I was not a Porsche guy until one day a business associate invited me to the Porsche track in LA. This was 4 years ago, now with a 911 in my garage, I am utterly obsessed with this brand. Just amazing cars all the way around. Porsche, There truly is no substitute!
The rant about gear ratio is going around the internet mostly from drivers who don’t own one, nor have driven any 5-speed sports car. Yes the chance to rev the car to the redline is few and far between unless you live in Germany or countries where speed limit isn’t strictly enforced, but the drivetrain offers so much even between 3000-5000rpm. This was the case for 981 GT4, a car that won praises from many car magazines, and reviews. The gearbox is practically carried over to the 718, with a new, and more powerful engine. BTW, 997 GT3 gearing is also quite long, but no one is complaining because the Press coverage wasn’t on TH-cam.
I don’t think it’s ignorant ranting. I had a 981 boxster pdk and 1st and 2nd were noticeably too long. Like purposefully overly-long. Great car otherwise but that gearing always made it feel artificially diluted by Porsche to protect the 911. With a well geared boxster, why get a 911?
yeah, the torque is insane in this car compared to it's 3,4l Predecessor. I'm driving mine most on country roads in Germany and love the puristic feel of the 6-Speed manual.
Well, somebody already explained in this thread that the gearratio’s aren’t that much of a problem. I suggest to teke a look at the infamous Harry Metcalfe (harry’s garage on YT) who is the founder of Evo Magazine and who states that the Boxter gts 4.0 with the same gearratio’s isn’t a problem at all. He absolutely loves the boxter and cayman.
@@georgegetty8186 it still has tall gear ratios but not quite as tall as a manual transmission, and I have found the PDK shift points are earlier than shifting a manual at redline.
My experience with a new 2021 Cayman GTS 4.0 was terrible. In December 2020 I bought a brand new 2021 Cayman GTS 4.0 six-speed manual (ordered three months earlier). The car was drop dead gorgeous but had an unrepairable random grind between 1st and 2nd gears. After several months they replaced the entire transmission. That didn't work. Then they replaced numerous additional transmission parts but could not fix it! After only 850 miles, most of which were to/from the dealer and by Porsche mechanics, they refunded all my money under the lemon law in May 2021. And, oh, by the way, I read that this spring Porsche recalled the "fantastic" 4.0 flat 6 engines in the Cayman GTS because of defective connecting rods. Total and utter frustration and disappointment.
I am having the same issue with my car. Very disappointing. They are replacing the entire transmission. Let’s hope that fixes the issue. What state are you in?
In Russia the cost of stock is approx US$ 93,000. The annual tax is appox US$ 1,600 during the first five years then when the car is older 5 years owner pays the half.
Really agreed with your 1st premise that the turbo 4 is best for these. However the cayman and boxsters are so good l dont think you can go wrong with any variant from 986 to 982
You can use 3 or 4 gears even in city driving. You just have to shortshift and live with slightly lethargic engine response. But that's not going to be a problem if you have automatic rev-match enabled (it is always on in Sport and Sport+ modes), because the rev-match will allow lighting-quick and smooth downshift whenever you desire this shove-in-the-back feeling. I actually think the rev-match function is more suited to this car's engine, because unlike in a turbo car where you have torque in any rev-range, in a naturally aspirated car you must downshift, sometimes several gears down, to extract all that power. That's the perfect use-case for the rev-match.
So tired of hearing about the long gearing. It's a great car, just don't shift as much. Christ why is that such a big deal for every reviewer? I like the gearing.
I completely agree. These "reviewers " will literally find 1 thing to ding a car about and run it into the ground. Be happy the fucking car exists. If it's not the gearing, it the sound.
I own a gts 4.0 and the gearing is fine. You do bounce between 2 and 3 often if you are pushing it in canyons, but if you are just having fun, staying in 2nd is really a good time. The intake sound lets you know how fast you are going. Loads of fun.
I have a GTS 4 and love the gears and yes u will go to jail if u don’t keep your eyes in the mirror for the CHP. Cause u will be doing over a 100 in second or third gear but the GTS 4 will keep a smile on face all the time.
@@Resist_Oppression I think the long gearing is more of a problem than sound. Sound is subjective and does not affect performance. While long ass gearing is objective and hurts what potential it could have had. Complaints about long gearing ARE valid, while complaints about the sound of the flat 4 are merely opinion.
The pdk has the same issue reveling gearing based on all reviews! This is the best Porsche for all around fun every day … unless you want a top down car then get the Boxster. Do you agree? Great review of my favorite car! My only issue is the high price; over $100 k in the USA, with minimal options.
Loved the review. i just got a 2020 Cayman T which is great fun to drive and i never tire of it, but i do miss the 6 cylinder which i had in my 2014 Cayman S. I loved the S but it was PDK and not the fun that you get out of shifting gears. You have me now debating whether to go back to my dealer and get the GTS.
If you are still unsure, I can tell you that the sound from the new flat six GTS, GT4 and Spider sounds amazing especially inside the car. I have driven a GT4 and you really appreciate the six cylinders again it has a cool howling sound with the valves open
I have a 2014 Cayman w/Manuel. Just placed my order yesterday for GTS 4.0 June build, July delivery. I have enjoyed my 981 immensely for 45,000 miles and not sure if I will sell it, or figure out a way to keep it in the family.
It makes the car flick due to the weight of the engine in the back and sudden distribution of weight. In assetto corsa, you can flick the porsche easily mid-corner by doing just that or driving it like an f1 car where you'd still braking up to the apex
The gear ratios are fine. I drive a gt86 - people complain that its underpowered, yet even in that, if I drive flat out, I'll lose my license. I do get to rag it more, though. The Porsche is just supremely capable, you just need to savour the delights of its handling rather than redlining it. You can leave the redlining to the gt86.
base 911 hass less power but still half second faster spring to 100km/h.... they really HAD to kill cayman with that stupid gearing --.-- im wondering if someone will make diff parts for short gearing so that it redline at about 95km/h in second gear.
Poor man that I am I still thoroughly enjoy my original 986. Even with it it's a continuous battle to survive 'em traffic cops. I would retire in jail with this type of rig.
ironically if you red lined every gear here in Northern California you would be going speeds where the Police are not allowed to pursue the chase so yeah i will not be going to jail.
I am sick to death of hearing motoring journalists talk such utter rubbish about "Porsche's tall gear ratios...blah...blah...blah..." having driven them for many years I can tell you that on a twisting B road you can reliably grab 2nd and pass the eejit in front of you with enough time to grab 3rd before the red line, enough said....
Its incomparabily better than that ghastly lame 4 cylinder version but still not quite up to the sound level of the 2015 Cayman GTS. That is still probably one of the Great 6 cylinders of all time. The burbles and sheer ferocity of the 'growl' imo is still unrivalled!
You just need to change exhaust on 4 pot and it has even better sound that your lame 6 cylinder. And 4 pot has higher torque at much power revs. 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine is anachronism😃
@@123antimiro You're clearly in the minority. Resale values on 4 cylinder vs 6 clearly show that when it comes to putting your own money down, people are making a choice.
Long gearing works better with the instant torque of the 2.5 VTG Cayman S. While the GTS 4.0 is ultimately faster, it's gutless at low to medium revs thanks to Porsche sandbagging the mid-engined cars. 4.0 GTS allocations are hard to come by and there are markups. It's easier to find an S and spec it with all the GTS performance bits and it will handle just the same, or maybe even better since the S is lighter than the GTS. Though it would have been epic had Porsche put the 2.5 GTS engine in the standard S when the 4.0 GTS came out.
hi indeed great car HOWEVER, very high taxes in Europe for a 4.0 Engine. Belgium = one time tax = 11.000 euro ! and every year = 2650 euro.... So the car will not be sold much, I am afraid How much Tax in Australia ? Solution= I drive a Cayman 981 with the 2.7 6cylinder :-) and enjoy as much for a fraction of the 4.0 cost
Funny that your name is GT86 and you own a 981 2.7, because I also went form a BRZ to a 981 2.7 Cayman. Sold the Cayman because I needed more trunk space and seats so I got an i30N, and the shorter gearbox makes it even more fun than the 981 on public roads. I agree with this video, the Cayman is almost perfect... but not even being able to rev the 2nd gear is pretty frustrating.
@@Sylvain44 sales tax (GST), luxury car tax and import duty are federal. In my state: stamp duty and something called the TAC payment (mandatory 3rd party insurance with registration) and a transferee fee first year, number plate fees first year. Not as punitive as Europe but it adds compare completely stock prices Of this car... US $86K AUS $196k UK £64K Notice the odd one out?
Sorry fanboys buts stock, this thing sounds like a fartcan. Miles apart from the 981. What doesn't make sense: some have shown this can sound much better even with the OPFs, so why Porsche? You just made good exhaust sound another multi $K option (aftermarket).
There is an ever increasing demand for quieter vehicles through regulations. I bet that has a lot to do with it. At least after market exhausts are still an option.
I just got my GTS 4.0 6 days ago in the U.S.. When I start up my car it's loud, and sound great.When I wind it out it is extremely loud with the sonorous sound of Porsche 6 cylinders from days past. There is no way I need to make the exhaust any louder. When test driving a Cayman S, it was weak at idle and unimpressive revving out, but not the GTS.
@@ajcutler54 in the US, at least BMW (as in Australia) doesn't fit particulate filters. Same as your 718? Are they omitted again? If so, in Australia they would too... which means that any noise issue is in the EU only.
![เป็นไปได้ไหม - WanMai [Teaser] | 05-12-24](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P5Uto6e453w/mqdefault.jpg)
I was not a Porsche guy until one day a business associate invited me to the Porsche track in LA. This was 4 years ago, now with a 911 in my garage, I am utterly obsessed with this brand. Just amazing cars all the way around. Porsche, There truly is no substitute!
The rant about gear ratio is going around the internet mostly from drivers who don’t own one, nor have driven any 5-speed sports car.
Yes the chance to rev the car to the redline is few and far between unless you live in Germany or countries where speed limit isn’t strictly enforced, but the drivetrain offers so much even between 3000-5000rpm. This was the case for 981 GT4, a car that won praises from many car magazines, and reviews. The gearbox is practically carried over to the 718, with a new, and more powerful engine.
BTW, 997 GT3 gearing is also quite long, but no one is complaining because the Press coverage wasn’t on TH-cam.
Absolutely, love mine and I’m not troubled by the gearing at all.
I don’t think it’s ignorant ranting. I had a 981 boxster pdk and 1st and 2nd were noticeably too long. Like purposefully overly-long. Great car otherwise but that gearing always made it feel artificially diluted by Porsche to protect the 911. With a well geared boxster, why get a 911?
yeah, the torque is insane in this car compared to it's 3,4l Predecessor. I'm driving mine most on country roads in Germany and love the puristic feel of the 6-Speed manual.
3-5k rpm there is no power. In the turbo yes. But this one you need to be 5,000+ for power. That’s not great tbh.
Completely agree with this, I've owned 20+ Porsche cars and the gearing is a non - issue, even less so on track etc.
Nope you were right first time, it’s the knob in the seat
Well, somebody already explained in this thread that the gearratio’s aren’t that much of a problem.
I suggest to teke a look at the infamous Harry Metcalfe (harry’s garage on YT) who is the founder of Evo Magazine and who states that the Boxter gts 4.0 with the same gearratio’s isn’t a problem at all.
He absolutely loves the boxter and cayman.
Spot on guys! That is why I drive Cayman T , it is all you need on legal roads and it is fuuuuun:)
I absolutely share your enthusiasm with the Cayman GTS 4.0. I took delivery of mine 5 days ago, it has the PDK, and I love driving it.
So with the PDK does it have the same tall gear ratios ?
@@georgegetty8186 it still has tall gear ratios but not quite as tall as a manual transmission, and I have found the PDK shift points are earlier than shifting a manual at redline.
Congratulations! Drive it well :)
@@ajcutler54 shoulda got the manual.
My experience with a new 2021 Cayman GTS 4.0 was terrible. In December 2020 I bought a brand new 2021 Cayman GTS 4.0 six-speed manual (ordered three months earlier). The car was drop dead gorgeous but had an unrepairable random grind between 1st and 2nd gears. After several months they replaced the entire transmission. That didn't work. Then they replaced numerous additional transmission parts but could not fix it! After only 850 miles, most of which were to/from the dealer and by Porsche mechanics, they refunded all my money under the lemon law in May 2021. And, oh, by the way, I read that this spring Porsche recalled the "fantastic" 4.0 flat 6 engines in the Cayman GTS because of defective connecting rods. Total and utter frustration and disappointment.
Hi and sad about your experience !
Do you consider PDK could have any issues ?
I am having the same issue with my car. Very disappointing. They are replacing the entire transmission. Let’s hope that fixes the issue. What state are you in?
In Russia the cost of stock is approx US$ 93,000. The annual tax is appox US$ 1,600 during the first five years then when the car is older 5 years owner pays the half.
Really agreed with your 1st premise that the turbo 4 is best for these. However the cayman and boxsters are so good l dont think you can go wrong with any variant from 986 to 982
You can use 3 or 4 gears even in city driving. You just have to shortshift and live with slightly lethargic engine response. But that's not going to be a problem if you have automatic rev-match enabled (it is always on in Sport and Sport+ modes), because the rev-match will allow lighting-quick and smooth downshift whenever you desire this shove-in-the-back feeling. I actually think the rev-match function is more suited to this car's engine, because unlike in a turbo car where you have torque in any rev-range, in a naturally aspirated car you must downshift, sometimes several gears down, to extract all that power. That's the perfect use-case for the rev-match.
Never seen it this way. Great explanation
So tired of hearing about the long gearing. It's a great car, just don't shift as much. Christ why is that such a big deal for every reviewer? I like the gearing.
The tall gears are definitely a problem. You can deny it, but it’s very very real.
I completely agree. These "reviewers " will literally find 1 thing to ding a car about and run it into the ground. Be happy the fucking car exists. If it's not the gearing, it the sound.
I own a gts 4.0 and the gearing is fine. You do bounce between 2 and 3 often if you are pushing it in canyons, but if you are just having fun, staying in 2nd is really a good time. The intake sound lets you know how fast you are going. Loads of fun.
I have a GTS 4 and love the gears and yes u will go to jail if u don’t keep your eyes in the mirror for the CHP. Cause u will be doing over a 100 in second or third gear but the GTS 4 will keep a smile on face all the time.
@@Resist_Oppression I think the long gearing is more of a problem than sound. Sound is subjective and does not affect performance. While long ass gearing is objective and hurts what potential it could have had. Complaints about long gearing ARE valid, while complaints about the sound of the flat 4 are merely opinion.
Is that Carmine or Guards red ?
Guards
The pdk has the same issue reveling gearing based on all reviews! This is the best Porsche for all around fun every day … unless you want a top down car then get the Boxster. Do you agree? Great review of my favorite car! My only issue is the high price; over $100 k in the USA, with minimal options.
Its not high price in these days i am afraid.
Loved the review. i just got a 2020 Cayman T which is great fun to drive and i never tire of it, but i do miss the 6 cylinder which i had in my 2014 Cayman S. I loved the S but it was PDK and not the fun that you get out of shifting gears. You have me now debating whether to go back to my dealer and get the GTS.
If you are still unsure, I can tell you that the sound from the new flat six GTS, GT4 and Spider sounds amazing especially inside the car. I have driven a GT4 and you really appreciate the six cylinders again it has a cool howling sound with the valves open
I have a 2014 Cayman w/Manuel. Just placed my order yesterday for GTS 4.0 June build, July delivery. I have enjoyed my 981 immensely for 45,000 miles and not sure if I will sell it, or figure out a way to keep it in the family.
Heavy footed braking mid corner to induce oversteer??
It makes the car flick due to the weight of the engine in the back and sudden distribution of weight. In assetto corsa, you can flick the porsche easily mid-corner by doing just that or driving it like an f1 car where you'd still braking up to the apex
Looks like it's snapping back after you power slide it... Could get into trouble if you keep driving like that!
PDK shortens the gearing but you’re still going to end up in jail.
Not in Germany.
I heard it shaves about a whole 11km or 7 mph. Not going to make it feel any shorter IMO.
So WHY the tall gearing anyway? Is it USA sound / noise regulations? Space limitations?
The gear ratios are fine. I drive a gt86 - people complain that its underpowered, yet even in that, if I drive flat out, I'll lose my license. I do get to rag it more, though. The Porsche is just supremely capable, you just need to savour the delights of its handling rather than redlining it. You can leave the redlining to the gt86.
Amen
2nd gear topping out at 80+mph is fine?
@@your_alter_ego Yes. If you want to drive a car at its limits, drive a slower car.
Then just buy the 2.0 cayman
@@Jay-xr3sb pfft…who wants a 2.0 Cayman? Not saying it’s a bad car, but you’ll constantly be wishing you saved a bit more and bought the 4.0.
i think the gear ratio is fine, you can actually use it to your advantage on the streets.
Please explain more, I am debating on pdk or manual (for sure manual but so many complaints about only using at best 1-3 gears only
excelente video.
PDK gearing is almost the same as the manual, and almost the same as the 981.
PDK on the 981 is pretty perfect.
Indeed
Doesn’t any worthy sports car have the precise same issue. Can you wind out a GT3 on the road in 2nd gear and be well over the speed limit?
base 911 hass less power but still half second faster spring to 100km/h.... they really HAD to kill cayman with that stupid gearing --.--
im wondering if someone will make diff parts for short gearing so that it redline at about 95km/h in second gear.
Yes, shorter final drive is available
It is amazing with pdk
Poor man that I am I still thoroughly enjoy my original 986. Even with it it's a continuous battle to survive 'em traffic cops. I would retire in jail with this type of rig.
Winton, I miss you!
ironically if you red lined every gear here in Northern California you would be going speeds where the Police are not allowed to pursue the chase so yeah i will not be going to jail.
If you redline every gear in any car, you will have issues with the police.
@@Alex718GTS4.0. Not where I live.
This with Pdk and in Miami blue in boxster form is my dream car..
Ghibli has that issue with long gears
That's boss.
this car costs $200000 in my country because government said they want exorbitant tax.
Wow, that's unlucky lol.
Barbie Girl = unsubscribe 😝🤪
Btw I agree that 4.0 F6 sounds fantastic, Cayman’s are on my fav cars. Great looking car too.
I went to prison almost. Got flashed by a radar at 220 kmph because I was testing my Boxster S’ full potential. $135 fine and a very stern warning.
Poor guy, so glad we have the Autobahn. But I think "no speed limit" will be over in the next years.
@@Pilot2315 lefties are destroying the world little by little
In Norway you would get a $35k fine and a few months behind bars. But then, there are almost zero fatalities in car accidents in Norway.
Damn,, glad you at least avoided the bars.
What's the lap time?
I wish it came with a sunroof
Just get the PDK, while its gears are by no means short, they are shorter than the manual.
Resale is stronger on manuals.
Ring up Porsche UK, and they will answer “Por-sha UK” yes 👍
Buying a 400 HP sports car and complaining you can't use it's entire potential on public roads is the stupidest thing I ever heard.
Going damn near 80 mph in 2nd does suck for public roads
So buy a 160HP Miata.
I am sick to death of hearing motoring journalists talk such utter rubbish about "Porsche's tall gear ratios...blah...blah...blah..." having driven them for many years I can tell you that on a twisting B road you can reliably grab 2nd and pass the eejit in front of you with enough time to grab 3rd before the red line, enough said....
NA flat six mid-engine not perfect? C'mon man, at least it's not a Subaru 4 banger.
Turned out that PDK is not geared much shorter than manual. Difference is fe km\h on each gear but it's boring...
Its incomparabily better than that ghastly lame 4 cylinder version but still not quite up to the sound level of the 2015 Cayman GTS. That is still probably one of the Great 6 cylinders of all time. The burbles and sheer ferocity of the 'growl' imo is still unrivalled!
I think it’s more so the EU regulation stuff on exhaust and sound, not the engine. The US versions are louder
@@maynardewm Ah ok, thanks and that's good to hear.
You just need to change exhaust on 4 pot and it has even better sound that your lame 6 cylinder. And 4 pot has higher torque at much power revs. 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine is anachronism😃
@@123antimiro You're clearly in the minority. Resale values on 4 cylinder vs 6 clearly show that when it comes to putting your own money down, people are making a choice.
you are going to prison lol, nice test drive mate! well said pros and cons! keep up with the good work
40klms over the limit they take it and thats so easy!
Long gearing works better with the instant torque of the 2.5 VTG Cayman S. While the GTS 4.0 is ultimately faster, it's gutless at low to medium revs thanks to Porsche sandbagging the mid-engined cars. 4.0 GTS allocations are hard to come by and there are markups. It's easier to find an S and spec it with all the GTS performance bits and it will handle just the same, or maybe even better since the S is lighter than the GTS. Though it would have been epic had Porsche put the 2.5 GTS engine in the standard S when the 4.0 GTS came out.
hi
indeed great car
HOWEVER, very high taxes in Europe for a 4.0 Engine.
Belgium = one time tax = 11.000 euro ! and every year = 2650 euro....
So the car will not be sold much, I am afraid
How much Tax in Australia ?
Solution= I drive a Cayman 981 with the 2.7 6cylinder :-) and enjoy as much for a fraction of the 4.0 cost
Funny that your name is GT86 and you own a 981 2.7, because I also went form a BRZ to a 981 2.7 Cayman. Sold the Cayman because I needed more trunk space and seats so I got an i30N, and the shorter gearbox makes it even more fun than the 981 on public roads. I agree with this video, the Cayman is almost perfect... but not even being able to rev the 2nd gear is pretty frustrating.
@@Sylvain44
haha
same here
first a GT86 and now 4 yrs the Cayman ;)
but how much tax for a 4.0 in Australia? curious to know ...
@@cayman9815 can't say, I'm in Switzerland! I was paying 800 CHF (~800$) per year here
@@Sylvain44 sales tax (GST), luxury car tax and import duty are federal.
In my state: stamp duty and something called the TAC payment (mandatory 3rd party insurance with registration) and a transferee fee first year, number plate fees first year.
Not as punitive as Europe but it adds compare completely stock prices Of this car...
US $86K
AUS $196k
UK £64K
Notice the odd one out?
Your politicians are ... i am afraid to say it ... completely nuts.
Sorry fanboys buts stock, this thing sounds like a fartcan. Miles apart from the 981. What doesn't make sense: some have shown this can sound much better even with the OPFs, so why Porsche? You just made good exhaust sound another multi $K option (aftermarket).
There is an ever increasing demand for quieter vehicles through regulations. I bet that has a lot to do with it. At least after market exhausts are still an option.
I just got my GTS 4.0 6 days ago in the U.S.. When I start up my car it's loud, and sound great.When I wind it out it is extremely loud with the sonorous sound of Porsche 6 cylinders from days past. There is no way I need to make the exhaust any louder. When test driving a Cayman S, it was weak at idle and unimpressive revving out, but not the GTS.
@@ajcutler54 in the US, at least BMW (as in Australia) doesn't fit particulate filters. Same as your 718? Are they omitted again? If so, in Australia they would too... which means that any noise issue is in the EU only.
apparently they sound the same inside. But outside the 981 is better because it hasn't got those filters.
1st like and comment 👍
boring video, unsubscribed