I’m lucky to have a 2015 GTS. One note: LSD is not standard on the GTS unless you have the Torque Vectoring option. I do not and have tracked the car without any worries.
Oh that’s interesting, I had thought PTV was standard. Thanks for the clarification. I’m sure given the mid engine balance and linear power it’s not a necessity, as you said.
The best video I've seen on the 981. I've got a 718 myself and have been contemplating switching to this generation instead. I yearn for the sound of this generation's flat 6 engine
"So much better than the average person really understands". You hit the nail on the head there. I really wanted a S3 exige but bought a 981 S a year ago because I couldn't afford the lotus. I don't feel like I need anything else now because it feels so special. It never fails to put a smile on my face. One option that I think is a must is the sports exhaust, it's basically what's responsible for all the burbles you hear in the video and it makes nailing downshifts an addictive experience.
Your production, cinematography shots, score is next level. The amount of quality in terms of how much you say about a car vs how much you show is the perfect balance. Love your videos. Keep doing great work.
I have 2015 Gts boxster. Great review! One thing about a gts is, you become one with the chassis. All the power is usable. Truly an incredible experience. I have let friends drive mine, always life changing for them.
I recognize some of the landscape in this video, near my home roads AKA "free track day driving" but you need to get out early to have them to yourself. Nice honest review of the 981 GTS, I'm a 987.2 Boxster S owner and I couldn't be happier with my sports car choice.
I own an absolutely loaded 14 cayman s . Has all the goodies a gts except extra radiator. After 5 years it still amazes me. Over 100 it seems to suck to the road and another level of performance opens. Amazing fun
Nice review! I've been able to drive a lot of Porsche cars over the years and I think the way you summed up which 981 is for you was well done! I share the same feeling and thoughts and I myself ended up with a 981 Cayman GTS two years ago.
Thank you! The more I’ve been around Caymans, 981s in particular, the more I want to own one. They’re everything I love about sports cars wrapped up in something VERY usable on a daily basis.
@@BuzzytheBlue They are pretty perfect and have it all. 981 generation IMO is the best all around generation and the first that really drew me in. I opted GTS as its the perfect blend of an everyday usable car yet still extremely capable. It shares the garage with a modified S2000 CR which is more of a weekend toy, so the GTS is the M-F car. GT4 just did not make sense based on how I planned to use the car.
For so long my wife has suggested we get a 911. I have resisted despite it not being a finance reason. Why? Well owned a lotus Elise years ago and nothing comes near than my old Boxster and my current 918 GTS. Just can’t rationalise why I’d switch. I’m right or what’s your opinion?
@@silverdm123 I agree with you. 911's and Cayman's typically speak to different people and it comes down to what you want in a car and what appeals to you most. I don't see myself swapping out any of my cars for a 911; a 911 in most trims just isn't the right car for me.
This was the exact spec I had on my 2015. Unfortunately it was totaled during a freak hailstorm in the middle of June a few years ago. I miss it, great car.
as a side project I added GTS center radiator, front bumper, rear defuser, tail lights numeric shifter to 2015 981 S manual I have few bits left to do like engine map active muffler I had fun doing it, now it is basically GTS spec in the right spec, just an idea, it is much easier to find nice S with desired options,
If you want a daily, get the S/GTS, the GT4 has a harsh ride that isn’t suitable for commuting. It’s really a track car. I have a ‘13 Boxster S and I’ve added X73 suspension, tune, exhaust and some other minor mods. I prefer top down driving as it’s more exhilarating and engaging with the world around you. The car is faster than you can use on the street and is always a blast to drive, even just running errands. The 981 is imo the best looking generation and the interior has to me, aged over its 12 years to have a bit of a cool retro look
The GTS prices here in the UK are suprisngly close to the GT4. About 10-15k price difference. I'd think the GT4 would be the one to get in that regard but I'm guessing the GTS is a bit more daily-able?
Yeah depending on the prices where you are it could very well make more sense. Daily-drivability, at least to me seems fairly similar unless you’re going to be worried about the miles more-so on the GT4. But that’s a personal choice.
The GT4 is a lot lower in the front compared to the GTS, that alone makes the GTS a much better daily driver. I own a 981 GTS (PDK) as my daily driver and a 981 GT4 as weekender.
I’ve heard pretty solid things in regard to the 981s especially, certainly not inexpensive to repair but honestly less scary than some BMWs I’ve owned.
Prefer this to the newer 4.0 GTS too. The 2.5 GTS with a stage1 tune absolutely rips, but the lack of the 6 cylinder wail just leaves it lacking, despite being quicker than most 911s.
@@BuzzytheBlue there's still a bit of turbo lag on those, even with the variable vane turbine. Maybe enthusiasts should stop trying to make the 4pot sound better, and just not make it sound at all 😂
swap out from E92 M3 DCT to 981 cayman GTS 6MT last year Nov in Germany. I would say the M3 in autobahn is more powerfull when the speed is between 200-270 km/h，however，the 981 is much more fun in country road！
Trying to figure out if this model variant had NA or turbo. Seems like it was the next gen that got the turbo treatment so these are all natural which would indeed make for a fun package. 718 marks return to natural aspirations in gts gt4 form. So your car in the video has ~330hp?. Mid engine. Slightly lighter i think than Z4 M? A nice maneuver into a porsche lineup. Interesting comments ab the front end comparison with Z4. Speaking from experience the Z4 M feels like youre riding behind a powerful engine thats pulling you along. With practice and experience driving it, I still think the M exits corners wonderfully though.
Yep this is a 981 so NA 3.4L. Agree with you across the board, quite similar performance, just goes about providing it in a very different way. And an old school, sitting on the rear axle seating position. I’d also say the S54, even being an older engine, stacks up VERY well. It’s a beast. I have a video on here of my last track day with the Z4M, I love that car at the limit. Every bit as fun as these more expensive cars in my opinion. I think I’ve just owned it long enough that the “difference” of the Porsche is enticing. Optimally I’d want to have both lol!
@@BuzzytheBlue I'm working on that too lol had 2006 Z4 M roadster since 2018, I'm never selling it. Saving on a 5yr plan for a C8 ZO6 or Boxster Spyder two very different beasts I know lol. Hopefully my savings and depreciation meet in middle. I've got my hands full and plenty of fun with Z4 M in meantime.
Question for you since you have a Z4M. I’m contemplating selling my E85 Z43.0si daily and MK3 Focus ST track car for a gts. It would be both daily and track toy. Would you recommend it? Not asking for financial, but feel and enjoyment.
I would lean toward yes. I think it’s a more direct replacement for the Z4 than the Focus obviously. If the Focus is anything at all akin to a Fiesta ST, it’s a pretty different type of “fun” to the Cayman. With all that said, I think a 981 GTS is a good enough experience to warrant that move. As much as I love my M, if possible I’d have already moved into a 981.
Great review. Man can u review a 991.1 carrera ? Or a 2.7 cayman. I feel like the smaller motor Porsches get ignored. Maybe you can shed some light on why they get no love!
Thank you! I’d love too! I will definitely be keeping an eye out, I’ve been intrigued by the 981 base car even as an option for myself one day. Need to get some seat time.
@@BuzzytheBlue thx I appreciate it. Your review was unique definitely subscribed. I have 05 997 carrera and ever time I drive It I say what more do you need? Especially on the canyon roads out here in CA. When you look up any base Porsche there is very little content. Everything is about the S and above. Sad really. I can definitely buy and s or Gts but for me it will always be a base that is optioned well.
The entire suspension is different. While they both use a MacPherson strut setup, the GT4 rides on fully adjustable coil overs and the design of the front nuckles is different which allows them to be mounted lower. I'm not sure of the partiular rear differences (aside from the adjustable coil overs).
Awesome vid as usual my man! 981 GTS has been an idea if I really wanted to push my budget.. Question though... How does the steering feel compare to the 987 Boxster S with the lovely Recaros you drove? That's always been my biggest hang up in the 987.2 vs 981 debate..
That's something I'd have liked to touch on (and may in a dedicated comparison video. But the reality of it is the 987 has very talkative hydraulically assisted steering and the 981s are very early EPS from Porsche. Where feel is concerned it's no contest. The 981 is effective and accurate but comparatively numb.
@@BuzzytheBlue That's what I was afraid of, lol.. Thank you for confirming. I've read there's a software tweak you can do to the EPS on the 981, but it's only a slight improvement when compared to the later gen Porsche EPS (there where hardware changes a well, iirc).. Too many cars.. not enough money lolol
@@dre32pitt I'm the owner of both cars and I have performed the steering re-calibration on the 981. In stock form, it's pretty numb, but with the GT3 recalibration it really comes alive. It can also be heightened by a more aggressive alignment and tires. They're both wonderful cars with their own personalities. You really need to drive them both and see which one fits your needs better.
Whenever I see this car on the road a friggin bolt of lightning shoots down from my head to the tip of my you know what. Will I stop watching Cayman vids? Absolutely friggin not if you know what I'm saying like no.
I'll take a 718 2l turbo above this any day, had to make that choice and never regretted it, the only thing people have on this car is wining about the sound and the 2.0l turbo doesn't even sound that different and neither does it sound bad. It's lighter, better fuel mileage, less tax 489euro compared to the 1800euro's a year for the gts, the gt4 here is 4k in tax. Gts or gt4's are not worth the money imo, buy a 718 turbo, I bought mine second hand for 40k and with the mods I have it's better than a gt4 on track to.
I’m pretty much with you overall, I really am, but saying the 2.0 doesn’t sound that different is way off base lol. I agree that it isn’t “bad”, but it’s definitely way different. I’m glad that the 718 is such a good fit for you, and certainly won’t disparage it, but if I had to pick one I’m taking the six cylinder car every day. We don’t have the same tax style over here, nor is fuel as much of an issue, so I’d gladly take the six cylinder sound over the additional torque and fuel economy of the 2.0L. With that said, I’m glad we have the choice! The 718 is obviously the right car for your situation, even if it’s not my first choice personally.
@swansmeister There is a reason why the 718 has not sold well and costs "only" 40k with no miles on it. I hope you will never encounter a 981 on the road, you will hear what you are missing.
I’m lucky to have a 2015 GTS. One note: LSD is not standard on the GTS unless you have the Torque Vectoring option. I do not and have tracked the car without any worries.
Oh that’s interesting, I had thought PTV was standard. Thanks for the clarification. I’m sure given the mid engine balance and linear power it’s not a necessity, as you said.
@@BuzzytheBlue 718 GTS has the PTV standard
@@crazeaznHen Tou buy used gts always change tires
The best video I've seen on the 981.
I've got a 718 myself and have been contemplating switching to this generation instead. I yearn for the sound of this generation's flat 6 engine
This was exactly my journey: from a 718 CS to a 981 GTS Box. Such a good decision, constant eargasm 🎉
Yeah the 981 is the pinnacle of the cayman /Boxster history so far.
981 GTS is peak Porsche road car. Drive one and be left dreaming of that induction wail after 4500 rpm.
"So much better than the average person really understands". You hit the nail on the head there. I really wanted a S3 exige but bought a 981 S a year ago because I couldn't afford the lotus. I don't feel like I need anything else now because it feels so special. It never fails to put a smile on my face. One option that I think is a must is the sports exhaust, it's basically what's responsible for all the burbles you hear in the video and it makes nailing downshifts an addictive experience.
I absolutely love my 981 GTS Cayman. Nothing like it for real world driving.
Well, except for my 981 Spyder 🎉❤😂
just picked one up! so far, I agree!
1:18 PTV is a stand alone option on the 981 GTS it is not standard equipment. Beautiful car though.
Your production, cinematography shots, score is next level. The amount of quality in terms of how much you say about a car vs how much you show is the perfect balance.
Love your videos.
Keep doing great work.
That’s very kind of you, thank you. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
I have 2015 Gts boxster. Great review! One thing about a gts is, you become one with the chassis. All the power is usable. Truly an incredible experience. I have let friends drive mine, always life changing for them.
Great review, the 981 GTS with PTV is a great car, agile and quick. It gives up very little to the 981 GT4 particularly if on MPS4S.
I tell you this guy does a great review. I am getting a 2015 Cayman S delivered next week. Have always been a 911 guy, but this is just a great video.
I recognize some of the landscape in this video, near my home roads AKA "free track day driving" but you need to get out early to have them to yourself. Nice honest review of the 981 GTS, I'm a 987.2 Boxster S owner and I couldn't be happier with my sports car choice.
I own an absolutely loaded 14 cayman s . Has all the goodies a gts except extra radiator. After 5 years it still amazes me. Over 100 it seems to suck to the road and another level of performance opens. Amazing fun
Nice review! I've been able to drive a lot of Porsche cars over the years and I think the way you summed up which 981 is for you was well done! I share the same feeling and thoughts and I myself ended up with a 981 Cayman GTS two years ago.
Thank you! The more I’ve been around Caymans, 981s in particular, the more I want to own one. They’re everything I love about sports cars wrapped up in something VERY usable on a daily basis.
@@BuzzytheBlue They are pretty perfect and have it all. 981 generation IMO is the best all around generation and the first that really drew me in. I opted GTS as its the perfect blend of an everyday usable car yet still extremely capable. It shares the garage with a modified S2000 CR which is more of a weekend toy, so the GTS is the M-F car. GT4 just did not make sense based on how I planned to use the car.
For so long my wife has suggested we get a 911. I have resisted despite it not being a finance reason. Why? Well owned a lotus Elise years ago and nothing comes near than my old Boxster and my current 918 GTS. Just can’t rationalise why I’d switch. I’m right or what’s your opinion?
@@silverdm123 I agree with you. 911's and Cayman's typically speak to different people and it comes down to what you want in a car and what appeals to you most. I don't see myself swapping out any of my cars for a 911; a 911 in most trims just isn't the right car for me.
Subscribed because of honesty and integrity
This was the exact spec I had on my 2015. Unfortunately it was totaled during a freak hailstorm in the middle of June a few years ago. I miss it, great car.
🤨
I've got a 981 Cayman S with zero options except for sport seats and the X73 suspension, its such a great car.
How's the X73 suspension for daily driving? Have you compared it to the base (non PASM) suspension? I'm considering upgrading to X73 on my 981 S.
Mine was the base non-PASM before and I added the X73 last fall, it rides stiffer but it’s very much a worthwhile upgrade. It’s perfect now.
Great review and perspective. I chose a 981 S and flog it on the track. Love every minute with the PDK
as a side project I added GTS center radiator, front bumper, rear defuser, tail lights numeric shifter to 2015 981 S manual I have few bits left to do like engine map active muffler I had fun doing it, now it is basically GTS spec in the right spec, just an idea, it is much easier to find nice S with desired options,
Cool, what does the extra radiator add? Does it shorten the very long warm up cycle?
If you want a daily, get the S/GTS, the GT4 has a harsh ride that isn’t suitable for commuting. It’s really a track car. I have a ‘13 Boxster S and I’ve added X73 suspension, tune, exhaust and some other minor mods. I prefer top down driving as it’s more exhilarating and engaging with the world around you. The car is faster than you can use on the street and is always a blast to drive, even just running errands. The 981 is imo the best looking generation and the interior has to me, aged over its 12 years to have a bit of a cool retro look
2016 981's are such great cars, I had to get two. A base model for touring and a GT4 for the track.
How do you like your base? There’s a part of me that wants to start there and work my way up.
Or a GTS if you need to choose one ☝🏼 I had a GT4 and a GTS and the GTS is the sweet spot in the 981 model range. And the rarest as well
I have a 2015 Cayman GTS pretty loaded including PTV and X73. It's so fun to drive.
Honey wake up, Buzzy posted a new video!
The GTS prices here in the UK are suprisngly close to the GT4. About 10-15k price difference. I'd think the GT4 would be the one to get in that regard but I'm guessing the GTS is a bit more daily-able?
Yeah depending on the prices where you are it could very well make more sense. Daily-drivability, at least to me seems fairly similar unless you’re going to be worried about the miles more-so on the GT4. But that’s a personal choice.
The GT4 is a lot lower in the front compared to the GTS, that alone makes the GTS a much better daily driver.
I own a 981 GTS (PDK) as my daily driver and a 981 GT4 as weekender.
@@terminatedphil Appreciate you weighing in (also intensely jealous of your cars...)
In Germany as well. Both, the 981 GTS and GT4 develop very good in the car market. Great cars - both of them
@@terminatedphilthis is the way!
Was thinking about trading my 2016 981 GTS boxster for a 718 GTS 4.0 cayman but I think I will keep it for now. Great video, thanks.
Really high quality video, great work.
great car, great video. I was able to score a 2014 S model with all options the GTS has for $30k less money. (minus alcantara)
Great review, I subscribed! If I am in New England , I’ll let you know, you’ll love the roadster version of this car. The sound 😲
Caymans are growing on me. I really want a 997 but dam these are nice!
Another top flight video. I’ve always loved the Cayman but have been too nervous about the maintenance.
I’ve heard pretty solid things in regard to the 981s especially, certainly not inexpensive to repair but honestly less scary than some BMWs I’ve owned.
3:00 3.4 vs 3.8L
4:10 Tactile experience like no other
Prefer this to the newer 4.0 GTS too.
The 2.5 GTS with a stage1 tune absolutely rips, but the lack of the 6 cylinder wail just leaves it lacking, despite being quicker than most 911s.
Yeah if sound wasn’t all that important to me I’d probably just end up with a base 718 with a tune lol!
@@BuzzytheBlue there's still a bit of turbo lag on those, even with the variable vane turbine.
Maybe enthusiasts should stop trying to make the 4pot sound better, and just not make it sound at all 😂
@@justsomedude8118 Thus enters the electric Cayman lol! Although I think I'd still take the quirky WRX style grumble of a 718 over silence...
@@BuzzytheBlue absolutely! Just a quieter muffler and enjoy the turbo sound over a another soulless electron fueled joke.
swap out from E92 M3 DCT to 981 cayman GTS 6MT last year Nov in Germany. I would say the M3 in autobahn is more powerfull when the speed is between 200-270 km/h，however，the 981 is much more fun in country road！
Sounds about right! Great taste in cars!
i have the 981 s, is it worth getting a GTS tune?
Trying to figure out if this model variant had NA or turbo. Seems like it was the next gen that got the turbo treatment so these are all natural which would indeed make for a fun package. 718 marks return to natural aspirations in gts gt4 form. So your car in the video has ~330hp?. Mid engine. Slightly lighter i think than Z4 M? A nice maneuver into a porsche lineup. Interesting comments ab the front end comparison with Z4. Speaking from experience the Z4 M feels like youre riding behind a powerful engine thats pulling you along. With practice and experience driving it, I still think the M exits corners wonderfully though.
Yep this is a 981 so NA 3.4L. Agree with you across the board, quite similar performance, just goes about providing it in a very different way. And an old school, sitting on the rear axle seating position. I’d also say the S54, even being an older engine, stacks up VERY well. It’s a beast.
I have a video on here of my last track day with the Z4M, I love that car at the limit. Every bit as fun as these more expensive cars in my opinion. I think I’ve just owned it long enough that the “difference” of the Porsche is enticing. Optimally I’d want to have both lol!
@@BuzzytheBlue I'm working on that too lol had 2006 Z4 M roadster since 2018, I'm never selling it. Saving on a 5yr plan for a C8 ZO6 or Boxster Spyder two very different beasts I know lol. Hopefully my savings and depreciation meet in middle. I've got my hands full and plenty of fun with Z4 M in meantime.
Question for you since you have a Z4M.
I’m contemplating selling my E85 Z43.0si daily and MK3 Focus ST track car for a gts. It would be both daily and track toy. Would you recommend it? Not asking for financial, but feel and enjoyment.
I would lean toward yes. I think it’s a more direct replacement for the Z4 than the Focus obviously. If the Focus is anything at all akin to a Fiesta ST, it’s a pretty different type of “fun” to the Cayman. With all that said, I think a 981 GTS is a good enough experience to warrant that move. As much as I love my M, if possible I’d have already moved into a 981.
i can't believe youtube would do that to your poor doggo smh
I'll swallow my pride to keep poor lil Snoopy safe.
Great review. Man can u review a 991.1 carrera ? Or a 2.7 cayman. I feel like the smaller motor Porsches get ignored. Maybe you can shed some light on why they get no love!
Thank you! I’d love too! I will definitely be keeping an eye out, I’ve been intrigued by the 981 base car even as an option for myself one day. Need to get some seat time.
@@BuzzytheBlue thx I appreciate it. Your review was unique definitely subscribed. I have 05 997 carrera and ever time I drive It I say what more do you need? Especially on the canyon roads out here in CA. When you look up any base Porsche there is very little content. Everything is about the S and above. Sad really. I can definitely buy and s or Gts but for me it will always be a base that is optioned well.
I will buy a base 2014 carrera or a base cayman in the future.
What’s the difference between GTS and GT4 in terms of front suspension. I know that the lower control arms are different, but what else?
The entire suspension is different. While they both use a MacPherson strut setup, the GT4 rides on fully adjustable coil overs and the design of the front nuckles is different which allows them to be mounted lower. I'm not sure of the partiular rear differences (aside from the adjustable coil overs).
Awesome vid as usual my man! 981 GTS has been an idea if I really wanted to push my budget.. Question though...
How does the steering feel compare to the 987 Boxster S with the lovely Recaros you drove? That's always been my biggest hang up in the 987.2 vs 981 debate..
That's something I'd have liked to touch on (and may in a dedicated comparison video. But the reality of it is the 987 has very talkative hydraulically assisted steering and the 981s are very early EPS from Porsche. Where feel is concerned it's no contest. The 981 is effective and accurate but comparatively numb.
@@BuzzytheBlue That's what I was afraid of, lol.. Thank you for confirming. I've read there's a software tweak you can do to the EPS on the 981, but it's only a slight improvement when compared to the later gen Porsche EPS (there where hardware changes a well, iirc)..
Too many cars.. not enough money lolol
@@dre32pitt I'm the owner of both cars and I have performed the steering re-calibration on the 981. In stock form, it's pretty numb, but with the GT3 recalibration it really comes alive. It can also be heightened by a more aggressive alignment and tires. They're both wonderful cars with their own personalities. You really need to drive them both and see which one fits your needs better.
@@Poorschedriver Ive owned a .1 cayman S and loved the car (sold it to a friend), but LOVE how the 981 looks, lol.. Im Natalie Imbruglia over here lol
That was very cool.
Thanks!
Nice video! I was thinking it might be Connecticut. (My old home state.)
Thank you, and correct it is!
Both the boxter and the cayman GTSs are fantastic cars! When it's a manual gearbox, it's actually having good sex with your loved one as you drive.
Why does everyone keep thinking the GTS gets PTV standard? Porsche gotta be Porsche and make you pay for things the car should already have.
Definitely my mistake. I agree though, it’s silly they’d leave it as an option on the GTS, rather than standard.
Whenever I see this car on the road a friggin bolt of lightning shoots down from my head to the tip of my you know what. Will I stop watching Cayman vids? Absolutely friggin not if you know what I'm saying like no.
I'll take a 718 2l turbo above this any day, had to make that choice and never regretted it, the only thing people have on this car is wining about the sound and the 2.0l turbo doesn't even sound that different and neither does it sound bad. It's lighter, better fuel mileage, less tax 489euro compared to the 1800euro's a year for the gts, the gt4 here is 4k in tax. Gts or gt4's are not worth the money imo, buy a 718 turbo, I bought mine second hand for 40k and with the mods I have it's better than a gt4 on track to.
I’m pretty much with you overall, I really am, but saying the 2.0 doesn’t sound that different is way off base lol. I agree that it isn’t “bad”, but it’s definitely way different.
I’m glad that the 718 is such a good fit for you, and certainly won’t disparage it, but if I had to pick one I’m taking the six cylinder car every day. We don’t have the same tax style over here, nor is fuel as much of an issue, so I’d gladly take the six cylinder sound over the additional torque and fuel economy of the 2.0L. With that said, I’m glad we have the choice! The 718 is obviously the right car for your situation, even if it’s not my first choice personally.
@swansmeister There is a reason why the 718 has not sold well and costs "only" 40k with no miles on it.
I hope you will never encounter a 981 on the road, you will hear what you are missing.
@@terminatedphil I've encountered many on the ring, never felt like I am missing something really.
@@terminatedphil btw it was second hand (and got a good price) and had 132k miles on it, don't change things just so you think you're making a point.
@@swansmeister The 718 sounds like a Subaru. You tell me you do not care. That's great, I'm happy for you.