighter car with a 911 engine. And they sound great, better than any Subaru. So much in fact that they cannot, and should not be compared.

tl;dr - It has an identity all it’s own now

With turbocharged engines displacing 2.0L and 2.5L, it’s a displacement throwback to the first two turbo-4 roadcars, the 931(924 Turbo) and 951(944 Turbo). But with a boxer motor, it’s like a modern-day turbocharged 356 with hardtop, convertible, and spyder variants. Just ignore the “718" arbitrary callback to a racecar, but not yet.

If you still need a Flat-6 that revs to the moon and back, you get the racey versions, the Spyder and GT4 (when they do come out), and the world is happy.

So do I finally have an unpopular opinion now?

WilliamsSW > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 15:46

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Yes, because I recently drove a Porsche (997 S cab and 986 Boxster S) for the first time, and the engines in both of those cars were absolutely glorious, and I personally don’t like turbo lag.

Porsche should offer both NA and turbo cars - and the NA cars shouldn’t cost a mint.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > WilliamsSW 04/07/2018 at 15:48

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You probably wouldn’t even feel the turbo lag, and if you did it’d probably be so minute you wouldn’t even be bothered or care about it; I find “because turbo lag” to be a mute point on quite a few factory boosted cars. They’re nothing like the “hold my beer” lag of decades ago.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 15:52

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Turbo lag is kinda fun anyway. For the build up and snap, and because as a driver it adds the challenge of keeling those revs up.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 15:52

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And they sound great

I recently drove a 986 boxter (2.5L Flat6) and no, the turbo 4 does not sound better compared to that.

The flat 6 is quiet at low revs, but the ‘howl’ is too good at higher rpm. The turbo 4 just sounds like a glorified appliance.

For Sweden > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 15:52

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._.

Tapas > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 15:54

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Yes it’s unpopular. Because people WANT a smaller lighter Porsche with a 911 engine.

I think they should have given engine options between the turbo 4 and flat 6. Or made the flat 6 more accessible - not just reserved for GT4 versions.

I drove the new Cayman S and 911S back to back at Porsche Experience Center in LA. It was a blast, but I can understand why people love the flat 6.

The Cayman already has it’s own identity because it drives as a very mid engined car.

Its very precise, harder to get the rear end out and also doesn’t have the gradual loss of grip like the rear-engined 911. It grips and grips and grips, till it just doesn’t lol

More identity shouldn’t be added at the price of that exhaust note, in my opinion.

WilliamsSW > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 15:55

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They’re certainly way better than they used to be, that’s for sure.

The transmission and driving style matter, too. I’ve driven a few recent vintage BMW’s, and with the I6 and ZF 8 speed, it’s really hard to feel any lag.

But, I also drove an M4 with the 6-speed manual right before those Porsches, and depending on how/when I shifted, I could definitely feel the lag. Granted, I could alter shift points and down shift more aggressively to avoid that.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 04/07/2018 at 15:56

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That’s a great take.

wafflesnfalafel > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 15:56

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New mid-engined WRX coupe and spider.

:)

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 04/07/2018 at 15:57

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Did I say it sounds better? Because you’re a damn fool for thinking I said that.

WilliamsSW > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 04/07/2018 at 15:59

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Very much a personal preference - I get that some people love it, and others don’t. I like Porsche offering it both ways, really.

interstate366, now In The Industry > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:02

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Yes, this opinion is very unpopular and downright awful. Just like the sound of the flat 4 718s.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tapas 04/07/2018 at 16:06

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Well good news! You can buy a smaller and lighter Porsche with a 911 engine. It’s called the used 981 Cayman and Boxster.

What you suggest is identical to Ford offering the 5.2 Voodoo engine in a non GT Mustang. Horrible idea.

I don’t think any exhaust note was lost. Again, if you want more, buy a used 981.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > WilliamsSW 04/07/2018 at 16:07

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The good thing is that they do offer it three ways.

New 718

New GT4 and Spyder

Used 981

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:09

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I get you. I should have said that I like the flat 6 better.

FSI > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:12

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The flat 4 engines are better in almost every way - more fuel efficient, better power figures and probably lighter too than the engines before. That’s great if we were talking about a sedan or hatch, sadly not an emotional vehicle like a Porsche. The unique Porsche flat 6 engine sound is addictive while the flat 4 sounds like an angry Beetle. Although 4 cylinder Porsches are excellent.

SmugAardvark > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:14

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I find your take to be lukewarm at best.

Haha, it really doesn’t bother me at all that Porsche put a turbo-4 in the Cayman and Boxster. Makes sense in a way, really.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > SmugAardvark 04/07/2018 at 16:15

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I’m getting warmer.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > FSI 04/07/2018 at 16:17

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Lemme pose this question to you: Would you also find the 931 and 951 unemotional because there is no flat 6? The 928? But your take is a good take.

WilliamsSW > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:18

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True - and hoping that I can afford a 981 S manual soon (new GT4/Spyder is not in the cards)

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:42

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The 928 and 944 I’m fine with. The 924 should have a flat 6 because it had no emotion

FSI > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:47

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Out of the norm Porsche like the 924/944 have a cult following. I’ve lusted after a 944 ever ever since I first played Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed.

Unemotional is a bit dramatic I must admit but it will take some time for most people to get used to the flat four.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 16:50

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I like that the non 911 entry Porsche sports car doesn’t have the flat 6 as well. My only gripe is that it makes it obvious that there should be some sort of 8 cylinder car above the 911. Something in the 488 or Huracan price range. I know they’ll never do it though because they wouldn’t be able to guarantee it faster than the 911 to justify the cost.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 04/07/2018 at 16:55

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Those are fighting words. You best remember who was also a LeMans racer and homologated as a road car, wore the “Carrera GT” badge before 2005,and was turbocharged after the 930.

The regular 924 might appear to be an emotionless and soulless example of making a car to make money, but it’s got all the passion and then some!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 17:05

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Nah... I don’t think it’s too unpopular. It’s more popular than my idea of putting in a flat-7 in the 911... the idea being that you make 1/6th more power, but if you lose a cylinder, you still have a flat-6!

Vicente Esteve > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 17:07

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Nope

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 17:18

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I like the turbo flat-4 for a couple of silly reasons, things that will probably never come true :

1) It would be a nice change from the usual Subaru swap in the back of a Vanagon. I figure that the relative lack of torque would be offset by repeated and joyous zips up to redline. Or just put a couple of big-ass aftermarket turbos on it and call it a day or whatever. 

2) It opens up the possibility for a modern day 912. Just charge more for it than a 911 and load it with all of the extras (leather-covered lock buttons, I’m looking at you...) so the poseurs that buy based mostly on price (you know the ones - the M5 drivers that complain about the noise and suspension harshness and should have bought a 550i but didn’t because it cost less) would have a something expensive yet relatively efficient for that 10 mile, two hour commute on the 405. Better yet, make it a hybrid - perfect for LA traffic.

Captain of the Enterprise > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 17:50

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I didn’t know about this but can’t really argue your points. I would love a Cayman, maybe a used one in the future but I’m also 6’3” so it would probably be tight.

Also how are you doing these days?

My bird IS the word > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 17:56

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Heres an unpopular opinion: I want them to shitcan the cayman/boxter and bring a modern 944, revitalizing the 2+2 sport hatchback bodystyle.

Obruni > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 18:08

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Porsche made a turbo 4 with little to no turbo lag (I’ve driven a 718 Boxster S, didn’t notice any).

That alone is remarkable

Maxima Speed > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 18:19

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Forced induction is the work of the Devil, soooo....................

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 18:24

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Nah. I’d be totally fine with the 4 cyl if the previous gens didn’t come with the H6. Hell, I love the 944 (especially the S2) and like the 924. However, as it is now, the Boxster/Cayman has been downgraded, badly.

And it’s caused 981 prices to stay high, for which I’m a bit salty.

Tapas > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 21:15

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Yes! That’s the one I’d prefer to get.

But thanks to Porsche’s shift toward the 4 bangers, the used 981 are holding value. God damn it! lol

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tapas 04/07/2018 at 22:39

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That’s the special thing about Porsche. Every time a new generation of car comes out, the previous holds it’s value, but I don’t think this applies to the Panamera/Cayenne/Macan lineups.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Maxima Speed 04/07/2018 at 22:40

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Hail Satan.....Somtimes.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > My bird IS the word 04/07/2018 at 22:41

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That would be amazing to see in an alternate reality.

DarkCreamyBeer > My bird IS the word 04/07/2018 at 23:03

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I want them to do a modern 928: a 4 seat front engine pure GT car.

Maxima Speed > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/07/2018 at 23:14

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My bird IS the word > DarkCreamyBeer 04/08/2018 at 20:58

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well same difference. I don’t think a v8 is strictly necessary , mostly on what that car would cost.

Future next gen S2000 owner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/09/2018 at 17:32

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