NON-911 BOMBSHELL! Is the 981 Cayman GT4 the best value modern performance Porsche? 2021 review!

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It's the review I've been most asked to do since starting my channel! Can the Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 outgun the hallowed 911 when it comes to analogue fun in a modern performance Porsche?
The first Cayman GT4 can currently be had for the same price as a 991 Carrera T, but unlike that particular driver's 911, here your money is getting you the keys to a sports car from Porsche's famous GT department. So, when it comes to driving thrills from a modern Porsche, does the answer in fact lay outside of the 911 lineup? It's time to find out if the Cayman question can finally sway the ultimate Porsche 911 diehard!
As subscribers will know, this is the first time my channel has featured a review of anything other than a 911. Why so? Well, you asked, and I listened! After hitting 15,000 subs at the end of last year, I asked for some feedback from the video editorial on my channel. Overwhelmingly, the response was: keep the 911 stuff, but add in some other Porsche sports cars such as the Cayman and Boxster, so we're kicking off with the 981 GT4. Did you enjoy it? Please let me know in the comments below!
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#porschecayman #caymangt4 #981gt4

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13 мар 2021

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Комментарии : 114

@JBOsurf 3 года назад

I've had mine for 10 months. Done 12,000kms. It's magnificent. Driving one for a day in the manner demonstrated in this video tells you absolutely nothing. Buy one, drive the wheels off it, and marvel at the balance and trustworthy dynamic limits of the car. If you are driving in a canyon, make sure the windows are down and the revs are up. Load it with gear and take it on a road trip, if you are old and soft, take some noise cancelling ear buds. I wouldn't bother but if that bothers you, there's the solution. Mates of mine who own garages full of exotica and all the top Porsches regularly pick the GT4 as their favourite for touring to places like Tasmania and the Australian alps. One guy, who has the most incredible collection of exotics and EVERY modern Porsche including a 911R and even a 918 stored in the UK, said the GT4 was his favourite Porsche, because of the size and the fact you can use all of it on a public road. This is why he wouldn't sell me his, which also happens to have every factory option on it. He said he's never selling it. Finally, the Carrera T is not the same price as a GT4 in Australia, it's more expensive by about $40,000. Having said that GT4 prices have risen 20k since I bought mine. Short version...buy one now, cheaply, while you can.

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Cheers for joining in the conversation! As I've said elsewhere, it's each to their own, and it's fantastic Porsche has so much to offer everybody. I had this car on test for eight days and loved my time with it, but ultimately I prefer the all-round capabilities of the 911. I think you hit the nail on the head though: your friends all have multiple Porsche, which presents a different scenario whereby one can choose the right tool for the job. My approach was a little more 'real world', where a Cayman would be your one and only Porsche. That, for me, is where the car falls down compared to the 911 lineup.

@JBOsurf 3 года назад

@@9WERKSTV appreciate your view and the podcast which I listen to every week. All the best. FYI the GT4 is my only Porsche. My daily is a fiesta ST!

@andydoherty6828 3 года назад

Good video. I’ve had a 981 gt4 for a few years now and love it, use for UK and European road trips and trackdays. Amazing car, your negative about noise is a positive for me, sounds amazing, fabulous handling and lots of character. Lovely responsive engine and sublime gearbox. Also compared to my lotus its like a Rolls-Royce, all relative. Loved my previous 911, love my gt4, can’t go wrong really with either.

@easyrider7021 3 года назад

Great commentary and the comments below are interesting. I have now had a GT4 for 5 and a half years and think it is utterly brilliant. I drive it whenever I can and keep the radio off as the engine noise is so good. The car feels better than it did when new. I had a 2010 GT3RS previously and only sold that because I wanted to buy a flat in London. I have owned 2 Jaguars, 2 Aston Martins, 2 BMWs etc and while I would like a little more acceleration down low, I keep reminding myself that in Australia this car is around half the price of a GT3 and so people shouldn't be asking for a GT3 engine unless they want to pay a huge amount more. I still get enormous public positive feedback as the thing looks fast standing still.

@ghowells5433 3 года назад

Enjoyed that, great review

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@CarvingCanyons 3 года назад

Just drove my first Porsche a week ago and I’m totally hooked! I loved it so much

@Wooooosaaaaaa 3 года назад

That’s hype

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Great to hear!

@chrislondon9416 3 года назад

thats an expensive rest of your life, but worth it

@inamhassan2694 3 года назад

:). Which porsche was it?

@CarvingCanyons 3 года назад

@@inamhassan2694 997 Carrera in manual!

@ambersykes1419 3 года назад

Really good video. Thanks for making it.

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thank you!

@plife911 3 года назад

Cheers mate. You are really really good at this! I also appreciated your thoughtful and balanced comments

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Wow, thanks for the kind words, they are hugely appreciated. It's good fun to do and very rewarding off the back of comments like yours.

@mrmarrow8918 3 года назад

Great video!

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks!

@713vinh 3 года назад

Awesome video!

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks Vincent!

@sephiros9883 3 года назад

Always a fan of your videos! The 911 driving dynamics are so satisfying. There is no doubt I’d be faster around the track in a cayman. I’m not a great driver and around the track I frequently either over brake to load the front axle or not enough, leading to understeer more than I’d like. However, once it starts rotating (or on public roads) the way the back gets this « pendulum » effect is absolutely fantastic and satisfying.

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thank you kindly. Completely agreed on the driving dynamics, the Cayman is easier to drive faster on track (I have first hand experience of this) which is credit to the platform, but there's an art to driving a 911 and I think that's part of its allure. Each to their own of course, and it's great Porsche has something to offer everyone.

@peaktraveller 3 года назад

Great vid.

@willroberts4758 3 года назад

Great video dude.

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks Will.

@GetUpFalcon 3 года назад

Given it's a GT product, the comments about its capability as a cruiser are somewhat mute. Excellent review however!

@sean911sc5 2 года назад

Spot on the best review I’ve watched on the GT4. The detuned engine info was very informative. I’d trade a base or “S” 981 for a GT4, but 997.2 (6S) is a keeper.

@fredpinczuk7352 2 года назад

Favorite drive in mine is around the Malibu hills on a Sunday early morning (7 am), and usually run into some poor Corvette Stingray owner who frankly believed he could keep up in the twisty. See them nearly running off the road as they try to stay on pace. And finish off at Paradise Cove in Malibu for a nice breakfast. PCCB are amazing, worth every penny. And the carbon seats are a must. And for roughly $6K, you can gain those 20+ hp left behind on the factory floor.

@kevinmcg6747 2 года назад

I remember when k watched this when it came out and thought ‘how dare you pick fault in the GT4’. I test drove a 981 GT4 a few days ago. Below 4k rpm it’s pretty docile and wouldn’t know what way my M2C went, but, when you get it up in the revs it’s glorious. Ref the noise, I agree it really is loud which is lovely on a blast but I think would be tiring on a long drive. Overall I absolutely loved it and felt the sensory experience was mesmerising. Now I just need to find the ‘right one’ at the ‘right price’. Oh one final thing, once in the carbon buckets are amazing comfortable but jeez getting in and out and more so if you can’t fully open the doors, is a challenge - but hey I’d argue it’s part of the sensory experience 😂😂. Overall your feedback was spot on and hopefully I’ll have one of these vehicles in my garage soon. Cheers, Kevin.

@garyhaddock7264 3 года назад

Another great video Lee, thanks, speaking as a now, ahem, 981 owner (although nothing as lofty as a GT4).

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks Gary! Nice to hear you're still in a Porsche seat, the 981 is a fantastic car, no two ways about it. Hope you're well.

@ricmileham7913 3 года назад

As expected Lee :) I owned a 991.1 Carrera S manual and have gone back to a 997 manual and the main reason was the gearbox ( ratios too long and easy to fumble a change)

@HomeBuiltByJeff 3 года назад

Cayman GT4 really is great value. I did own a 987S and it was fantastic, but I agree that driving a 911 hard is much more rewarding.

@odinikita4821 3 года назад

Love them both!

@adampadamify 3 года назад

Awesome review and bang on Id say. I test drove on last year, and was expecting it to blow my mind because all the reviews are so glowing. But it really left me cold. I was considering this as a replacement for my 997.1 c2s, but it just wasnt worth twice the money at all. Mega capable and very cool, but I just prefer the 911 because of its quirks. The rear engine layout makes it such a fun experience, whereas this, despite mid engine layout being better in every way technically, made it just that much more soul less for me. And, it also doesnt feel that fast because of the lack of torque and the tall gearing. So here I am back saving up for a 997.2 gt3 :)

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

I think that's the right way to go, Adam! Some people want a technically perfect car, in which case the Cayman is for them. Others love the 911's foibles and the challenge of working around them, and there's plenty of options in that regard! I hope you're into a GT3 real soon.

@carreralicious 3 года назад

Interesting observation about the lack of torque you mention, as the GT4 has MORE torque at 309 lb ft and hp at 380hp than the 997.1S (which I own). Is it because of the gearing that it feels like less torque?

@grilledcheesesandwich975 3 года назад

718 Spyder & GTS 4.0 fix most of the issues listed here, I think

@matthewdavies4358 3 года назад

Excellent video. I’ve been debating changing from my 996 turbo to one of these for a while. Love the turbo power but fancy something more ‘sports car’. Have ordered coilovers for the 996 to see if it sharpens it up first

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks Matthew. Coilovers are a great place to start (you'll need to replace top mounts also) for livening a 996 of any derivative. If it doesn't work out, then you've some fun shopping to do!

@felipeblanco9260 5 месяцев назад

981 gt4 is a real driving car. Analog as fuck, pure enjoy driving

@Nugrat1 3 года назад

Have you driven the 718 GT4 yet? Brilliant little thing.

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Not yet, very much hoping to in the near future but wanted to start the GT4 story from the beginning. Am pleased the 718 is receiving good reviews!

@twinfan73 3 года назад

The engine in the 718 GT4 is a step up. I found the 981 GT4 engine had a massive dip in power in the midrange (emissions and/or noise led) and didn't like to rev out to the red line. The 718 GT4 has "more" everywhere coupled with even more magic suspension - more compliant than the 981 version but with improved handling. The downside would be the (lack of) noise with the 718 GT4 due to the OPFs and drone can be a problem with some aftermarket silencers, however the stock system sounds fine in the car and is massively beneficial for track days where noise limits are getting even more strict. The 981 version seems to be more popular than the 718, I think for the noise element and cheaper prices.

@andrewbrown5636 3 года назад

@@twinfan73 put some ear plugs in and drive them back to back. The 718 is on another level

@nickg2027 3 года назад

Hey Lee, great vid! I wonder how a GTS would compare with a little more compliance and soundproofing? OK a tad less power but would it make a better everydayer??

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks Nick! It's a good idea for a future video!

@rivaterrier 3 года назад

Good video, Lee. You say you wouldn't pick a GT4 for continent bashing due to its lack of noise insulation, but wouldn't that be the case in a GT3? I know your comparison is with the Carrera T, for value reasons, but that's not really GT car and so not so uncompromising - is that fair to the GT4? Do you think that the long gearing accentuates the lack of mid range? I know of a GT4 owner who had a (very expensive) custom gearbox change because he couldn't live with the gearing. Also watch the video back and count the number of times you say "isn't it". I have never noticed you do this before! Would be interesting to see what you think of the new GTS4.0.

@davidcollett1699 3 года назад

Lee you are a hard man to please ha ha. I had a wild ride in the PEC gt4 with barry horne (The 1st carrera cup champion)a few years ago. Was always a no brainer to for me to get a 981 spyder rather than a gt4 5 years ago. The open top element adds so much. Another thing. You need to do an update video with magnus but longer than 9.11!

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Haha, I suppose I am, David! I try to be objective in all my videos, though I am waiting for an "of course you were going to back the 911" comment before long! Totally agreed on the open-top element, they are my thoughts exactly for this platform. Re: Barry Horne, he's a top driver and a quality guy!

@davidcollett1699 3 года назад

You should do a pec visit video. Get magnus on for a garage update. He has added several cars in the last 3 years.

@adamgreen7291 3 года назад

Love how you were questioning if you'd own one... said the guy with a 996 carerra 😂 good video though 👍

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Chop in the 996 and pay on the drip, no?! Appreciate your concern for my perceived financial wellbeing though!

@adamgreen7291 3 года назад

@@9WERKSTV didn't mention finances mate, sorry if I offended you 👍

@apowers7783 3 года назад

Nice GMT Master!

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks!

@jeron6108 3 года назад

Rev matching is only on when you press the 'Sport' button which you had on. Aside from this, the only other thing this button does is lower the temp the thermostat opens at. In essence, no point having 'Sport' pressed on the road if you want to heel and toe.

@WFOSA67 3 года назад

Coincidentally I have just traded my 718 GT4 in for T. I think you need to drive the 718 most definitely as the new engine is an absolute peach even if it doesn’t rev quite as far as a GT3 it’s still very, very special and the noise improves with miles. It’s a fantastic machine but just too hardcore for me, I grew to hate the bucket seats and the race car for the road suspension (I must be getting old😉) The much maligned gearing was a non issue for me although it is true that you have to wring it’s neck to appreciate but surely that’s what GT models are all about! Having said all that I missed having a 911, there is just something about them (having a subscription to your magazine probably doesn’t help!!) Keep up the good work, love the magazine and your content.

@feelsgoodman245 3 года назад

agreed the new engine is fantastic. You can tell Porsche recognised it was the weakest part of the 981 and they sorted out the power delivery. Shame it’s somewhat strangled by OPFs but you can’t have it all!

@WFOSA67 3 года назад

@@feelsgoodman245 If you haven’t already check out the JCR exhaust, it sounds absolutely amazing!

@feelsgoodman245 3 года назад

@@WFOSA67 It sounds quite good, but is really expensive for the sound you get

@HawkMillFarm 3 года назад

Started with a Boxster but now three 911s later yes they are the best all-round everyday package.

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Pleased you're exploring the range, David!

@HawkMillFarm 3 года назад

@@9WERKSTV ......and 2 Cayennes for the daily stuff. Have you ever tested one?

@augustotote 3 года назад

Great comparo, I wonder why going to the track wasn’t mentioned in the whole vid. I’m pretty sure the propositions from both cars are pretty different performance wise, not to mention the fact that you’d probably need get across Europe just to get to the Ring and Spa...

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

I think the GT4 is a fun road car, I'd love to try it on track at a later date but as I haven't done so yet I thought it would be unfair to comment.

@augustotote 3 года назад

@@9WERKSTV Fair point. I’m just sayin’ when considering a GT product on track performance is key and I doubt the 911T would match a GT4 on a circuit...

@Aiken47 6 месяцев назад

Wear earplugs, motorcycling requires it to protect against wind noise. Enjoy the car as a daily.

@alanwayte432 3 года назад

I drove the new GTS recently, and have to say it’s certainly more refined, I owned a 981 GT4 and pre-Covid obviously being a non GT product and I got out after 160 mile trip feeling fine, having owned a 2018 991.2 T

@alanwayte432 3 года назад

Opps sorry, I would still have a 991 T over both as it’s over three years old, maybe a little time spent at Litchfield to add a little extra punch, and it’s also last of narrow body cars..great content as always

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thanks Alan!

@911aircooled5 3 года назад

Well, thanks for that, now I am in a dilemma!! Been a 911 owner for 32 years, and waiting for Porsche to allocate me a 992GT3. far out!! Was thinking of buying a 981/718 GT4 just for fun and numerous track days.........this has cast a shadow over my thoughts now. Maybe I should get another GT3 991 or 997 just to tide me over.... Great honest review, thanks!

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Thank you! Good dilemma to have either way, best of luck with the decision!

@fredpinczuk7352 2 года назад

Try to get the GT4 718 RS. Saw one on the roads here in LA about three months ago. Its brilliant.

@911aircooled5 2 года назад

@@fredpinczuk7352 Ended up buying a GT4 a couple of months ago now, love it. But it will now be traded in, in 7 months, as my allocation has finally come thru for the GT3. However, I was thinking of paying a deposit or an EOI on the GT4RS. Be a great garage then!

@jhrodriguez08 3 года назад

What a geisha comment, I couldn’t daily drive one because of the engine noise in the cabin and little sound deadening, that’s exactly what makes the 981 GT4 special son.

@hazarddavid6987 3 года назад

Me not gonna convert...me from 991.1 C2S moved to 991.2 Turbo S...me happy ever since...😍

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Good to hear, Hazard!

@satishmurthi8573 Год назад

Have one , so I’m biased. But wrong to compare to a GT3 which is £40k more. But spot on with a Gt4 vs 911T. Just depends on your personal preference- cruiser or sportier.

@adrianleek7211 3 года назад

991 Carrera T is a 3.0L Turbo vs the 981 naturally aspirated 3.8L....? Hmm.

@adrianleek7211 3 года назад

Excellent video by the way.

@julian987r4 3 года назад

You seem to have forgotten the Cayman R which came before this and was a GT car in all but name

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

I don't view the Cayman R in the same vein as a modern-day GT, it's more like a 3.2 Carrera Clubsport in that it's lighter but with barely any power upgrade. It's a mighty fun car though (drove one a few years back) and worth doing a video on in future.

@julian987r4 3 года назад

@@9WERKSTV yep that’s a better way to think of it. Good return serve 😀 you are welcome to drive/review my manual R

@1530swimmer 3 года назад

@@julian987r4 now this would be worth watching. However, I wonder if your R's cabin is too claustrophobic, a marketing car, engine causes tinnitus, not suitable for European grand tours, hmm, any other BS!? Oh, yes, lack of useless rear seats. This sounds like a great video that I challenge Lee to do!

@gtrguyinaz 3 года назад

Sorry, these are 2 different cars… 911 is a sort of sports car and GT4 is a slower GT3

@eSysmanTech 3 года назад

I don’t think anyone believes that Porsche couldn’t fit a GT engine in this package. They could have made it fit if they wanted. They have always throttled the ability of the Boxster/Cayman platform to make sure it’s not better than the 911. The same reason the bad gear ratios were given to its gearbox. Handicap the car to make it the ‘almost’ car.

@feelsgoodman245 3 года назад

They could have put a GT engine in there at far greater cost. It would probably have added nearly 50% to the base cost. Porsche GT manuals have had long gearing for over a decade now, it’s nothing new.

@brucemackenzie4952 3 года назад

It is not a detuned Carreras s engine. It is not 380hp it is 385hp. It was about $120,000 US. It needs to be driven over 4,000 rpm/. I own the 981.

@1530swimmer 3 года назад

How many people do "continental touring"? I would love to know how many 911 owners in the UK do that.

@GarageBiljon 3 года назад

I do a yearly roadtrip to see the Mille Miglia start in Breschia. This is a week long roadtrip of about 4000km. Crossing the Alps and taking in the Black Forest. Why have a Porsche if you don't have epic roadtrips?

@1530swimmer 3 года назад

@@GarageBiljon Fully agree that you should use the car to do epic road trips. Just not convinced that all 911 owners buy one for grand touring capabilities and that you can't do them in the GT4?

@julian987r4 3 года назад

Same as the percentage of 911 owners that go to the track, 5%

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Bang on!

@GarageBiljon 3 года назад

I know what my ears feel like after a day driving my GT3 at high speeds. I have driven a GT4 on several occasions and can confirm Lee's observation that it is a loot boomier in the cabin compared to my GT3. However, this is only an issue if you drive with the windows up, I always have mine down below 100kph.

@jg5529 3 года назад

I wear ear plugs on long trips.

@johnmitchell2269 3 года назад

Only one critisism of the 981 Cayman GT4 are the uncessairly long gearing. What's the point of having a manual when you don't need to use 4th and 5th let alone 6th (unless your on the Autobahn or a track with a long straight). But other than that one issue, I can't fault it or find anything else no matter how small I dislike. The perfect Porsche, would be a manual 981 Cayman GT4 with the GT3 engine (and shorter gearing). Just imagine that, my word!

@MD-qp8gj 3 года назад

DeMan motorsports make this exact setup for the 981 GT4. 560hp and 100 foot pounds more torque than a GT3RS with a rally gearbox.

@johnmitchell2269 3 года назад

@@MD-qp8gj The ultimate 6 cylinder Porsche then (for people who prefer na). Must be out of this world to drive. People would pay insane money for a car like that.

@MD-qp8gj 3 года назад

@@johnmitchell2269 Here's the link, it's a wild car. demanmotorsport.com/4-5l-cayman/

@jamesdawson5905 2 года назад

Not sure you can compare it to a 911T! Best compared to a 911GT3 surely in 991.1 guise? More expensive, massive and with a chocolate engine that you wouldnt dare run out of warranty. Reviews never mention the laughable cost for the OPC warranty on the GT4 either, its a no brainer the GT4 wins on all counts and really has no competition.

@gtrguyinaz 3 года назад

For the 130,000 dollars for a gt4… I would rather have a GTR with 800 whp… for the same money… both new… and yes… 5he GTR is much faster at COTA..

@Nord_Mann 3 года назад

What about the strut towers ripping out of the body? Glorious sound though, without GPF’s muting the exhaust. Actually spent the best part of this Sunday looking at listed Boxster/Caymans, especially the manual GTS4,0’s, just a little unsure about it’s long gearing. Just remembered: first driving the 981GT4, putting it sideways on cold tyres in a looong right hander WITH the laughing salesman in the passenger seat😂 We absolutely went out full bore zigzagging the countryside out west of Oslo. God why did I sell my sublime CarreraT....?

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Yes there is a lot of conjecture online about strut towers, I've seen some pretty ugly pics. It appears to happen on track when forces/loads are hugely increased, this video though was focussing on its merits on the road. Great point also with the noise and lack of GPF, I forgot to mention that in my report. EXCELLENT anecdote re: your GT4 drive! So did the incident put you off?!

@ghowells5433 3 года назад

I’d have a 996 gt3 over the gt4 all day long, rarer too

@9WERKSTV 3 года назад

Would you drive it as much though?

@ghowells5433 3 года назад

@@9WERKSTV that’s a good point Lee, but for similar value much more special car