Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 vs. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 | PistonHeads
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- Опубліковано 5 лис 2020
- Either version of the GT4 qualifies as one of the finest mid-engined sports cars ever made. But which is best?
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One of the best presenters in the business.
@enjie Lopez. .. Agreed, no question. .. One of the very best automotive Presenters.
What is his name?
Alongside Harry Metcalfe these reviews are brilliant, great presenter but with a background in EVO what do you expect
Don't forget Henry Catchpole and Jethro Bovingdon too! I guess EVO is the Harvard for automotive video presenters.
Great video. 981 GT4 hands down. Raw, exhilarating, this car will be a collectors item. Prices won’t come down.
Dan’s assessment and presentation skills have come a long way since Evo. Thanks for making this comparison.
He s one of the reason I left evo. Forced reviews, presuming to give feedback, trying to be someone you aren t. And you can t hide it.
I don't think ill ever part with my 981 GT4, Its just about enough of everything. Great review on both
Do you drive it daily? I’m about to purchase one soon... but will be a weekend car?
@@panigalecars3485 It's got a heavy clutch. Driving in congested traffic wouldn't be pleasant.
@@christmasisawesome9348 I use both feet in my 981 Spyder, lol. Actually the gearing and clutch are fine.
The car is absolutely fine as a daily. Nothing is a problem or that heavy
Exceptional level of detail, worth the full 11:26. Beautiful shots too. Great stuff as always. Tough choice, the 718 might look better but the 981's steering would probably clinch it.
Thanks for making this video. This channel deserves more attention.
Had the pleasure to drive both back to back at Silverstone test facility. Couldn’t agree more with Dan here, old one just has more feel, more engaging and more of an occasion. The new one however is defo the quicker more grown up model.
11:13 is a sublime shot. As a photographer, I can't help but notice such things. The black road snaking along at dusk with the green and reg cars against the white lane markings...bravo to the videography team!
This review is so much more detailed and nuanced than any other I have watched. Brilliant. It was a key factor in me buying my 981 GT4. Amazing machine and engineering.
In my experience the only people who constantly ask questions about the gearing are the ones who have never driven / owned a GT4.
Porsche manual gearing has been long for a decade now. People complained about long gearing in the 997 GT3
I owned a 981 GT4 and I can assure you the gearing was too long
I own a 718 gt4 and can assure you i have zero issue with the gearing. Just use a lower gear ... First gear is an option with the auto blip
I owned one for 2 years. The gearing is too long, it’s not an opinion it’s a fact. Still a great car tho.
@James T : Ok you're a guy that shifts up all gears at 4000 rpm. But that doesn't mean all people are like you. Some of us are real men that shift up at the red line. Why ? Because we love the flat 6 symphony and the sensation of acceleration. So, reality is Porsche gearing is too long. 85 mph in second gear on the open road is ridiculous. The C8 Corvette makes 500 hp and it's gearing is much shorter. The GT4 is not a track only car. For the people living in the mountains it is a superb toy, we have tons of corners that never stop. Amazing fun.
Fair assessment of both cars. I have the 718 GT4 and absolutely love it. The way Porsche evolves their cars, it should be no surprise how close the two models are. While the GT4 is a good looking car, you cannot fully appreciate it until you drive the snot out of it.
Superb presentation that communicates the excitement and ability of these wonderfully playful sports cars. Well done.
I hope PistonHeads gets to test the two on a nice, dry track. Along with that GT4 RS or whatever it's going to be called.
Great review man. Detailed and informative. Beautiful filmography to accompany it.
New 981 GT4 content, great :)
Correct verdict Dan! Loving my 981 GT4. Had a sensational drive in it today. No desire for the new one. At all.
Great car
That's a great comparison, enjoyed it alot
It's 981 for me...several reasons:
- it was the first GT4
- I drove it for so many miles, so nostalgia, I loved every single mile of it
- I think the design will age much better, the tail lights and that black...ahm..stripe or whatever it is on the 718 are not my cup of tea
- I think it sounds much better, more aggressive, that's were I disagree with you
Another brilliant video! Keep them coming! 🙌🏼
You guys are brilliant and deserve way more subscribers. Please give us more content
I still have my 2016 GT4 ...Love it
981 Spyder here, ditto
Great bit of content that Dan. 👍
Terrific review... great detail. Thanks. 👍
That was a great review. As someone about to get my new Spyder delivered, I’m looking forward to driving it myself. Crazy that I’m buying a car without ever driving it. But it will be my 5th ‘Boxster’.
Nice, I’m on my 2nd, a 981 Spyder, drove my 05 Boxster S 140,000 miles of smiles.
One of the best reviews on the net leagues above the others
Excellent review.. congratulations! I've watched EVERY SINGLE GT4 review available on UA-cam (yep, big fan of it...), and this is one of the best out there.
Dan, an excellent comparison. I have a 718 and absolutely love it. Now I can put it into words. Thanks.
just Subscribed! So Glad I stumbled upon you channel! Looking forward to your videos!!!!
What an absolutely excellent review.
Great B Roll! Love the colors in this one.
I totally agree. I love my 981 GT4’s Gearing. I have owned 3 X 911s. The last was a modified 991.2 GTS delivering 580 HP.
I live in the Country and come off a Highway at 60 mph onto the Line to where I live.
All my Sports Cars have Manual Transmissions.
In all 3 X 911s as well as my C7 Corvette, I would come off the Highway and Gear Down to Second Gear as I made the 90 degree Right Turn onto the Line to my home.
Guess What???
In my 981 GT4, I make the 90 degree Right Hand Turn onto the Line IN FIRST GEAR!!!!
Do you know how exciting that is????
To be able to do make that Turn in First Gear at the same Speed as my 991.2 GTS in Second Gear is Incredible.
I love the Gearing in my GT4.
It is a definitely a Positive - Not a Negative in any way.
Anyone who Bashes the Gearing either has never driven one or does not know how to extract the most from this Car.
I cannot even duplicate this with a GT3!!!
spot on review, as a keeper it's the 981, looks, sound and rawness over the 718
Looks, no, sound yes, more hardcore..debatable. It’s just less good at going fast without making you tired. Although I found my 981 was more tolerable on long journeys vs my 718. Maybe grumbling noise from cylinder deactivation at cruising speeds. The 718 is a better car to drive on track days.
Great video/insight. Really like the presenter too. BIG thumbs up.
A 718 GT4 is around 110-120k. You can snag a low mileage 981 GT4 for 85-90k. And still have 100% fun with it. I go to the track every year and not a lot can keep up with it.
A CPO 981 gt4 right now is ~$92k. For $106k you can get a brand new 718 gt4 optioned with bucket seats. I traded my 981 Boxster spyder for one.
@@overspecced nice. Here in my area its impossible to get that low. 😃
These videos are criminally underviewed.
There’s only one pistonheads reviewer as far as I’m concerned. This is he. Entertaining, passionate, informed, nerdy stuff. 😆 👍
Yeah he was a EVO writer for long time
Still prefer the "old" GT4! Great video as usual
Great video! 👍🏼👍🏼
I love my 981 GT4, it's epic.
Went out in my 981 GT4 today, what a car! Definitely a keeper for me. Great video and a great verdict!
Great car
Same here. I'm keeping mine. Nothing that has been produced since appeals to me.
Lucky git! Sadly i will never earn the money to buy a run a car of that value. Hope you enjoy every moment with her :)
Evian I’m eating Kraft macaroni and cheese with cut up hotdogs and my vehicle has 8.75 hp a Honda monkey but I’m grateful
Great review.
Torn!! Great review, to the degree that I am soooo torn! The price difference makes the 981 so much more attractable, and your review makes it sound as if it's for me. But it's old, and I am worried about the depreciation (flip) in a few years. Which will be more sort after in the future??? Back to your review; honest, precise and to the point. Thank You. What would you buy?? Seriously. ( I am a driver not a commuter!)
Love this review, couldn't agree more
Great vid. Subbed. 👍🏻
I have an original GT4...... Sublime car.
Re.....the gearing ...... Just drive it and quit moaning ..... It's a fantastic beast. 😅😅😅
solid review sir
Thank you, also pls do a comparison between 991.1 RS & 991.2 RS
981.GT4 is a keeper
Well put together, a pat on the back for the whole team...
Sports bucket seats on the 718 are un-reclinable so keeps you more upright by default. If you want more adjustment you need to ditch the buckets
Has the engine sound been strangled by the new emissions controls, has the electrohydraulic steering been changed. can it be adjusted by a specialist? Or is it different geometry setup at the front? Steering feel is so important in a model like this.
I agree with other comments, having the GT3 RS from end I would expect the steering feel would be better than its predecessor not worse
It's just lighter. People confuse that for less detail.
I'm not sure the point about steering can be right. The 718 generation's steering was a massive step on from 981
I agree
For the base car, yes. Though the 981 GT4 had the steering / front end from the 991 GT3. So it's very, very different to say a 981 S. A 718 S steering is much improved over a 981 S.
@@jeron6108 Have not driven a 981 GT4 or 991.1 GT3, however from owners' views it seems that 718 GT4/991.2 GT3 are a step on steering-wise. Porsche still didn't have EPAS 100% figured out at that stage. Yes, agreed the 981 S to 718 S is a big improvement
I haven’t driven a 981 GT4, but I have driven various regular 981s and 718s, and own a 718 Spyder. My Spyder’s steering has the best feedback of any electric steering rack I’ve experienced. It’s not particularly heavy steering, but I think the weighting is just right. There’s a difference between steering weight and steering feedback. I’ve had BMWs in the past whose steering in sport mode was heavier than my Spyder, but they had way less feedback of road conditions and texture.
Ultimately, it’s not right or wrong, it’s Dan’s opinion. An opinion based on driving the cars back to back... He owns an Alpine A110 too so I reckon he knows a thing or two about steering.
Lighter steering, gear shifts and clutch pedal....more sound deadening, poor exhaust note. I would not change my 981 GT4 for a 718 GT4
So the current GT4 is more like “everyday’s super car” than ever. Sound like the Honda NSX to me but with the glorious six speeds manual transmission....I am in love indeed !!! ❤️
Biggest flaw. No front axle lift system on both. Dat really sucks. Besides driven both & love both. Oldschool analogue car produced at modern times. Kudos.
Great review. Prefer the front lights on the older GT 4.
Was the 718 on the same tires? I hadn't heard this about the steering comparison before. I would have expected the rack to get better not more numb.
I'm intrigued by the rear wing support brackets. They look as light as possible
Good review, thanks. I tend to agree with conclusion but wonder why steering feel (and seat position) would different. They have pretty much the same steering rack and suspension (same for seats and brackets)... Tire pressure? Alignment? Go figure...
Possibly the owner of the 981 installed the seat mod that relaxes the seat angle a little bit
Thank you 👍
Great video of a pair of awesome cars!
ps. Try to match the shots to the commentary, for example, show rear diffuser when you're talking about rear diffuser
Great review!!
How strange... One would think that with the adoption of GT3 parts, the steering feeling would be better than the previous one
The 981 GT4 also have GT3 parts, including a complete GT3 front suspension setup. Look up Chris Harris test drive of the 981 GT4, with included walk-through of the suspension setup with Andreas Preuninger.
Turboturbo absolutely correct here
I think the 981's design will age better. It doesn't have those horrid mandated rear reflectors.
Agree. Add to this the more simple and flowing lines of the 981.
Yes but it has those ugly bulbous rear lights and square front lights. Oh wait that's subjective and means nothing. Both are amazing but I understand you want to feel better about your car so go ahead.
I have a 981 and really appreciate this review. I love my 981, I am waiting for the coming RS version!
The final verdict is 100% true, the 718 Gt4 RS will be the ultimate track car from this platform
Also, the weight difference between them isn’t much. PH is quoting pre-WLTP manufacturer weight of the 981, which is not representative of real world weights. In reality, both cars are similar in weight.
I thought the same, there is no way 80kg difference in genuine on the road weight.
I’ve seen plenty of documented corner weights of both cars to know that the difference isn’t huge. Just like the 996, 997, 991 and 992 all have a similar real world weight. Manufacturers have been bending the truth about the weights of their cars.
@@mlhj83 Agreed. The way that manufacturers have to quote weights and economy etc have all changed recently, hence the disparity.
Out of interest, do you remember the actual difference? I seem to remember it being only 20/30 kg
@@Mockle07 If both are optioned similarly and fuelled equally, about 30kg difference.
Brilliant report by a person who obviously knows what he's talking about. Well done.
I own a 718 gt4, i doubt the opinion that the steering in 718 is less intuitive. It’s lighter for sure but very much improved from the previous one. He should’ve driven them in a track...
Lighter clutch in the 718 GT4 which makes it more useable but also less noise which makes it less enjoyable.
I find the old clutch more controllable compared to the new one. Yes it is heavier but not like 997 GT3 heavy. When I compare the 981.GT4 clutch vs. 991.2 GT3 Touring, I would go for the 981.GT4 clutch every time.
The clutch in the 981 is not heavy at all, just nicely weighted. Similarly the 997 GT3 clutch is not particularly heavy either. I’ve owned both and all this talk about the weight of the clutch is just horse poop!
@@gjonno I currently have a 997 GT3 RS 4.0 and a 981 Spyder. There is a huge difference between the two!!
@@888mf4 mine was a lowly 997.1 3.6 which I don’t have now, but at no point did I find the clutch particularly heavy. Maybe the rarified 4.0 is somewhat different? However gen 1 was a rubbish daily due to the harshness and uncompromising ride. The Spyder is far better in that respect. You wouldn’t daily a 4.0 would you? And if you do then hats off to you indeed
Our presenter seems to forget to mention that the 1st gen had no optional PDK & and the aero was at least 50% less than the 718 GT4. We buy these cars for track use, both the PDK & aero make this car go quicker on the track. If we want these car for street driving, stick with the GTS please!
Pdk for people who can't drive
PDK GT4 is for rainbow waving gender confused conformists.
If you don’t believe me watch Steve Sutcliffe’s review of 718 GT4 at Knockhill. Best auto journalist bar none. Watch him drive Formula 1 car at Silverstone. His time is .4 sec behind test driver’s (if I remember correctly). Passionate, knowledgeable, skillful, observant. He’s the authority.
GT4, Spyder and GTS 4.0 are now available with PDK gearboxes
Do you think happens the same with the 981 spyder vs the 718 spyder?.
plz help.... what are the listed seats like in terms of comfort?😊
Fab, thanks.
Whatever Porsche is paying you, it’s not enough
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f3/Tin_foil_hat_2.jpg
Confusing as every other reviewer has said its ride is too harsh for uk roads. How did you find it?
Yes, the 981 is the better car. Lighter (by a huge margin), both has the GT3 front suspension, the 3.8 is a better engine, PLUS as the Sport Auto (German sports car bible) tests (2) show, the 981 GT4 is also quicker - both on track and slightly also on straght line.
718 GT4 is 11 seconds faster around the Nurburgring than the 981
Quite possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard haha. As Mike said, the 718 is 11 seconds quicker around the ring. The 3.8 does sound better stock for stock but the 718 is objectively better in every measurable way.
@@alexgreen4997 yes. New Pilot Sport Cup 2 also ;)
Put the same tyres on both cars and I bet you the 11 seconds is reduced by quite a margin.
They are not go fast in the straight cars but 718 is also faster quite a bit.
FINALLY!!
Fab review. 😀😀😀
I’ve driven them both. SMSA certified. Disagree with him completely. Live in GA, USA, and there’s a road that is the ultimate challenge. Don’t tell me that the 718 version isn’t precise. I think if you own a 981 you like it; you own a 718 you like it. I have an early Cayman with hydraulic steering BTW and the 718 GT4 matches it. What a great combo. And seating position? Stay away from the bucket seats: they’re idiotic.
And when I say driven them both I mean on the same roads, so I’ve done the direct comparison, too. Both great. I prefer the 718. And BTW: low end torque much better than he says. You do not, by any means, have to get to 6K rpm to notice it.
Top notch
what song was used at the beginning ????
More power, and better looking rear especially. Don’t think you can go wrong w the 718.
Great vid Dan. Here’s a question though. 2015 GT4 or New 918 GTS all things considered? Decided where to place my cash.
I'd assume used 981 GT4 if it's more rewarding than the GTS bigger brother. That said there is no wrong choice there.
GTS for more road biased driving. GT4 for more track biased driving
You absolutely nailed it with this review being a 981 GT4 owner I empathize I understand and I relish my 981.
Is the yellow one the one that smashes its turrets?
Keeping my 981 GT4 forever.
Likewise!
Same here!
it’s the best car ever for me and a keeper for sure
Same here!
I know it’s just your opinion but I don’t agree about the steering. I had a 981 for 18 months and swapped for a 718 GT4. I actually prefer the steering on the 718. It was the first thing I noticed at the first corner. The way it loads up on corners better than the 981 and feel off centre I prefer. Also the engine revs more freely. Seating position I noticed nothing much, both feel very upright. I track my 718 regularly but never did 981. On track 718 is sublime. It’s where you really feel why Porsche did what they did. Steering has so much feel on the limit that I didn’t feel I got from 981 on the limit on the road because it was heavier so could feel subtle changes in weight as grip levels changed. Got lots of opinions on 718 vs 981 as I’ve had both, however overall I prefer the 718. I now mainly use it on track after thinking of selling due to less excitement from exhaust note but I realised I was missing the point when I took it ok track I realised the noise was just right for a long day in the track. No issues with noise fatigue after hours of track use and still sounds amazing as the valves are always open in track. Also long gearing you don’t notice as you’re in high revs so change more often. Would I switch to 718 again given option? Not sure as I am hoping to get 992 GT3, but 718 felt like such a fresh start after jumping out of 981 I’d have to say I would do it again. Only my POV as an owner.
981 GT4 will be my choice!
The 981 GT4 is a must have and keep! The 718 is not selling and we know why :)
718 gt4 is definitely selling, but corona shutdowns halted production. There’s more 991.2 gt3rs’ for sale than 718 gt4’s right now.
@@overspecced nope some friends work for Porsche and it’s a total disappointment. Clients are bringing back the 718 and prices of the 981 have started to pick up again.
@@chrisgtx2630 I’m reading Rennlist everyday. Nobody is disappointed.
@@overspecced I think Porsche insights are better than a website where only « happy » owners try to lie to themselves that they made the wrong purchase ;)
Great review! I can't help but think whenever i watch a GT4 review that it would benefit from a shorter diff ratio so you can make the most of all gears, not just the first 3 gears. Surely a shorter diff ratio is a do-able mod..
There are kits to address the gearing
Well well, who would drive a GT4 every day anyway?! Have the Manthey front axel upgrade to allow for a more aggressive camber setting resulting in a razor sharp turn in on the 981 and put a smile on your face! 👍🏼 ATB Peter
I drive mine everyday dude... 🙂😎
I have a hopped up 987 ... 480,000 miles on it. All mine except for the original 42k from Brumos. So... EVERY FAY is a holiday in a Porsche. So yeah... Next car is a Gt4... Probably a 981. Which I will drive EVERY DAY...
Almost bought one, until i saw the strut towers issues, then the 3rd gear issues... The strut towers failing is properly scary and the numbers of cars failing keep growing due to age and mileage. Would be able to push on a road after i saw those pics of the suspension going through the frame and into the front hood.
Most 3rd gear issues are fixed under warranty or good will. Strut tower failure is so rare, it's not worth worrying about. All cars have problems that are 'well documented' on the internet. You are missing out on a great car.
The strut tower issue is due to hitting berms when going off track or striking very sharp road imperfections at high speed. If you aren't driving 10/10ths on horrible roads there isn't much to worry about.
@@bigben57 @UCy8omVerI0Jcwi0yuzHCJag I have actually seen GT4 and GT3 ( same front top mounts ) failure on road cars. The fail rate isn't high true but more than 200 case is starting to be quite a lot for a low production car. I just don't see my self going straight on a mountain road with my wife on the side. Of course the cars have been pushed hard but failure like those usually happen long after the build date, while you see cases of cars with less than a year or less than 10.000km. Porsche is being pretty good about this, making you sign documents to not tell the issue and they fix the car for 95% of the bill ( like the GT3 gen 1 engine, which i broke one at 25.000km on a B road with correct oil level ).
981 GT4 is superior in my opinion. It has the noise (unfiltered), its lighter weight, and more visceral. Given that Porsche handicapped both generations with terrible hearing in the manual, I see no.reason to not go 981 every time.
It's hardly lighter, different measurement specs between years. Sound is fixed by OPF delete and plug valves if you want. The new car is more liveable and will wipe the floor with a 981 on the track. That said all GT4s are amazing.
@OM-kw4py it's lighter and it's better. That's why 718 are cheaper than 981 now. Also 718 production numbers are probably 10 times greater than 981 , which is just another reason why they'll be respected and 718 won't be.
Both are very nice, but i prefer GT4 with pdk box.
Does anyone know what the gearing is like on the PDK version of the 718 GT4?
A bith shorter, there is a video where they stack the car up against the m2cs and a lotus, there you can see that the 2nd ger runs out earlier
@@NoName-qp1op thanks, do you know where I can find the video.
ua-cam.com/video/yl8e9ReWRJ8/v-deo.html
@@NoName-qp1op thanks
The 718 rear diffuser and exhaust looks off don’t they?
Just looks rubbish an tacky to me. Much prefer the 981 rear end.
Horrible look