2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 vs 2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - Head to Head Review! 

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.

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.

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

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😁

I love how the old one is way louder😂 they really don’t make exhausts like they used to

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.

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!

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.

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 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 :)

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.

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!

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.

Thanks for the excellent review! Very helpful.

Just bought a 981 GTS on Friday - awaiting delivery still, so I can't stop watching 981 videos on the meantime 😂

Very good comparative review. Thank you.

Holy crap this was the comparison video/video in general that I didn’t know I needed. Excellent comparison! 🙏

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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 😎

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

Good stuff my dude!

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

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.

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.

OPF/GPF is a must for the 718 4.0. I had them on my GT4 and it transformed the noise

Great vid bro!

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!

thank you for this. considering 981 gts after i get sick of my fk8

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.

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.

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.

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?

Which air filters does the 718 have? Nice work

Sadly with the price increase on all 718s, its basically impossible now to get a GTS 4.0 for under $100k.

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.

Which air filter is installed the 718 GTS?

Exhaust sound and induction sounds are two different things

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 dont know if you can tell but this engine is making more interesting sounds" bro. It is bleedingly obvious thats the 981 sounds better

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!

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.

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!

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.

"almost so loud it gives me a headache" ok back to your tesla

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

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.

What aftermarket air filter was in the 718?

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!

Cool comparison I have been thinking of getting base 981. Would you happen to know if the PDK has shorter gearing or the manual?

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

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.

The thing I hate about modern manuals is the extra tall gears Why having a high revving engine with gears that long ?

porsche entry and drive (sort of like push to start) is an option

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.

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.

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

these roads look great! where is this? i want to bring my car here

F-type v6 also sounds amazing stock and is way below 100k

Your question for the best sounding car under 100k? The lotus emira and the corvette c8

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.

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.

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.

Test the GT4/Spyder against the GTS 4.0

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

Will these be added to the ZPI?

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

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

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.

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.

Great video! I mean, its barely changed. Both destroy the older early 2000s goofy Porsche designs. But I do prefer the more slick front end of the 4.0. But both excellent designs. ❤ I would just take the newer one (if I could lol) for the Speed brags.

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.

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!

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 .

Glad you pick the manual..wouldn’t watch if it were pdk

Hello Zygrene, would you prefer a 981 cayman s or a s2000? Which is better to drive? Also Pdk vs manual?

Would the previous generation Cayman GTS not be the 2.5 boxer 4 turbocharged model from 2019/2020?

The subtle difference in throttle response you notice is due to 30+ ftlbs and 50 hp.

Man what road is this

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?

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.

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

When they talk about air filter sound and track grip means they are slow with 0 torque..from 90s till today

Nice apples-to-apples comparison.. if it’s your money, would you spend the extra dough to get the 4.0 ?

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).

They both look good

What's the make of the intake that makes it louder?

Hey can you give me more info on the air filter he is using? I would like to put that in mine.

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 :)

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 ;)

I had both in PDK. Would rather have the 981 and $ in the bank than my current 4.0

I think GT350R and C6 Z06 would give that exhaust sound a good challenge