I bought a Z4M in 2013, and then a 987.2 Cayman S in 2017. Both amazing cars, but with the Z4M I very much feel like it's my body that's controlling the car. But with the Porsche, it feels like it's wired directly into my brain and everything feels so natural that I'm not even aware of the controls anymore.
The 987 S has always intrigued me because it was the direct competition for the Z in period. I believe you though, everyone I’ve heard compare them has said the Porsche was the more nuanced and balanced car dynamically. The 987.2 with the 3.4 could be an interesting upgrade for me one day. The S54 was a factor in me choosing the M over the 987.1. How does the 3.4 compare to the S54, having owned both?
@@BuzzytheBlue The Porsche's 3.4 just does what I ask when I ask it to, and it sounds good doing it. But it definitely lacks some of the raw, visceral excitement that the S54 brings to the table. Despite the similar stats, the two cars have very different personalities.
So refreshing to see a 981 GT4 review with beautiful cinematics. Other reviewers lack the shots you have. These cars are under appreciated at the moment in my opinion similar to how s2000s were flying under the radar a few years ago before they shot up in price. Mid engine 3.8L NA is chefs kiss.
I’m hoping they don’t go up in value too much because I’d like to own one eventually haha! And thank you, it was very satisfying shooting such interesting subject matter in this case.
Thanks for the video! I bought my first Porsche in 2020: a 987 Cayman S. I never knew a more satisfying car to drive from first hand experience. A few months later I sold my BMW 128i for an E90 M3. Now I got a taste of 400+ HP and I knew that I had to have that power in the Cayman chassis with the GT4. Two years later I sold my 987 and got the 981 GT4. It's surreal! Makes me laugh out loud to myself. What a dream come true to have two magnificent cars each with their own personality. I've never driven en E46 M3/Z4M/M Coupe but I'd like to one day. That was my original dream car in my teens. I hope you enjoy yours until you one day get the GT4!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I could definitely see myself with a setup similar to yours one day. An E90 M3 and GT4 covers a lot of bases for a two car solution. Just working on transmuting my M into a GT4 haha!
If you had to choose been the E90 M3 and GT4, which do you prefer? I'm thinking about selling my E92 M3 to get a 981 GT4 and then I'll still have my OG M2 for daily duties 😁
@@micraw714 During the summer, I would only drive the E90 M3 if it was raining, or to compare it after I've just driven the GT4. The GT4 is better in almost every metric except for the engine and sound. The chassis and steering of the GT4 are so far ahead of the E90 M3 that it makes me grab the keys to it whenever I have the chance. I'm actually thinking of doing the same setup as you because my M3 is getting up there in mileage (100k miles). The M2 isn't as visceral but it would more than suffice as a daily driver and winter beater, erm, I mean winter beemer haha. How long have you had your E90? Have you test driven a 981 GT4? It's an awesome car!
@@carlosantos6029 that's great info, thanks! I previously had a 981 Cayman S and sold it a few years ago for the M2 😁 I loved the looks, sound, and handling on the Cayman but I live at high altitude and unfortunately it was just too sluggish. The M2 is quite a blast, I have a Pure Stage 2 turbo on it and she definitely moves! I always felt the Cayman would be perfect with another 50-60hp so I think a GT4 would suit me well. I'm also considering a 991.2 Carrera T but would love to have one NA car and one turbo. I've had my E92 for 3 years and she just hit 68k miles. It will be extremely hard to part with but that Porsche itch has come back haha.
Fantastic video and great review! I see you how these beautiful leather loops installed on the bucket seat to hold the seat belts. Where did you get these? Maybe you can give me some directions? ;-) Many greetings from Germany! @BuzzyTheBlue
Great review! Happy I found it. You hit all the right notes and the presentation was flawless. Was a relief to not be bored with the gear is too long…the LWBS are hard to get in and out of…. Just a fantastic job all around.
Nicely done review 🏆 UA-cam algorithm is on point today. Seems like we have some similar taste in cars. I own an E92 335i as daily driver and a 981 Cayman GT4 as a weekender 😊
Glad to hear the algorithm is leaning my way this time around! 😂 We certainly do, I’d like to replace my Z4M with a GT4 at some point down the road! Thanks Phil.
Nice choices, Phil! Looks like we have simular tastes. Got an E90 M3 as a winter beemer/family car, and the GT4 as a summer daily driver. God do I love both cars!
@buzzytheblue well done, a very good video, both cinematography and the narration. You understand the car well and don't get caught up in the trite 2nd gear is too long debate. Keep it up! Was that car stock or did it have an exhaust mod?
Have you ever driven an E92 M3? I'd love to hear your thoughts on one compared to your Z4/335i as an owner of one. Love your vids btw, always surprised at the production quality.
I haven’t actually but would love too! The thought has certainly crossed my mind before about consolidating my 335i and Z4M into an E90 M3 but I’d miss having a car the size of the Z. And thank you!
Nice review and lovely cinematic at the beginning! How'd you achieve that parallax(?)/vertigo effect at the beginning with the bridge in the background? Is it one of those where you zoom the focal length in while moving the camera back or vice versa? Regardless it turned out super cool.
Thank you! Your guess is pretty much correct, although it was achieved with a simple zoom in post. As it was entirely unplanned (or expected) I really didn’t plan that shot out much in the moment 😂
$/HP the GT4 may get lost on a magazine page as a value propositon, but that's not the point of this car as you have deduced. If there's one thing that Porsche nails everytime, it's the interface between the man and the machine. Pedal placement and weight? Perfect. Seating and steering posision? Perfect. It enables you to get into the car and feel like your driving ability has been artifically augmented. One key area I think is often overlooked with the GT4 is the wonderful shifter. I've driven a gated R8 V10, and I'll be honest, whilst the R8 offers a certain amount of theater, the GT4 box is all business. The shifter is precise and is just so wonderful to use. Overall the car enables you to extract 10/10 on command, which cannot be said supercar rivals. IMO that's what makes a great driver's car. I want to be able to exploit the majority of the perfomance on the street and feel the dynamics of the chassis underneath. My only criticism of the car is the steering feedback is lacking compared to the hydraulic steering cars that preceeded it, but the sin is forgiven once you feel how eager the chasssis is to turn and roate. Like you, I wasn't willing to sell my soul to get one so I did the next best thing, I bought a GTS. It's roughtly 2/3 the car for nearly half the money, and for my (street) driving, I couldn't be happier.
Having driven the GT4 now, and having owned a Z4M for six years, I'm wondering if a GTS would be the logical next step for me. I fell in love with the GT4 instantly, so if a GTS is 2/3 the experience as you say, I'd be very interested.
@@BuzzytheBlue the biggest difference is the GTS has less torque and the steering isn't nearly as sharp. On the street it's more than adequate, and power is easily added with headers and a tune. I went for the GTS because I really prefer the front and rear exterior changes, plus my car was extremely highly optioned (GTS interior and exterior packages, x73 sport suspension, LSD, etc). However, a Cayman S with some mods would be even cheaper and equally competent.
I agree 💯, I just added headers to my Base 981. I noticed more power with a growling. I might tune it next, wanted a factory PSE but ordered a year ago. Added headers instead 🏎
Would be interested in you reviewing the 718 GT4 as a comparison. After all, Porsche tend to produce an improved iteration of their cars with each model generation. Great videography and great genuine review.
Thank you Tim. I’d also be interested to drive the 718. Particularly given the 50% difference in cost, from a buyers perspective it would have to be a very substantial difference from the 981.
@@BuzzytheBlue I think like any generation change by Porsche, it's a evolution rather than revolution... But regardless of the introduction of the OPF filters (a European emissions directive) which somewhat mutes the exhaust note, the GT4 has been improved in lots of incremental areas. Not least in the development of a bespoke 4.0L engine (now used, but throttled back, in the GTS) which provides more torque from lower and wider in the rev range. So if you're looking for night and day differences between the 981 and 718, they probably don't exist. However, if you appreciate improvements on what is already a winning recipe, then you're in for a treat.
@@Timboo1971 subjectively, better sound in the 981. Heavier clutch (positive for me) in the 981. No auto start/stop, no cylinder deactivation for efficiency, no OPF… haven driven both, the choice is very easy for me.
@@MrNickHanson one button next to the gear stick, turns off cylinder deactivation and auto start/stop. Exhaust note is subjective but no doubt cars, including the 981 before OPF filters sounded louder. That said the induction sound in the cabin is far better in the 718 and for me, the driver is what matters not an external audience.
Bargain basement GT car, can’t go wrong there. Nice engine sound too! 718 don’t have that classic sound. 981 GT4 will be a future classic first GT4 ever and truly limited.
You are the only reviewer who captured the raspy exhaust note of 981 GT4. This convinced me to get the 981 instead of 718. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. It sounds absolutely glorious in person too.
You nailed exactly how i feel every time i drive my 981 gt4. I really like my 911 gts, really liked my 718 Spyder (sold it), but love this cayman gt4.
Really glad to hear that from an owner, thanks for watching.
I bought a Z4M in 2013, and then a 987.2 Cayman S in 2017. Both amazing cars, but with the Z4M I very much feel like it's my body that's controlling the car. But with the Porsche, it feels like it's wired directly into my brain and everything feels so natural that I'm not even aware of the controls anymore.
The 987 S has always intrigued me because it was the direct competition for the Z in period. I believe you though, everyone I’ve heard compare them has said the Porsche was the more nuanced and balanced car dynamically. The 987.2 with the 3.4 could be an interesting upgrade for me one day. The S54 was a factor in me choosing the M over the 987.1. How does the 3.4 compare to the S54, having owned both?
@@BuzzytheBlue The Porsche's 3.4 just does what I ask when I ask it to, and it sounds good doing it. But it definitely lacks some of the raw, visceral excitement that the S54 brings to the table. Despite the similar stats, the two cars have very different personalities.
@@andyreichert499 Did you two just become best friends? YUP!
Same here. Although I miss the Z.
Amazing cinematic shots! Love it
Thank you!
So refreshing to see a 981 GT4 review with beautiful cinematics. Other reviewers lack the shots you have. These cars are under appreciated at the moment in my opinion similar to how s2000s were flying under the radar a few years ago before they shot up in price. Mid engine 3.8L NA is chefs kiss.
I’m hoping they don’t go up in value too much because I’d like to own one eventually haha! And thank you, it was very satisfying shooting such interesting subject matter in this case.
@@BuzzytheBlue the market is dipping right now for 981 GT4s so I’d say right now is the time to scoop one up. They hold their values pretty damn good.
That shot with the swing bridge closing in the background though. Epic.
Our timing was impeccable lol
Beautiful review, I think you were able to capture the ethos of the GT. Well done.
Thank you! It was a pretty eye opening drive for me, glad that translated to the video.
That Engine note !! your vid captured it beautifully. I have a 2016 GT4 and am on 56 000 km, love it to bits on B roads
Thanks Matt, it's definitely one of my favorite cars that I've driven at this point.
Thanks for the video! I bought my first Porsche in 2020: a 987 Cayman S. I never knew a more satisfying car to drive from first hand experience. A few months later I sold my BMW 128i for an E90 M3. Now I got a taste of 400+ HP and I knew that I had to have that power in the Cayman chassis with the GT4. Two years later I sold my 987 and got the 981 GT4. It's surreal! Makes me laugh out loud to myself. What a dream come true to have two magnificent cars each with their own personality.
I've never driven en E46 M3/Z4M/M Coupe but I'd like to one day. That was my original dream car in my teens. I hope you enjoy yours until you one day get the GT4!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I could definitely see myself with a setup similar to yours one day. An E90 M3 and GT4 covers a lot of bases for a two car solution. Just working on transmuting my M into a GT4 haha!
If you had to choose been the E90 M3 and GT4, which do you prefer? I'm thinking about selling my E92 M3 to get a 981 GT4 and then I'll still have my OG M2 for daily duties 😁
@@micraw714 During the summer, I would only drive the E90 M3 if it was raining, or to compare it after I've just driven the GT4. The GT4 is better in almost every metric except for the engine and sound. The chassis and steering of the GT4 are so far ahead of the E90 M3 that it makes me grab the keys to it whenever I have the chance.
I'm actually thinking of doing the same setup as you because my M3 is getting up there in mileage (100k miles). The M2 isn't as visceral but it would more than suffice as a daily driver and winter beater, erm, I mean winter beemer haha. How long have you had your E90?
Have you test driven a 981 GT4? It's an awesome car!
@@carlosantos6029 that's great info, thanks! I previously had a 981 Cayman S and sold it a few years ago for the M2 😁 I loved the looks, sound, and handling on the Cayman but I live at high altitude and unfortunately it was just too sluggish. The M2 is quite a blast, I have a Pure Stage 2 turbo on it and she definitely moves! I always felt the Cayman would be perfect with another 50-60hp so I think a GT4 would suit me well. I'm also considering a 991.2 Carrera T but would love to have one NA car and one turbo. I've had my E92 for 3 years and she just hit 68k miles. It will be extremely hard to part with but that Porsche itch has come back haha.
My 911 C4S is up for sale as we speak, a 981 GT4 is taking its place.
I've wanted one ever since this review, trying to get into a 981 S as a half measure in the meantime lol.
Is that an aftermarket exhaust? It sounds so good!
Yes! He has the Fabspeed valvetronic exhaust on it.
Fantastic video and great review! I see you how these beautiful leather loops installed on the bucket seat to hold the seat belts. Where did you get these? Maybe you can give me some directions? ;-) Many greetings from Germany! @BuzzyTheBlue
Again dude... amazing videos you have serious talent
Much appreciated bro, this is definitely my favorite so far. Have some ideas to push things even further though.
Great review! Happy I found it. You hit all the right notes and the presentation was flawless. Was a relief to not be bored with the gear is too long…the LWBS are hard to get in and out of…. Just a fantastic job all around.
Thank you! That’s very kind. Neither of those things bothered me and were greatly outweighed by what is effectively a perfect sports car otherwise.
Man, I love your channel. The production quality and your narrative ability is excellent. Congratulations on this.
That’s extremely kind of you, thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Nicely done review 🏆
UA-cam algorithm is on point today. Seems like we have some similar taste in cars.
I own an E92 335i as daily driver and a 981 Cayman GT4 as a weekender 😊
Glad to hear the algorithm is leaning my way this time around! 😂 We certainly do, I’d like to replace my Z4M with a GT4 at some point down the road! Thanks Phil.
Nice choices, Phil! Looks like we have simular tastes. Got an E90 M3 as a winter beemer/family car, and the GT4 as a summer daily driver. God do I love both cars!
Looking to add 981 as a weekender and these comments are giving me vibes. Lol
Great review and some lovely cinematic footage too!
Thank you!
Fantastic video
Thanks!
@buzzytheblue well done, a very good video, both cinematography and the narration. You understand the car well and don't get caught up in the trite 2nd gear is too long debate. Keep it up! Was that car stock or did it have an exhaust mod?
Thank you, I really appreciate that. The car has an aftermarket exhaust, maybe the Fabspeed valved system but I’m not certain.
3.8 NA mid engine flat 6? IMO, this is the perfect car. Great video!
When I’m able to comfortably afford one I think I’ll be buying one! So I tend to agree. And thank you.
Always enjoy your reviews. 🤗
Thank you, I’m glad to hear that 😁
excellent video and audio. I was surprised at how similar this car sounds like my 2006 Cayman S.
Thank you! The sound and daily usability of the Caymans have me on the search for one myself.
you are so underrated. Much love from Finland 🇫🇮 :)
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Have you ever driven an E92 M3? I'd love to hear your thoughts on one compared to your Z4/335i as an owner of one. Love your vids btw, always surprised at the production quality.
I haven’t actually but would love too! The thought has certainly crossed my mind before about consolidating my 335i and Z4M into an E90 M3 but I’d miss having a car the size of the Z. And thank you!
Great video! You can tell you genuinely appreciated the car. I agree, you should get one at all costs! 😄
Thank you! One day there will be a serious consolidation towards a car like this 😂
Nice review and lovely cinematic at the beginning! How'd you achieve that parallax(?)/vertigo effect at the beginning with the bridge in the background? Is it one of those where you zoom the focal length in while moving the camera back or vice versa? Regardless it turned out super cool.
Thank you! Your guess is pretty much correct, although it was achieved with a simple zoom in post. As it was entirely unplanned (or expected) I really didn’t plan that shot out much in the moment 😂
@@BuzzytheBlue Oh wow surprised it turned out that visible with a digital crop! Nice.
$/HP the GT4 may get lost on a magazine page as a value propositon, but that's not the point of this car as you have deduced.
If there's one thing that Porsche nails everytime, it's the interface between the man and the machine.
Pedal placement and weight? Perfect. Seating and steering posision? Perfect. It enables you to get into the car and feel like your driving ability has been artifically augmented.
One key area I think is often overlooked with the GT4 is the wonderful shifter. I've driven a gated R8 V10, and I'll be honest, whilst the R8 offers a certain amount of theater, the GT4 box is all business. The shifter is precise and is just so wonderful to use.
Overall the car enables you to extract 10/10 on command, which cannot be said supercar rivals. IMO that's what makes a great driver's car. I want to be able to exploit the majority of the perfomance on the street and feel the dynamics of the chassis underneath.
My only criticism of the car is the steering feedback is lacking compared to the hydraulic steering cars that preceeded it, but the sin is forgiven once you feel how eager the chasssis is to turn and roate.
Like you, I wasn't willing to sell my soul to get one so I did the next best thing, I bought a GTS. It's roughtly 2/3 the car for nearly half the money, and for my (street) driving, I couldn't be happier.
Having driven the GT4 now, and having owned a Z4M for six years, I'm wondering if a GTS would be the logical next step for me. I fell in love with the GT4 instantly, so if a GTS is 2/3 the experience as you say, I'd be very interested.
@@BuzzytheBlue the biggest difference is the GTS has less torque and the steering isn't nearly as sharp. On the street it's more than adequate, and power is easily added with headers and a tune. I went for the GTS because I really prefer the front and rear exterior changes, plus my car was extremely highly optioned (GTS interior and exterior packages, x73 sport suspension, LSD, etc). However, a Cayman S with some mods would be even cheaper and equally competent.
I agree 💯, I just added headers to my Base 981. I noticed more power with a growling. I might tune it next, wanted a factory PSE but ordered a year ago. Added headers instead 🏎
Great vid mate.
Thanks, Craig. Glad you liked it
Would be interested in you reviewing the 718 GT4 as a comparison. After all, Porsche tend to produce an improved iteration of their cars with each model generation.
Great videography and great genuine review.
Thank you Tim. I’d also be interested to drive the 718. Particularly given the 50% difference in cost, from a buyers perspective it would have to be a very substantial difference from the 981.
@@BuzzytheBlue I think like any generation change by Porsche, it's a evolution rather than revolution... But regardless of the introduction of the OPF filters (a European emissions directive) which somewhat mutes the exhaust note, the GT4 has been improved in lots of incremental areas. Not least in the development of a bespoke 4.0L engine (now used, but throttled back, in the GTS) which provides more torque from lower and wider in the rev range.
So if you're looking for night and day differences between the 981 and 718, they probably don't exist. However, if you appreciate improvements on what is already a winning recipe, then you're in for a treat.
Well said, I’ll just have to find a 718 to review!
@@Timboo1971 subjectively, better sound in the 981. Heavier clutch (positive for me) in the 981. No auto start/stop, no cylinder deactivation for efficiency, no OPF… haven driven both, the choice is very easy for me.
@@MrNickHanson one button next to the gear stick, turns off cylinder deactivation and auto start/stop.
Exhaust note is subjective but no doubt cars, including the 981 before OPF filters sounded louder. That said the induction sound in the cabin is far better in the 718 and for me, the driver is what matters not an external audience.
Carrera S engine
Indeed
C'mon man... The Cayman Persuasion... Missed opportunity!
Awww man, now ya tell me…
Bargain basement GT car, can’t go wrong there. Nice engine sound too! 718 don’t have that classic sound. 981 GT4 will be a future classic first GT4 ever and truly limited.