Bias against 4cyl engines

[Quickstep192]

This isn't a 911 question, but I think only 911 people can relate.

I've been looking at Caymans. The cost of a 6cyl CPO Cayman is almost as much as a new Cayman even though the new ones are more powerful and get better gas mileage.

Is 6cyl bias propping up the prices of the 2016 Caymans with 6cyls?

[Lyle O]

Of course; you know how biased the Porsche community is toward "tradition" (me included I guess). But it's as much an "investor thing", as those 6's are the last of their generation, and speculators will keep prices higher for a while.

[Cory M]

Could also be a preference for the driving characteristics and simplicity of a normally aspirated engine over a turbo.

[Coastr]

There has never been a 4 cylinder engine that is superior to a 6 cyl of the same family. Even with the same power output the 4 cyl will feel and sound inferior. I’m not surprised and I would go for a 6 cyl Boxster over the 4 every day of the week.

[smokintr6]

I test drove a 718 boxster S, and I found it to be fantastic. Leaps and bounds ahead of any of the 6 cylinder cars I've driven. On the same day I test drove a 981 base Boxster and that thing was more anemic than the Mazda hatchback that I drive to work every day. The big drawback for me was the 4 cylinder sound. The 718 sounds like a WRX, but I think I could get over that for low end torque. That said, I wouldn't consider paying $80,000 for any of these cars. If Porsche reintroduces a boxster 6 and the 4 cylinder prices plummet, I would definitely have one for around $40k.

[JmuRiz]

Being a 914 and 356 guy I have no issues with /4 engines.
Last Porsche event I went to they had a 718 cayman GTS and a 911T on their semi autox course. I really enjoyed the GTS /4 turbo and felt it was neck and neck with the 911T for that kind of driving.

Having said that, I'm converting my 914 to a /6 engine. But there's no way you can get 220hp reliably out of a type 4 engine.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

I wouldn't say I am biased as I have owned four cylinder Porsches. I would say that I have learned from experience and for me the six cylinder engine is the one I prefer. I've owned a handful of 914's, Boxsters, a Cayman, and an air-cooled 911. The characteristics of power delivery are part of the experience. For me the flexibility of the flat six, the way it revs, the way it sounds matters more than statistics.

As example I had a MassIVe 2270cc Type-IV in one of my 914s putting out well over 180HP. The car was light weight, fast, handled great on the auto-x course, and ticked all the right performance boxes. But I never clicked with it or fell in love with it. Sold it on less then a year after completing the 4 year resto-mod. Expensive lesson learned.

On the other end of the spectrum is my 1971 911T Targa which is not fast from a stoplight but the engine's flexibility in 3rd & 4th gears make it a true delight on twisting canyon and back roads at any speed, fast or slow.

I feel similarly about my Cayman S. The car is much faster than the older 911 but they have a very similar feel in the canyons and mountains. There is a flow to the throttle response and a reassurance from the way the torque is doled out over the power band that make the entire driving experience somewhat magical.

I understand on paper the superiority of some of the 4-cylinder engines, especially the newer turbo units. Something about driving them just leaves me cold. Part of the driving experience I enjoy is missing.

I've not had the pleasure of driving a 356 so maybe that would change my mind. But at the moment I'll hold on to my flat six powered cars.

[Steam Driver]

I think pure and simple it’s the sound. A four is never going to sound as good as a six. Enzo Ferrari was right.

My wife’s car is a 2011 GTI. It’s predecessor was a 2000 GTI VR6. Performance-wise it’s a toss-up in both power and economy. Which would I rather have? The VR6, no question. The turbo car gets marginally better fuel economy but not enough to offset the lack of music! Not to mention the difference in smoothness.

Besides, the fuel economy excuse benefits only the corporations having to deal with CAFE issues. Do any performance car enthusiasts shop for cars based on fuel economy? I doubt it!

Leave the four-cylinders for hay balers.

[manbridge 74]

Originally Posted by Cory M

Could also be a preference for the driving characteristics and simplicity of a normally aspirated engine over a turbo.

Combined with sound it’s the above. Taking off to cross an intersection in front of traffic is bog/lag city with the 718 compared to six cylinder. Two different animals. Out on the open road or in the mountains the turbo comes into its own.

[VW_NUTT]

I honestly don't care what it sounds like im not going to behind it. My 2019 Cayman S should be here in 2 weeks. Im keeping the 911, if I want loud and raw I will take that. If im on a tour to a winery I will take the Cayman for the nice cold ac and other creature comforts

[Trackrash]

Have you heard the 919? Thats a four and sounds amazing, not to mention lots of power.

That said, the 2016 Boxster Spyder is a classic.

[Alfasrule]

Being an ALFA Romeo guy, I have 3 flavors. Have 3 4C's, 3 6C's, and a V8.
Love all these motors, but my favorite is me 4C Race Car. Totality tricked out and the fastest car I own. Having Mick drive her, a V6 911 owner,very nice car, the 1st question I asked him was would it keep up to a Porsche. His response was a Huge smile and putting the petal to the metal, he was very impressed.

The 2.5 ALFA V6 is the best sounding V6 period!
The 3 doesn't as much do it for me. I like the 2.5 and what's a 1/2 liter?

All these motors have a long legacy. Racing, production, yea upgrades, but the same motor and design. The ALFA 4C was used on U.S. cars from 1962 to 1995, and I'm sure longer in Europe.

Peace

Me