Matt is absolutely right about people needing to drive the 718, the sound doesn't translate well to camera and 90% of the people on the internet saying it sounds "terrible" have not heard or driven one in person. I had a 987 Cayman S with FVD exhaust and now own a 718 Cayman. I went into the test drive of the 718 with an open mind and found the sound very enjoyable. Definitely different than what we are used to our modern Porsche's sounding but I've ended up loving it more and more every time I drive it. Also people bitching about Porsche not staying true to their traditional flat 6's, don't forget the very first Porsche's ever were flat 4's and some of their most successful race cars were flat 4's (including the current Nürburgring record holder).... I loved my 987's flat 6 but I have not found myself missing it since buying the 718. If you drive one and hate it no problem! but at least give it a fair chance and experience one for yourself.
I agree, first time I heard one, I was actually surprised about how different it sounds than on video. I still prefer the flat 6, but the camera sound for sure doesn't make justice for the flat 4.
I’ve driven the 718 on track several times now. I agree it doesn’t sound as bad as people make it out to be. Also, very fast. Amazing how well they engineered a 4 cylinder. That being said, I wouldn’t ever trade my GT4 for a 718.
Drove 16 and 17 Boxsters. 2019 S due in September. If you don’t like the sound, don’t buy it. Cheese has moved, hem and haw on NA 6. 718 is more usable in daily driving w torque piling on early
Did a track day last week and there was a guy there with a 2018 Cayman GTS and he was keeping up with the GT3's just fine. Right power, right tires, right driver = very fast car.
Revisiting this video in 2020 after having purchased a pre-owned 2018 718 Cayman I totally get it now. And yes, it took a test drive for me to understand and appreciate what Porsche has done with the 718 cars. I like the way they sound from behind the driver's seat (it's a better and more unique sound than I thought it would be) and the torque is totally addictive. Having owned a 987 Boxster in the past this new 718 is far more usable and fun on a daily basis than the old car ever was.
Me 2, except I had 987.1 a Cayman S and now a 718 Boxster GTS. 4th Porsche, 1st cabriolet and loving it. Even more than my air cooled 911s. Best Porsche I've owned even thought both air cooled cars i owned cost more now. I wouldn't trade back. They got this car just right!
I heard a 718 blast by on the 110 here in Los Angeles and it created a sound that reminded me of Freddie Cougar approaching. A masterpiece in sound engineering. The car was gone but the sound still lingered around you for a few seconds.
This is a great, unbiased video. I think most journalists are afraid to embrace the 718s because they don't want to get flamed for liking the turbo-4, but the reality is that its a better car in almost every way (other than the sound, not that is sounds bad). The difference in torque is immediately noticeable and makes daily driving so much better. The interior is upgraded with more modern connectivity features (although I think you still need to pay for Apple CarPlay). The design looks also looks sharper across the trims.
Matt, I like seeing the more open minded approach you take towards the 718 line-up. Back from when you reviewed the 718 Boxster in Portugal, I was impressed with how positive you were about the car. That GT4 does sound great, but I'm liking that 718 too.
I have to agree with Kyle, I have a 1991 911 Targa and now added the 718 (not S) to my collection of cars. Born and raised in Germany I can appreciate having lots of power (recently drove an AMG GTS on the Autobahn at 270 km/h like it was a Sunday drive), however, now living in Canada with the official speed limit being 100 km/h I found the base Cayman totally sufficient. As Nick Murray mentioned in his video, you add only 50 PS to the 718 S at a $12k CAD premium. What truly makes this car shine is the fact that you can go around corners like "stink".....I find myself chicken out before the car even flinches. As for the sound? A constant loud exhaust is like a nagging Wife/GF.....eventually you want to mute it.... The GT4 is an absolute marvel and I would cherish every moment driving it, but on the other hand it would make me sad because Porsche keeps the GT4 potential in check so the base 911 is not threatened.... enjoy your Sundays y'all...and thanks Matt for the Video.
R&T tested the 718 GTS at 3.9 0-60 and the 2001 Turbo at 4.0. C/D records a 718 GTS PDK 0-100 of 8.7 vs the Turbo's 9.2. So even if the manual is a little slower it's still faster than the 996.
Thanks for the objective review of the sound rather than trashing it from the start. I agree the 981 sounds great but I like the sound of the turbo 4 too! I can't wait to see what engine they put in the 718 GT4.
Never get tired of the Matt Farah Porsche Channel. The subaru-like sound at idle is humorous with the GTS, but at-speed, the sound seems just fine from my normal car perspective. I am curious about the reliability of these 718 turbo systems come four+ years down the road in the used market.
Unless Porsche has dropped the ball, chances are, you'll be getting a very reliable piece of engineering. Personal opinion, though is based on facts and statistics, that Porsche has and has had the best engineering in the industry for a loooong time.
YasumotoUS heres why your opinion is wrong, it's actually it's the opposite. At idle both are at its low pitch, sure the flat 4 sounds "humours" but it really doesn't matter too much. The PROBLEM with the flat 4 is that when it's being driven hard, it doest rise up in pitch enough. Maybe 2 tones at most. The old flat 6 has 5+ tones and pitches of sound. *And higher pitch gives you more intensity of a feeling even if you are going slower. More progression in pitch gives you a sense of..Well progression and travel, which makes you feel more achieved*
ZDY Isn't that the problem with all turbo engines :( ? Even the turbo flat 6 in the 911, which IMO sounds great for a turbo engine and could trick you into thinking it is N/A, falls to pieces in the sound department when compared to the outgoing N/A flat 6s. Edit: I would choose the flat 6 over the turbo flat 4. I'm a sound "junkie", I drive a rather powerless and inefficient engine just because it sounds wonderful.
I'd like to hear both the flat four and flat six in person to better appreciate your well-elaborated point, ZYD. From the video's audio and my perspective of having driven a high revving N/A four for a long time, the 718's revs sounds great. For another person who may be accustomed to driving high revving six cylinder equipped vehicles, the perception may be different. I would never deny individual interpretations of the visceral experience that is automotive operation.
The difference in the shifter feel is because the GT4 comes with the Porsche Short Shift $700.00. I had one installed on my 987 S and my 981 Spyder comes with the kit. Everyone on the internet says this should be the first mod, and I agree. The rubbery feel is because it’s a cable shifter. So is the kit but it feels like ‘a bolt action rifle’.
I love Matt’s car reviews; the part where the video is showing the viewer around the car while he is discussing peak torque numbers... it’s so indicative of why these videos are so good, the concern is all about driving. Most of us who buy cars to drive couldn’t give a shit about storage space or cup holders.
Just the comparison I needed. Thank you. I've driven a GT4, love it. I own a 2015 Boxster GTS manual and love it. Ordered from factory. Flawless. Nearly 50k miles. Looks and runs new. Can't track it on 2 tracks I want to experience: VIR and Watkins Glenn. Working on giving the Boxster to the wife and ordering or finding a 718 Cayman GTS manual for everyday and those two extra tracks.
I just orderd a 718 cayman s manual and I love it, I also have a Rs60 Spyder...I sort of regret not spending more for the GTS...but the torque is so nice
I'd rather have the bass note than the wail, personally. The wail makes my jawbone tingle uncomfortably, even recorded on camera. I would like to see a GT4 style body kit or a nice ducktail, though, something to give the body a little more character.
Just bought a 2017 boxster 718 s. Wow. The power is amazing stock. Feels like 350 horse at the wheels. Definately underrated and with a turbo you can still tune it and make serious gains!
I drove my 981 Spyder to work today. Don't need more power (Dyno'd at 391). With the single rate dampers and springs and the open top and that exhaust. Pure pleasure driving about. More than fast enough. Real advancement would be to put the 2.7 flat six back in with a small battery hybrid/kers system. Emissions, speed, tech, weight and sound all maintained.
The Turbo engine with the long gears in the stick trans makes sense, the GT4 OTOH (also since it's a "race car") is crying for flappy paddles and more gears to keep the engine on the boil.
I've rented a 718 base boxster twice while I owned my 987 Cayman and loved it. Just about to purchase a 718 Boxster GTS! Can't wait to pass a GT4, or my old Cayman, bring on the torque!
I actually agree that you need to drive the 718 to form a true opinion. It’s a REALLY good car and once you’ve driven one a few times, it truly does grow on you. That torque feels amazing, and even the sound will grow on you a bit and it’s tunable. All that said, the GT4 is just a more special car overall. Part of the fun is keeping it in the power band and hearing that sound compared to the 718, there’s no contest. If you need the faster “better” car, 718. If you want the more special car, 981 GT4 all day.
Evora 400 > GTS The Evora 400 is on a higher level in terms of its superior chassis, balance, building materials, steering feel, driving dynamics/experience, durability, lower running costs, and has less wear/tear of parts. GTS only has better luxury tech and finish. GTS = LUXURY sports car for casuals. Evora 400 = Pure sports car for enthusiast.
Ronald Stonecipher Evora 400 is a viable daily driver. The Evora 400 was designed to be a GT which has great track abilities. I've driven both and the Evora 400 rides more comfortable than a GTS.
People said the same when Audi developed the R18 diesel hybrid. They complained it was quiet and didn't have the same auditory presence going around a track as its predecessors. I remember watching a documentary and the lead engine developer said the quietness of the engine was exciting because that's efficiency, and efficiency is speed. Sound is just wasted energy.
This video really crystallized the issue I have with the 4 cylinder. Back to back, the soundtrack on that GT4 just absolutely crushes the GTS. The GTS may be the faster car, but it's not a sports car I want in my garage. The bottom line is that if Porsche wants my money, that's something they'll have to fix and without digital trickery.
Top speed in each gear for the GTS is 1st-47MPH 2nd-80MPH 3rd-111MPH 4th-139MPH 5th-165MPH 6th-193MPH with its stock 3.89 to 1 Final ratio:( If you put a 4.65 to 1 final ratio it would be 1st-40MPH 2nd-67MPH 3rd-93MPH 4th-116MPH 5th-138MPH 6th-162MPH. Thats what it sould have came'n :) from the factory with!!!
I assume you're talking about the GT4? That works for the track but you'd get laughed off the autobahn and these cars get roaded not tracked. What it needs is flappy paddles and 7 or 8 gears
Turbo Man no it shouldn’t have. For a $100k+ car, buyers, who mostly just drive it in the raid and not track,wouldn’t want a car that only does 160mph. They want something close to the 200mph range, which is what it’s stock gear ratio offers. You can always change if it you wanted
Clifford Bradford Yeah no a 385hp GT4 can’t hit close to 200mph no matter what gearing it has. Guarantee that top gear is geared for fuel economy, not top speed.
th-cam.com/video/TFCeqeVr7RE/w-d-xo.html Its good for 294kph or 182.6MPH. If you drive back roads alot and purposely bought the slower shifting CAYMAN for the driving pleasure of shifting you own gears. 4.65's would be better to me. Maybe not the best for the autobahn or for the track, but if you live on or near a mountain road its what I would want.
Sweet moses that GT4 sounds fantastic. Honestly one of the best sounding cars I've ever heard with that exhaust. So smooth The GTS sounds okay, not bad. Give me the slower car all day lol.
I have a 718 Boxster S PDK loaner while my GT4 is at the dealer waiting for a new gearbox. I’m stunned how much faster the 718 is. I’m now seriously considering replacing my GT4 with a Cayman 718 GTS PDK. There are many 2018’s sitting at dealerships marked down up to $10K. Matt, do you think the 718’s turbo will hold up in a 20 minute session without heat soaking and losing boost?
Maybe a easy choice, but what’s your take on a fully decked 718 GTS (CSBs, all the other goodies) versus a relatively base 911 (maybe a non-optioned Carrera T)?
Well done, Matt. Very interesting comparison. Not too dissimilar from my old car (Lotus Elise) to my current car (Alfa Romeo 4C Spider). We are in the turbo age it seems. Carry on, my man - your drives and reviews are by far the best around.
Thanks Matt. Great review/comparo. Hope you do the same with the 2019 GT4 whenever that becomes available. 2019 GT4 vs 718 GTS. I hear it'll be the na 4.0 flat 6.
honestly, i'd rather have a 987c cayman s than a 718, for the engine and the shorter gearing. noise is such a big part of buying a sports car. there are great sounding four cylinder turbo engines, this is just not one of them.
So Matt, do you see it like this: 718 GTS > GT4 > 997.2 C2S? I am a little depressed if so but I still love my C2S and will be keeping it for a good while.
I know it doesn’t really matter, but I just wanted to point out a hypothesis is an untested theory. A theory is evidence based and scientifically accepted as fact. You were in fact testing your “hypothesis” that the GTS is the best mid-engine car Porsche has ever built.
Looking forward to you or Zach eventually getting hold of an APR or Softronic tuned 718 Cayman S or GTS. Would love to get your take on how they hold up compared to the new flat 6 GTS with the ~80 crank horsepower bump from stock.
Matt, a big fan of your stuff, as a previous owner of a GT4 and now a 991.2 GT3 (manual clubsport) and having driven the Carrera T (similar performance to the 718 GTS) there is no way that these smaller forced induction engines provide the same feel as the NA brethren (throttle response in particular) suspension also feels boat like in comparison (to GT counterparts). Also GT4 = 991.1 GT3 front suspension and brakes. I would take the GT4 over any 718 or 991.2 forced induction (inlc 991.2 GTS). It is that good and a true GT Porsche, my opinion though as an owner
Great review, and I actually like the sound of the 4 pot turbo. But like you say it's quicker standard. with a few mods, air filter exhaust and a tune it's noticeably quicker
test drove one (718 GTS) with a PDK this past weekend...GREAT SPORTS CAR! Maybe the best I have personally ever driven. Yeah, my daily is a Z51 C7...hmmmm..... 🤔
No it dosen't... I would rather save some cash and go for the Bosxter? Okay, the new 911 T is awsome with the idea of a strip back to basic sportscar. Thu, I couldn't live with a car with no AC or RADIO. :)
I drove a 991 GT3 at an exotics track experience in Vegas and I wasn't blown away as much as I expected. A special car for sure, but at the time I had a '15 C7 Z51 which I took to the track regularly and I thought for less than half the price, I had 95% of the track capability and driving fun.
Just keep in mind your C7 (4 years ago) is roughly as fast as the GTS for ~$30k less. The Cayman is a great car...but it's also a lot of fucking money.
I thought the same. Maybe he meant of the Porsches obtainable by us mere mortals. The Carrera gt and 918 are out of reach just on rarity alone, forget the 7 figure price tag.
The 718 growls while the GT4 howls. In a vacuum a 718 sounds great. But the sound of a flat-6 is something else entirely. I do love the sound of the 718 though. It's just different.
Man I would have loved to seen the footage from a rear-facing camera feed on the GTS. It would be interesting to show the distance on the GT4 on the straight sections.
Very enjoyable vídeo as always. Congrats! I would love to see a comparision with the Cayman GTS and the base 911 Carrera. That would make a lot of sense too!
Man cant wait to see what the next Cayman is like, I miss my 2007 Cayman S but these new Caymans would be supercars 20 years ago. Thanks for posting...Yeshua (Jesus Christ) is the way!
Myy base model 718 Cayman has the exact same color as this GTS. The thing that worries me everytime is that, I drive my 718 in Sport Mode most of the time, and I use manual mode all the time, does this has any negative affects on the engine? I am worring that I might break the car if I countinuly drive it this way.
Porsche could have easily given us a 2.8L flat 6 with turbos with slightly less boost. The GT4 is worth it even if it's outrun by this newer generation cayman.
More tuning headroom, soulful engine note, potentially better MPG and lastly better reliability. I'd gladly take the 20lbs of extra weight on the nose for all of that.
BigHeadClan soulful note? Out of a 6 with 2 turbos would give you an outcome similar to this engines. If you want more tuning potential you can always step up to a 911 for "more potential" = more cubes. It just makes sense why they went with a turbo 4, hopefully when they electrify the brand the bring an NA small six for the sound
Charles - A turbo setup would be quieter yes (In terms of exhaust anyhow), but that can be easily fixed with a better flowing exhaust. The actual engine note itself would still be largely unchanged , where as dropping 2-cylinders totally changes that engine note. And lets be real if your buying a 718 Cayman/boxer it's for the experience more than anything else, this current generation is too closely priced to the 911 to really make sense in terms of sheer performance.
BigHeadClan I'm sure Porsche will do something regarding the sound when they do a refresh since a better exhaust would also get the job done here. And regarding the experience I am sure no one buying this car will be disappointed with their purchase, it's really a hell of a performer. At time of the release people are harsh but I'm sure time will be gentle to this car. Hell, people have forgotten how slow the Boxster was upon it's release and now just remember "that classic engine". People will come around
Listening to the circumstances in which you prefer the GTS, those are the same reasons I'm going to choose the Golf R over the Focus RS as my next daily. If my memory serves me, you preferred the RS for the motorsport sensations. It isn't my intention to criticize your choices, they have no bearing on how I go about my life, it's just that I'm confused by the apparent lack of consistency.
My man, got my 718 GTS in April in the UK, my first Porsche so not missing the NA sound which is of better BUT this car hands down is better in every way and man does it shift. BTW mt number plate has WRX in it which is fine by me lol
yup. thanks for the video. you just have to skip back to the gt4 while you are watching the gts to really appreciate the sound difference. 4 pot porsche a big nope
If it’s the same as the 981, the carbon ceramics get you 6 piston front calipers, the iron brakes are 4 piston front and rear. Not sure what the GT4 brakes are.
Maybe it’s just the mic but the tone sounds quite different from most GT4 engines either stock or with exhaust systems. Not that sweet sound I’m used to hearing from a GT4
Having driven a 718 GTS and S ( manual and PDK ) a few times ,albeit not at a track I agree they have some get up and go but I would cry like a little girl all day if I had to trade in my GT4 for one. No way, no how...not ever . The GT4 feels and drives like what it is...something bespoke and special. If I want to go insanely fast I'll just take out my tuned M4...its savagely fast but as much as I love it...it doesn't curl my socks like my GT4. I don't know of anyone that's wheeled a GTS and called it special afterwards ...its just fast and torquey . I predict a future comparo of the new 718 GT3 with a de-tuned 991.2 GT3 motor that will rev to 9K vs say a tuned 718 GTS with gobs of HP/TQ....I'll take a 9K revving 718 GT3 any day of the week even if its slower. The soul of a car is EVERYTHING.. Applied progress is one thing , but using turbos is more about hitting Emissions targets than anything else and more Tq and better MPG's is simply the benny . Even though I'm not a Lambo fan...I applaud them immensely for sticking to NA motors. I heard they're developing a V12 that will rev to 10.5k rpms to sway McLaren shoppers.
Hey Matt great review. Tell us what you think of the DSC and adjustable camber plates suspension mods vs stock Cayman. Are they making difference on the road, or do they really only show up on a track. What's your impression and any other thoughts? Thanks , just jim
Jim Knowles the DSC is noticeable when driven back to back with the stock car. It’s a subtle difference but the car stays flatter during braking and turn in.
718 is easy to tune and an after-market exhaust will help the exhaust note. It's frustrating Porsche used a WAY too tall of a final drive to slow the car down... to protect the 911.
Porsche needs to redesign a smaller 6 cylinder with a turbo for the Cayman. They could make it a smaller displacement 6 given the addition of a turbo and the turbo would give it that long power band like the 2018 GTS. This is the only way to get that super car type sound.
Yeah that GTS is wicked, but I think the angry rasp from that GT4 engine would just about have me in tears so I'd have that one every time. But really, it doesn't matter because I can't afford either!
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Matt is absolutely right about people needing to drive the 718, the sound doesn't translate well to camera and 90% of the people on the internet saying it sounds "terrible" have not heard or driven one in person. I had a 987 Cayman S with FVD exhaust and now own a 718 Cayman. I went into the test drive of the 718 with an open mind and found the sound very enjoyable. Definitely different than what we are used to our modern Porsche's sounding but I've ended up loving it more and more every time I drive it. Also people bitching about Porsche not staying true to their traditional flat 6's, don't forget the very first Porsche's ever were flat 4's and some of their most successful race cars were flat 4's (including the current Nürburgring record holder).... I loved my 987's flat 6 but I have not found myself missing it since buying the 718. If you drive one and hate it no problem! but at least give it a fair chance and experience one for yourself.
I agree, first time I heard one, I was actually surprised about how different it sounds than on video. I still prefer the flat 6, but the camera sound for sure doesn't make justice for the flat 4.
I’ve driven the 718 on track several times now. I agree it doesn’t sound as bad as people make it out to be. Also, very fast. Amazing how well they engineered a 4 cylinder. That being said, I wouldn’t ever trade my GT4 for a 718.
Drove one. Bought one.
baaaaahaaaaahaaaaaa
Drove 16 and 17 Boxsters. 2019 S due in September. If you don’t like the sound, don’t buy it. Cheese has moved, hem and haw on NA 6. 718 is more usable in daily driving w torque piling on early
Did a track day last week and there was a guy there with a 2018 Cayman GTS and he was keeping up with the GT3's just fine. Right power, right tires, right driver = very fast car.
You switched over to the 718 at 7:18...nicely played sir!
Revisiting this video in 2020 after having purchased a pre-owned 2018 718 Cayman I totally get it now. And yes, it took a test drive for me to understand and appreciate what Porsche has done with the 718 cars. I like the way they sound from behind the driver's seat (it's a better and more unique sound than I thought it would be) and the torque is totally addictive. Having owned a 987 Boxster in the past this new 718 is far more usable and fun on a daily basis than the old car ever was.
Me 2, except I had 987.1 a Cayman S and now a 718 Boxster GTS. 4th Porsche, 1st cabriolet and loving it. Even more than my air cooled 911s. Best Porsche I've owned even thought both air cooled cars i owned cost more now. I wouldn't trade back. They got this car just right!
@@G-ym9vs in show rooms I'd felt like the 911 transmissions were "knotchier" - is that a fair observation?
GT4 straight pipe exhaust valve settings: 1) open. 2) more open.
I heard a 718 blast by on the 110 here in Los Angeles and it created a sound that reminded me of Freddie Cougar approaching. A masterpiece in sound engineering. The car was gone but the sound still lingered around you for a few seconds.
This is a great, unbiased video. I think most journalists are afraid to embrace the 718s because they don't want to get flamed for liking the turbo-4, but the reality is that its a better car in almost every way (other than the sound, not that is sounds bad). The difference in torque is immediately noticeable and makes daily driving so much better. The interior is upgraded with more modern connectivity features (although I think you still need to pay for Apple CarPlay). The design looks also looks sharper across the trims.
#SaveTheChipmunks
Tedward you’re everywhere lol
Winding Road! Great channel my friend. Cheers.
17:10 that’s a BOLD statement. These things must be fast
I haven't driven a 996 turbo, but I've got a 718 Boxster GTS and it's definitely not slow. I love it.
Matt,
I like seeing the more open minded approach you take towards the 718 line-up. Back from when you reviewed the 718 Boxster in Portugal, I was impressed with how positive you were about the car. That GT4 does sound great, but I'm liking that 718 too.
I have to agree with Kyle, I have a 1991 911 Targa and now added the 718 (not S) to my collection of cars. Born and raised in Germany I can appreciate having lots of power (recently drove an AMG GTS on the Autobahn at 270 km/h like it was a Sunday drive), however, now living in Canada with the official speed limit being 100 km/h I found the base Cayman totally sufficient. As Nick Murray mentioned in his video, you add only 50 PS to the 718 S at a $12k CAD premium. What truly makes this car shine is the fact that you can go around corners like "stink".....I find myself chicken out before the car even flinches. As for the sound? A constant loud exhaust is like a nagging Wife/GF.....eventually you want to mute it.... The GT4 is an absolute marvel and I would cherish every moment driving it, but on the other hand it would make me sad because Porsche keeps the GT4 potential in check so the base 911 is not threatened.... enjoy your Sundays y'all...and thanks Matt for the Video.
R&T tested the 718 GTS at 3.9 0-60 and the 2001 Turbo at 4.0. C/D records a 718 GTS PDK 0-100 of 8.7 vs the Turbo's 9.2. So even if the manual is a little slower it's still faster than the 996.
Thanks for the objective review of the sound rather than trashing it from the start. I agree the 981 sounds great but I like the sound of the turbo 4 too! I can't wait to see what engine they put in the 718 GT4.
4 liter, but it will be detuned to make around 400hp
and NA too :)
guess I should have added its the 6 and NA, so it wont wear any 718 badges
Never get tired of the Matt Farah Porsche Channel. The subaru-like sound at idle is humorous with the GTS, but at-speed, the sound seems just fine from my normal car perspective. I am curious about the reliability of these 718 turbo systems come four+ years down the road in the used market.
pretty sure Porsche has figured out how to make a reliable turbo car since they've been doing it for 40+ years
Unless Porsche has dropped the ball, chances are, you'll be getting a very reliable piece of engineering. Personal opinion, though is based on facts and statistics, that Porsche has and has had the best engineering in the industry for a loooong time.
YasumotoUS heres why your opinion is wrong, it's actually it's the opposite. At idle both are at its low pitch, sure the flat 4 sounds "humours" but it really doesn't matter too much. The PROBLEM with the flat 4 is that when it's being driven hard, it doest rise up in pitch enough. Maybe 2 tones at most. The old flat 6 has 5+ tones and pitches of sound. *And higher pitch gives you more intensity of a feeling even if you are going slower. More progression in pitch gives you a sense of..Well progression and travel, which makes you feel more achieved*
ZDY Isn't that the problem with all turbo engines :( ? Even the turbo flat 6 in the 911, which IMO sounds great for a turbo engine and could trick you into thinking it is N/A, falls to pieces in the sound department when compared to the outgoing N/A flat 6s.
Edit: I would choose the flat 6 over the turbo flat 4. I'm a sound "junkie", I drive a rather powerless and inefficient engine just because it sounds wonderful.
I'd like to hear both the flat four and flat six in person to better appreciate your well-elaborated point, ZYD. From the video's audio and my perspective of having driven a high revving N/A four for a long time, the 718's revs sounds great. For another person who may be accustomed to driving high revving six cylinder equipped vehicles, the perception may be different. I would never deny individual interpretations of the visceral experience that is automotive operation.
The difference in the shifter feel is because the GT4 comes with the Porsche Short Shift $700.00. I had one installed on my 987 S and my 981 Spyder comes with the kit. Everyone on the internet says this should be the first mod, and I agree. The rubbery feel is because it’s a cable shifter. So is the kit but it feels like ‘a bolt action rifle’.
I LOVE the 718 GTS! To drive it is to love it. Great review!
I totally get it, logically, but I just can't get past the GT4.
nvrlft it’s the staggered wing and the fact that it’s GT such an amazing car Jesus lol
718 Cayman uploaded on 7/18!
I love Matt’s car reviews; the part where the video is showing the viewer around the car while he is discussing peak torque numbers... it’s so indicative of why these videos are so good, the concern is all about driving. Most of us who buy cars to drive couldn’t give a shit about storage space or cup holders.
Robert Rishel hope you are not talking about our lord and savior Doug Demuro.
A classic Matt One Take is all you need.
Arkaitz Plaza yeah....well, Demuro is not my favorite car journalist. I like him ok but I think his rating system is bunk.
This GT4 sound is great for a short while but on a long trip would be tiring as you can't seem to have a conversation in it. The GTS seem sublime.
Just the comparison I needed. Thank you. I've driven a GT4, love it. I own a 2015 Boxster GTS manual and love it. Ordered from factory. Flawless. Nearly 50k miles. Looks and runs new. Can't track it on 2 tracks I want to experience: VIR and Watkins Glenn. Working on giving the Boxster to the wife and ordering or finding a 718 Cayman GTS manual for everyday and those two extra tracks.
I just orderd a 718 cayman s manual and I love it, I also have a Rs60 Spyder...I sort of regret not spending more for the GTS...but the torque is so nice
3:03 says it all, any sports car or sedan that give you the giggles while driving it is priceless regardless of overall speed or tech.
When he’s pushing it to the limiter in 3rd at 15:17 it really does sing. I love the sound, it’s different but that doesn’t mean it’s bad.
15:30 “I love this car”
I'd rather have the bass note than the wail, personally. The wail makes my jawbone tingle uncomfortably, even recorded on camera. I would like to see a GT4 style body kit or a nice ducktail, though, something to give the body a little more character.
The gts looks like a great daily car but I smiled like a fool watching the gt4 part, also great to have you back Matt
Just bought a 2017 boxster 718 s. Wow. The power is amazing stock. Feels like 350 horse at the wheels. Definately underrated and with a turbo you can still tune it and make serious gains!
What a job to have, literally a dream job, but Matt is definitely the man for the job. Great video man.
You and Zack are awesome! Congratulations for all the One Takes and amazing canyon driving!
I drove my 981 Spyder to work today. Don't need more power (Dyno'd at 391). With the single rate dampers and springs and the open top and that exhaust. Pure pleasure driving about. More than fast enough. Real advancement would be to put the 2.7 flat six back in with a small battery hybrid/kers system. Emissions, speed, tech, weight and sound all maintained.
The Turbo engine with the long gears in the stick trans makes sense, the GT4 OTOH (also since it's a "race car") is crying for flappy paddles and more gears to keep the engine on the boil.
I've rented a 718 base boxster twice while I owned my 987 Cayman and loved it. Just about to purchase a 718 Boxster GTS! Can't wait to pass a GT4, or my old Cayman, bring on the torque!
Ohh finally Matt is back! Never thought it would end....
+1. The reality of high elevation; Turbocharging has ya covered. .. A set of mufflers does wonders to the 2.5l four-pot. . Sadly.
Your enjoyment of driving these vehicles makes these episodes much easier to watch.
Thanks Matt, this video helped me choose between an Ecoboost Mustang and a GT.
Make sure to flip up the cup holder tray so the cup holder doesn’t move left and right.
I actually agree that you need to drive the 718 to form a true opinion. It’s a REALLY good car and once you’ve driven one a few times, it truly does grow on you. That torque feels amazing, and even the sound will grow on you a bit and it’s tunable.
All that said, the GT4 is just a more special car overall. Part of the fun is keeping it in the power band and hearing that sound compared to the 718, there’s no contest.
If you need the faster “better” car, 718. If you want the more special car, 981 GT4 all day.
GTS is the bargain of the century, it’s a superb car for the money.
I'd like to see the GTS compared to Evora 400, or I should say Camry engine vs Subaru engine lol
Evora 400 > GTS
The Evora 400 is on a higher level in terms of its superior chassis, balance, building materials, steering feel, driving dynamics/experience, durability, lower running costs, and has less wear/tear of parts. GTS only has better luxury tech and finish.
GTS = LUXURY sports car for casuals.
Evora 400 = Pure sports car for enthusiast.
engine wise the lotus wins every day of the week.
The GTS is a viable daily driver, the evora is not.
Ronald Stonecipher Evora 400 is a viable daily driver. The Evora 400 was designed to be a GT which has great track abilities. I've driven both and the Evora 400 rides more comfortable than a GTS.
the evora 400 is 100% dailiable. If anyone tells you otherwise, they havent sat or been in one.
Yeah ditching the naturally aspirated engines was heartbreaking but because of it the Boxster and Cayman have never been better
People said the same when Audi developed the R18 diesel hybrid. They complained it was quiet and didn't have the same auditory presence going around a track as its predecessors. I remember watching a documentary and the lead engine developer said the quietness of the engine was exciting because that's efficiency, and efficiency is speed. Sound is just wasted energy.
The ethos of Porsche has always been driving experience sound is a big part of driving experience imo
This video really crystallized the issue I have with the 4 cylinder. Back to back, the soundtrack on that GT4 just absolutely crushes the GTS.
The GTS may be the faster car, but it's not a sports car I want in my garage. The bottom line is that if Porsche wants my money, that's something they'll have to fix and without digital trickery.
Top speed in each gear for the GTS is 1st-47MPH 2nd-80MPH 3rd-111MPH 4th-139MPH 5th-165MPH 6th-193MPH with its stock 3.89 to 1 Final ratio:( If you put a 4.65 to 1 final ratio it would be 1st-40MPH 2nd-67MPH 3rd-93MPH 4th-116MPH 5th-138MPH 6th-162MPH. Thats what it sould have came'n :) from the factory with!!!
I assume you're talking about the GT4? That works for the track but you'd get laughed off the autobahn and these cars get roaded not tracked. What it needs is flappy paddles and 7 or 8 gears
Turbo Man no it shouldn’t have. For a $100k+ car, buyers, who mostly just drive it in the raid and not track,wouldn’t want a car that only does 160mph. They want something close to the 200mph range, which is what it’s stock gear ratio offers. You can always change if it you wanted
Clifford Bradford Yeah no a 385hp GT4 can’t hit close to 200mph no matter what gearing it has. Guarantee that top gear is geared for fuel economy, not top speed.
Turbo Man that sounds almost identical to my prelude shift points at 8750 rpms. I HATE THE GEARING.
th-cam.com/video/TFCeqeVr7RE/w-d-xo.html Its good for 294kph or 182.6MPH. If you drive back roads alot and purposely bought the slower shifting CAYMAN for the driving pleasure of shifting you own gears. 4.65's would be better to me. Maybe not the best for the autobahn or for the track, but if you live on or near a mountain road its what I would want.
Sweet moses that GT4 sounds fantastic. Honestly one of the best sounding cars I've ever heard with that exhaust. So smooth
The GTS sounds okay, not bad. Give me the slower car all day lol.
I have a 718 Boxster S PDK loaner while my GT4 is at the dealer waiting for a new gearbox. I’m stunned how much faster the 718 is. I’m now seriously considering replacing my GT4 with a Cayman 718 GTS PDK. There are many 2018’s sitting at dealerships marked down up to $10K. Matt, do you think the 718’s turbo will hold up in a 20 minute session without heat soaking and losing boost?
I’ve heard people say the caymans handle better than the 911!
VEDEM RACING yup bcz of that midengine
Ive ridden in a GT4.... Took a sharp right into a shopping center at 35mph without any tire roll. I almost wept. Thing is miraculous.
@@Calebski it is
Maybe a easy choice, but what’s your take on a fully decked 718 GTS (CSBs, all the other goodies) versus a relatively base 911 (maybe a non-optioned Carrera T)?
Well done, Matt. Very interesting comparison. Not too dissimilar from my old car (Lotus Elise) to my current car (Alfa Romeo 4C Spider). We are in the turbo age it seems. Carry on, my man - your drives and reviews are by far the best around.
This ad, and the one with the boots actually got my attention. Good shit
Thanks Matt. Great review/comparo. Hope you do the same with the 2019 GT4 whenever that becomes available. 2019 GT4 vs 718 GTS. I hear it'll be the na 4.0 flat 6.
honestly, i'd rather have a 987c cayman s than a 718, for the engine and the shorter gearing. noise is such a big part of buying a sports car. there are great sounding four cylinder turbo engines, this is just not one of them.
So Matt, do you see it like this: 718 GTS > GT4 > 997.2 C2S? I am a little depressed if so but I still love my C2S and will be keeping it for a good while.
I know it doesn’t really matter, but I just wanted to point out a hypothesis is an untested theory. A theory is evidence based and scientifically accepted as fact.
You were in fact testing your “hypothesis” that the GTS is the best mid-engine car Porsche has ever built.
joeracer302
My dude! I agree wholeheartedly; words & their meanings matter if we want to effectively communicate with each other.
Looking forward to you or Zach eventually getting hold of an APR or Softronic tuned 718 Cayman S or GTS. Would love to get your take on how they hold up compared to the new flat 6 GTS with the ~80 crank horsepower bump from stock.
Please, I may do this to mine.
Agreed! I prefer the 718 and PDK over the old 6 cyl and manual. But I like heretic things :P
arcade15 nah. I’ll never buy a 4 cylinder when I can still get a used naturally aspirated flat 6. GT4 only for me.
Matt, a big fan of your stuff, as a previous owner of a GT4 and now a 991.2 GT3 (manual clubsport) and having driven the Carrera T (similar performance to the 718 GTS) there is no way that these smaller forced induction engines provide the same feel as the NA brethren (throttle response in particular) suspension also feels boat like in comparison (to GT counterparts). Also GT4 = 991.1 GT3 front suspension and brakes. I would take the GT4 over any 718 or 991.2 forced induction (inlc 991.2 GTS). It is that good and a true GT Porsche, my opinion though as an owner
Great review, and I actually like the sound of the 4 pot turbo. But like you say it's quicker standard. with a few mods, air filter exhaust and a tune it's noticeably quicker
I drove a 2018 718 GTS it was a great car and after a few minutes you realize on its own the engine sounds pretty cool.
test drove one (718 GTS) with a PDK this past weekend...GREAT SPORTS CAR! Maybe the best I have personally ever driven. Yeah, my daily is a Z51 C7...hmmmm..... 🤔
noice! I drive a 95 Corolla with fivespeed aut and a hanging front bumper... I know your pain...
No it dosen't... I would rather save some cash and go for the Bosxter? Okay, the new 911 T is awsome with the idea of a strip back to basic sportscar. Thu, I couldn't live with a car with no AC or RADIO. :)
I drove a 991 GT3 at an exotics track experience in Vegas and I wasn't blown away as much as I expected. A special car for sure, but at the time I had a '15 C7 Z51 which I took to the track regularly and I thought for less than half the price, I had 95% of the track capability and driving fun.
Just keep in mind your C7 (4 years ago) is roughly as fast as the GTS for ~$30k less.
The Cayman is a great car...but it's also a lot of fucking money.
Cuban Rider Yea but on your drive home from the track, the steering wheel is going to fall off that Chevy.
best mid engined car porsche made... i think you are forgetting the 918 and the carrera gt exist ;)
hahaha faaaair point.
givemeajackson yeah I let out a big HMMMM
I thought the same. Maybe he meant of the Porsches obtainable by us mere mortals. The Carrera gt and 918 are out of reach just on rarity alone, forget the 7 figure price tag.
Mid engined sports car is what he meant (I assume)
Meh...the CGT wanted to kill you if you weren't a pro driver, and the 918 is an auto-only Hybrid (still super fast, but).
The 718 growls while the GT4 howls. In a vacuum a 718 sounds great. But the sound of a flat-6 is something else entirely. I do love the sound of the 718 though. It's just different.
Yay! One with Matt... so it won't be boring af.
Two Takes!? I'll take two more please.
Man I would have loved to seen the footage from a rear-facing camera feed on the GTS. It would be interesting to show the distance on the GT4 on the straight sections.
What did you think in terms of handling and steering differences between the two?
Sorry but I dont care about the 718 being slightly better everywhere. GT4 all day. Engine character is what is lacking in todays cars.
Engine character? We have the most diverse looking, driving, and sounding vehicles in history of automobiles
Very enjoyable vídeo as always. Congrats! I would love to see a comparision with the Cayman GTS and the base 911 Carrera. That would make a lot of sense too!
It feels good seeing mat in this video for some reason
That sounds pretty sick for a 4 cylinder
Man cant wait to see what the next Cayman is like, I miss my 2007 Cayman S but these new Caymans would be supercars 20 years ago. Thanks for posting...Yeshua (Jesus Christ) is the way!
I'm about to buy one :-}
Did you? I did too a 718 Boxster GTS
nothing like a late night/early morning one take with matt
Matt, if you were in the market for a Porsche right now, how would this compare to a 996.2 GT3 for around the same price? What would you get?
Compare to 911 gts, which one you prefer?
Myy base model 718 Cayman has the exact same color as this GTS. The thing that worries me everytime is that, I drive my 718 in Sport Mode most of the time, and I use manual mode all the time, does this has any negative affects on the engine? I am worring that I might break the car if I countinuly drive it this way.
Porsche could have easily given us a 2.8L flat 6 with turbos with slightly less boost.
The GT4 is worth it even if it's outrun by this newer generation cayman.
BigHeadClan for what, more weight.
More tuning headroom, soulful engine note, potentially better MPG and lastly better reliability. I'd gladly take the 20lbs of extra weight on the nose
for all of that.
BigHeadClan soulful note? Out of a 6 with 2 turbos would give you an outcome similar to this engines.
If you want more tuning potential you can always step up to a 911 for "more potential" = more cubes.
It just makes sense why they went with a turbo 4, hopefully when they electrify the brand the bring an NA small six for the sound
Charles - A turbo setup would be quieter yes (In terms of exhaust anyhow), but that can be easily fixed with a better flowing exhaust.
The actual engine note itself would still be largely unchanged , where as dropping 2-cylinders totally changes that engine note.
And lets be real if your buying a 718 Cayman/boxer it's for the experience more than anything else, this current generation
is too closely priced to the 911 to really make sense in terms of sheer performance.
BigHeadClan I'm sure Porsche will do something regarding the sound when they do a refresh since a better exhaust would also get the job done here.
And regarding the experience I am sure no one buying this car will be disappointed with their purchase, it's really a hell of a performer. At time of the release people are harsh but I'm sure time will be gentle to this car. Hell, people have forgotten how slow the Boxster was upon it's release and now just remember "that classic engine". People will come around
Listening to the circumstances in which you prefer the GTS, those are the same reasons I'm going to choose the Golf R over the Focus RS as my next daily. If my memory serves me, you preferred the RS for the motorsport sensations. It isn't my intention to criticize your choices, they have no bearing on how I go about my life, it's just that I'm confused by the apparent lack of consistency.
Very nice review of both of these cars!
Apparently these tune to over 500 whp with stage 3!!! Wtf! That 3rd gear pull @15min thou! 😍👉🌶️🚙💨💨
My man, got my 718 GTS in April in the UK, my first Porsche so not missing the NA sound which is of better BUT this car hands down is better in every way and man does it shift. BTW mt number plate has WRX in it which is fine by me lol
Excellent review!
yup. thanks for the video. you just have to skip back to the gt4 while you are watching the gts to really appreciate the sound difference. 4 pot porsche a big nope
If it’s the same as the 981, the carbon ceramics get you 6 piston front calipers, the iron brakes are 4 piston front and rear. Not sure what the GT4 brakes are.
Maybe it’s just the mic but the tone sounds quite different from most GT4 engines either stock or with exhaust systems. Not that sweet sound I’m used to hearing from a GT4
Having driven a 718 GTS and S ( manual and PDK ) a few times ,albeit not at a track I agree they have some get up and go but I would cry like a little girl all day if I had to trade in my GT4 for one. No way, no how...not ever . The GT4 feels and drives like what it is...something bespoke and special. If I want to go insanely fast I'll just take out my tuned M4...its savagely fast but as much as I love it...it doesn't curl my socks like my GT4.
I don't know of anyone that's wheeled a GTS and called it special afterwards ...its just fast and torquey . I predict a future comparo of the new 718 GT3 with a de-tuned 991.2 GT3 motor that will rev to 9K vs say a tuned 718 GTS with gobs of HP/TQ....I'll take a 9K revving 718 GT3 any day of the week even if its slower.
The soul of a car is EVERYTHING..
Applied progress is one thing , but using turbos is more about hitting Emissions targets than anything else and more Tq and better MPG's is simply the benny .
Even though I'm not a Lambo fan...I applaud them immensely for sticking to NA motors. I heard they're developing a V12 that will rev to 10.5k rpms to sway McLaren shoppers.
Hey Matt great review. Tell us what you think of the DSC and adjustable camber plates suspension mods vs stock Cayman. Are they making difference on the road, or do they really only show up on a track. What's your impression and any other thoughts?
Thanks , just jim
Jim Knowles the DSC is noticeable when driven back to back with the stock car. It’s a subtle difference but the car stays flatter during braking and turn in.
Torque on the street makes sense, the noise is just not great which is unfortunate, but I could live with it.
718 Cayman GTS with Ceramic Brakes and PASM 👍
@thesmokingtire What brand straight exhaust is this on the GT4?
2.5L or 4.0L with turbo? Matt says 4L turbo, but I think it’s 2.5L.
Matt, we need your take on the updated, 4.0 litre GTS as well. Pretty please?
nice to see some new content
Love that you have some overseas blantons
718 is easy to tune and an after-market exhaust will help the exhaust note. It's frustrating Porsche used a WAY too tall of a final drive to slow the car down... to protect the 911.
Porsche needs to redesign a smaller 6 cylinder with a turbo for the Cayman. They could make it a smaller displacement 6 given the addition of a turbo and the turbo would give it that long power band like the 2018 GTS. This is the only way to get that super car type sound.
That blue interior reminds me of a beetle interior
Matt's back
Both beautiful cars! But the Cayman is definitely faster.I wouldn’t mind either 🏁
Matching the "Batman" GMT with the blue GT4 👍. Did you mean to do that? Lol great vid as always.
Yeah that GTS is wicked, but I think the angry rasp from that GT4 engine would just about have me in tears so I'd have that one every time. But really, it doesn't matter because I can't afford either!