this is what a car review really should standardize on. comfortablly paced with good points mentioned and just from a user perspective and not spewing out tech details that matters not on bit for the daily user and driver. placed my order for the GTS 4.0 and this video just made the wait that much more tolerable. well done sirs!
I did 4000kms in my 981 GT4 from Adelaide to Uluru and back in August. Magical drive. My car has the carbon buckets. They are magnificent over a long journey. I'm 51 years old. I had back issues in the past, but felt no issues with comfort the whole trip. Get the buckets! And I recommend for people considering the car, get a good 981 GT4 while you still can. It sounds more raw and visceral than the new car, has better steering, and a stronger clutch feel. The clutch in the new car is too light.
I had a day driving both of them, swapping between the two, and I enjoyed the GT4 more, which as a real 911 fan was surprising to me, it's an amazing car, with the best manual gear shift I've ever felt.
Fellas thanks for the vid! That was pure driving bliss to watch, caymans have always had a special place in my heart I reckon they are some of the best in the world. Will be sad to see soon in 10yrs or so all this will disappear
Chris thanks for your thoughts, we appreciate them. You are spot on the Cayman is quite a special car, particularly this one. Let’s hope there’s a future for great drivers cars.
Sweetest exhaust/induction note I’ve heard through my headphones ever. I own a 2007 987.1 (5 speed manual) with aftermarket REEMUS exhaust and truly LOVE it… There’s nothing better IMO than a naturally aspirated engine. Excellent review as always and a truly beautiful car. I could go on and on about it’s features but you Gentlemen summed it up best. Thank you for the great content, both your contributions to your Channel are sincerely appreciated! Sadly I’ll be storing my Cayman for another Canadian Winter next weekend (although it does make it very sweet taking it out of storage the first weekend in April each year 😊). Stay safe boys, and cheers from Ottawa, 🇨🇦
Christopher thanks for your comment and compliments, we really appreciate them. Agree completely on your thoughts re engine notes. We’ve just tried some new wireless mics and they definitely pick up the engine note way better than before, glad you noticed. Luckily here in Aus we don’t have to store our cars away over winter, but you’ve reminded me i need to get my Lotus Elise out on the road more!
I drove the GT4 at the Porsche track in Carson California because I was considering buying one. The acceleration was terrible because of the long second gear, I barley got to third gear on the track. The exhaust sound reminded me of a Subaru WRX. The OPF particulate filters should be removed because they are not required in the United States. Make sure you test drive it before spending 120,000 dollars.
Porsche just keep on making great cars better. My 2016 GT4 is a keeper, and I don’t find the gearing an issue on the track. That said, it would be handy to have one one of these as a road car
Hi Paul, you're one of the lucky ones who spends more time racing at Bathurst with its much faster corners than Wakefield, with its two slow corners. But yes, thanks for the input and point taken. SG
I can see the advantages of the PDK but with automatic shifts I seem to forget to drive the car day to day. The manual reminds me to enjoy driving even though in this case I can see the problem with the long ratios. Great review Thank you
+1. A top-shelf GT4 discussion fella's.. Agreed,, the "PDK isn't really an automatic".. No, it isn't! This original '98 Carrera S (993) owner has a '23 GT4 4.0 w/PDK on order having struggled with the 6sp manual choice; Ten K Large $USD buys a re-gear. .. The dean's list old sckol 993 6sp coupe paired with a GT4 Cayman mid-ship makes for a killer garage duo... A great Porsche discussion gents! .. Cheers, Vail, Colorado (subscribed)
Thanks for the comment Michael and for subscribing, that does sound like a very cool garage. I drove the GT4 on track last week, very impressive. I’ll write an update on my thoughts. Enjoy the snow!
Welcome back - I was missing your great reviews! A bit of a surprised when you gave the dimensions and the 991 is no larger. From the driving I am doing in the UK, size (lack of) is an increasingly important factor. I was also interested to hear your comments on the electric steering - sounds like they did a better job than the 991.2 (I have the C4S). Steering feel is the only thing I am really missing. In fact I am considering a “Litchfield” upgrade (springs and introducing 10mm rake for better turn in), to see if that can be improved. I would be interested in your thoughts?
Thanks Gavin, yes it’s been a while! After banging on about the smaller size/feel of the Cayman I was also surprised by the actual dimensions, I need to do more homework before opening my mouth! I really did like the feel of the steering, to me it lacked nothing at all. I’d be interested to see what a change in rake would do, it certainly should make for a sharper turn in. It would be interesting to back to back that set up against the original on track. Please let us know how you go with the mods.
the gross vehicle weight of the 911 is above 4000lbs . the 718 is less than 4000, the 718 is the lighter car. They are measuring curb weights differently nowadays.
I've driven neither, but I think the GTS 4.0 may be a better choice for a road car w/ a manual transmission. GT4 with PDK seems it may be best enjoyed on the track, IMHO. I drive with people who own GT4 and none seem to be of the opinion that it makes a good daily driver. I personally, like Stu's 987 Cayman for a driver's car. Requires you to shift often, great sound track, yes please. IMHO, the 987 generation of Cayman and Boxsters were the best for driver's engagement on the road.
Mark should also reply, but I'm a fan of the comfort seats in any GT car. Anything with adjustment. I'm not a fan of the fixed shell lightweight carbon seats unless it's going to be predominantly used on track. And even then, maybe not. All Porsche GT cars seats have great lateral support. My vote is forget supposed resale value and go for the most comfortable for your body shape. Try both at your dealer if you can. Stu.
Great review guys. Honest, subjective and looking at how the GT4 can be used by the average person rather than a semi pro track addict. Hell button 😂 I call it “Satan with a smokers cough” on my 981 GTS
If you think that teh GT4 is the perfect sports car, maybe give the Cayman GTS 4.0 a try. I think that you will find that its even better as a B-road sports car.
Definitely an excellent sports car with outstanding handling. The flawed 2nd gear (too long) is due to emission control expectancies, but the PDK box overcomes this problem. I loved my 981 Cayman S. So I can well imagine that the 4.0 liter flat-6 must be very rewarding indeed. As for the 911 GT3 and all 911ses, they are a very different proposal, the engine layout and general balance being totally different. I don’t think a Cayman (and a GT4) get very much better. There isn’t any real opposition, especially considering the overall quality of a Porsche.
Yes, Australian GT4s and Spyders have the OPF but it is unmonitored so can be replaced with OPF delete link pipes without causing an engine fault code.
@@philgt3877 Thanks So I understand the car in this video has the OPF filter AND the sound in the video is still great 👍 I am correct ? Other question: Can you daily drive the GT4 in yr opinion? Or better the GTS4.0 ? (which doesn’t look that good) Rgs
@@cayman9815 Yes, I believe the car in the test has the standard exhaust but I think that fitting a Cargraphics exhaust flap controller is a great upgrade because you get the sound you are hearing in the video throughout the rev range, not just above 4000 rpm. The only reason that it might not be a good daily driver is the very low front splitter. A front lift is not available on the GT4 unfortunately but the splitter is a relatively inexpensive plastic part so it is not a deal breaker. For a daily driven GT4 I would be tempted to option the Pilot 4S tyres rather than the Cup 2s even though I know it never rains in Belgium 😉. The GTS is a fantastic car so you wouldn’t be disappointed but it’s not quite as special nor ultimately quite as capable IMHO.
@@philgt3877 thanks for all the info thinking of replacing my current 981 2.7 unfortunately the taxes are extremely high for a 4.0 engine in Belgium 🇧🇪……. how in Australia? rgs
20.4 vs 20.5? Can’t trust the reviews. The GT4 is the sweet spot and should be higher than the GT3 given added practicality better performance for 90% of use cases; and half the cost.
Perhaps we should use a rating method that isn't so empirical. Let's just say they are both superb. Very much an 'eye of the beholder' situation. I have a friend who is happier that he swapped his GT3 for the "lesser" GT4. For others, no doubt it could be the other way round, if they value that extra hard edge. SG.
Great video as usual but lose the cheesy filters from a 2002 version of photoshop, your films work well enough without such crap. History wise, you left out the important and sought after 987.2 in your initial history blurb.
Why is that all youtubers sound like Porsche Salesman? No mention about the cons or how overpriced they are? They even finish the vide saying just get one!
Well you make a good point there. I must say I don’t consider myself to be a youtuber, however I am someone who has raced cars all around the world and driven most cars either on track or on road. But you are right so many people put them at the top of their list. The reality is that I think Porsche set the benchmark worldwide for sports cars and most other brands measure themselves against them, either on track or on road. Perhaps I should be on commission from Porsche ! I need to look onto that.
The only con of this car imo is the exterior. Porsche has always been the “ugly” car that never seems to change, but as a driver’s car, for the money, I don’t think there’s anything better.
Very nice video but needs a few corrections: PDK GT4/Spyder has 430NM vs manual 420NM. At 3:05, the 911 on the right is 991.1 (2012-2016)
So glad I found this channel, you guys know what you are talking about .
Gt3 for the track, Gt4 for everything else…
Mark T, thanks. Yes I agree with your comment.
Beautiful footage guys. 981S here and feel like the 981 and 718 4.0/GT4/GT4RS NA engines will be cherished more and more as time goes by.
The best review I have watched. I have a Boxster 981S with a 718 Spyder PDK on order. I am beyond excited!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the review. You’ll love that car, well done.
What? No 981 Spyder? I love my 981 Spyder.
this is what a car review really should standardize on. comfortablly paced with good points mentioned and just from a user perspective and not spewing out tech details that matters not on bit for the daily user and driver. placed my order for the GTS 4.0 and this video just made the wait that much more tolerable. well done sirs!
Travis thanks for the feedback, we appreciate it.
I did 4000kms in my 981 GT4 from Adelaide to Uluru and back in August. Magical drive. My car has the carbon buckets. They are magnificent over a long journey. I'm 51 years old. I had back issues in the past, but felt no issues with comfort the whole trip. Get the buckets! And I recommend for people considering the car, get a good 981 GT4 while you still can. It sounds more raw and visceral than the new car, has better steering, and a stronger clutch feel. The clutch in the new car is too light.
Great feedback thanks. So, a big thumbs up for the carbon buckets. It seems there are no bad choices with the GT4.
That sounds like an amazing road trip to take in a Porsche, well done.
@@markwilliamson8662 Absolutely amazing Mark. One of the guys that came with me has done it 8 times. He was in his GT2RS...
I had a day driving both of them, swapping between the two, and I enjoyed the GT4 more, which as a real 911 fan was surprising to me, it's an amazing car, with the best manual gear shift I've ever felt.
Nice video guys. One of the best GT4 reviews I've seen. Very consistent with my experience with my GT4. 😀
Thanks glad you enjoyed it.
Fellas thanks for the vid! That was pure driving bliss to watch, caymans have always had a special place in my heart I reckon they are some of the best in the world. Will be sad to see soon in 10yrs or so all this will disappear
Chris thanks for your thoughts, we appreciate them. You are spot on the Cayman is quite a special car, particularly this one. Let’s hope there’s a future for great drivers cars.
Sweetest exhaust/induction note I’ve heard through my headphones ever. I own a 2007 987.1 (5 speed manual) with aftermarket REEMUS exhaust and truly LOVE it… There’s nothing better IMO than a naturally aspirated engine.
Excellent review as always and a truly beautiful car. I could go on and on about it’s features but you Gentlemen summed it up best. Thank you for the great content, both your contributions to your Channel are sincerely appreciated!
Sadly I’ll be storing my Cayman for another Canadian Winter next weekend (although it does make it very sweet taking it out of storage the first weekend in April each year 😊).
Stay safe boys, and cheers from Ottawa, 🇨🇦
Christopher thanks for your comment and compliments, we really appreciate them. Agree completely on your thoughts re engine notes. We’ve just tried some new wireless mics and they definitely pick up the engine note way better than before, glad you noticed. Luckily here in Aus we don’t have to store our cars away over winter, but you’ve reminded me i need to get my Lotus Elise out on the road more!
6 speed 718 GT4 with a new exhaust and a tune is the best sports car
I drove the GT4 at the Porsche track in Carson California because I was considering buying one.
The acceleration was terrible because of the long second gear, I barley got to third gear on the track.
The exhaust sound reminded me of a Subaru WRX. The OPF particulate filters should be removed because they are not required in the United States.
Make sure you test drive it before spending 120,000 dollars.
Great video. You nailed everything I love about mine.
Thanks, really appreciate your thoughts.
Porsche just keep on making great cars better. My 2016 GT4 is a keeper, and I don’t find the gearing an issue on the track. That said, it would be handy to have one one of these as a road car
Hi Paul, you're one of the lucky ones who spends more time racing at Bathurst with its much faster corners than Wakefield, with its two slow corners. But yes, thanks for the input and point taken. SG
I can see the advantages of the PDK but with automatic shifts I seem to forget to drive the car day to day. The manual reminds me to enjoy driving even though in this case I can see the problem with the long ratios.
Great review
Thank you
Yes that’s a good point, it would be easy to just slip into auto mode all the time with PDK
+1. A top-shelf GT4 discussion fella's.. Agreed,, the "PDK isn't really an automatic".. No, it isn't!
This original '98 Carrera S (993) owner has a '23 GT4 4.0 w/PDK on order having struggled with the 6sp manual choice; Ten K Large $USD buys a re-gear. .. The dean's list old sckol 993 6sp coupe paired with a GT4 Cayman mid-ship makes for a killer garage duo... A great Porsche discussion gents! .. Cheers, Vail, Colorado (subscribed)
Thanks for the comment Michael and for subscribing, that does sound like a very cool garage. I drove the GT4 on track last week, very impressive. I’ll write an update on my thoughts. Enjoy the snow!
Love your work Mark ! Keep it up 👍🏾
Thanks bro, hope to see you at the track soon
Welcome back - I was missing your great reviews! A bit of a surprised when you gave the dimensions and the 991 is no larger. From the driving I am doing in the UK, size (lack of) is an increasingly important factor. I was also interested to hear your comments on the electric steering - sounds like they did a better job than the 991.2 (I have the C4S). Steering feel is the only thing I am really missing. In fact I am considering a “Litchfield” upgrade (springs and introducing 10mm rake for better turn in), to see if that can be improved. I would be interested in your thoughts?
Thanks Gavin, yes it’s been a while! After banging on about the smaller size/feel of the Cayman I was also surprised by the actual dimensions, I need to do more homework before opening my mouth!
I really did like the feel of the steering, to me it lacked nothing at all. I’d be interested to see what a change in rake would do, it certainly should make for a sharper turn in. It would be interesting to back to back that set up against the original on track. Please let us know how you go with the mods.
Seems like an amazing patch of road, mind sharing the route you guys took on this drive.
Great video! I will have one of these one day…
Another great video!
Thanks Michael
the gross vehicle weight of the 911 is above 4000lbs . the 718 is less than 4000, the 718 is the lighter car. They are measuring curb weights differently nowadays.
Would love to see your take on the GTS 4.0.
I've driven neither, but I think the GTS 4.0 may be a better choice for a road car w/ a manual transmission. GT4 with PDK seems it may be best enjoyed on the track, IMHO. I drive with people who own GT4 and none seem to be of the opinion that it makes a good daily driver. I personally, like Stu's 987 Cayman for a driver's car. Requires you to shift often, great sound track, yes please. IMHO, the 987 generation of Cayman and Boxsters were the best for driver's engagement on the road.
Yes I think the GTS 4.0 would make a great road car, just a bit more compliant. I’ve only driven the GTS on track and it’s exceptional there too.
If it had push button start 500hp the full infotainment and premium stereo came as standard I would say yes
I am just about to order my gt4 - what seats I should get? It will be my weekend car.
Mark should also reply, but I'm a fan of the comfort seats in any GT car. Anything with adjustment. I'm not a fan of the fixed shell lightweight carbon seats unless it's going to be predominantly used on track. And even then, maybe not. All Porsche GT cars seats have great lateral support. My vote is forget supposed resale value and go for the most comfortable for your body shape. Try both at your dealer if you can. Stu.
@@inCARnationAustralia thanks for your prompt reply! By the way I really enjoyed this video! keep doing great job! Greetings from Poland.
Yes I was really impressed with the seats in this car, great support and very comfortable. I’d be running with these if I were to spec one.
Great review guys. Honest, subjective and looking at how the GT4 can be used by the average person rather than a semi pro track addict. Hell button 😂 I call it “Satan with a smokers cough” on my 981 GTS
Thanks for the comment Ray
Well done, Stuart.
If you think that teh GT4 is the perfect sports car, maybe give the Cayman GTS 4.0 a try. I think that you will find that its even better as a B-road sports car.
Are there any back firing pops and bangs when you downshift?
Didn’t really notice much in the way way of pops and bangs on downshift. Just a perfectly timed auto-blip of the throttle
I thought the video special effect were very cool Stu!
Thanks 👍
You guys forgot to mention the 718 gts 4.0 models with their 4.0 natural aspirated engines. Ein echtes Schnäppchen as we say in germany
Yes you're right Alex. A great little bargain indeed.
Definitely an excellent sports car with outstanding handling. The flawed 2nd gear (too long) is due to emission control expectancies, but the PDK box overcomes this problem. I loved my 981 Cayman S. So I can well imagine that the 4.0 liter flat-6 must be very rewarding indeed. As for the 911 GT3 and all 911ses, they are a very different proposal, the engine layout and general balance being totally different. I don’t think a Cayman (and a GT4) get very much better. There isn’t any real opposition, especially considering the overall quality of a Porsche.
No such thing as "Steel" brakes. They're Cast Iron.
Image at 3:03 shows a 991.1 C4S, not a 992. Otherwise, keep up the great work!
Ah dang! That's on me. (Stu). Too much rush, not enough checking! Sorry.
Hi
I am from Belgium.
In Europe the GT4 has exhaust filters.
The car in the video also, or not ?
Rgs
Yes, Australian GT4s and Spyders have the OPF but it is unmonitored so can be replaced with OPF delete link pipes without causing an engine fault code.
@@philgt3877
Thanks
So I understand the car in this video has the OPF filter
AND the sound in the video is still great 👍
I am correct ?
Other question:
Can you daily drive the GT4 in yr opinion?
Or better the GTS4.0 ?
(which doesn’t look that good)
Rgs
@@cayman9815 Yes, I believe the car in the test has the standard exhaust but I think that fitting a Cargraphics exhaust flap controller is a great upgrade because you get the sound you are hearing in the video throughout the rev range, not just above 4000 rpm. The only reason that it might not be a good daily driver is the very low front splitter. A front lift is not available on the GT4 unfortunately but the splitter is a relatively inexpensive plastic part so it is not a deal breaker. For a daily driven GT4 I would be tempted to option the Pilot 4S tyres rather than the Cup 2s even though I know it never rains in Belgium 😉. The GTS is a fantastic car so you wouldn’t be disappointed but it’s not quite as special nor ultimately quite as capable IMHO.
@@philgt3877
thanks for all the info
thinking of replacing my current 981 2.7
unfortunately the taxes are extremely high for a 4.0 engine in Belgium 🇧🇪…….
how in Australia?
rgs
@@cayman9815 Oh, they are worse here! A reasonably specified GT4 would be around A$260,000 so €170,000
20.4 vs 20.5? Can’t trust the reviews. The GT4 is the sweet spot and should be higher than the GT3 given added practicality better performance for 90% of use cases; and half the cost.
Perhaps we should use a rating method that isn't so empirical. Let's just say they are both superb. Very much an 'eye of the beholder' situation. I have a friend who is happier that he swapped his GT3 for the "lesser" GT4. For others, no doubt it could be the other way round, if they value that extra hard edge. SG.
Better sound than the GT3 Stu, I don’t think so….there is no sweeter sound than a GT3 at 9000rpms….it’s make a beautiful song….
I didn't say it was better Kevin, did I? Just different. You're right. The GT3 above 7000rpm is unbeatable.
Great video as usual but lose the cheesy filters from a 2002 version of photoshop, your films work well enough without such crap. History wise, you left out the important and sought after 987.2 in your initial history blurb.
FIRST. Let's find out the answer :D
No skipping to the end!
@@inCARnationAustralia Beautiful car and great wrap up. The noise at 9k was crazy over youtube, can't imagine the roar in the cabin!
@@RichardBerryC Yeah. Goosebumps moment in the GT3 @ 9000.
Why is that all youtubers sound like Porsche Salesman? No mention about the cons or how overpriced they are? They even finish the vide saying just get one!
Well you make a good point there. I must say I don’t consider myself to be a youtuber, however I am someone who has raced cars all around the world and driven most cars either on track or on road. But you are right so many people put them at the top of their list. The reality is that I think Porsche set the benchmark worldwide for sports cars and most other brands measure themselves against them, either on track or on road. Perhaps I should be on commission from Porsche ! I need to look onto that.
@@markwilliamson8662 Yes you sound like a good Porsche Salesman you should get compensated for your fantastic job in trying hard to sell the car.
No it’s not !!!
The only con of this car imo is the exterior. Porsche has always been the “ugly” car that never seems to change, but as a driver’s car, for the money, I don’t think there’s anything better.