Great video. I have driven both and totally agree with a lot of whats said here. The main difference in the 718 is that the engine makes peak power at redline where as the 981 engine dies off around 7k. Revving to redline in the 718 definitly feels more potent. But overall I felt like the 981 has way more character. The rawness and sound, make that car feel more special to drive. If I had to chose, regardless of price, I prefer the 981. That GT4s ethos is meant to feel race car, special, and raw. And while the 718 is GOOD, it feels like its one step removed from the spirit of that. Anyways great comparison!
@@jonfrench7133 Yes, I tested them both extensively and got a 718. There's very little in it, to me it came down to reliability (sheared 3rd gear risk in 981) and lifecycle for the OPC warranty. Inside when driving, they both sound near identical and, whilst some things I prefer in each one, they cancel each other out. But they are both brilliant cars and anyone would be happy with either.
This was one of the best comparison videos on the Porsche GT4 that I have seen. Keep it up! I am looking for a 2016 GT4 and more encouraged after watching this video. Thank you.
Nice comparison! While you guys fall in line with the opinion of most of the other similar videos that I‘ve seen, it‘s always nice to get another perspective. I‘d already expected another 10 minute rant about gearing, so it‘s refreshing to hear someone say that it‘s ultimately not getting in the way. Between these I always find myself liking the 981‘s design much more. I don‘t doubt that the 982 / 718 is the technically better and more capable car, but with everything being so fast these days, I feel like the 981 will be the more memorable car in the long run. Electric cars are already making power easily available, so I presume that rawness, sound and just generally more analog cars will be more sought after in the future. We‘re splitting hairs though, both are absolute dream cars.
Very good points, and I think the 981 are also much less in production numbers compared to the 718, yet another reason for it to hold value. Have you owned any of them?
@@sundaymorningdrives Yeah, I think long-term the 981 probably has the better chance of holding its value or maybe even appreciating. I don‘t own a GT4, but I‘ve had a base 981 for seven years now. I still like it so much that I‘m considering going for the 981 GT4 next. Although admittedly, since the 982 is also fantastic, I think for me it‘ll come down to what specs are available when I‘m ready to buy.
@Yeroh nice! I know quite a few Porsche enthusiasts deliberately choose the 981/982 over the 718, not because they are cheaper, but because they have better driving experience 😉
981 has more character I feel. Generation by generation the 718 has that incremental increase in stats required, but is held back by emissions legislation (sound)... requiring more money to overcome. Styling is subjective....perhaps 'character' is too.... where as the cold hard stats are not. I went for a 981 (Spyder) for the sound (and build numbers/rarity)..... of course if you want an PDK you HAVE to have the newer car. Great review, well done and keep it up!
Personally, I would pick the Exige over the 981 GT4, because it's just more raw and direct, it's an experience that modern sportscars can't offer these days, it's just more special 😉
Have you compared the stick shift between the two? I recently just drove the 718 GT4, the shift was a bit phony or plasticky. Does 981 shift more mechanical?
I would say they are pretty similar, I am not really a fan of Porsche manual shifts, as you said they feel a bit loose and plasticky. But I do like the heavier clutch in the 981 though, feels much better than the feather light clutch in the 718. Are you considering buying a GT4?
@@sundaymorningdrives Thank you for your reply. Yes, I was seriously considering the GT4. But I didn't like that shift. Now I wanna try the 991.2 GT3's shift. Hope 911's shift would be better than Cayman's. In my opinion, Honda manual shifts are the best in the industry.
@hengyi1772 haha, yes, I agree, I have a S2000 and a FL5 Type R, they are the best shifters out there. Good luck with your hunt, the GT3 shifter should be a little tighter.
@@sundaymorningdrives well…I have a 718 GT4 lol when Shark Blue got released, had to have it. Exhaust is only thing lacking in stock form but with exhaust I think the 4.0L sounds better.
im lucky i found a 981 GT4 clubsport with only 730kms on the clock. ive run in the engine myself in 2023:) Probably the lowest mileage 981 GT4 in the world.
981 for many reasons... It's more special, limited production, the first GT4. The car is more raw, stiff clutch, better sound. Simply put, The 718 is not worth the premium price.
@@sundaymorningdrives I dunno. I like the high revving nature of the 4.0 a little better but the 981 sounds better out of the box and is a little more raw. If it were mostly street prob the 981, track the 718?
When i drove the same 981 GT4, 3 things i didnt like: 1) aeroplane high pitch engine whine in the gearbox 2) clutch is too deep, i wish it is shallower so i don't have to sit closer to the wheel as I'm short lol 3) chipseal noise in the cabin was too much, but hence why i enjoyed my 987.2 boxster & now Lotus Elise more, open top is more of my style But it does sound fantastic from the outside, and so fast!
Honestly other then the sound of the 981, the 982/718 is better in every way. If you’re willing to spend more money and get an exhaust, it’s 100% better
I do also like the more visceral and feelsome diving experience of the 981 though. And the heavier clutch also makes it a bit more engaging to drive. The 718 is good, but can be a bit too tame and refined
There r cars faster than 718 GT4, and of course 981 GT4, but the feel of driving 981 GT4, the more intense feeling I can get, from just turning a corner and shifting 1 to 2 gears lower, is hard to beat.
Great video. I have driven both and totally agree with a lot of whats said here. The main difference in the 718 is that the engine makes peak power at redline where as the 981 engine dies off around 7k. Revving to redline in the 718 definitly feels more potent. But overall I felt like the 981 has way more character. The rawness and sound, make that car feel more special to drive. If I had to chose, regardless of price, I prefer the 981. That GT4s ethos is meant to feel race car, special, and raw. And while the 718 is GOOD, it feels like its one step removed from the spirit of that. Anyways great comparison!
Nicely said and nicely summed up! Also there is much less 981 GT4 produced, so I would presume it will hold value better in the future?
981 hands down. Limited edition, original design, raw power and the sound is unparalleled.
I tend to agree with you, well said, did you used to own one?
nah, there completely no hands down here.
@jonfrench7133 why not? 😆
@@sundaymorningdrives both are exceptional, 981 slightly more analogue, 718 slightly faster both poetic in how they move and look
@@jonfrench7133 Yes, I tested them both extensively and got a 718. There's very little in it, to me it came down to reliability (sheared 3rd gear risk in 981) and lifecycle for the OPC warranty. Inside when driving, they both sound near identical and, whilst some things I prefer in each one, they cancel each other out. But they are both brilliant cars and anyone would be happy with either.
This was one of the best comparison videos on the Porsche GT4 that I have seen. Keep it up! I am looking for a 2016 GT4 and more encouraged after watching this video. Thank you.
You are welcome! Glad you liked it! Good luck with finding the right car. BTW, remember to subscribe 😉
Nice comparison! While you guys fall in line with the opinion of most of the other similar videos that I‘ve seen, it‘s always nice to get another perspective. I‘d already expected another 10 minute rant about gearing, so it‘s refreshing to hear someone say that it‘s ultimately not getting in the way.
Between these I always find myself liking the 981‘s design much more. I don‘t doubt that the 982 / 718 is the technically better and more capable car, but with everything being so fast these days, I feel like the 981 will be the more memorable car in the long run. Electric cars are already making power easily available, so I presume that rawness, sound and just generally more analog cars will be more sought after in the future. We‘re splitting hairs though, both are absolute dream cars.
Very good points, and I think the 981 are also much less in production numbers compared to the 718, yet another reason for it to hold value. Have you owned any of them?
@@sundaymorningdrives Yeah, I think long-term the 981 probably has the better chance of holding its value or maybe even appreciating.
I don‘t own a GT4, but I‘ve had a base 981 for seven years now. I still like it so much that I‘m considering going for the 981 GT4 next. Although admittedly, since the 982 is also fantastic, I think for me it‘ll come down to what specs are available when I‘m ready to buy.
@Yeroh nice! I know quite a few Porsche enthusiasts deliberately choose the 981/982 over the 718, not because they are cheaper, but because they have better driving experience 😉
Enjoyed that! Great review as always! Personally found the engine sound of 981 better than the one of 718.
Thanks, glad you liked it. Yes, stock to stock the 981 sounds better
981 has more character I feel. Generation by generation the 718 has that incremental increase in stats required, but is held back by emissions legislation (sound)... requiring more money to overcome. Styling is subjective....perhaps 'character' is too.... where as the cold hard stats are not. I went for a 981 (Spyder) for the sound (and build numbers/rarity)..... of course if you want an PDK you HAVE to have the newer car. Great review, well done and keep it up!
Yes, we'll said, and glad you enjoyed the review. Do you drive your 981 spyder often?
I don’t drive mine often, I need work on my driveway, it’s too low. 981 Spyder here, GT Silver over Garnet Red.
Great review guys, well done. So then, how does the 981 GT4 compare to your Exige?
Personally, I would pick the Exige over the 981 GT4, because it's just more raw and direct, it's an experience that modern sportscars can't offer these days, it's just more special 😉
Have you compared the stick shift between the two? I recently just drove the 718 GT4, the shift was a bit phony or plasticky. Does 981 shift more mechanical?
I would say they are pretty similar, I am not really a fan of Porsche manual shifts, as you said they feel a bit loose and plasticky. But I do like the heavier clutch in the 981 though, feels much better than the feather light clutch in the 718. Are you considering buying a GT4?
@@sundaymorningdrives Thank you for your reply. Yes, I was seriously considering the GT4. But I didn't like that shift. Now I wanna try the 991.2 GT3's shift. Hope 911's shift would be better than Cayman's. In my opinion, Honda manual shifts are the best in the industry.
@hengyi1772 haha, yes, I agree, I have a S2000 and a FL5 Type R, they are the best shifters out there. Good luck with your hunt, the GT3 shifter should be a little tighter.
@squicker yes, totally agree, the shifts in the S2000 is pretty unbeatable, is yours an AP1?
@@squicker very nice, that 9000rpm Redline must be amazing
Nice review lads, 718 just didn't have the optional extended leather on the top of the dash....everything is an option with Porsche lol
Ya, felt like the 981 interior was a bit more luxurious compare to the 718, weird... which one would you pick?
@@sundaymorningdrives well…I have a 718 GT4 lol when Shark Blue got released, had to have it. Exhaust is only thing lacking in stock form but with exhaust I think the 4.0L sounds better.
@spikes20 yes, an aftermarket exhaust will perfect the 718gt4
Excellent video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, do you own a GT4?
Does the 718 splitter stick out more or is it just an illusion?
I think it actually sticks out more, the 718 has more aero design than the 981
im lucky i found a 981 GT4 clubsport with only 730kms on the clock. ive run in the engine myself in 2023:) Probably the lowest mileage 981 GT4 in the world.
Wow, very lucky! Congrats! Don't let it be a garage queen though, please drive it and enjoy it 🙂
981 for many reasons... It's more special, limited production, the first GT4. The car is more raw, stiff clutch, better sound. Simply put, The 718 is not worth the premium price.
Yes, totally correct, it just feels more special, the 718gt4 has gone a bit soft
Really good vid gents.
Thank you! Which one would you pick? 981 or 718?
@@sundaymorningdrives I dunno. I like the high revving nature of the 4.0 a little better but the 981 sounds better out of the box and is a little more raw.
If it were mostly street prob the 981, track the 718?
@6SpeedTA95 yes, the 718 is going to be better on track, just a newer setup, but the 981 has that old school feel, haha
When i drove the same 981 GT4, 3 things i didnt like:
1) aeroplane high pitch engine whine in the gearbox
2) clutch is too deep, i wish it is shallower so i don't have to sit closer to the wheel as I'm short lol
3) chipseal noise in the cabin was too much, but hence why i enjoyed my 987.2 boxster & now Lotus Elise more, open top is more of my style
But it does sound fantastic from the outside, and so fast!
That's the trade off for bring visceral and feelsome, not for everyone I guesd
What's the exhaust the 718 has here, it sounded pretty good?
Not too sure, I will have to ake the owner, I know it's an American brand exhaust
Fabspeed
718 all day. It’s the better car
Yup, it's definitely the better cat in terms of performance! Have you driven a 981 before?
Team 981 GT4 😍
Haha, that would be our pick also, you own one?
The 718 GT4 was Not available from 2016 onwards.
Please correct me 🙂
@@sundaymorningdrives2020 through 2023
@jacobunderhill466 just did a search, it's from 2019 no?
Always the 981 over the 982 🫶
Reason?
Get the exhaust sorted on the 718 then job done
Exhaust is one thing, but both cars are very different in their characters
Would you say both are good investments if next Jen goes EV ?
@chrisedge5007 yes I would say so, they are both brilliant ICE sportscars
Don't sell your Exige Luey!!!
I am 110% sure he will not 😆
Honestly other then the sound of the 981, the 982/718 is better in every way. If you’re willing to spend more money and get an exhaust, it’s 100% better
I do also like the more visceral and feelsome diving experience of the 981 though. And the heavier clutch also makes it a bit more engaging to drive. The 718 is good, but can be a bit too tame and refined
There r cars faster than 718 GT4, and of course 981 GT4, but the feel of driving 981 GT4, the more intense feeling I can get, from just turning a corner and shifting 1 to 2 gears lower, is hard to beat.
@vanischan9946 yes, GT4s are definitely one of the most engaging cars to drive. Do you own one also?
I currently have a 718 spyder but also had the 981 gt4. I guess the sensation of having a open top is making my comparison biased haha
@@naviy6722 ok, understandable, you drive your 718 often?