2020 Porsche 718 Spyder - a Five-part Review

Some say the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder's gears are too tall for the road and it belongs only on the racetrack. We feel differently...
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Royalty Free Music Credits: Roadtrip by Scandinavianz & Bovi by The Grand Affair

[@kennethherskind2250]

Picking up my 2023 Spyder this week. This video helped me pick the car and manual trans.

[@clu4u]

“Everyone wants to talk to you”, hit the nail on the head.

[@chrisjones708]

I’ve watched a lot of 718 reviews. This one is the most insightful and useful. Thanks!

[@randomhawks3232]

Great review!! Nice to see a rationale review by someone who actually spent some quality time in it and subsequently gets and appreciates the essence of this car without the sensationalism on tall gearing issues, which as you stated, is ultimately a non-issue. There are clearly plenty of highly satisfied Porsche GT owners out there - including myself - and they are all amazing works of art 😊

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much for your feedback! Really appreciate it.

[@Innovaenergyser]

Random hawks Which one do you have?

[@randomhawks3232]

@@Innovaenergyser 718 Spyder

[@Innovaenergyser]

@@randomhawks3232 Cool. I have a GT4 on the way. Cannot wait until it arrives. I want to see how it compares to my GTS 981.

[@johndeyoung6493]

That review was FANTASTIC! What a joy to hear someone give positive feedback on the gearing! 100% agree. This is the first video I’ve watched from him. This is car enthusiast experience at its finest giving it to you straight. Flawless video.

[@brianmacklin262]

This confirms my sentiments on the so-called tall gearing. So glad I reconsidered on the pdk on my 2021 order. You can really enjoy this car without redlining it all the time. Really good real world review. Thanks

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much for your feedback! Much appreciated.

[@JBthemanwithcars]

I really enjoyed the review as well. I’ve a Spyder PDK on order but also own a 981 Spyder which I’m keeping. I do track my Spyder and find the gearing a bit tall for most tracks but it’s fine on the road. Having 2 generations of Spyder with manual and PDK is the best of both worlds.

[@johndeyoung6493]

Same here. I ALMOST changed my order to pdk and so glad I didn’t!

[@amasha88]

Hi, can you drive it comfortably in 3rd gear at speed of 100km/h ? It should be on 2.5k/3k rpm at that speed right ? I believe driving it like this is would be comfortable and economic for the time you want some chill :)

[@armanijulius8112]

A tip: you can watch series on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching a lot of movies recently.

[@dc4350]

One of the best 718 Spyder reviews out there and I like the "positive" review of the gearing. Look forward to picking my up next month. Thanks for this great video review!

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much for your feedback and lucky you! Enjoy your new Spyder!

[@GethinJames]

This will absolutely be my 1st Porsche. #1 for an allocation - hopefully in the next couple weeks... I am coming from several sports cars. I just sold my 07 S2000 in preparation for the Spyder. Can't wait!! Update. Got an allocation! Picking up in 2 months!

[@kennethherskind2250]

I’ve had my Spyder for 10 months. Peak Porsche. It’s insanely great.

[@azemtavniku5782]

First time on your channel, liked and subscribed immediately. Best review of the 718 Spyder I’ve watched, and I’ve watched as many as I could find on this lovely Spyder, as i’m hoping/waiting on an allocation. Thank you

[@RunnerArch]

Agreed!

[@azemtavniku5782]

@@RunnerArch my Spyder in GT silver arrived in March this and I’m having a blast with her. I did get an allocation and build it the way I wanted. Thanks again for the great review

[@RunnerArch]

@@azemtavniku5782 Congratulations. GT silver is a great color for the Spyder. We are lucky bastards to get an allocation and build to our personal spec. Mine arrives July 29th.

[@kennethherskind2250]

My Spyder arrives in December. How are you guys liking yours?

[@AncientAviator]

I've watched countless 718 Spyder reviews and this is hands-down one of the best. You speak right to the car...what it's designed for and what it's NOT designed for. And you're SPOT-ON in your analysis: a race car designed to operate on the road. Nicely done sir.

[@kennethherskind2250]

Yep. And I have a Spyder. He’s 100% correct on everything. He nails it.

[@tacetrecompense5617]

The top is project tantamount to winding a fine a manual timepiece. Engaging, not overly laborious, and yet enjoyable.

[@yd5016]

I’ve seen so many spyder and gts 4.0 reviews and couldn’t agree more with every word in your epic nonchalant review! How can any one dismiss this car because of the tall gearing. This engine and the gts 4.0 engine which is almost identical is the most amazing engine Porsche has right now besides the gt3 and gt4rs engines.

[@kennethherskind2250]

I have a Spyder. He’s correct. The gearing is fine.

[@RunnerArch]

I've seen most all reviews on the 718 Spyder and this one is my favorite. I have a 718 Spyder coming in a few weeks and my build is similar to this car, except I spec'd LWBS. A race car for the road is spot on. I also don't agree with the negative feedback about the tall gearing. I owned a 997.1 and 997.2 GT3 and both have very tall gearing, and I loved them. Thank you for the great review. You have confirmed my build. BTW - for those that selected the PDK due to the tall gearing, some reviews claim that the PDK doesn't fix the tall gearing - both the manual and PDK shift closely the same at redline.

[@kennethherskind2250]

Yep. Best Spyder review I’ve seen. All true.

[@got_gt3612]

Thank you for explanation of “long” gear . Majority of people do not understand why gears a a bit longer than average car, this is not average, this is special. This car is for people who understand and appreciate how special it is. Every time I drive my Spyder I appreciate all the work engineers at Porsche spend try to make this car so rewarding to drive and create such deep feelings.

[@dc4350]

Totally agree with you! I share the same thoughts on Porsche engineering!

[@clu4u]

981 Spyder here, I agree ☝️

[@amasha88]

1:58 "Who red line these things in 8K RPM all the time, no body does that in real world" EXACTLY!! You hit the point. But you still can take it to the track and push it as hard as you want ;)

[@philippegouvet1]

OK, nothing new here, I'm repeating what others have already said: one of the very, very best reviews I have heard on the Spyder. And I have become quite the expert! My 718 Spyder is to be delivered in January. Yes, I know, I'm extremely lucky...

[@kennethherskind2250]

How do you like it? I’m so lucky to get mine this November.

[@philippegouvet1]

@@kennethherskind2250 You may not like my reply. I only kept the Spyder (a gorgeous car) for... 4 months, because I couldn't get used to some of its quirks. My main gripe was the lack of torque at low rpm. I switched to a 992, which is fine for me with its twin turbos. But this is pure personal preference.

[@kennethherskind2250]

Yeah. I know you have to get the RPMs up in the Spyder. I live in San Diego, and I think this will still be the perfect car for me.

[@johnpilot6405]

one of the best reviews on 718 Spyder so far, loved part 3

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much! Really appreciate your feedback.

[@PS3Cooooooool]

tall gearing complains are mostly by the journalists are because it takes away from the engine power band and they review it based on a short time window were they briefly test it, if they try it out on the cities, streets and tracks for longer period they would DEFINATLY change their perspectives. also they will compare it to the PDK which is bitter for races but takes away driver engagement and enjoyment, Manual adds a nice character especially with you even try out old Porsches

[@kennethherskind2250]

I was so lucky. I looked around for a week and got a Spyder allocation. Living in San Diego, this is the BEST POSSIBLE CAR. not only the Sun, but lots of twisties here too. I watched so many Spyder videos over the last few years, and this is THE BEST! Your hair is the cherry on top. Love it!

[@cpandsooz]

Best review I've seen on this and loved the intro Re the gearing. Superb!

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much! Really appreciate it.

[@davidrpriest]

This is a really great review that is very fair with the pluses and minuses on this model. I would probably go GTS 4.0 with a PDK because I would want more of daily driver. But this car is special.

[@chrislau5052]

Absolutely! The tall gear talks are only nonsense reviewer copy each other talk. I just love the extra room that let me do that extra push when needed.

[@kennethherskind2250]

Been driving my Spyder for a year. Love the gears! Love the rough. This is the best and most correct Spyder review I’ve ever seen.

[@ColoColoZz]

You are a great reviewer!!! Keep on making those videos👌🏽

[@neiljoseph904]

Excellent review, team - really enjoyed this! Well done and thank you

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thanks Neil! Really appreciate your feedback!

[@robertgregory1927]

Picking my Spyder up this Wednesday 6/12/24. Can’t wait! Nicely done review.

[@gordydexter2615]

Great video and awesome comments. The car is amazing looking in Guards Red.

[@daveyator]

I sold my 911 a few months ago, just bought one of these and can hardly wait for it to arrive.

[@kennethherskind2250]

I’ve had my Spyder for 7 months. I come up with excuses to drive it. Complete bliss!

[@kennethherskind2250]

Did you get your Spyder yet?

[@daveyator]

Yes. A 2022 in shark blue and six speed manual.

[@kennethherskind2250]

@@daveyator congrats! You’ll find yourself coming up with excuses to look at it and drive it. I’ve never owned such a fine sports car before that was perfect in every way. Looks, performance, specialty, quality. So well put together. For the price, it’s the best Porsche you can own. Enjoy it!

[@leonardoluc6362]

Thanks for the review and on point and enjoyed. As i have a Miami Blue this is the most fun car i have had and all the critics LOL the gearing is perfect makes it easier to drive and the top is fun to operate, looks great and most important its 15 kg lighter and like you say the depending where you live the top never is up when driving in my case Andalusia the top goes up when parked in the garage just to keep the top in shape. Cheers.

[@smsaqib82]

I got mine 3 months back. But thanks to the weather of 50 degrees, have been able to drive only 2,000 kms with out taking the roof down....But with more kms the Spyder's clutch pedal and gear shifts are getting smoother...waiting for the winters eagerly

[@BerenErchamion]

Awesome review - I agree about the gears. Same is true for my 2016 black edition.

[@kennethherskind2250]

I can't get enough of this review. All 100% true. My Spyder was not my first Porsche, I live in CA and daily the car, I am a real estate broker, the breaks squeal and love it, the shifter and steering wheel are solid and heavy, and I literally cannot wait until the next time I get in this car. It is PEAK PORSCHE! Better than any 911....not joking. And yes, the gears are just fine!!!! And yes, yes, the car is so special, and people just walk up to me and want to talk about it....constantly.

[@HellaRandomVideos]

Awesome review. I wish there was more driving.

[@charlesfoschini3242]

Amazing car and review. I am in love with mine and as you note the gearing is exceptional for real world driving. I would say that putting the top up is extremely agitating but otherwise a perfect modern classic with exceptional analog quirks. We both wear our watch on the same hand I see #soutpawsrule.

[@threepedalrebel1266]

Love your video...even though GR is not my favourite color for this car. I sold my 2016 GT4 this summer. I loved driving it and I bought it with the soon to be proven delusion that I would suddenly have more time and $$$ to take it to track days often. This did not happen and I found myself in a position to be barely able to touch its potential on the back country rural roads where I live...mind you in the early morning hours I tried ;-). I wrestled between the 981 spyder and GT4 and eventually decided on the GT4 because it was produced by Porsche GT division and I did not want to miss out on the extra 20-30% performance potential the GT4 would give you. When I heard that the new Spyder would be the same as the new GT4...woahh..I went for the switch as I think that now you have the driving experience ( especially with the carbon buckets of course) of the GT4 with the "top down" option for the roads for when you are not necessarily going all out. I am lucky enough to get delivery this month and it will be hard to wait till the spring. Pros - too many to count Cons - 1) I much prefer the exhaust sound of my 981 GT4 to the 718 but hey...aftermarket exhaust will fix that ;-) 2)With respect to the tall gearing...yeah it is probably as tall as in my GT4 but once warranty is done then I will be getting a final gear ratio swap...there are two companies I researched that are doing it reducing ratios by 18-20%. I am sure it is mucho $$$ but then again I plan to keep this car for many years to come. Those 2 changes and there you have it...IMHO the perfect car...as long you spec the manual of course!!!! from Three Pedal Rebel....SAVE THE MANUALS!!!!!

[@klong8963]

Great review and I have watched and listened to quite a few in preparation of purchasing one. This review further validates My purchase decision as I agree with your assessment on the gearing. I cant wait to pick mine up in may 2022 in south Florida.

[@kennethherskind2250]

Mine arrives in December. How do you like yours?

[@klong8963]

@@kennethherskind2250 This is a great car. Everything I expected and more. This is my weekend car but could easily be a daily driver. I have gotten more compliments on this car than any other car I have owned.

[@kennethherskind2250]

@@klong8963 yeah. I’m going to daily it. Are you ok with the gearing? I don’t redline all the time anyways in my Boxster so won’t be a problem for me.

[@Cogito1978]

Phenomenal! Thank you. 👏

[@hbullock]

Loved the review. Now, if I can just get an allocation…

[@kennethherskind2250]

Yep. So much attention driving my Spyder around town. So many comment and folks taking pictures. It’s insane. It is the best driving car on top of these drop dead gorgeous looks. The best Porsche today.

[@jmcarbone2754]

Very nice commentary. Love the Spyder. I will never like black wheels though.

[@drbfitk366]

Good overall review. Bit disappointed there wasn't any actual track footage and comments on that aspect of the car. Thanks for mentioning some of the less appealing features with the Spyder. The 718 Spyder received some major suspension upgrades from it's 981 predecessor making it much more track capable. With all that said, the GT4 shines in all areas & IMHO the better car to own for an enthusiast. Either GT4 or Spyder, these cars are manual gearbox driver engaging cars. PDK will make them a bit quicker & neuters the experience!

[@salangchoi02]

I totally agree about the gear ratio. Who are drving this car at 8k all the time? I drive 987.1 Boxster S and have no problem drive 100km on 2nd gear if I push the car to 7k rpm.

[@galaxiedance3135]

For me....when I buy a car like this... part of buying it will include moving to Europe to live. Having this car here in Canada, with it's performance and not being able to use it is a deal breaker for staying here. I expect to move to Europe anyway sometime. This car would be way more fun for me in Europe.

[@kennethherskind2250]

It’s the best here in San Diego. 😊

[@martsmarts]

Its a German car that you can drive flat out on the Autobahn, probably thus the gear ratio. On another highway like north America, you wouldnt need to redline the car all the time just to enjoy it. It is good already. I’m actually glad Porsche still went this way. And I would love to own one someday.

[@plife911]

Nice review, chief!

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thanks!

[@seinsmeld13]

I own one of these here in southern Ontario. Mine is currently housed in my garage which it will be until spring. The nice thing about parking your car for the winter I get what feels like a new car each spring.

[@clu4u]

Me too, I live near Lake Tahoe in CA

[@yamahapilot]

@@clu4u I think he's referring to Ontario, Canada and not Ontario, California. ;)

[@kennethherskind2250]

Live in San Diego. My Spdyer arrives in December, but no problem here! 😊

[@seinsmeld13]

@@yamahapilot You are correct Sir.

[@frawis0151]

What a terrific review. I can only confirm your remarks regarding the exhaust and gearbox. I got my new Spyder 10 days ago. It is not as loud nor is it as comfortable as my 2013 Carrera S. But if you compare these cars the 911 is a GT car and, as you put in the right words, the Spyder is "a racecar for the road". Thanks for your great review.

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much for your feedback! Hearing from someone like yourself who actually owns one of these cars is really great! Enjoy your Spyder!

[@maximusadramadus1385]

Gratitude!

[@Tracertme]

I would buy it because it has the worlds slowest car roof mechanism 😅😊❤

[@naar_kie]

thank you. here's what I posted on PetroPed review: people that think the first long gears are not cool, seem to me like people who come from good families (financially) and had the luxury of automatics. I've been shifting stick since I known how to drive and still today. I know how tiring it is to have to shift 3 gears from speed bump to speed bump then start over. I applaud the guy @porsche who said let's make the first and second gears tall because he knows that people who love manual transmission hate them because of the short gearing. you want to shift ten times in less than 50 meters? get yourself a DSG/PDK. I love this car for the way they solved my fundamental problem about MT. btw, I can shift faster than some automatics, so yh I know the heck I'm talking about. and I'm sure I can go as much or faster than someone in PDK in the same car. same with any other car with both MT and AMT

[@Notorious_MIG]

Love the idea of this car. Wouldn't worry about the roof because I'd only drive it on bright sunny days. Better check my lottery ticket.

[@joe718gt4]

Definitely understand the Islay scotch statement

[@qlemo2371]

Found your channel because of the spyder review and now a subscriber. Like others have commented, find the view on the tall gearing a bit more real world hear. I’m looking at changing from a 911 gts to a spyder and I am a bit concerned I will miss the exhaust note. Does anyone have a view that the PDK will lessen the gearing, and so enable a bit more exhaust note in day to day driving?

[@TomCccog]

Fantastic review well done! I wondered about the gearing. They get in the car and start winding it out then complaining about how tall 3rd is. That's not realistic 98% of the time.

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much for your feedback and you're right, it is not realistic 98% of the time.

[@charleslu7044]

I’m very happy with my 981 Spyder, the gears are taller than my old 987 S but the 3.8 makes up for that.

[@JikkyoLB]

Underrated review, could use some help with the hair tho 😂

[@twagn]

Had a chance to test drive a 84 911 manual. The salesman said leave it in gear ...don’t shift

[@mcx3872]

Hate the popping exhaust on the over-run. Glad it's gone.

[@stephenauty3370]

You so remind me of Ben Burner (used to have a brilliant Boxster KZbin channel)

[@carminered]

Amazing review. Is that a breitling?

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much! Yes, that's a Breitling Superocean 44 with the blue dial and bezel, which is waterproof to 1 kilometre!

[@gsten2116]

Its the best roadster ever built. Yes its better in a warm climate, as is everything else.

[@eSysmanSuperYachts]

Review would have been more dynamic if you were driving the car instead of sat in it.

[@rWmyoutube]

Just an excellent review!!! RWM

[@amasha88]

I see PERFECTION in this car in every aspect. The manual roof, manual gearbox, mighty mid-car engine, give your the feeling that you're in TOTAL control on the car. It's a super focused car for driving, it's NOT luxury, it's not Mercedes/Maybach... you want that please move on..

[@kennethherskind2250]

Exactly. Perhaps some folks are just better with a Lexus???? My Spdyer arrives in December, and getting it to enjoy and push hard.

[@nordics834]

lovely review but bro needs 15 seconds to open the trunk alone...

[@gsthree9534]

Agree 100%. The car youtubers - ehem - journalists - all bitch about the gearing. They are fine. The car is fast and easy to shift. Disagree 100%. The roof is not difficult it just takes a minute. I can see how it might be a problem in some climes. I'm in SoCal so no problems here. Agree that the red and black is a great, great look.

[@kennethherskind2250]

Totally agree. I’m in San Diego and S CA is best place on the planet to enjoy a Spyder.

[@AndrewLavigne]

What I think is missed in this conversation about gearing and the manual is that the effective torque to the wheels with shorter second, third and fourth gears can be quite substantial. If you were to make the ratios of 2nd and 3rd the same as the PDK gearbox, for example, you would increase torque at the wheels in each of those gears by quite a bit. I did some back-of-the-napkin calculations and you clearly come to the understanding that from the amount of extra torque (at a given rpm) delivered to the wheels in those shorter gears that you are going to get harder acceleration. And, yes, as a bonus you get to wind it out to redline sooner and are able to play with the 2nd-3rd-4th shifts more than if you have the manual's longer gearing. The other factor with these tall and widely-spaced lower gears, especially with a naturally-aspirated engine that has modest lower-end torque, is that you fall quite far back down (upon shifting) into the lower reaches of the rev range, down where the torque is more modest. This is less of an issue with a turbo engine that makes peak torque at low engine speeds, but is indeed a disadvantage in a naturally-aspirated motor.

[@AndrewLavigne]

For specifics, if you were to go from a 1.95 ratio 2nd gear (the OEM manual's 2nd gear) to one with a 2.29 ratio (the OEM PDK's second gear), that's a 17% increase in torque to the wheels. 17% is a very noticeable increase in thrust.

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thank you very much for your feedback@@AndrewLavigne! Those are the most thorough comments we have ever received! This 6 speed manual transmission, and it's gear ratios, certainly has generated a lot of discussion. Is Porsche listening …?

[@johnyacoub69]

Former 981 Spyder owner here; you've accurately stated the issue - the increase in effective thrust you'd have in lower gears if they were shorter, and the accompanying improvement in acceleration in ordinary driving - non-track - situations. It's not the desire to get to and experience the car at or right around redline, fun as that as. But as the host said, who does that/or wants to do that all the time, around town? I don't, but I did want more urge, sooner, in the lower gears. Frankly, 6th could've been a bit taller.

[@dr.manuelkoch3256]

Very thorough comment! That is exactly why i chose PDK when ordering a 2021 718 Spyder. With PDK you can really squeeze and use 100% of the performance of both engine and chassis without ever incurring the risk of over-revving. And i can tell you doing that is FUN!

[@2006Vantage]

Nope, this is my first Porsche

[@kennethherskind2250]

My Spyder wasn’t my first either. Came out of a 99 Boxster.

[@threepedalrebel1266]

ALSO there is shortcut to take the roof up and down by using the Keyfob rather than getting in and out of the car all the time....cuts the time almost in half !!!!

[@2023roadstervet]

Buy's Car.. Never uses 3rd gear returns car next day lmmfao. Tell's sales rep.. I thought I bought a 6 speed not a 2 speed..lmmfao

[@simonmektupchiqn]

Got it as my first Porsche. Literally one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. Tall potential customer tidbit: if you’re 6,3 tall you won’t have any issues with the 2-way seats. I was anxious when every reviewer said “people over 6 feet would have issues”…not the case. Enjoy!

[@kennethherskind2250]

My Spyder arrives in December. Love to hear more about your experiences

[@simonmektupchiqn]

@@kennethherskind2250 Depends on what you want to know. - The car is not too low for public road (unless they are not well maintained) - The passenger seatbelt rattles, but you can easily snap it in place and the issue goes away - The exhaust is not too quiet, as mentioned in multiple reviews, unless you are used to screaming v8s, and the exhaust has a pretty fruity grunt. - Beware the car will skew you perception of your other vehicles, and make you think something’s wrong with them. -Although the fabric roof seems very thin, it managed well against a torrential flood. I was checking the roof and seals around the windows… to say the least I was very impressed - if you raise the spoiler “manually” (by pressing the button) remember to hold the button for 10 seconds, if at a standstill) otherwise the spoiler won’t go down and the car will inform you by blinking the spoiler button until you do so. - initially the top might be difficult to close when you try to latch it, but assist the latch, otherwise ugly sounds may come out of it. - the throttle is very sensitive when waiting at a traffic light, by accident I managed to skid on a few left turns (did not help the Porsche driver image with those) - for breaking in the engine I used the following guidelines by Andreas Preuninger (or something similar): up to 300 miles 5000rpm, up to 420 5500rpm, and for each additional 120 miles up to 1000 miles go up by intervals of 500rpm. I think that pretty much sums up everything I got off the top of my head. So I hope you enjoy it and drive with moderation ;)

[@kennethherskind2250]

@@simonmektupchiqn Thanks so much for your feedback. Based on your comments and others, the Spyder sounds like one of the best sports cars on the market at any price, especially when you factor the drop dead gorgeous looks.

[@tomcraig8027]

99% of the laptop test drivers that complain about the tall gearing have never sat in a 718 Spyder or GT4.

[@kennethherskind2250]

I have. I own a Spyder now. It’s fine. Gearing is no problem

[@lifeinthebuff]

But what is it like through "cliche corner"? 😁 Nice autumn weather in Ontario, I enjoyed your insight - thank you! 🙌🏻