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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 เม.ย. 2023
- Both the 718 GTS 4.0 and 981 GTS are equipped with high revving naturally aspirated flat sixes, manual transmissions, and all the Porsche performance goodies as standard equipment, but which generation of Cayman GTS is the better driver's car?
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Excellent review, the 981 GTS is one of the very few (none track) cars I have kept - it is that good and more importantly a lot of fun to drive. In many respects its right sized, good blend of power, weight and handling. The advantage of modest power e.g. 340 to 400HP is you can drive that power out, try the same road in a 720S and you'll find you're always pulling back. To give some perspective to my comments, my other cars are a 991.2 GT3 RS, 720S and inbound 296 GTB. Also, I remember Jonny Lieberman (Motortrend) called it a mini - Ferrari and Steve Sutcliffe (Autocar/EVO) thought it was the best small sports car he had ever driven. The secret with the 981 GTS is to find a spec with PASM and PTV, in that particular model, PTV was an option. The step up from the 987 Cayman chassis (31,000 N/degree) to 981 was huge (40,000 N/degree), in fact the 981 Cayman Chassis is one of the most rigid ever made, it was so good they didn't really change much for the 718 Cayman (41,000 N/degree, engines aside and a few very minor cosmetic tweaks). For some perspective, the latest 992 911 chassis has a torsional rigidity of 39,000 N/degree. In many respects, in the real world, the 981 GTS and 718 GTS 4L are perhaps two of the best all round sports cars Porsche have ever produced.
I‘ve driven PTS+PASM models and those with PtS+Sport suspension (-20mm). I’ve choose the second option. PASM feels more comfortable and would have been my choice for daily use but the sport suspension fits better to the sporty character of the GTS. Have you driven both suspensions ? What do you think ?
@@noandrewhere I've driven both and X73 was what I bought. I don't daily the car.
@@adrs2k Same. I still remember that I thought the Pasm+ptv drove like a cruiser version of the x73+ptv. But I don’t daily mine as well. (the sport bucket seats wouldn’t be the best choice for daily use anyways ;) )
X73 here also, but no PTV, do you think it really drives very differently ?
@@gabriels9977 It feels like the steering is very sharp and direct and you definitely get more traction if the road surface is variable. It works really well and better still, its not invasive. Previously PTV was only available on the 911 - so its one of those options that helps squares the ledger. I think PASM Vs x73 is really dependant on the nearby back roads, where I live they aren't great so PASM make more sense. However a X73, manual with PTV would be a great package if you have good roads 😀.
Been absolutely loving your reviews and your analytical approach, giving each car a fair shake, presenting genuine and unique perspectives that aren’t recycled lines from other reviews. I watch a LOT of car reviews and you are one of my favorites recently.
The quoted weight figures in this video are incorrect. The two cars are only 90 lbs. different, not over 200 lbs. The regulations for how manufacturers report weight changed around 2020 (see Henry Catchpole interview of AP). You need to actually put the cars on scales. Car and Driver does this. When they did, the 981 Cayman GTS (manual) weighed 3,095 lbs. The 718 Cayman GTS (manual) weighed 3,185 lbs.
I researched this on several Porsche forums and went over several corner weights info, pdk 981 gts vs pdk 718 gts 4.0 , real world difference was a lil over 200 lbs.
@@quincytambo4403The cars in this video had manual transmissions.
For the price of the 781 GTS 4.0 I'd much rather have a 981 Boxster Spyder instead, which is almost guaranteed to hold its value better. And it can give you the drop-top experience when you want it (manual top really isn't that bad once you got the hang of it). Speaking as the current owner of a 981 Spyder of course😁
Nice video, 981 Boxster GTS owner here. You got your driver’s door interior shots mixed up - the 4.0 had plastic dash top, the 981 had the stitched leather! 8:25 & 9:55
Your comparison videos are top class. Would LOVE to see you do one with an Emira Vs the GTS 4.0. I tested both, loved the Emira but went for the GTS in the end. Awesome video
Great review! Makes me feel even better about my 981GTS purchase a year ago (I also much prefer the looks and sound of the 981). I can say that filters in the 981 give it a lot more intake noise and you get way more exhaust note with the windows down!
Thanks for the excellent review! Very helpful.
I love how the old one is way louder😂 they really don’t make exhausts like they used to
Over axle pipes fixes that. Relax stock boy.
It's the OPFs and the fact the exhaust pipes don't merge
@@joe718gt4 OPF = GPF for the non german audience.
@@JStuartofficial maybe not everyone wants to buy an exhaust for a brand new car with a warranty?
Yes, I agree with the OPF/GPF comments. I own a 718 GT4 here in the US and replaced the OPF's and kept the stock muffler. I also added the option/tune to open or close the muffler flaps even with the car sitting in neutral. The car sounds amazing and includes pops and gurgles that I didn't know existed with this model. It is loud, believe it or not.
Loved your comparison! I've had my 981 cgts manual for just over a year now. The previous owner put a Borla exhaust on it and the note is mind (and ear) blowing. I wouldn't mind the extra 50hp of the 718 gts (who would?) but I couldn't be happier with this car. I've driven it from LA to SF on the crappy 5 and was shocked at how comfortable the seats and ride were. And it never ceases to amaze on the track and in the canyons. I look forward to having it for many years.
Hi ! X73 or PASM ?
I forgot to mention that it was pretty neat seeing these two cars compared in the same color. I think that added to the overall feeling of how close the two cars really are. I really wanted the GTS 'race-tex' material on the interior and of course the wonderful 4.0 liter engine. Those are the two things I miss most about going with the 981 Cayman S. The higher mileage of the 3.4 GTS may have contributed some to the feeling of less solidity although it looks to have been well taken care of.
I am a huge fan of the 981 GTS. Haven’t seen a car with such a crazy exhaust for that price else where. 😎 I got to drive it and it was amazing. Those 330hp feel like much more.
Holy crap this was the comparison video/video in general that I didn’t know I needed. Excellent comparison! 🙏
I bumped to this channel just by accident thinking I'll pick random part of the video and give this guy a minute... and just like that I've spent almost 20 minutes here! I guess you have new subscriber now :)
Very good comparative review. Thank you.
The reason for the lack of pass through channels on the steering wheel on the 981 is that they are actually displays and show when sport and sport plus modes are activated.
Good stuff my dude!
Just bought a 981 GTS on Friday - awaiting delivery still, so I can't stop watching 981 videos on the meantime 😂
Great vid bro!
981 GTS owner from new. Now has almost 40k miles on it. I swapped in high flow air filters at 20k and they do make a difference in sound. Still debating putting on equal length headers and a tune. I will not touch the stock sport exhaust as it is way better than anything else out there. I also have the X73 passive dampers (No PASM) and love the lowered ride height and the ride itself. The car is intoxicating and always puts a smile on my face.
what filters did you get?
I was hoping you would do this comparison. Very good job on the review. I was debating these two cars and had many of the same thoughts. Both are so versatile - can be used as daily drivers, are so fun on track, and reliable. When I was looking it was hard to find a GTS 4.0 for under 110k they were in such high demand. If they come down in the 90ish range, it may be the best car for under 100k on the market (imo).
One thing to note Fenton - I need to look into it for these two specific cars, but they started reporting curb weight differently sometime between 981 and 718. When I was looking at the GT4's, one thing that sounded great about the 981 was that it was lighter (I thought). Looking into it they are in reality the same weight, but reported differently now. May look into it, but your intuition that they felt the same weight may actually be correct.
Awesome video!
Good point about the curb weight specs. Very confusing when manufacturers change the way they calculate it. Man, I'm still tingling from driving your Spyder yesterday.
@@Zygrene highly anticipating seeing your review!!!
981 weight is from lightest spec & 718 is from std base spec & real life weight diff between same spec is like 50-100lb max
I’ve owned my 981 CGTS for 18 months and it’s my first Porsche. I keep contemplating should I try other Porsches - 964, 993, 997.1 GT3 etc etc. But each time I get semi serious, I can’t as I just adore my 981. He still looks modern, has a lot of modern components, yet has that yesteryear charm. I’ve done the NC500 twice in him and he leaves me smiling like a Cheshire Cat. Throwing the chassis into corners and the growl out of the exhaust is petrol heaven.
Edit -
I also test drove a 718 CGTS PDK. A beautiful car, very very competent, but felt too polished and refined compared to the 981
Yor Gts is manual ?
@@georgepotcovaru2595 it was a PDK. Which was fantastic. If it had been manual, I’d have never sold
Great review my friend, like you knew my needs...torn between the 981 gts and the 982 gts. Not often you find exactly what you were looking for on yoube
Haha. Maybe a GT4 video is coming soon!! I had the opportunity to drive a 718 GT4 and GTS 4.0. I think what amazes me most was that the two couldn’t be more night and day difference. GT4 is definitely in my future. But first. Wife wants another house…. Thanks for the great comparison! Keep it up with these banger vids
Always enjoy your comparison reviews
I had a 2016 cayman S with x73 for 3 years, now have a Gts 4.0
you nailed the differences
the 981 sounds better OUTSIDE the car
the 4.0 sounds better inside
the 4.0 is torquier
overall both amazingly fun cars, get em while you can
This is the perfect video for me. At some point in the future, i'd like to move over to a Cayman GTS, however I always question which generation I should go with. Great to see and hear both of them tho 😎
Nice review man, I like your style. You're bang on with regards to 987 -> 981 -> 718: the 981 was a completely new platform that was a big jump on from the 987. The 718 is an evolution of the existing 981 platform, so they feel fairly similar.That additional air filter must be making a huge difference, because the 981 GTS normally sounds significantly loud, more aggressive and all around better than the newer, more muted 4.0. Also, I think the 981 doesn't feel lighter because the steering is so heavy. Maneuvering on gravel sometimes makes you think the tyres have gone flat it's so heavy. In the 718 2.0 I drove, they had clearly fixed this. I own a 981 GTS and, engine noise aside, the 718 is the better car in every other aspect - as you'd expect really, especially from a manufacturer like Porsche. They are masters at gentle evolution and they never take a backward step. Still, it's nice to know that the slightly duller engine note of the 718 can be fixed with a simple tweak.
I have been driving a 2015 981 GTS for 7 years now. For me it doesn't make sense to sell and buy the 4.0 for that extra 35K. If I do sell my next car will be most likely a 2018 GT3 4.0. Right now I am still loving my GTS. It has the perfect specs and only 29K miles. Sounds great and will turn heads. I think someone would have to make me an offer I couldn't refuse.
I am in the same boat as you. I have the 2015 981 GTS. I still love it. Although if someone offers me a price I can't refuse I will part with it and look for a 2018 911 GT3 4.0. I was told the prices on them will be going down by the end of the year. Not sure about that but time will tell.
@@playingwithmytrains5440 i have a 2014 981s from new i got it before the gts was available but i spec'd it with all the gts options and more.... still makes me smile every time i drive it. The only thing i would like more would be a 911 turbo s for a daily but i would still keep the cayman for track days.
@@weldchipManual or pdk Gts 981 ? And which one would u choose if kept it ?
@@georgepotcovaru2595 it's very much personal preference, mine is a pdk but the manual is also very good, the pdk isnt just alright for an automatic it's pretty much telepathic, it's very good at being in the right gear all the time but I do like to down shift it a bit more aggressively when only in sport mode, sport plus is a bit too aggressive for the road but perfect for track, just make sure you don't get one that had the latest epa recall as it changes the sport plus gearbox map so it doesn't hold a lower gear so aggressively.
@@georgepotcovaru2595 I would probably stick with the pdk if I'm honest. I have track toys, so this just gets used as a fun daily as long as I don't have to transport anything large
As some comments have already said, but it’s really a huge factor… the 718 prices can reach double of the 981 for GTS models as an upgrade from an owned 981 to a new 718…. And there’s no way the difference is a match to the price delta… imho (own 981, test drove 718) the 981 gets you the emotion in sound, the 718 gets you satisfaction of new and a larger engine…. But dollar for fun… 981 is a win.
718 has a quicker steering rack i think. 718 2.5 gts / s is about the same money as a 981 gts and alot easier to find in manual pre owned. The long gears suit the 2.5t well and the redline is about the same as the 3.4l. To me its the best compromise when cost is an issue and what i chose. Its a lot faster than a 981gts even if it sounds wierd to some
This guys makes the dream reviews
The 718 series motors have a particulate filter in the exhaust that mutes the sound somewhat and that along with some tuning differences is why you're not hearing overrun burbles and cracks like you do with the 981. I think the intake filter on the 718 is playing a big part here. You only have to look at the 718 GT4 RS to see how much of a difference the intake size/location can make - although that's so extremely loud I think I'd struggle to live with one as I enjoy driving regularly!
thank you for this. considering 981 gts after i get sick of my fk8
OPF/GPF is a must for the 718 4.0. I had them on my GT4 and it transformed the noise
I daily my 718 CGTS 4.0, in the Bay Area. Love it, huge smile whether making a milk run or in-the St Cruz Mountains.
Great side by side. One suggestion, consider getting an external camera for added B roll.
Cheers
I saw a black on highway 85 I’ve only seen one other 4.0 in the Bay was that you?
@@trigganometry168 no, mine is FrozenBerry Metallic. What do you drive?
@@JeffJacquesmd. That’s my 4.0 in the video. You have the rarest of all 718 4.0 variant.👍
Love that the 981/718 GTS Caymans getting a comparison. You don't see much of a 981 GTS vs 718 4.0 GTS so this was a great video. Obviously it would have been more interesting if some of the options matched - ie PSAM vs PSAM, and the 718 4.0 GTS not having the intake filter. I would bet OEM to OEM the 981 GTS would be much louder. As a owner of the 981 GTS some thoughts on this video:
1) love how you were able to find the exact Agate Grey cars to compare to. Both are beautiful in that color. 2) While the 718 styling is more sharp and more modern with the headlights and the tail light treatment I still enjoy the unique front facia of the 981 GTS. Its very distinctive and everyone who sees one does a double take to see what sort of Cayman it is - ie is it a GT4 or something else. The negative on the 718 GTS 4.0 front is they look very similar to the previous 718 GTS and other 718 S models. 3) The price gap - 35k - is not worth for a current owner of a 981 GTS to move to a GTS 4.0. I have thought about it but at 100k +, there are just too many other cars I would consider including a 991.1 T, 991.1 GTS or even a 981 GT4. 4) which brings me to the next video comparison - you really need to compare a 981 GT4 or Spyder against the 718 GTS 4.0. Those are really the prime comparisons. Believe it or not I've seen 981 Spyder prices come down in price to the low 90's and I've been tempted to upgrade from my 981 GTS to that. 981 GT4 prices still seem strong from my view. Thank you for the video and keep them coming!
Hi ! Wonderful point of view ! How would you compare the 981 Gts headlights to the more modern (?) Gts 4.0' s ? Allow me , if I had the 100k+ budget would consider the 718 Gt4 or Spyder, what do you think ? But anyways, for now considering a Gts , is there anything that bothers you about yours , that I could consider when looking for one as more like a daily ? Thanks !
"almost so loud it gives me a headache" ok back to your tesla
Stripper Cayman S 981 owner here, with BMC filters and a Soul exhaust it sounds very raw and special and just a blast to own. It’s the one car in the fleet that won’t be going anywheres.
as a 987 owner and since you were also a 987 owner, would love to see you go in detail more with how 987 compares to 981 and especially the 718. I found your comment about 981 v 987 insightful, but i really would want you to elaborate more on both 718 and 981.
718 gts dream car material 😍. Ill take induction growl over exhaust tone these days. Not sure if its because im getting older 👴 but i actually prefer a quiter car on the outside.
Nice review. The 981 looks better as it’s a touch lower. Would be interesting to know the passenger side ground clearance at the jack point on both cars.
Love the review! How do you compare the 981 GTS cayman vs the boxster that you drove last year? Do you actually notice any difference in driving dynamics?
Hmm I'd have to drive them back to back. They are very close.
Fantastic review! I agree with your assessment between the two cars. I was in the same boat last year and was having a hard time justifying what would have likely been a $110k purchase for a GTS 4.0. I included the Cayman S in my 981 search since they are similar to the GTS model. I was able to find a clean, low mileage (7k) 2016 Cayman S 6-speed in Guards Red with black leather and very few options which was my preference. I did pay a premium for it at $65k for a car with an original MSRP of $67k. I'm amazed at how close my car is to what I would have originally spec'd back in 2016. It seems like a bargain to me relative to the cost of a newer Cayman GTS. I'm really pleased with it and it doesn't really feel like I have settled. That said, you can't really go wrong with either car!
If you want a more driver focused ride, try and find the hugely underrated Cayman R, I have one on Ohlins. With the analogue steering, it's bliss to drive, much better than the 981, would be interesting to see how it compares the the 718. That 981 is more a GT car.
The car that has a better stock engine sound is the BGTS with the top down :) No rear window or roof blocking/muffling the sound.
981 BGTS owner since 2021.
Sadly with the price increase on all 718s, its basically impossible now to get a GTS 4.0 for under $100k.
What aftermarket air filter was in the 718?
Which air filters does the 718 have? Nice work
As a z4m40i owner I would also consider looking into that car. It is almost 400 ibs heavier but it has alot of power and the car is extremely capable plus it’s a convertible!
but that’s a boulevardier?
porsche entry and drive (sort of like push to start) is an option
x73 is the right choice for a 981. Just a shame you didn't have similar summer tires to make a better comparison, but I bet the cars would run the exact same slalom times on identical tires. Mines rd FTW!
When this cloth seat trend is over in a few years, cars ordered with leather on the seats will be more valuable. I would try to get either one with the inexpensive polyester cloth (Race Tex) delete on every surface so there is none in the car if you are holding the car for several years.
I bought a 981 Cayman S around 54k and I am extremely happy with it. I still haven’t done any upgrades yet, plenum, intake filters, PSE, tune etc
Skip the Plenum a Tune is all you really need. I used Softronic and was extremely pleased with the results.
@@dndodd100 does the tune make a significant difference?
@@victoryang9115 it probably gets it to about 350hp from a stock if I remember correctly 325 so slightly better than a GTS. The big difference in my mind is the power band came on sooner in the RPM and the stock flat spot somewhere in the 2000’s was gone. I don’t have the car anymore but didn’t feel the need for headers etc. In fact I so disliked the drone in the PSE I bought a cheap stock muffler and put it on. But they are great cars. Definitely faster than my 06 997 S.
Good vid, although I wish there wasn't so much of a variable added with the air filter. I don't think it makes that much of a difference. Stock for stock, the 718 has a much more pronounced induction note, but the 981 has a much more pronounced exhaust note. As mentioned, both sound great in their own ways, especially inside the car. Externally though, the 718 really is hindered by the factory exhaust valve programming, and the restrictive over axle pipes. I have yet to modify my Boxster GTS 4.0, but it's definitely a consideration when evaluating the sound of each car.
Overall I have to agree- having owned both a 981 Boxster GTS and a 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, there's not enough difference to justify the cost of the upgrade, even considering what the cars are trading at in today's market. If you're in the market for a 718 4.0 and can't stomach the ADM or paying close to or over MSRP used? Look for a solid 981 GTS!
Also I have to mention- I'm not usually a huge fan of Agate Grey (my 718 is Arctic Grey), but both of the cars in this vid are gorgeous. That 981 is super clean! What a find.
Also went from the pzero to ps4s and the difference wasn’t nearly as strong as when I went from pilot super sports to ps4s on my old ‘17 M2. So keep those pzeros as long as you need. No rush imo.
Good tip! So no rush to swap out my PZero that came stock with my ‘22 GTS 4.0 for new PS4S. It seems like a lot of objective & subjective review talk down on the P0’s & always give such high praise to the PS4S.
It’s an interesting one. I bought a used GTS 4 with 7500 miles on P zeros. I was shocked at how little grip they had in the cold but looking at the tyre more closely they were quite worn (4-5mm ish). In the warmer weather I don’t have any issue. Also I think you see now a lot of PS4S on other performance cars, a lot with 4wd and it’s impossible to compare. E.g I had PS4S on my GR Yaris which is about as grippy as you can get. Going from that to the Cayman with older tyres was night and day!
@@chrisharris4223 Yeah no question ps4s is the superior tire.
This is exactly why I’ve decided to keep my 981 Cayman S after 8 years and just maintain it, maybe throw a new shifter on it, an exhaust, coilovers. They’re just so good and is the new car worth 50k+? Idkkkk
We have one 981 GTS in the family with the optional sports suspension and otherwise full specs. It’s a dream. We never owned a car that long but have no option but to keep it because everything else would be a step down. 😂 brilliant car.
Your question for the best sounding car under 100k? The lotus emira and the corvette c8
Is the exhaust on the 981 even working? It should be WAY louder than that. My 981 S PSE broke so it always quiet now. Should be a lot more crackling and burbling in the 981.
I had both in PDK. Would rather have the 981 and $ in the bank than my current 4.0
Cool comparison I have been thinking of getting base 981. Would you happen to know if the PDK has shorter gearing or the manual?
Pretty sure PDK is shorter geared. You should be able to find the ratios listed with a quick google though to confirm.
these roads look great! where is this? i want to bring my car here
Test the GT4/Spyder against the GTS 4.0
F-type v6 also sounds amazing stock and is way below 100k
should of comparted the 2022 -4liter 718 gts to the 2016 gt4/3.8 liter. heard gearing different and more apples to apples on horsepower. closer in price as well. this comparsion sells the 2022 instead of a more 6 year spread
Maybe I misunderstood your comment about the tires. But the Michelin PS 4S is certainly not a specific all season tire. And it is much better than the Pirelli P zero imho.
Very balanced and accurate comparison. The $30-$35K price premium for the 4.0 GTS is within 981GT4 territory. If it was my money, I would take the 981 and and buy a S2000 with the savings :). Then I would have a S2000 and a 981 (what a prefect combo). Fenton, you should try the 981GTS with PASM if you can get your hands on one. The 981/718 Cayman is the best Porsche driving experience south of a GT P-Car.
I know that is what I did ;)!
@@adrs2k :) Indeed.
Slowly the 718gts prices are falling to 80+k while 981s have increased and is super hard to find them in manual.
@@georgepotcovaru2595 You are right!
Which air filter is installed the 718 GTS?
Will these be added to the ZPI?
Can you do a Cayman S vs Cayman S head to head comparison next? They're not as exciting, but much cheaper
I went from a 981S (full performance spec so essentially a GTS) to a 718 CGTS and I DD both cars (both manual). I have not had the 718 CGTS on the track yet as it's still in break-in. I totally agree with you on the comparo. For most people the 981 GTS will be a great all-around car. The 718 CGTS almost loses the character of the mid-engine line-up with the extra HP and torque (as with the turbo flat-4s in the 718 base and S) but my god, it is a joyous thing. I cannot wait to give it the beans after break-in.
981 Cayman GTS is still to this day my favorite car I have driven. I am sure the 718 GTS 4.0 is better but ignorance is bliss.
I'd say you're not missing a lot in terms of driving pleasure. For daily refinement, the 718 is definitely a cut above.
@@Zygrene I had a 2010 Cayman S for 11 years. The 981 GTS had basically the same engine with minimal increase in power. It would not have made any sense to ""upgrade" to that model from a 987. I bought a 2022 GTS 4.0, that blows my old car out of the water in all aspects, but sound. It is a giant leap forward in terms of power and torque.
I own the 718 gts 4.0 with a manual gearbox and use it as my daily. It really is a joy to drive. Mine is in python green
How would you describe the experience with the manual -gearing ? Thanks !
I’ve had both, and they’re both sublime, you can’t go wrong with either. The 4.0 sounds superb but isn’t a patch in the 981 alas, those damn filters…. Overall though the 718 is 2% better at everything else, I love it
Wait a sec ! 🤔😅 Sold them both, why ?!
He compared a 981 GTS and GT4 last year. Cloth handles are better then metal and GT4 manual way better the GTS manual although they are the exact same transmission. At least this guy is entertaining!
Subtitles at the beginning starting the cars *music*
Hello Zygrene, would you prefer a 981 cayman s or a s2000? Which is better to drive? Also Pdk vs manual?
S2000 is more raw and engaging to drive at lower speeds. I haven't tracked a 981 so can't say how they compare at the limit
Manual all the way, but the PDK is very good
I have both. Removing all the bias between the two gens and the unfair option add-ons, the 718 GTS 4.0 is the better car, whereas the 981 GTS is the better Cayman.
Would the previous generation Cayman GTS not be the 2.5 boxer 4 turbocharged model from 2019/2020?
True. I thought it made more sense to compare the 6 cylinder models only.
The thing I hate about modern manuals is the extra tall gears
Why having a high revving engine with gears that long ?
Owned a 981 base for 6 years, a 718 4.0 for a year. I bought the 718 to be a daily driver, a high spec 125k car: the improvements in tech and refinement (apple car play, backup cam, interior, better screens, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, rear wheel steering) is great, but it's a huge letdown in driving enjoyment. It feels a bit faster but also much less fun, because u dont get to rev it out as much before hitting the speed limit. The suspension is also rather stiff for city driving, like you've mentioned (sometimes i wonder if it's as stiff as my 991.2 gt3). The biggest disappointment is the sound, there's no more burbles and bangs, and induction noise was the only good sound remaining. Most of the time it sounded bassy without the mechanical noise. With the exhaust valves open at idle, they shut off as soon as you hit 10 mph. I honestly think my base 2.7 sounded better, while friend's 981 gts and spyders just sound even better right out from the box. Even though in my case the budget is not an issue (i also have a 3rs and 2rs), but I still feel it's not worth the 40-50k premium over the 981. So I sold it for what I paid for and searched for a prime sample of 981 gts, but I couldnt justify the inflated prices at 70k+ for a well spec car (I still remember in 2020 a top spec 105k 981 gts was only 43k), so I went for a pts 991.2 c4s instead since i think they sound better despite being turbocharged, and has the same modern equipment as the 718 and was even cheaper than my 718 4.0
What color pts?
They both look good
How does the shifter/shifting experience in both cars compare to the manual GR Supra? Would you say the Supra has noticably more aggressive gearing or?
I think I prefer the 981/718 shift feel. The Supra's is excellent but still has just a bit of that BMW rubbery feel.
Yes, pretty sure the Supra is geared shorter
That 981 is 7 years old with 70k miles on it so it bound to have more rattles and engine noise , interesting test though ! I have a 981 love it , might get an Emira next .
When they talk about air filter sound and track grip means they are slow with 0 torque..from 90s till today
I own a 2.5 GTS… and although the exhaust isn’t AS good as the 6, I think it still sounds great; and the torque from the turbo is amazing! It feels like I’m driving a gokart everywhere :)
i bought a new 2.5 gts back in 2019, had the fabspeed exhaust and a tune installed. super fast but it sounded like a popcorn machine. sold it one year after and bought a gt4 ;)
Do you hear the turbo spool if you’re outside watching it slowly pass by? I’ve heard a Porsche turbo S downshift and slowed down and I can hear the turbo from 30 feet away even at slow speeds
I have the 2.5GTS, had a 981S before that and feel the 2.5 with turbo is the best this car will ever be. Drove the 4.0, didn’t have the torque
@@LateNightDateNight I’ve been wondering about this too. I wonder if you were to take 10 people, let both drive back to back, which one most would pick
@@amac8487 if you removed all bias such as people hating on the sound or it not being a 6 cylinder and just went straight on the drive, it’s a no brainer. The things an absolute rocket ship
Hey can you give me more info on the air filter he is using? I would like to put that in mine.
www.suncoastparts.com/product/SKUBMC981.html
That link is for the 981 version of the air filter. Did you mean to link to the 718 4.0 version?
@@tylertul It looks like it is compatible with 718 models
@@jacebeleren429 thx!
Man what road is this
The Cayman is is good, Porsche would be cray do do anything more than a slight evolution (vs. revolution). And I'd argue that the minute differences you noticed are mainly due to the differences in equipment, i.e. - air filter, tires, age/mileage... Oh, and I'll take the 981 and a new Miata Club for around 100k ;)
it may be redundant as hell but comparing the 981 GT4 with a 718 GT4 would be cool too. I just don't think the 718 GT4 is worth a 25K premium over a 981 GT4. it does make more sense to compare the GTS models IMO like you've done here.
Yup, I'm planning to film 981 vs 718 GT4 at some point!
May seem trivial to enthusiasts… but in a car like the Cayman with not the greatest rear visibility, I think that a backup camera is a must. And I believe it was only standard (and mandatory) from 2017 on. So really only on the 718s.
Actually it was law by 2018. But I have a 16 gts with a camera. I think many came with them.
@@austinjpark1 yes, I know that it was required by law in 2018. But with the 2018 model year starting in 2017, you’ll find that all 718s have backup cameras as standard. I’ve never seen a 718 without one, and I’ve looked at many (I have a new ‘23 Cayman S). I believe backup cameras were an option in 981s in 2016 and maybe a year or two earlier, but I’ve never seen a 981 with a factory installed backup camera.
Glad you pick the manual..wouldn’t watch if it were pdk
I agree with all of your conclusions between the models except for sounds. The 981s sound so much more alive than the 982s. Even a 982 with the particle filter delete, the 3.4 sounds so much more raw to my ear.
In basically every other way, however, the 982 is just a slightly better car (as is the porsche way).
It’s a shame both cars were not more similarly specked. The original 981 suspension would imo make a big difference in terms of overall appeal. Also 981 exhaust note doesn’t have the environmental restrictions the 718 has. I own a 981 cayman GTS and considered buying the 718 4.0. However your point about cost vs additional benefit is well made. I couldn’t justify spending £30k extra for marginal extra benefits. Good review though.
Hi ! What suspension setup would you choose if buying a 981 gts now ? As daily mostly. Thanks !
What's the make of the intake that makes it louder?
I found it out it's BMC an Italian make
Great review, thank you. Too bad the cars were not more closely matched in spec.
I have a 2016 GTS since new, perfectly specced for me: PASM instead of the X-73 that was commonly spec'ed on those cars, for a more reasonable ride for non-track use; PTV; ventilated seats, so leather instead of the alcantara that I don't care for. It's so close to a perfect car in most respects, the exception being the exhaust drone on long trips. The booming (it's a hatchback after all), droning sound is especially annoying at low RPM, so 7th gear is unusable on US highways.
Regarding the chap looking black panels on the steering wheel: indeed, not the best looking design, but these are display panels with text that lights up when you put the car in sport or sport+ mode.
Regarding exhaust sound: every generation (except the latest?) seems to get louder but less "musical" than the previous one. E.g., an RS60 sounds better, if not as loud, as the CGTS, in my and others' opinion.
I do prefer the styling of the 718 to that of the 981 however, subtle as the changes are.
Thanks again for the review.
I have the 981 GTS with pasm and I love how supple it is for a sports car. I can’t afford the latest 4.0, so am quite content with what I have - it still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
❤
Nice apples-to-apples comparison.. if it’s your money, would you spend the extra dough to get the 4.0 ?
As a second car, probably not. As a single car, yes
The 718 is an incredible platform. Shame it's the last (not counting the electric replacement coming).
I think GT350R and C6 Z06 would give that exhaust sound a good challenge
I second the GT350R 👍