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I was the exterior designer of all 981 variants bar the roof and rear deck of the Spyder which was done by the renowned Grant Larson, designer of the 986. I’m happy that my “baby” has lasted so long on the market (with the 718 facelift) and that our engineers did such a great job not only on the car as launched, but in keeping it updated. As a designer, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing something you sketched being used and enjoyed.
I have owned a 718 GT4 and currently have a GT4RS and 981 Cayman S. As a Ferrari owner over the past 30 years, this is the platform that made me sell my last Ferrari and I’ve never looked back. If you’re a cars&coffee person, then it may not be for you. But if you’re like me, and try to get to a racetrack at least once a month, there absolutely is no substitute to these cars. If you can afford one, then that means you’re probably very, very busy. Probably, like me, have kids, wife, obligations. You can’t get to the track every weekend so when you do you have to make the most of the time you have. Factor in hotels, gas, tolls, food, track fees, consumable, etc. and you’ve got an investment in both time and money. Many times I see a Ferrari or McLaren on the track, they are either coming into the pits for extended periods with overheating brakes, check engine lights, or just plain overheating. I’ve had zero problems with my Porsches on track and there’s always a specialist or vendor close by because there is so much demand for their services. I know a lot of people think that Porsches aren’t as exciting to drive as some other cars and they’d be right, except for the mid-engined Caymans, they aren’t just the best Porsches made, they’re the best sports cars made. That is, unless all you do is go to cars & coffee.
Agree with all of the above, if indeed you go to a track regularly. I’d wager however that very few of these ever see a track. If not, then the F car is the more special thing which you can get pleasure from just going to the shops in or meeting pals in a country pub.
"Porsches aren’t as exciting to drive as some other cars" - well, I mean, being without brakes in the middle of a lap or without engine when exiting a nice bend is exciting. Just the wrong kind of exciting.
I’d argue that if this is your situation, it would be better to have a dedicated track car such as a caterham or Ariel or radical If you’re going to go to the track, ALL of these cars are compromised, Porsche, Ferrari or McLaren
I have owned both the 981 and 718, driven about 20k miles combined and 30+ track days. Incredible cars, but ultimately I preferred the rawness of the 981. Heavier more feelsome clutch, more sonorous engine, and just had a little bit more ‘specialness’ about it. I had the Kline exhaust on my 718 which brings a lot of the sound back, but overall I just preferred the slightly less sanitzed feel of the 981. No question the 718 had a much better powerband though, incredible linearity and power all the way to redline.
Agree. I trade backwards from 718 to 981. The 3.4L in GTS with that sport exhaust sounds incredible. Puts the 718 GT4 and GTS 4.0 to shame sound wise. I definitely feel the loss in power but because both are delivered in a NA linear fashion, you don't miss the power since it's delivers very spread out across the band. But by the same coin, the cars are light. You also definitely do still notice the power diff. Altho in 5-10 years time both cars would be considered terribly slow. They are already not great $/HP ratio but never was a power focused car
@@ZDY66666Agreed. Test drove the 718 GTS 4.0 and GT4 but after driving a friend’s high-spec 981 GTS I couldn’t get over how good it sounded even with the loss of power. Ended up with a very low mileage 981 GTS I bought of a private collector. And saved quite a bit of money! Strange how older cars appeal to me more these days
Being a 718 GT4 Kline owner and have driven many 981 GT4's, the issue I have with the 891 is the low end torque and power difference. You can definatley feel the difference and it makes the long gearing more noticable. Coming from a 991.1 4S, the 981 felt too slow. Rawness, that's very subjected as most GT drivers prefer the new clutch system on current GT cars and most people don't want a heavy steering feel but I get the uniqueness the 981 brings. Both are amazing cars but having a Kline system transformed this car to another level. So clad it's legal in South Africa. Cheers
After owning 11 911s over the last decade, I felt running on empty, and when the bloated 992 came out in 2019 I said to myself enough is enough and slowly started looking at Ferrari and Lamborghini for my next car. At the time I owned a -90 Carrera 4, a -91 Turbo, a -94 Carrera 2, a -10 Carrera 2 an -18 Carrera T and a 2020 Taycan. All the 911s were manuals. I sold all the 911s and the autumn of 2021 I saw a picture of a new Porsche prototype with a Ferrari layout. A 2-seater in orange with gills, vents and louvres all over and a magnificent big wing at the back. I fell head over heels in love with it and rang my dealer to secure an allocation for the new Ferrarilike Porsche that left every 911 looking boring. September of 2022 my PTS GT4RS was delivered and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a sports car! Raw, fast, reliable, stunning looks, insane sounding and just a hooligan to drive on road and blisteringly fast on track. It’s the best car Porsche has made. A lot more fun than the 992GT3RS which still lacks the sound of a proper sports car and inevitably will be replaced by a faster, even more muted version. The GT4RS is more Ferrari and Lamborghini than Ferrari and Lamborghini. It’s an absolute bonkers car.
In 2021 i tried to place an order for a 718 GT4 and was refused as it was my first Porsche so unless i went used my other option was a GTS 4.0 which i went for in the spec i wanted. It is primarily a weekend car and in the 18months and 8000 miles i have covered in it , mainly across europe and the odd trip to Goodwood i think it was the correct car for me. Having since ownership driven a couple of GT4s its much firmer setup would have been tiresome over those 2000 mile plus journeys , so despite my grievance at the OPC at the time for dismissing my order i think my 52year old spine & butt cheeks can thank them now. Keep the content coming , always a pleasure to watch 🤩
Utter.y ridiculous they say to people they won’t sell them the car they want though. On principle I personally wouldn’t buy anything from them at all if they said such nonsense to me.
@@JayEmmOnCars for whatever reason I just love how you say “enjoy the film.” It makes me think you have put a lot of effort and pride into it, which no doubt, you have.
Picked up my 718 GT4 almost 2 years ago, and I still maintain after 26 years of driving, it's the best car I've ever owned. Looks amazing, sounds insane (with Kline inconel exhaust) comfortable, fuel efficient, and rock solid reliable. Done 14 track days and 40+ autocross events only changing tires and brakes. My wife doesn't care about cars at all and she laughs out loud every time she gets behind the wheel. Excellent car!
I've had my GT4 since 2016 and feel fortunate to have it. It's staying in the family as it's too good to sell or trade in for another car. Picking it up with one of my sons in Stuttgart and driving it to Monaco was a dream I never expected to fulfill. You'll never regret one of these cars, no matter the generation.
I had one of these for 3 years and daily drove it up to 37k miles. Amazing car. And I paid below sticker. Sold it for basically what I paid for it… after 37k miles… never had a single issue with the car. Porsche reigns.
"Never been a big Porsche guy, but"... blah blah blah blah..... Man, this is such an unbelievably boring and stupid blah blah from these days confused social media blah blah guys like you. Just huge BS coming from "car dudes", who are thinking as if their opinion "would matter"... 🤦♂🤦♂🤣🤣 A lot of guys "these days" are coming up with "not being a Porsche fan.... but"... Until they realize, that Porsche is just totally SUPERIOR compared to any other carmaker! That's all! Enough said! Keep your BS for yourself dude, because your "car taste" is totally irrelevant to a lot of other people, who are experiencing and enjoying the perfection of PORSCHE masterpieces since decades! There is simply no other sports carmaker on this planet, which can compete with PORSCHE!
Here in Australia I've just taken delivery of a Boxster GTS 4.0l manual. Granted as a track car it will not compete with the Spyder or GT4 but as, predominantly a road car it's bloody hard to beat. You don't have to drive it fast to enjoy it. In fact I went for the 10 mil ride height reduction over the 20mil. Also got the aluminium extended leather package. On a sunny day driving into the mountains in the Gold Coast hinterland it's no bad way to spend a couple of hours.
The Subaru BRZ is my first and current car I bought with my own money. It’s everything I love in a car. Manual gearbox, naturally aspirated, low to the ground with a chassis built for handling. The manual 718 GT4 is my dream car. THIS is a quintessential Porsche and THE sports car. People talk about the 911, but I believe the cayman is the superior platform, and it looks much better. The GT4 is the GR86 on steroids and I hope I can snag one one day. This is an absolute classic.
Jim, don’t move on from the 718 GT4. I went from GT3 to 981 GT4, THEN R8 V10 Plus……. Soon after, I was back into an Ultraviolet 718 GT4. You can’t beat that mid engined chassis and handling, plus all of the perks of owning a Porsche (service schedule, warranty, reliability, low cost to maintain, better community, etc, etc). DONT MOVE!
Definitely the warranty!!! My 718 GT4 differential failed the day after a track day needed a whole new gearbox 15k. . . Porsche knew it had been on track they covered it no questions asked. Picked it up and had it back to me in under 2 weeks.
This is amazing James, with most car reviewers considering Porsche as infallible, and even more so for your specificity. Ford Australia did the same thing, due to their XR6 Turbo, as it outperformed their 5.4 litre Coyote V8. The Ford Detroit fools, did not consider building a much lighter straight 6 for global sales. Instead, shutting down local manufacturing completely. Even Jeremy Clarkson commented on the XR6 Turbo equipped vehicle, as the finest driver's vehicle in the world, under $100,000. The 6 did not have suffer from under steer due to excessive weight of the cast iron V8. The engine was known as the Barra, as in barracuda. Naturally, once tuners got hold of the 6, they found that replacing con rods with titanium ones, the Barra would easily put out 1000 BHP.
I had a dealer take a deposit for an early 718 GT4, only six months later to advise me a GTS was the only option. I went through the whole “We only get limited numbers” and “Porsche only sell these to existing customers” bullshit. Utter nonsense. The sales guy thought I would just roll over and blow the money on a GTS intead. Walked away from a stupid game of ‘tease the customer’. Will NEVER consider buying a Porsche again, not because of the car, but because the buyers experience is truly awful unless you are a seasoned customer. I buy to drive, not to speculate. Well done Porsche…
In the USA, low mileage examples of the 718 GT4 are still going for sticker or above. Thats because it’s such a fantastic car. Thanks for making this video and honest feedback! It’s a shame Porsche permitted the dealers to negatively affect the potential 1st owner buying experience forcing many to be the 2nd or 3rd owner only after friendly flips by salesman and their friends.
As a 981 GT4 owner, I can say that for sure there is nothing in else in this price point that captures the drivers car ethos as this does. These are fantastic cars.
I almost put an order with the new emira but the depreciation on those, I couldn’t justify it so bought a 718 GT4 instead…. Has to be one of the best cars I’ve ever owned and the PDK is absolutely sublime and I’m a manual purist at heart.
I have a Python Green GT4 in very similar spec to this (manual/comfort seats/standard brakes). Changed up from a 987S this year and it is quite a a weopan 💚
Small remark; Andreas Preuninger said in many interviews that Porsche will makes as many 718 GT4 that is possible (in the production timeframe) for as many people that want them (because they did not want the same thing to happen as with the 981 GT4). Seems like Andreas Preuninger was telling the truth :)
I was pulled over by the cops driving one of these cars a number of years ago. The cop advised me my front plate was ajar. He then said what a nice car you have. I then pulled away driving another 500 km home. Not all cops are unfriendly at least here in Canada. Cheers mates🍺
My theory is that Porsche might have wanted to push the electric Cayman a couple of years ago but walked back seeing it wouldn't really sell. Hence why the GT4 and GT4 RS stayed in production for quite a few years. So a win/win for people who can afford them I bet...
A couple of years ago, EVs were selling like hot cakes. Now you’ve got to give away a Taycan to get rid of it. I fear Porsche will regret and suffer from their efforts to electrify their range of cars.
They’re incredibly fun, especially with a manual. I just sold mine for an RS, but if I had the space I would have kept both. It’s definitely not the fastest car for the money, but they’re unbelievably planted on the road, they make you feel invincible around corners. Nothing like rowing gears up to the redline in a small/relatively lightweight (for a modern car) platform that feels like it’s glued to the pavement. People always repeat the cliche “it’s better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow,” and no car is a better embodiment of that than the GT4. Not that it’s slow per se in general, but it’s certainly no rocket either. That being said it has enough power to put a smile on your face and is composed enough to tackle any road with ease, if it had shorter gearing (especially second gear) it would really be the perfect sports car
18:38 Exactly what I done a couple years ago and thought I had no chance. They took my deposit there and then, 6 months later I had my very own GT4 in the garage! Had mine about 2 and a half years now and love it 😁
Had mine since 2021. Definitely the best sports car I have owned; maybe the last. Not as fast as the RS and GT3, but fun enough, especially with a manual transmission.
I watched your video about the base Cayman 718 and bought it anyway. You were right with some of the criticisms, but the price/performance ratio is unbeatable and the car is great fun. I'm glad I bought it because it's now discontinued.
I part retired from my job of 30 years earlier this year and was able to treat myself to one of these. I went for the PDK in Arctic Grey. Although I have owned performance cars in the past, nothing comes close to the special occasion feeling I get when I drive the GT4. It’s also a beautiful looking car which gets tons of positive attention.
You are right on the money with your commentary ..... it is an amazing car and the speed, sound and drivability are pretty much perfect .....I was buying one of the last in production until they advised the delivery might/would be late and therefore I would be subject to the new price hikes which was about 7k extra.... typical of this brand of Porsche Dealers
I bought a 981 Spyder when they first came out after seeing it at the NY Auto show and reading about it. At the time I really wanted a GT4 but the waiting list was long about 15 people and my salesperson at Ray Catena Porsche told me that he only had two allocations for that car but also had two for the Spyder and only one taker. I went for it even though it wasn't my first choice. I order it with the carbon seats, Guards Red and extended leather along with a few other bits. It came out to $103,500. Best money I ever spent. I am glad I went for the Spyder as it's a bit softer and more suited to the kind of driving I do. I have taken it on the Dragon's Tail in North Carolina with a group of Porsche friends who had various models one of which was the vaunted 2011 GT3RS. This car literally ran away from that car in the tight roads there. He works for Porsche and is a bonafide car guy who knows what he's doing. He did get me on the longer straightaways. I have driven several generations of 911's and they don't inspire the driver confidence the mid engine cars do. I still own the car and have 17K miles on it. At one point about two years ago I got a hankering for a GT3. Went to my salesman and he told me he could get me one but they would need my Spyder back on a trade in order to consumate the deal. I have a 2021 Porsche Cayenne which was another of the many cars I purchased from this dealer but that didn't put me in the inner circle of friends that immediately get the car they want. I refused and I'm glad I did. Since then I realized that I enjoyed this car more. My other friend owns a 2019 GT3RS which he let me drive and I realized that car was so high in track capability that made it feel unsatisfying in daily or weekend fun use. If I buy another Porsche to add to the collection, it will be a regular GT4. You are on the money with your assessment of the dumb marketing strategy that Porsche originally had with both the GT4 and Spyder. Hopefully corrected now. Thanks for an excellent video.
8:24 - Some sort of noise assistance is done via a small pipe from the manifold to a hole in the wall behind the seats. Helps with induction note in the cabin. Nothing through the speakers though.
It's funny you mentioned the 996 GT3 and GT2 in the video, cause the topic of the whole dealership fiasco for GT products takes me back to the 996 days, when IIRC many dealers were having a hard time selling 996 GT3s, then fast forward 10 years from then and you see a completely reversed situation. It's really amusing seeing how people's thoughts changed. Btw, I can't wait to see the 996 GT2 video!
Good video, James! I’m one of those that has an Emira but would have a GT4 in the garage had it not been for the $urcharge$. I already have a 981B so ultimately I got the best of both worlds, I suppose. Looked at the R8s multiple times and the motors and design are gems but the steering feel and sharpness just weren’t there (except for the’12 GT I got to drive but alas has been my Moby Dick, eluding me and now aging).
JM! You nailed it sir! Love the video. Owned one and without a doubt, most phenomenal car I’ve ever had. Sucks so much that it got taken in an accident. Hopefully the replacement costs gets back to something I can feel good about. Cheers and thanks for bringing back all those great memories.
100% agree - gt4 is like a golf. It does everything really well however it doesn't excel on any department. Those ratios and the fact that it doesn't have a proper gt engine is a show stopper for me.
Just sold my 718 gt4, it’s actually for sale at Porsche south lakes right now in crayon with red stitch interior, take a look. Not sad to see it go now I have factory fresh gt4rs… another level on ❤
I have an Emira V6 Manual and I’ve owned 991.1 a 718 Cayman a 991.2 and a 981 you can stick all the Porsche products as good as they are the Emira has a soul and I love it
@@johndavies4079 test drove emira, nd2 Miata made me a top down guy. Do not regret spyder with JCR. Curious what makes Emira have soul you speak of? It certainly is more exotic looking.
@@jimw5040 it’s hard to put it into words the Porsche is a precision instrument and it’s great but it doesn’t give you that certain feeling (the fizz as James May calls it) the radio has never worked rain gets I into the boot / engine bay the HVAC system didn’t work for a month but you don’t care because it drives incredibly the Lotus engineers are genius the suspension is so clever I don’t see how you get the combo of compliance and handling
This is a surprise. After the devastatingly brutal review of the Cayman GTS 4.0 I never could have anticipated such a favorable review of it's brother.
The difference in weight between the 981 and the 718 is partly due to a newer and different way of weighing cars by the Manufacturer... The real difference is way less than 100 kgs. Look into It, please. Cheers from Italy.
You may want to double check the weights. In between the two cars being released, how manufactures had to report the weights of cars changed. So it’s not a like for like comparison when looking at spec sheets. There’s plenty online (TH-cam) that discusses it. PetrolPed might be worth chatting with.
I miss my 981 GT4. I was sooo disappointed when I heard the 781 reviews. I had put a deposit on one… …my thoughts were that Porsche only make improvements to their cars, so I expected it to be even more raw, more track focused etc. So, I was forced. Forced to wait for the GT4RS. I love it so much. it is the car that ticks (all) the boxes for me. I live in Sydney (Aust), and I am surrounded by some of the best driving B roads in this country. I had Porsche adjust all aero to max downforce, and we did some minor suspension alignment adjustments to improve turn in (not too aggressive). The overall changes were so minor, yet the way it impacted the driving was just unbelievable! The car no longer feels like it is “on rails”, now it is! It was confidence inspiring previously, but now it feels like the car is say “I can go faster” :) No body. I mean NO BODY can keep up if the road has twists and turns. And the NOISE!!! OMG ! I drove all the way from Sydney to Melb (and back) along the coast road. Approx 1000kms each way. It the most amazing drive I have ever done. It took approx 2.5 days each way. I was so tired at the end of each day, but I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of Steve Sutcliffe’s review when he said (paraphrasing now) “…the hair on the back of my neck are sticking up, I’m all sweaty, and my heart is racing… …but its all good!” Yes i was deaf for about 3 days afterwards, because the average db reading was 94 for the trip. I would not change anything. One last point. The RS is the first “automatic” I have ever owned. But let me explain one thing to all those “i drive manuals only” individuals out there. I was once like you. But when you are driving hard, and I mean hard and fast enough to start wondering how well the Cup2’s are holding up, then you know that every split second counts. There’s absolutely NO WAhY that you, or anyone else, will have time to take a hand off the wheel, take your left foot off the footrest where its jammed in tight for stability, place it on a clutch pedal, depress it, blip the throttle, do a seamless gear change (especially on a bumpy mountain road), release the clutch smoothly in perfect synchronisation of adding pressure to the throttle pedal and returning your hand to the steering wheel! And then, do this over and over and over again, hundreds, perhaps thousands of times, without missing an apex, a break point, a turn point etc. The PDK, with 7 gears, will do it all day, and all night, and be ready to do it again and again and again. I can honestly say, I am converted. I mean this; I love driving a manual sports car, as it is extremely rewarding & satisfying when all things gel, however… When everything is on the line, when you are testing yourself, or when you need total control - PDK is it. What I enjoy most about the PDK is using the paddles, not that I didn’t/don’t like allowing the car to make gear changes for me, I on the other hand prefer to make those decisions myself, because I am the driver. sorry i went on too long. Anyone who says “its too loud” or “the suspension is too stiff” or anything else negative… No way are these people car enthusiasts! Do not attempt to explain :) cheers Ewan Sydney Aust
Friend bought a 718 Spyder RS recently trading in a 992 GT3, he said the RS is the better car because it’s smaller for UK roads. Effectively same chassis. Also was able to buy a 718 Spyder with no new car purchase history with Porsche.
wow i had no idea how close in price this and the 981 gt4 were. ignoring cars labelled as crash damaged, the 981 gt4 at its cheapest is 54k with 2nd cheapest being 61k. the cheapest 718 cayman gt4 is 67k and the 2nd chepest 69k. if we remove the one outlier 981 gt4 (at 54k) from the equation theyre almost exactly the same price
I own one of these and it's mostly fantastic. You nailed the main points against which have been detailed which are that the steering while very direct and accurate just doesn't have the feel of the older racks (like in my 996). Going with that this car also isn't quite as characterful or exciting to drive at lower speeds as an older Mezger car which is dripping with it even just puttering around. The other point you covered is the gearing which also yes is too tall. Outside of that and once you get on a proper bit of road the car is just a delight. Sometimes I have FOMO about not having bought a 997.2 GT3 just before this, but those have gone into stratospheric pricing now. I think if you're wanting a Porsche GT car in this price range you only now have a 996 GT3, 997.1 GT3 (at the low end), and a 991.1 GT3 (which few want). Oh and the 981 GT4. I do sometimes wonder what it's like to drive an R8 V10 manual and hopefully I get the opportunity someday, but from what I hear dynamically it will not hold a candle to one of these in stock form. And short of a stick shift 360 Modena or old Gallardo manual you're not getting anything with a manual and a horse or bull on the front of it for this price.
I have one and absolutely love it. Mine is modified with over axle pipes, lightweight flywheel, remap etc. sounds and goes great. If anyone can find a better sports car for £70k with buckets pccb etc I’m all ears.
Both the GT4 and the Emira really are excellent driver's cars but the Emira wins for me. It really has supercar looks for sports car money. Tell Jim to go for it!
I have a 981.2 always wasn’t crazy on the looks I feel they look a little weak mainly the rear fenders a bit girly looking. My point is I have aways thought your taste a bit off not only cars but lord that shirt so now I’m definitely selling thanks for helping me on my decision!
I think what happened with the gold rush for the GT4 has turned out to be a good thing for real enthusiasts. You can now pick them up with low miles, still lots of warranty, well spec'd and in any colour you choose. There are a few cars like this on the market at the moment where second hand buyers are really reaping the rewards of speculators who've lost money and are now flooding the market (such a shame). "Patience is a virtue."
Btw, the 981 GT4 almost didn’t happen - there was a lot of resistance to it due to thought it would compete with the top 911s. It was realized that their characters and what they offered at different price points were sufficiently different to give the GT4 the green light.
If there are so fewer 981 GT4’s and as the price of those have dramatically dropped, would it not make sense (if thinking long term) to by one of them 🧐
I'm currently running a supercharged GT86 and likely to replace it next year with something mid-engined. A manual Cayman GT4 - Gentian Blue with gunmetal wheels - is right at the top of the list. The only surprising thing is that insurance is over 20% more expensive than a 1st-gen R8 V10 (not a surprise to hear you mention that, and a shame that later cars were auto-only), Gallardo, or McLaren 570...
Everytime I watch your vids , I forget about the 'stranger things esque' theme at the end. Perhaps do more 80's cars reviews. 205, r5, xr2, gte, gti, xr3, Sri type of thing.
Great video although as someone living in Australia, these cars cost considerably more here than in the UK in GT4 guise. But they are as you said appreciating at a rapid rate.
Interesting you were critical of the 982 GTS suspension but good with the GT4. I found the GT4 a touch harsh for road driving / touring and I am not a track-day person. I went GTS, although there was also the 'sharp intake of breath' moment from the dealer you mentioned when I asked. Can't get away from it - the GT4 looks simply stunning though.
If you go to Germany you can just walk into a Porsche showroom and order a GT4 or GT4 RS. That is as it should be. The whole "overs" culture has been created in the UK principally by PCGB, and it is toxic. If the cars are available, that is a very good thing. It is not a problem or a mistake.
Great car but not a daily. Ride is very stiff unless you live where the roads are really smooth. The best all around car for the street imo is a Spyder. The 2016 - 981 Spyder weighs over 200 lbs less than the 718 Spyder and you can still get a low mileage example in the States for around $100,000. It’s also a manual only transmission. The 718 is 20-40k more used but comes with the PDK.
In Ohio, I had deposits at five dealers, waited about 6 months for one to get an allocation for a 2023, end of production of the basic GT4. I paid 10K over list for a loaded car but don't regret it all. Stick, buckets, brakes all great stuff, Car is bad-ass on Ohio's back roads, and our test pilot here, I don't think made it past 6000 RPMs, where it starts to wail. The ignorant say it's smaller than a 911(4" shorter in length - overall dimensions otherwise same. Check it out.). Porsche was stupid to quit their only affordable mid-engine GT car. I need to drive a GT3 to compare, but since I was a kid in the 1960's reading Road&Track, the rear engine thing was just an evolution of the VW, a substandard design that stuck with a passionate audience. Nannies make the 911 a masterpiece, but everyone has been making mid-engine high performance cars for decades, even Chevy.
It needs: upgraded HIDs, CF buckets, extended alcantara dash, a bose. And then it will not be annoying to drive and be 100% all the car one needs. I have a silly 718 Boxster T. With CF buckets. The only one known sadly. It weighs under 3000 and is like glue. If I could go back in time, i would get the GT4, and not been overly concerned with its harsher ride
I only have a base 981 boxster, but my dream is a 981 spyder gt4 or the 718 duo. I'm not a fan of the look or some of the options on the GT4 and Spyder RS cars
The owner, Jim, may enjoy a McLaren 570 or 650? Last year, when the GT4 RS was launched, I approached Porsche dealers to purchase. All said, "No, but here is one with ~200 miles, which the owner no longer needs," for just £80k over the list price. A quick look, I see they are now back to £130k. It would be a good purchase now and should not lose too much value in the future.
Another brilliant insightful video 😊 still out of my league price wise I suspect that unless you have been brought up with a succession of contemporary gt3s this car would still be mind blowing on most roads---especially for someone coming from an nc mx5---😅.
Not so long ago there was avideo saying the GTS4.0 was no good for British roads, bordering on dangerous as jumpy, not pleasant/good at below 4/5000 rpm. Why is the GT4 different? And can you comment on cabin noise in both these vehicles on say long trips, regular use etc. Or are these cars better suited to occasional Sunday driving ingood weather and/or tracking etc?
@@lukepricephotographyisn't it odd,in my younger years I'd say the wing is fabulous but now touching 50 I think it looks silly, tacky and over the top!😂
@@grahamsmith2022 well despite not being entirely taken with the wing…. Deposit placed yesterday on a manual, gt silver with clubsport, buckets, carbon ceramics, matrix led, and all the trimmings :) I do think the gt silver helps soften the wing appearance a fair bit vs some of the other colour ways. I’ll be coming from a 2009 v12 vantage manual. It’s remarkable how similar the cars are in driving… obviously one has an amazing engine the Porsche has a vacuum cleaner, but otherwise really very similar in many ways.. only returning the vantage due to reliability issues else it was by my keeper forever.
Great video James. How would you compare the 718 GT4 to an Evora 400? After much searching and based on some of your earlier advice, I recently got myself a 400 manual and I’m super happy about it. I’ve not driven the GT4 but wonder how it would compare. Thanks
I will forever be on the hill that the Cayman/Boxster is better than the 911. The 911 adds luxury which, sure, a lot of people love and rightfully so :) But it doesn't add more fun. (In fact, if anything, it removes fun) To me this is the greatest driving experience you could get. (For actual driving, things like Ferraris or Lamborghinis are different to this) It is quite an amazing car this.
I just got my American license M endorsement and we were taught are those types of roads dangerous but they are so because they are full "traps" that caused accidents because the roads are so ridiculously narrow. You guys need to create more margins.
The UK has one of the best road saftey records in the world (2.9 deaths per 100'000) compared to the USA (12.9 deaths per 100'000). This means you are actually far more likely to be killed on US roads than on UK roads.
The extremely long gearing is what always put me off about these cars. First gen GT4 did 138 kmh in second gear if I recall correctly. Wanting to hear this engine at high RPM (trust me you will want to) will get you in big trouble in most countries. Absolute deal breaker for me unfortunately.
Same, I’m not sure I’d buy one because of it. You could get away with it in some places in Uk, but 80% of the time you won’t be making use of the nice gear change and power band!
Its tough choice between a GTS 4.0 and a V6 Emira, I've driven both, and the Emira just wins it for me, the GT4 for me is too hardcore but might have a drive of one before making my decision. You can get a lightly used Emira for low £60k, your most likely need the extra 2 year warranty at £1800😂😂
![PASULOL รามเกียรติ์ ตอนที่ 4 นนทกพบรัก [Ramakien Ep.4: Nonthok in love]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tMUQgmZzf_A/mqdefault.jpg)
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I was the exterior designer of all 981 variants bar the roof and rear deck of the Spyder which was done by the renowned Grant Larson, designer of the 986.
I’m happy that my “baby” has lasted so long on the market (with the 718 facelift) and that our engineers did such a great job not only on the car as launched, but in keeping it updated.
As a designer, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing something you sketched being used and enjoyed.
Well done, the 981 design has stood the test of time - still turns heads.
one of the best looking cars you've done mate. cheers.
Thanks! Heart and soul went into it! It was a privilege to work with such a great team on it.
Thanks! It’s nice it has lasted so long. Btw, those flat topped front fenders were inspired by the 906…
What’s your name?
I have owned a 718 GT4 and currently have a GT4RS and 981 Cayman S. As a Ferrari owner over the past 30 years, this is the platform that made me sell my last Ferrari and I’ve never looked back. If you’re a cars&coffee person, then it may not be for you. But if you’re like me, and try to get to a racetrack at least once a month, there absolutely is no substitute to these cars. If you can afford one, then that means you’re probably very, very busy. Probably, like me, have kids, wife, obligations. You can’t get to the track every weekend so when you do you have to make the most of the time you have. Factor in hotels, gas, tolls, food, track fees, consumable, etc. and you’ve got an investment in both time and money.
Many times I see a Ferrari or McLaren on the track, they are either coming into the pits for extended periods with overheating brakes, check engine lights, or just plain overheating. I’ve had zero problems with my Porsches on track and there’s always a specialist or vendor close by because there is so much demand for their services. I know a lot of people think that Porsches aren’t as exciting to drive as some other cars and they’d be right, except for the mid-engined Caymans, they aren’t just the best Porsches made, they’re the best sports cars made. That is, unless all you do is go to cars & coffee.
Agree with all of the above, if indeed you go to a track regularly. I’d wager however that very few of these ever see a track. If not, then the F car is the more special thing which you can get pleasure from just going to the shops in or meeting pals in a country pub.
Nice carpark you have. Congratz
"Porsches aren’t as exciting to drive as some other cars" - well, I mean, being without brakes in the middle of a lap or without engine when exiting a nice bend is exciting. Just the wrong kind of exciting.
I’d argue that if this is your situation, it would be better to have a dedicated track car such as a caterham or Ariel or radical
If you’re going to go to the track, ALL of these cars are compromised, Porsche, Ferrari or McLaren
Good post. Before I had kids I had a 718 GTS that I tracked. It was standard other than brake pads. Great car!
I have owned both the 981 and 718, driven about 20k miles combined and 30+ track days. Incredible cars, but ultimately I preferred the rawness of the 981. Heavier more feelsome clutch, more sonorous engine, and just had a little bit more ‘specialness’ about it. I had the Kline exhaust on my 718 which brings a lot of the sound back, but overall I just preferred the slightly less sanitzed feel of the 981. No question the 718 had a much better powerband though, incredible linearity and power all the way to redline.
Agree. I trade backwards from 718 to 981. The 3.4L in GTS with that sport exhaust sounds incredible. Puts the 718 GT4 and GTS 4.0 to shame sound wise.
I definitely feel the loss in power but because both are delivered in a NA linear fashion, you don't miss the power since it's delivers very spread out across the band.
But by the same coin, the cars are light. You also definitely do still notice the power diff. Altho in 5-10 years time both cars would be considered terribly slow. They are already not great $/HP ratio but never was a power focused car
The 981 is also quite a bit lighter with the same brakes. The 981 was limited production, the 718 wasn't.
@@Supercruiser66 yea but with how few were actually produced, even if the 'program' wasn't limited production it might as well be
@@ZDY66666Agreed. Test drove the 718 GTS 4.0 and GT4 but after driving a friend’s high-spec 981 GTS I couldn’t get over how good it sounded even with the loss of power. Ended up with a very low mileage 981 GTS I bought of a private collector. And saved quite a bit of money! Strange how older cars appeal to me more these days
Being a 718 GT4 Kline owner and have driven many 981 GT4's, the issue I have with the 891 is the low end torque and power difference. You can definatley feel the difference and it makes the long gearing more noticable. Coming from a 991.1 4S, the 981 felt too slow. Rawness, that's very subjected as most GT drivers prefer the new clutch system on current GT cars and most people don't want a heavy steering feel but I get the uniqueness the 981 brings. Both are amazing cars but having a Kline system transformed this car to another level. So clad it's legal in South Africa. Cheers
After owning 11 911s over the last decade, I felt running on empty, and when the bloated 992 came out in 2019 I said to myself enough is enough and slowly started looking at Ferrari and Lamborghini for my next car. At the time I owned a -90 Carrera 4, a -91 Turbo, a -94 Carrera 2, a -10 Carrera 2 an -18 Carrera T and a 2020 Taycan. All the 911s were manuals. I sold all the 911s and the autumn of 2021 I saw a picture of a new Porsche prototype with a Ferrari layout. A 2-seater in orange with gills, vents and louvres all over and a magnificent big wing at the back. I fell head over heels in love with it and rang my dealer to secure an allocation for the new Ferrarilike Porsche that left every 911 looking boring. September of 2022 my PTS GT4RS was delivered and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a sports car! Raw, fast, reliable, stunning looks, insane sounding and just a hooligan to drive on road and blisteringly fast on track. It’s the best car Porsche has made. A lot more fun than the 992GT3RS which still lacks the sound of a proper sports car and inevitably will be replaced by a faster, even more
muted version.
The GT4RS is more Ferrari and Lamborghini than Ferrari and Lamborghini. It’s an absolute bonkers car.
@@Nord_Mann wtf you looking to adopt? I can cook and clean
you are smoking some of that crazy poor man Cayman weed 😂
Love the Cayman but if I had Ferrari money I still would’ve bought a Ferrari anyway
In 2021 i tried to place an order for a 718 GT4 and was refused as it was my first Porsche so unless i went used my other option was a GTS 4.0 which i went for in the spec i wanted. It is primarily a weekend car and in the 18months and 8000 miles i have covered in it , mainly across europe and the odd trip to Goodwood i think it was the correct car for me. Having since ownership driven a couple of GT4s its much firmer setup would have been tiresome over those 2000 mile plus journeys , so despite my grievance at the OPC at the time for dismissing my order i think my 52year old spine & butt cheeks can thank them now. Keep the content coming , always a pleasure to watch 🤩
Utter.y ridiculous they say to people they won’t sell them the car they want though. On principle I personally wouldn’t buy anything from them at all if they said such nonsense to me.
I would like to take this opportunity to ask that you please never change the intro and outro music, James. They’re my favorite you’ve ever had.
Yeah I'm kinda fond of them myself now
@@JayEmmOnCars Yeah - what is that intro music? 😊
Very much agreed!
@@JayEmmOnCars for whatever reason I just love how you say “enjoy the film.” It makes me think you have put a lot of effort and pride into it, which no doubt, you have.
Picked up my 718 GT4 almost 2 years ago, and I still maintain after 26 years of driving, it's the best car I've ever owned. Looks amazing, sounds insane (with Kline inconel exhaust) comfortable, fuel efficient, and rock solid reliable. Done 14 track days and 40+ autocross events only changing tires and brakes.
My wife doesn't care about cars at all and she laughs out loud every time she gets behind the wheel. Excellent car!
i think i need to get the kline exhaust
@@vikd4292 best mod I've ever done
Exact same feelings about my Spyder
I've had my GT4 since 2016 and feel fortunate to have it. It's staying in the family as it's too good to sell or trade in for another car. Picking it up with one of my sons in Stuttgart and driving it to Monaco was a dream I never expected to fulfill. You'll never regret one of these cars, no matter the generation.
I had one of these for 3 years and daily drove it up to 37k miles. Amazing car. And I paid below sticker. Sold it for basically what I paid for it… after 37k miles… never had a single issue with the car. Porsche reigns.
Never been a big Porsche guy, with a huge exception for the Cayman GT4
"Never been a big Porsche guy, but"... blah blah blah blah..... Man, this is such an unbelievably boring and stupid blah blah from these days confused social media blah blah guys like you. Just huge BS coming from "car dudes", who are thinking as if their opinion "would matter"... 🤦♂🤦♂🤣🤣
A lot of guys "these days" are coming up with "not being a Porsche fan.... but"... Until they realize, that Porsche is just totally SUPERIOR compared to any other carmaker! That's all! Enough said!
Keep your BS for yourself dude, because your "car taste" is totally irrelevant to a lot of other people, who are experiencing and enjoying the perfection of PORSCHE masterpieces since decades!
There is simply no other sports carmaker on this planet, which can compete with PORSCHE!
Here in Australia I've just taken delivery of a Boxster GTS 4.0l manual. Granted as a track car it will not compete with the Spyder or GT4 but as, predominantly a road car it's bloody hard to beat. You don't have to drive it fast to enjoy it. In fact I went for the 10 mil ride height reduction over the 20mil. Also got the aluminium extended leather package. On a sunny day driving into the mountains in the Gold Coast hinterland it's no bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Congrats. The GTS is arguably the better road car.
The Subaru BRZ is my first and current car I bought with my own money. It’s everything I love in a car. Manual gearbox, naturally aspirated, low to the ground with a chassis built for handling.
The manual 718 GT4 is my dream car. THIS is a quintessential Porsche and THE sports car. People talk about the 911, but I believe the cayman is the superior platform, and it looks much better. The GT4 is the GR86 on steroids and I hope I can snag one one day. This is an absolute classic.
Most authentic, real world car commentary on TH-cam.
IMO the 718 is the perfect size 2 seater sports car. I’d happily live with the GTS or GT4 and they are my dream car and I’m hoping to buy a GTS soon.
Jim, don’t move on from the 718 GT4. I went from GT3 to 981 GT4, THEN R8 V10 Plus……. Soon after, I was back into an Ultraviolet 718 GT4. You can’t beat that mid engined chassis and handling, plus all of the perks of owning a Porsche (service schedule, warranty, reliability, low cost to maintain, better community, etc, etc). DONT MOVE!
Definitely the warranty!!! My 718 GT4 differential failed the day after a track day needed a whole new gearbox 15k. . . Porsche knew it had been on track they covered it no questions asked. Picked it up and had it back to me in under 2 weeks.
@@elliotsimpson1148 name another manufacturer that would have done that! ?
@@bullychrisToyota
@@GTFour Toyota would, and has time and time again, across varying GR models, done the exact opposite.
This is amazing James, with most car reviewers considering Porsche as infallible, and even more so for your specificity. Ford Australia did the same thing, due to their XR6 Turbo, as it outperformed their 5.4 litre Coyote V8. The Ford Detroit fools, did not consider building a much lighter straight 6 for global sales. Instead, shutting down local manufacturing completely. Even Jeremy Clarkson commented on the XR6 Turbo equipped vehicle, as the finest driver's vehicle in the world, under $100,000. The 6 did not have suffer from under steer due to excessive weight of the cast iron V8. The engine was known as the Barra, as in barracuda. Naturally, once tuners got hold of the 6, they found that replacing con rods with titanium ones, the Barra would easily put out 1000 BHP.
Bonza!
I had a dealer take a deposit for an early 718 GT4, only six months later to advise me a GTS was the only option. I went through the whole “We only get limited numbers” and “Porsche only sell these to existing customers” bullshit. Utter nonsense. The sales guy thought I would just roll over and blow the money on a GTS intead. Walked away from a stupid game of ‘tease the customer’.
Will NEVER consider buying a Porsche again, not because of the car, but because the buyers experience is truly awful unless you are a seasoned customer. I buy to drive, not to speculate. Well done Porsche…
In the USA, low mileage examples of the 718 GT4 are still going for sticker or above. Thats because it’s such a fantastic car. Thanks for making this video and honest feedback! It’s a shame Porsche permitted the dealers to negatively affect the potential 1st owner buying experience forcing many to be the 2nd or 3rd owner only after friendly flips by salesman and their friends.
As a 981 GT4 owner, I can say that for sure there is nothing in else in this price point that captures the drivers car ethos as this does. These are fantastic cars.
Love my 981 GT4, had fast road set up by suspension secrets and I added the carplay module, its all the car I will ever need.
I almost put an order with the new emira but the depreciation on those, I couldn’t justify it so bought a 718 GT4 instead…. Has to be one of the best cars I’ve ever owned and the PDK is absolutely sublime and I’m a manual purist at heart.
Depends on where you live I suppose. The Emira shouldn't depreciate very badly in the US.
I would have liked a few minutes of the film dedicated to a direct comparison between the 2 generations. Overall very good!
I have a Python Green GT4 in very similar spec to this (manual/comfort seats/standard brakes). Changed up from a 987S this year and it is quite a a weopan 💚
Small remark; Andreas Preuninger said in many interviews that Porsche will makes as many 718 GT4 that is possible (in the production timeframe) for as many people that want them (because they did not want the same thing to happen as with the 981 GT4). Seems like Andreas Preuninger was telling the truth :)
I was pulled over by the cops driving one of these cars a number of years ago. The cop advised me my front plate was ajar. He then said what a nice car you have. I then pulled away driving another 500 km home. Not all cops are unfriendly at least here in Canada. Cheers mates🍺
My theory is that Porsche might have wanted to push the electric Cayman a couple of years ago but walked back seeing it wouldn't really sell. Hence why the GT4 and GT4 RS stayed in production for quite a few years. So a win/win for people who can afford them I bet...
I would buy an EV 718 today if they made one.
A couple of years ago, EVs were selling like hot cakes. Now you’ve got to give away a Taycan to get rid of it. I fear Porsche will regret and suffer from their efforts to electrify their range of cars.
Cayman GT4 always seemed like one of the best-driving Porsches.
They’re incredibly fun, especially with a manual. I just sold mine for an RS, but if I had the space I would have kept both. It’s definitely not the fastest car for the money, but they’re unbelievably planted on the road, they make you feel invincible around corners. Nothing like rowing gears up to the redline in a small/relatively lightweight (for a modern car) platform that feels like it’s glued to the pavement. People always repeat the cliche “it’s better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow,” and no car is a better embodiment of that than the GT4. Not that it’s slow per se in general, but it’s certainly no rocket either. That being said it has enough power to put a smile on your face and is composed enough to tackle any road with ease, if it had shorter gearing (especially second gear) it would really be the perfect sports car
18:38 Exactly what I done a couple years ago and thought I had no chance. They took my deposit there and then, 6 months later I had my very own GT4 in the garage! Had mine about 2 and a half years now and love it 😁
Had mine since 2021. Definitely the best sports car I have owned; maybe the last. Not as fast as the RS and GT3, but fun enough, especially with a manual transmission.
I watched your video about the base Cayman 718 and bought it anyway. You were right with some of the criticisms, but the price/performance ratio is unbeatable and the car is great fun. I'm glad I bought it because it's now discontinued.
I part retired from my job of 30 years earlier this year and was able to treat myself to one of these. I went for the PDK in Arctic Grey. Although I have owned performance cars in the past, nothing comes close to the special occasion feeling I get when I drive the GT4. It’s also a beautiful looking car which gets tons of positive attention.
You are right on the money with your commentary ..... it is an amazing car and the speed, sound and drivability are pretty much perfect .....I was buying one of the last in production until they advised the delivery might/would be late and therefore I would be subject to the new price hikes which was about 7k extra.... typical of this brand of Porsche Dealers
I absolutely adore my 981 GT4. Just ordered some Dundon headers for it.... And soon shorter gearing and lightweight flywheel and clutch!
Emira
Manual
V6
Yellow
I bought a 981 Spyder when they first came out after seeing it at the NY Auto show and reading about it. At the time I really wanted a GT4 but the waiting list was long about 15 people and my salesperson at Ray Catena Porsche told me that he only had two allocations for that car but also had two for the Spyder and only one taker. I went for it even though it wasn't my first choice. I order it with the carbon seats, Guards Red and extended leather along with a few other bits. It came out to $103,500. Best money I ever spent. I am glad I went for the Spyder as it's a bit softer and more suited to the kind of driving I do. I have taken it on the Dragon's Tail in North Carolina with a group of Porsche friends who had various models one of which was the vaunted 2011 GT3RS. This car literally ran away from that car in the tight roads there. He works for Porsche and is a bonafide car guy who knows what he's doing. He did get me on the longer straightaways. I have driven several generations of 911's and they don't inspire the driver confidence the mid engine cars do. I still own the car and have 17K miles on it. At one point about two years ago I got a hankering for a GT3. Went to my salesman and he told me he could get me one but they would need my Spyder back on a trade in order to consumate the deal. I have a 2021 Porsche Cayenne which was another of the many cars I purchased from this dealer but that didn't put me in the inner circle of friends that immediately get the car they want. I refused and I'm glad I did. Since then I realized that I enjoyed this car more. My other friend owns a 2019 GT3RS which he let me drive and I realized that car was so high in track capability that made it feel unsatisfying in daily or weekend fun use. If I buy another Porsche to add to the collection, it will be a regular GT4. You are on the money with your assessment of the dumb marketing strategy that Porsche originally had with both the GT4 and Spyder. Hopefully corrected now. Thanks for an excellent video.
8:24 - Some sort of noise assistance is done via a small pipe from the manifold to a hole in the wall behind the seats. Helps with induction note in the cabin. Nothing through the speakers though.
It's funny you mentioned the 996 GT3 and GT2 in the video, cause the topic of the whole dealership fiasco for GT products takes me back to the 996 days, when IIRC many dealers were having a hard time selling 996 GT3s, then fast forward 10 years from then and you see a completely reversed situation. It's really amusing seeing how people's thoughts changed. Btw, I can't wait to see the 996 GT2 video!
Well done. Great unbiased review.
My steer is a last of the line PBGTS 981 but for a fixed roof car this is the sweet spot. 🙏
I'm jealous of two things:
Driving the GT4
Your incredibly gorgeous and fluorescent shirt 😍😍
Driving a 996.2 GT3 CS - you are spot on as always 👌
Good video, James!
I’m one of those that has an Emira but would have a GT4 in the garage had it not been for the $urcharge$.
I already have a 981B so ultimately I got the best of both worlds, I suppose.
Looked at the R8s multiple times and the motors and design are gems but the steering feel and sharpness just weren’t there (except for the’12 GT I got to drive but alas has been my Moby Dick, eluding me and now aging).
JM! You nailed it sir! Love the video. Owned one and without a doubt, most phenomenal car I’ve ever had. Sucks so much that it got taken in an accident. Hopefully the replacement costs gets back to something I can feel good about.
Cheers and thanks for bringing back all those great memories.
Trouble with 718 is the EU-mandated PPF's do slightly muffle the lovely engine sound, and of course the 981 doesn't suffer this.👍🏻
100% agree - gt4 is like a golf. It does everything really well however it doesn't excel on any department.
Those ratios and the fact that it doesn't have a proper gt engine is a show stopper for me.
Just sold my 718 gt4, it’s actually for sale at Porsche south lakes right now in crayon with red stitch interior, take a look. Not sad to see it go now I have factory fresh gt4rs… another level on ❤
Did you crack the shock towers?
@@TML34 who hasn’t had a gt4 padm fault lol both sides
I have an Emira V6 Manual and I’ve owned 991.1 a 718 Cayman a 991.2 and a 981 you can stick all the Porsche products as good as they are the Emira has a soul and I love it
Hmmm, pity they had to spoil Emira with that hiddeous iPad in the middle of the dash...looks totally out of place in such a car.
@@johndavies4079 test drove emira, nd2 Miata made me a top down guy. Do not regret spyder with JCR. Curious what makes Emira have soul you speak of? It certainly is more exotic looking.
@@jimw5040 it’s hard to put it into words the Porsche is a precision instrument and it’s great but it doesn’t give you that certain feeling (the fizz as James May calls it) the radio has never worked rain gets I into the boot / engine bay the HVAC system didn’t work for a month but you don’t care because it drives incredibly the Lotus engineers are genius the suspension is so clever I don’t see how you get the combo of compliance and handling
This is a surprise. After the devastatingly brutal review of the Cayman GTS 4.0 I never could have anticipated such a favorable review of it's brother.
The difference in weight between the 981 and the 718 is partly due to a newer and different way of weighing cars by the Manufacturer... The real difference is way less than 100 kgs. Look into It, please. Cheers from Italy.
You may want to double check the weights. In between the two cars being released, how manufactures had to report the weights of cars changed. So it’s not a like for like comparison when looking at spec sheets. There’s plenty online (TH-cam) that discusses it. PetrolPed might be worth chatting with.
I miss my 981 GT4. I was sooo disappointed when I heard the 781 reviews. I had put a deposit on one… …my thoughts were that Porsche only make improvements to their cars, so I expected it to be even more raw, more track focused etc. So, I was forced. Forced to wait for the GT4RS.
I love it so much. it is the car that ticks (all) the boxes for me. I live in Sydney (Aust), and I am surrounded by some of the best driving B roads in this country. I had Porsche adjust all aero to max downforce, and we did some minor suspension alignment adjustments to improve turn in (not too aggressive). The overall changes were so minor, yet the way it impacted the driving was just unbelievable! The car no longer feels like it is “on rails”, now it is! It was confidence inspiring previously, but now it feels like the car is say “I can go faster” :) No body. I mean NO BODY can keep up if the road has twists and turns. And the NOISE!!! OMG ! I drove all the way from Sydney to Melb (and back) along the coast road. Approx 1000kms each way. It the most amazing drive I have ever done. It took approx 2.5 days each way. I was so tired at the end of each day, but I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of Steve Sutcliffe’s review when he said (paraphrasing now) “…the hair on the back of my neck are sticking up, I’m all sweaty, and my heart is racing… …but its all good!” Yes i was deaf for about 3 days afterwards, because the average db reading was 94 for the trip.
I would not change anything. One last point. The RS is the first “automatic” I have ever owned. But let me explain one thing to all those “i drive manuals only” individuals out there. I was once like you. But when you are driving hard, and I mean hard and fast enough to start wondering how well the Cup2’s are holding up, then you know that every split second counts. There’s absolutely NO WAhY that you, or anyone else, will have time to take a hand off the wheel, take your left foot off the footrest where its jammed in tight for stability, place it on a clutch pedal, depress it, blip the throttle, do a seamless gear change (especially on a bumpy mountain road), release the clutch smoothly in perfect synchronisation of adding pressure to the throttle pedal and returning your hand to the steering wheel! And then, do this over and over and over again, hundreds, perhaps thousands of times, without missing an apex, a break point, a turn point etc. The PDK, with 7 gears, will do it all day, and all night, and be ready to do it again and again and again. I can honestly say, I am converted. I mean this; I love driving a manual sports car, as it is extremely rewarding & satisfying when all things gel, however… When everything is on the line, when you are testing yourself, or when you need total control - PDK is it. What I enjoy most about the PDK is using the paddles, not that I didn’t/don’t like allowing the car to make gear changes for me, I on the other hand prefer to make those decisions myself, because I am the driver.
sorry i went on too long. Anyone who says “its too loud” or “the suspension is too stiff” or anything else negative… No way are these people car enthusiasts! Do not attempt to explain :)
cheers
Ewan
Sydney Aust
The styling of the 981 BS is simply superb.
Friend bought a 718 Spyder RS recently trading in a 992 GT3, he said the RS is the better car because it’s smaller for UK roads. Effectively same chassis. Also was able to buy a 718 Spyder with no new car purchase history with Porsche.
wow i had no idea how close in price this and the 981 gt4 were. ignoring cars labelled as crash damaged, the 981 gt4 at its cheapest is 54k with 2nd cheapest being 61k. the cheapest 718 cayman gt4 is 67k and the 2nd chepest 69k. if we remove the one outlier 981 gt4 (at 54k) from the equation theyre almost exactly the same price
@@15DEAN1995 Nope....one is more expensive on average than the other
I own one of these and it's mostly fantastic. You nailed the main points against which have been detailed which are that the steering while very direct and accurate just doesn't have the feel of the older racks (like in my 996). Going with that this car also isn't quite as characterful or exciting to drive at lower speeds as an older Mezger car which is dripping with it even just puttering around. The other point you covered is the gearing which also yes is too tall. Outside of that and once you get on a proper bit of road the car is just a delight. Sometimes I have FOMO about not having bought a 997.2 GT3 just before this, but those have gone into stratospheric pricing now. I think if you're wanting a Porsche GT car in this price range you only now have a 996 GT3, 997.1 GT3 (at the low end), and a 991.1 GT3 (which few want). Oh and the 981 GT4. I do sometimes wonder what it's like to drive an R8 V10 manual and hopefully I get the opportunity someday, but from what I hear dynamically it will not hold a candle to one of these in stock form. And short of a stick shift 360 Modena or old Gallardo manual you're not getting anything with a manual and a horse or bull on the front of it for this price.
I have one and absolutely love it. Mine is modified with over axle pipes, lightweight flywheel, remap etc. sounds and goes great. If anyone can find a better sports car for £70k with buckets pccb etc I’m all ears.
Both the GT4 and the Emira really are excellent driver's cars but the Emira wins for me. It really has supercar looks for sports car money. Tell Jim to go for it!
I have a 981.2 always wasn’t crazy on the looks I feel they look a little weak mainly the rear fenders a bit girly looking. My point is I have aways thought your taste a bit off not only cars but lord that shirt so now I’m definitely selling thanks for helping me on my decision!
Awesome video James, huge Porsche fan (996 C2 owner), keep em coming!
I think what happened with the gold rush for the GT4 has turned out to be a good thing for real enthusiasts.
You can now pick them up with low miles, still lots of warranty, well spec'd and in any colour you choose.
There are a few cars like this on the market at the moment where second hand buyers are really reaping the rewards of speculators who've lost money and are now flooding the market (such a shame).
"Patience is a virtue."
Btw, the 981 GT4 almost didn’t happen - there was a lot of resistance to it due to thought it would compete with the top 911s. It was realized that their characters and what they offered at different price points were sufficiently different to give the GT4 the green light.
If there are so fewer 981 GT4’s and as the price of those have dramatically dropped, would it not make sense (if thinking long term) to by one of them 🧐
Just saw an emira this week IRL for the first time... It actually looks weird in person... The porsche looks better... and you know it's built better.
I'm currently running a supercharged GT86 and likely to replace it next year with something mid-engined. A manual Cayman GT4 - Gentian Blue with gunmetal wheels - is right at the top of the list. The only surprising thing is that insurance is over 20% more expensive than a 1st-gen R8 V10 (not a surprise to hear you mention that, and a shame that later cars were auto-only), Gallardo, or McLaren 570...
excellent review as usual, top notch, just get rid of the OPFs and its heaven
Everytime I watch your vids , I forget about the 'stranger things esque' theme at the end. Perhaps do more 80's cars reviews. 205, r5, xr2, gte, gti, xr3, Sri type of thing.
I love and have had porsches but like you say James summat about that r8 v10 manual for a lot less and feels even more special !!!
What does the English countryside look like? Dunno, we all drive in these green tunnels.
The old saying, about driving a great car slowly, as opposed to a bad car fast, seems to fully apply.
Great video although as someone living in Australia, these cars cost considerably more here than in the UK in GT4 guise. But they are as you said appreciating at a rapid rate.
I have a 981 GT4 that I absolutely will never part with.
Interesting you were critical of the 982 GTS suspension but good with the GT4. I found the GT4 a touch harsh for road driving / touring and I am not a track-day person. I went GTS, although there was also the 'sharp intake of breath' moment from the dealer you mentioned when I asked. Can't get away from it - the GT4 looks simply stunning though.
They have completely different front suspension.
Just the fact that porsche will always give their priorities to the 911 and will never allow any cayman to be as good as a 911 of the same generation
Strut suspension front and rear is rough for a performance car.
tempting prices... throw in a LWFW and an OPF delete... very tempting
Perfect timing James, I added this car to my dream vision board to buy one day, this vid is great timing!
If you go to Germany you can just walk into a Porsche showroom and order a GT4 or GT4 RS. That is as it should be. The whole "overs" culture has been created in the UK principally by PCGB, and it is toxic. If the cars are available, that is a very good thing. It is not a problem or a mistake.
Great car but not a daily. Ride is very stiff unless you live where the roads are really smooth.
The best all around car for the street imo is a Spyder. The 2016 - 981 Spyder weighs over 200 lbs less than the 718 Spyder and you can still get a low mileage example in the States for around $100,000. It’s also a manual only transmission. The 718 is 20-40k more used but comes with the PDK.
great title & 100% agree mate. but please don't tell everyone!! :)
In Ohio, I had deposits at five dealers, waited about 6 months for one to get an allocation for a 2023, end of production of the basic GT4. I paid 10K over list for a loaded car but don't regret it all. Stick, buckets, brakes all great stuff, Car is bad-ass on Ohio's back roads, and our test pilot here, I don't think made it past 6000 RPMs, where it starts to wail. The ignorant say it's smaller than a 911(4" shorter in length - overall dimensions otherwise same. Check it out.). Porsche was stupid to quit their only affordable mid-engine GT car. I need to drive a GT3 to compare, but since I was a kid in the 1960's reading Road&Track, the rear engine thing was just an evolution of the VW, a substandard design that stuck with a passionate audience. Nannies make the 911 a masterpiece, but everyone has been making mid-engine high performance cars for decades, even Chevy.
I love your honest reviews and value your opinion highly. How does this compare to the 718 GTS 4.0 and the Emira?
Great review, and spot on re Porsche dealers. My ongoing frustration
It needs: upgraded HIDs, CF buckets, extended alcantara dash, a bose. And then it will not be annoying to drive and be 100% all the car one needs. I have a silly 718 Boxster T. With CF buckets. The only one known sadly. It weighs under 3000 and is like glue. If I could go back in time, i would get the GT4, and not been overly concerned with its harsher ride
12:19 Recommend the plastic bucket insert to keep the trunk safe from spilled milk etc. :)
I only have a base 981 boxster, but my dream is a 981 spyder gt4 or the 718 duo. I'm not a fan of the look or some of the options on the GT4 and Spyder RS cars
Always said this car is now the 911....And it very much is!....
Michael MacDonald Sweet Freedom 👏👏👏
Another informative video - thank you.
@JayEmmOnCars great video, which car would you prefer and why - Lotus Exige sport 350/380 or Porsche GT4?
The owner, Jim, may enjoy a McLaren 570 or 650?
Last year, when the GT4 RS was launched, I approached Porsche dealers to purchase. All said, "No, but here is one with ~200 miles, which the owner no longer needs," for just £80k over the list price. A quick look, I see they are now back to £130k. It would be a good purchase now and should not lose too much value in the future.
Love my 718 Spyder. I don't do enough track driving to need a GT4.
Another brilliant insightful video 😊 still out of my league price wise I suspect that unless you have been brought up with a succession of contemporary gt3s this car would still be mind blowing on most roads---especially for someone coming from an nc mx5---😅.
Not so long ago there was avideo saying the GTS4.0 was no good for British roads, bordering on dangerous as jumpy, not pleasant/good at below 4/5000 rpm. Why is the GT4 different? And can you comment on cabin noise in both these vehicles on say long trips, regular use etc. Or are these cars better suited to occasional Sunday driving ingood weather and/or tracking etc?
I still decry the absence of that 4.0 engine in a 911. that would be the perfect car.
The genius of the GT4 is how the rear wing takes the rear from slightly ugly to lovely.
Exactly. :-) Same as the STI, that looks simply awful without a wing.
It’s the boy racer wing that puts me off.. like the driving feel , just not the looks
@@lukepricephotographyisn't it odd,in my younger years I'd say the wing is fabulous but now touching 50 I think it looks silly, tacky and over the top!😂
@@grahamsmith2022it’s because you’ve become a bore😂
@@grahamsmith2022 well despite not being entirely taken with the wing…. Deposit placed yesterday on a manual, gt silver with clubsport, buckets, carbon ceramics, matrix led, and all the trimmings :) I do think the gt silver helps soften the wing appearance a fair bit vs some of the other colour ways. I’ll be coming from a 2009 v12 vantage manual. It’s remarkable how similar the cars are in driving… obviously one has an amazing engine the Porsche has a vacuum cleaner, but otherwise really very similar in many ways.. only returning the vantage due to reliability issues else it was by my keeper forever.
Great video James. How would you compare the 718 GT4 to an Evora 400? After much searching and based on some of your earlier advice, I recently got myself a 400 manual and I’m super happy about it. I’ve not driven the GT4 but wonder how it would compare. Thanks
I will forever be on the hill that the Cayman/Boxster is better than the 911.
The 911 adds luxury which, sure, a lot of people love and rightfully so :) But it doesn't add more fun. (In fact, if anything, it removes fun)
To me this is the greatest driving experience you could get. (For actual driving, things like Ferraris or Lamborghinis are different to this)
It is quite an amazing car this.
I just got my American license M endorsement and we were taught are those types of roads dangerous but they are so because they are full "traps" that caused accidents because the roads are so ridiculously narrow. You guys need to create more margins.
The UK has one of the best road saftey records in the world (2.9 deaths per 100'000) compared to the USA (12.9 deaths per 100'000). This means you are actually far more likely to be killed on US roads than on UK roads.
Great review - The GT4 is an excellent car.
The extremely long gearing is what always put me off about these cars. First gen GT4 did 138 kmh in second gear if I recall correctly. Wanting to hear this engine at high RPM (trust me you will want to) will get you in big trouble in most countries. Absolute deal breaker for me unfortunately.
Same, I’m not sure I’d buy one because of it. You could get away with it in some places in Uk, but 80% of the time you won’t be making use of the nice gear change and power band!
Its tough choice between a GTS 4.0 and a V6 Emira, I've driven both, and the Emira just wins it for me, the GT4 for me is too hardcore but might have a drive of one before making my decision. You can get a lightly used Emira for low £60k, your most likely need the extra 2 year warranty at £1800😂😂
The empire will always be broken. The British make shit cars period. The panel gaps suck and they just flat breakdown far more than the Germans
No you really won't need that warranty; Toyota drivetrain is way more reliable than anything built by Porsche.
I have an Emira, the last thing I would worry about would be the engine, it's based on a Toyota engine and therefore probably bullet proof.
Excellent video 📹
Excellent car
20:10
Some people made si much money 💰, that having the car is more important.