We test the new 718 GT4 against the previous 981 GT4. Thanks to @zencardriver for the loan of the 718 GT4 and thanks to @fastcars888 for coming along in the 981GT4 Follow me on Instagram @888mf4 #porsche #gt4 #718gt4
Great video , love the Chanel. Watched your video on Spyder , just brakein my Spyder and I am speechless about it , soooo good , handling, road holding is night and day. I came from 911 T , so the 6 speed MT and NA engine is mind bending combination. Little confuse about your comments that 781 is more raw than 718. Based on the exhaust noice I totally agree ( I order Kline exhaust on the way from dealership) , but if tub is the same , transmission is the same , suspension is from GT3 and better aero on the car , the only difference is 4 L engine and you pick older GT4? My Spyder got bucket seats 918, and soon will have OPF delete and Kline exhaust , I think it will be special .
Thanks for the comments. I love the 981 Spyder and the 718 Spyder. However the latter needs an aftermarket exhaust. The only point I will make here is that a 981 Spyder costs £65k in the UK on the used market. A 718 Spyder with an aftermarket exhaust would set you back around £95k. I do not think the 718 Spyder is worth £30K more. But both great cars.
@@RamosDominicano I love cars a lot more than I love complaining. I was complaining about something not anything. I'm entitled to my opinion , same as you
@@secretivescorpio891 agreed. But instead of complaining over a simple annoyance (I'm not a fan of the music eithee, too loud in my opinion) it's better to just enjoy the free content. Constructive criticism is more useful than sarcastic complaining. 👍🏽
The 718 GT4 is around 30-40 kg heavier, not 80 kg. The rest of the different is due to changes in how the weight is reported - they now report the base configuration’s weight rather than the lightest possible configuration
The 718 GT4 is an improvement over the 981 GT4 in aerodynamic, brakes and engine . In addition the 1st generation GT4 had 3rd gear issues where Porsche decided to cut corners by welding the 3rd gear onto the shaft rather than the traditional splined fitment. As a result there were many examples where the weld failed and owners lost 3rd gear and needed to have that problem fixed under warranty. Presumably the newer 718 version will have that problem remedied. The only negative is the higher price but to me is justified by the improved performance.
@@888mf4 thats not a track focused coupe with a new and improved 4.0 flat 6 and a redesigned body, its like saying: you want a gt3 rs? Well you can get a 911 4s targa for way less money
I just sold my 981 GTS 😩😩😩😩 Today I got an email from my dealership to spec a new 718 GTS 4.0........it’s unreal how Porsche can refine these cars and make them better each time! (With the exception of the 4 cylinder 718😂...great car....but that horrible sound🤦🏻♂️)
Owned a 981 GT4, 991.1 GT3, and a McLaren 570s. I've also driven a variety of other cars including Ferraris. GT4 is the most fun car I've ever driven. It's the only car that I really miss and may actually buy again.
I’ve had a 981 for 18 months and have a 718 currently. I was initially reluctant to upgrade due to extra cost but the minute I started driving the 718 straight out of the 981 I know I was definitely a better driver’s car. Had steels on 981 and the feel on ceramics of 718 is definitely better and more ‘granular’ than steels. Feels like there is grit between pad and disc and you can feel it. Love it. Also pedal rock hard at the top with minimal travel like it should be. Steering lighter in 718 and better turn in feel and feedback than 981. Clutch in 981 much heavier, 781 much lighter (like 991.2 GT3) and quite like that. Engine revs noticeably more freely in 718 with sharper throttle response on blips. Exhaust quieter in 718 but I do prefer the noise of the engine itself. Yes I do miss the noisier exhaust note but not enough to upgrade 718 exhaust. I definitely prefer looks of 718, mainly the front end. Liked centre exit exhaust tips more though. Engine in 718 bit better at top end but to be honest I find myself wanting even more power and this was more of an issue in 981. Seating in both I wish could be even lower. I I had buckets in both and not much difference. Suspension in both very firm but 718 handles upsets better. It does not make it a ‘better daily’. Interior is too cramped especially with buckets. Noisy on motorway esp 718 as cylinder deactivation makes engine noticeably noisy at cruising speeds. Enough that I wish I hadn’t bothered to upgrade to Bose. An option worth doing in 981. So define, daily.... That’s what the actual main differences are from someone that’s actually owned both. Question is, should you upgrade? If you’ve got the spare cash and no issue...definitely, but consider mod to keep exhaust valve open or new exhaust. Would I upgrade again. Probably not as I want more power and probably would wait to see if I get a 992 GT3 instead. But I probably wouldn’t be in with a shout if I didn’t buy this... Feel free to ask any questions if you’re considering either car. Best handling car I’ve ever driven. And tons of fun, even with long gearing as you don’t need to rev it all the way out to have fun.
Zichao Wang. Hi. I used the car on a track day a week ago and gearing really not a problem there. In fact car was amazing overall. Fact it’s a little quieter makes you less weary on track days. On the road you notice it more as the car is quieter than 981 so you want to rev it past 4K to get a better noise but longer gearing makes it less legal to do so. If you mostly drive on the road and don’t track it much it may be an issue. To put above in perspective, in my 981 I didn’t find the gearing too long on the road as you changed gears just for the hell of it and to hear exhaust note make music, in 718 there’s a fantastic induction noise at lower RPM but then valves are shut until about 4K. So if you downshift at road speeds there’s just engine noise and barely any exhaust bark (at least from inside the car). Hope this makes sense.
Hi. You can only get manual in GT4. There is a planned GT4RS that will be PDK only apparently. I prefer manual sports cars so would tend to lean that way. Gear shift is short, precise and tactile. Very accurate throws when rushing through gears on track. I personally love it. I drive a 991.2 GT3 and found GT4 felt more direct and tactile in my view. PDK is amazing as well but I just prefer the challenge and interaction of a manual car.
Superb, engaging video, (well done to both of you...great team!) and the best 'honest' comparison I've seen by far in terms of road use. As a 981 GT4 owner I was in the same quandary whether to upgrade or not, tried a 718, was hugely impressed and came to pretty much the exact same conclusions that the newer model was the better car to live with daily and the 981 the edgier, more raw 'weekender' with the angrier soundtrack, that required that little bit more concentration and adjustment. I certainly couldn't justify the additional £25k punt it would have taken at the time for a like-for-like spec. On a warm day, those Cup 2s, unsurprisingly, make a big difference though compared to the Dunlops, which I also have on my car. However I've since had a fast road geo and alignment carried out on the 981 (ARBs left at medium front and rear) and I'm surprised by just how much this improved steering input versus stock settings. Well worth it in my opinion and whilst there are further options to improve the handling, I'm leaving things as they are. I've also added Apple Car Play, a reversing camera and switchable, front parking sensors to bring some of the missing functionality in to the cabin. Whichever model you have and regardless of the long gearing issue, (which affect both but which you can drive around), these are cars that should be celebrated and whichever one you have, it'll bring a smile to your face. Both different in character, but both epic. Top work fellas!
My 718 GT4 is dead on 40kg more than my 981 GT4 on the same scale. More or less same spec Cars(cage, 918bucketseats, steel brakes, etc) 718, no PDC, no cruise control
I have owned both Spyders. The 718 is a better car. More power, better turn in but unfortunately not as much fun. I missed the 3.8L engine from the 981 Spyder!
Great video Mark. Denbies is a great backdrop and I bought a car from very nearby a couple of years ago! Both of the GT4's are obviously fantastic but... Oh my goodness... How cool was that 356A!!😍😎
Great video. Nothing compares to the raw, driver's involvement of the previous GT4. Also the 987 Cayman S ('05-'12) probably was one of the best driver's involvement Cayman ever.
We don’t need to bash the newer vehicle to maintain the value on the old 981. They can both coexist; they are that good. 116 miles in and loving my 718 GT4, and it sounds pretty good to me.
A great video. I would love to see a video comparing between the GTS 4.0 boxster and 718 spyder because the price difference in my country between the two models is negligible.
But in terms of the spyder the 718 is much better than the 981 because it is like the gt4. The 981 spyder only shared engine and gearbox with the gt4. The brakes and all suspension components were just straight from the cheaper Boxster GTS
I just bought a 718 Spyder and done 400 miles so not broken in to where I can hear the sound at high revs, and I agree that I would like more in the noise department. I love the handling though. I couldn't tell from the video how hard they drove the cars, and think you really need to drive them hard to determine which is better. From what I've read, from an objective measure, the 718 is better in terms of speed around a track. I wonder if the sound is what really influenced the owner's opinion. If that's the case, and money is not a factor, why not qualify by saying buy the 718 and change the pipe. Also, It's possible that the Carbon ceramic breaks might give better feel when fully used (they're not meant to putt around a driveway.
I have driven the 981 GT4 and 718 GT4 hard and both are great cars. As we noted in this review the 718 GT4 handles better and is faster, however it is missing the rawness of the old model. If you want a daily driver then the new model is the obvious choice. If you want a weekend car then the old model is all you need. It is also good value at £65k.
981 Spyder was much more fun on the road due to lower grip level. The 718 feels more planted and less fun compared to a 981. But 718 is faster on track, but if you care about that you probably want a GT4 anyway. The noise is on a whole different level on the 981 and not everyone wants to add aftermarket crap on their Porsche.
Jetara all good points. I finally took it out on an aggressive drive through the twisties and it’s hard to know where the limit is, unlike my 2005 Boxster S. I plan on taking it on the track, but I like a drop top and like the looks better than the Gt4. Bottom line is, I love the car and would have loved the 981 if I wound up with that.
@@JoeBlue415 Sorry, read my comment again, sounded much more harsh than I wanted it to sound. :) Those cars are all great, I don't even need any fancy engine in the 718 to have huge amounts of fun, and it's not that a 718 Spyder is anywhere near a disappointment. But 981 Spyder is one of my all time favorites, for me it is the best Porsche in the last decades apart from the Big Boys, CGT and maybe 918. Due to it's narrow tires and the almost standard suspension setup from the weaker modells it always felt a bit on the edge, even on speeds you can actually achieve on the street without being toooooo illegal. Add the borderline insane 3.8 to this mix and it was just something so special that even some sane Persons (I don't count myself into that group) would prefer it to a GT3 as long as there is no Track Work to do. It really was that good. 718 GT4/Spyder just feel that bit more civilized, maybe also has to do with the engine sound and the engine feeling a bit tamer, but I think it's overall more serious and therefore that bit less exicting. Could also be that my Opinion is just plain wrong.
What you guys using for mikes... speaking volume is a little quiet, with some wind noise in a place or two. Music and sound effects are too loud. Ps... I will be keeping my 981 gt4 for a long time also. Freaking love it!
Great video... Reinforces my sense that the 981 GT4 is the sweet spot... Have 2007 987 S 3.4L 425,000 miles perfect original engine w/ headers, GT3 manifold, lightweight flywheel, machined short throw shifter, sport clutch, R9 Bilsteins...NO IMS issues! Acquired at Brumos in Jax w/ 42k on the odo... Awesome car... Will do a video when I hit half million miles... Sounds great... Super quick... naught 60 in about 4 flat... Steering is great... Chg Mobil ONE q 5k absolutely the best car I've ever had... having had several 944 types including Turbo S and 968. Advancing tech even if faster takes much of the reason for owning a sports car out of the equation. German born Porsche factory mechanic w/ long race experience recommends manual over the PDK... says PDK's are only good for 100k... Just a thought... Nice informative video... JR, Dade City, Fl.
Get a 718 GTS, you’ll appreciate the turbo charged motor that has power from 1800 rpm until 6500 rpm instead of the 5 -7800 of the GTS 4 or GT 4. It pulls at just about any gear, all day long...You can put the GT4’s short throw in for a few hundred bucks. Also, it doesn’t have the crazy wing on it.
thanks for that. now i know which one i'll get when i decide to ditch my cappuccino. haven't driven neither of those two so i have to believe you guys, but untill i do, cappo is most fun car to drive in my books (it cost a fraction too).
Thanks for some great content, just bought a 981 spyder on the back of your videos, love the soundtrack on the older car as it puts a smile on my face similar to my Morgan Aeromax 👍👍
Several mistakes in this video. First, the 728 GT4 is NOT 80kg heavier. Technical docs says so because the regulations for weight measurement changed between the 981 homologation and the 718. In real life it’s more 30-40kg. Second. There only are two seat options in the 718 GT4. Sports seats (comforrt) or 918 LWBS. No intermediate folding carbon seats like the 991.2 GT3. The suspensions are basically the same on both car. The 718 GT4 adds more aero. And then the sound is way better on the 981 because of GPF installed on the 718. Third: the torque is the same : 420Nm because of the gearbox capacity. It’s exactly the same gearbox, which isn’t short geared at all ! To be fair: I’m a 718 GT4 owner and I totally understand that upgrading a 981 to a 718 GT4 is not worth the money.
While the spring rate is the same, the damping on the 718 is quite a bit softer, so they are far from the same in the end. When Porsche created the 981 GT4, they knew that there would not be an RS, and thus they just made a car they felt was "right". When they did the 718 GT4, they knew an RS was going to be implemented, and thus they needed a bigger spread between those. I was interested in the 718 GT4, but felt it lacked much of the fun of my 981. And also, I was very sure an RS was in the works so waited for that. So 981 GT4 and 718 GT4RS is the best of both worlds I think and I'm glad I waited.
I have a normal 718 that I took to Jotech Motorsports in Dallas. We spent around $15K doing engine mods, tune, suspension, and aero and it will wipe its ass with a GT4. Considering I bought it used then did the mods I have about $30K less than I would a GT 4 and the comfort is still there and the turbo 4 cl means its lighter and with a valved exhaust still sounds great. It put out 380 HP at the wheels (over 450 HP crank). I love it!!!
@@888mf4 It will affect warranty a lot less than you might think. If it does, it will only affect anything downstream. Just replacing it post OPF is perfectly fine with zero warranty issues.
Revisiting the debate a year later, prices are so close now I’m going for the more modern car, at the end of the day the emissions changes altered the noise and added weight, aftermarket can fix that. The better tech and interior is a selling point for a car that I want to drive every day, I don’t have the luxury of owning such a thing just for the weekend, it has to do daily duties too.
@888mf Why are the standard bucket seats your favourite instead of the 918 bucket seats. The normal bucket seats are then ones you also have in your 997.2 GT3 RS 4L I presume?
Brilliant comparison. Next it would be great to do a back to back road test comparison with your Spyder against the 981 GT4. Maybe you’ve already done this?
I did it a while ago but we weren't happy with the footage so we never uploaded it. The GT4 is hardcore and the Spyder is softer. Both great cars but you can hear that lovely engine better with the roof down
The 981 is the keeper. If you already own one, just go with a GIAC tune, go for a fairly aggressive alignment, and install a set of the new Cup Sport 2 N2 tires (which make most of any lap time difference between these two cars go away), and you’ve saved a bunch of trade-up money.
Hey guys, what about the 718 GTS 4.0 as the daily driver? Even the 718 Cayman T has all the performance goodies that the GTS 4.0 has for $20k less money than the GTS and $40k less than a new GT4. Not a bad option if you don't mind the 4 cylinder engine sound errr noise?
Why not mention the doubled Downforce in the 718? A very important Factor especially on Track, reducing also Understeer, likewise the Frontaxle out of the GT3 does (wich i changed against the GT3 RS Parts due to the Possibility of adding more Cumber) Love my 718 GT4, incredible Fun on Track where i exclusively use it; only dislike for the Way too long 2. and 3.Gear which is common on both Generations and a real Pain in ...
981 GT4 seems to have the old Dunlops. Semi-slicks hardened after 2 max 3 years from my experience. The Cup2s or Dunlop Race 2s as N1 are grippier and can be also mounted to the old car.
Have 40k km on my 981 GT4. Great daliy with the 918 seats. The reason why the 718 has gone soft, is mainly due to the GT4RS. When they did the 981 GT4, they knew there would not be an RS. When they did the 718, they knew there would. Had they made it too much like the 981, there would not be a big enough gap up to the RS.
Would have been nice to get the camera along for the drive to share in the experience but a logical conclusion. The Spyder comparison may turn out a little differently.
@@888mf4 yes it's a challenge I struggle with it too. Gutted you didn't bring your Spyder along. That's the most enjoyable of them all on the UK roads 👍
So we have the pleasure of focusing on two Porsches having a race to see who can go the slowest or reading the tiny specs at the bottom of the screen. Maybe the rest of your audience enjoyed this but I found it boring and uninspired
Did they sort out the problems with the front strut topmounts? Also, is the gearing any shorter in second gear? Don’t know why I’m asking as iv no intention of buying one🤣
888MF Thanks for the quick reply! Scrolled to the bottom of that discussion and saw the state of the GT3, after hitting a pothole! Ill stick to my Evos🤣
981 GT4 owner here, previously had a 997.1 C2S as well , yep the GT4 it’s glued to the pavement, Im running pilot sport 4s now after replacing tires (Dunlops from factory worn out) and they offer way more confidence on damp/wet conditions so better for daily use.
@@jhrodriguez08 true. But from where I am at. Track days are mostly summer and early fall and cup2 maximizes the car. I have winter set up. But I shouldve just put the 4s as my winters. As the Alpines are not that stable in excess of 85 mph
@@isserdigan2835 Nice , I don’t track my car , however I do drive it spiritedly and the PS4s offer good grip IMO probably 5% less grip than cup2s. I’d recommend watching the SCD (super car driver channel) and search for the Challenge Stradale video (the owner of that Ferrari also fitted PS4s)
@@jhrodriguez08 traction might be good in Ps4s but heat dispersal might not. Cup2's i never had to adjust pressure while people with Ps4s does during trackdays.
I got a ride in a sparsely spec 718 GT4 recently with buckets, car play and fire extinguisher. What an animal. Fun fact: yellow is the cheapest color on 718 GT4 (at least in Canada). I haven’t driven a 981 GT4 but hope to drive and own one in the future. Great comparison vid
Thanks. I think a 718 GT4 with buckets and an aftermarket exhaust would be pretty nice, however that's a £95-100K car and I do not believe it is worth an extra £30K over the 981 GT4.
Interesting video Mark! I’ve owned my 981 GT4 for two years, 10+ track days and daily driven 15k miles and it’s not missed a beat! For me the noise is a big factor so I’d keep the 981 and use the 20k change for track days and road trips 👍
Thanks Freddy. For me the noise makes all the difference too. Gives the 981 GT4 a real excitement factor. Don't you find the clutch a little heavy for daily use??
888MF I do find the clutch heavy around town, however I’m lucky enough to live in the country and have some nice twisty roads on my commute into the office each day so it’s not too much of an issue!
I got a 981 Spyder brand new in 2016 and broke it in at the race track. I love it to bits. The new car is probably better but it's not worth the price and it doesn't sound as good. It definitely needs an exhaust mod. Thanks gasoline particulate filters.
Also if you want to use it mainly on a track days events, take 718 vs 981, as it is quite faster on a race track. The exhaust of 718 may be replaced with aftermarket one and the exhaust noise of 718 will be really good.
Not in my experience. With a set of the latest N1 Cup 2 tyres and proper geometry setup there is very little difference on track. In stock form the 981 suffers from understeer but that is easily fixed.
I've been saying this since the 982 GT4 came out.... It's different. It's not better. The 981 GT4 is a special car. It'll be special forever. The 982 edition will just wind up being another excellent Porsche model. Nothing wrong with that. But it's not special. It doesn't make you feel special driving it. It's not engaging enough. The inaugural GT4 when looked at twenty five years from now will be seen much as the Carrera GT and the 997 GT3RS.... A masterpiece. They made the 982 different... but not better.
