Owned a 987 spyder myself and I think the 2 piece roof is a brilliant design. The best thing about it is you can have the top roof up without the second piece roof at the back. In that setup you won’t be able to worried about sun, cold or rain but still able to enjoy half open top experience with engine sound and fresh air into the car
I own both (the Spyder RS and GT4 RS). I also own a 992 GT3 RS, 992 GT3 (manual), 992 GT3 Cup, and a Taycan. I just got rid of my Macan S, but I plan to replace it with a Cayenne Turbo GT. Yes, I love Porsche.
I think the spyder RS is louder. The way how to drive it is the bimini top on and the back part of the roof gone. the difference is in the metal roof. you get a lot of bad resonance with GT4RS in comparison to spyderRS. This resonance went away with Akrapovic back box exhaust. I can confirm, the suspension set-up is more compliant on the spyder. before you start bashing me how I can now this, I actually have both GT4RS as well as Spyder RS in my garage.
it's louder I can confirm the Spyder RS is more loud when the top is down or when just the bimimi part is up without the back part. (I have it over 3000km by now). This test was so bad I didn't even commented under the main thread. Blaming a car it's too hardcore when it's made for track is just nonsense. Especially because year by year they're softer. 996 GT3RS and 997RS was even more firm and raw . When you want a softer car by a non RS model and it's done. But don't ruin or blame cars for being bad when they're designed for a different purpose. Like testing how an elephant climb on the tree. Same witth the top up thing he say it's how bad. So I'm pretty certain he MAYBE done it 1 or 2 times. Because the Spyder RS owners know the top up is freakin easy, the top down what sucks because sometims the position of the plastic thing on the bimimi don't let you properly close the trunk.
Lucky you- the dream garage! I have done 12,000kms in my GT4RS and it is an epic car despite the stiffness on the road. I have an allocation for Spyder RS but for me it will be a matter of the changeover cost. Interesting you feel the Spyder is louder - I heard that elsewhere. The resonance - cant you just close the valves?ie turning off sports exhaust I find gets rid of the droning. I think I would buy the Spyder without the useless Weissach package and lift system (it adds weight and spoiler is smaller than GT4RS) and put the money towards PCCB brakes. I cant get my favourite colour anymore - Bronze Gold Metallic. Do you have a favourite?
@@FreestylerAlbert You are wrong. It is possible to make a track focused car that is good for the road. Just take a look at the McLaren 765LT or the Ferrari 458 Speciale. The McLaren has THREE suspension settings and the Ferrari has a BUMPY road setting.
@@alenaalena13 PCCB is pointess for Porsche GT cars when you want to use them. You can buy way better ceramic brakes from RPMtechnic which last longer, can be resurfaced at least 2 times, perform better, and cheaper than the PCCB. So when someone track his car they use the OEM iron brakes OR go for the RPMtechnic set. (hinzmotorsport also offer it in the USA)
@@888mf4 check how many people track their 765LT and how many track their Speciale compare to the GT products. There is plenty of reason for that and not just the production numbers and because Mclaren is the most unreliable car on the planet with ferrari. Ohh the 765 LT have the overheating problem still? When I can choose between that or the suspension being too stiff on a track focused car which one should I choose? A track focused car is capable to go to the track and being pushed without any problems, and that is in the warranty. That's a track focused car. But check the really track focused mclaren 620R how many suspension settings you have. Even more stiff than any Porsche GT car. When you redesign the suspension you need a different suspension piston and external oil can, you need more electronics and you end up with more and more kg which is not needed in a track focused car especially as unsprung weight. When you compare a track focused car compare it on a track what they're designed for. Next test will be ohh this racecar have 100+ liter more storage space, and this racecar have a +1 liter more fluid tank for the windshield washer. Things needs to be compared what they're designed for. You would able to say the front grip on the 718 suck and and lack of feedback or things what really matter, what is really a problem. So no I don't agree, I don't want to see Porsche GT cars made like crap Mclarens or Ferraris , there is a reason it's Porsche.
I am gong to swap to the Spyder RS from my GT4RS due to the bouncing on b-roads, which makes me less confident than in ny 981 GT4. I hope and think the spyder rs still is loud enough especially with the roof down. In the video, it wasn't tested above 7k where the magic happens... But a bit quieter with roof up and not full-on driving is OK on trips, especially for my better half in the passenger seat.. 😊 I am, though, a bit surprised that it is firmer than than the regular spyder, as the spring rates are the same. But stiffer bearings and perhaps anti-roll bar (and perhaps dampers) could very well leave that impression. Thanks for a good video and useful comparison! 👍
Great content as always Mark! Thank you for the comparison/review. I think the decision between with these two cars also comes down to the use case. Back roads/B roads Spyder likely makes the most sense. However for track days and back roads the 4RS for me. Both great cars and I agree the louder the better ! With all the new regulations coming down the pipe line cars are getting quieter and quieter.
Great review Mark, we chose the 718 Spyder 6sp, it offers the manual transmission, a more practical convertible roof, and a reasonable street ride. It's a street car which CAN be enjoyed on the track, rather than a track car which is tolerable for short drives on the street. IMO the Spyders are more fun, and this is from someone who had a GT3 as well. :)
It's true, I love your review, it's so true, I've always loved Porsche, especially the GT4RS,that's the king of the track. The passionate sound seems to be calling the racers to conquer it
I have a GT4 RS and I share a 718 Spyder PDK with my brother. My last car was a 718 Spyder manual and before that I had a 981 Spyder. I much prefer the sound of the 981 Spyder over the 718 Spyder. That 3.8L Flat Six engine is so good. Unfortunately the 4.0 engine in the 718 Spyder is a little dull. It needs an after market exhaust for sure. However I still think the 981 Spyder is one of the best models Porsche have ever produced.
@@888mf4 I'm also interested in the Porsche models, especially for the comparison between the 981 Spyder and the 718 Spyder. I agree with your comments about the sound of the 981 Spyder engine, it is truly outstanding. There are so many Porsche classics. My first car in life was a Porsche
I think the 981 Spyder is the best B road car, and great value for money. The 718 Spyder looks more modern and has better suspension set up, but the engine is too quiet.
@@888mf4 Put an exhaust on the 718 and you're in business. The 718 is a Porsche GT Car by the GT department and you can tell when you push it. It drives like a comfortable 718 GT4.
GT4RS for track plus GTS4.0 boxster for general touring. I have the boxster and specced it with vented seats (so good…and use them more than heated seats as I use it in the summer). OPC wouldn’t let me order a GT4RS and they had a “new” one (delivery miles) from another customer in the showroom when I picked up my boxster last summer and it was double the rrp.
Looks like a great day and both amazing! Were you able to drive the SRS with the roof down in anger? I too prefer the 718 to the 911 having had both. Thanks for this video
Yes, I drove the Spyder RS with the roof down. However it was freezing outside, so we put it up. It would have been too loud to film with it down. All of the B roll is with the roof down and all the talking is done with the roof up.
Thanks mark Great content. Unique opinion unfiltered in your own unique style from someone with significant ownership and driving experience / knowledge of Porsche Keep the vids coming RS 4.0 vs spyder RS next plz because why not?
I sold the GT3 RS 4.0 in September. It was time. I had it for 10 years. To be honest, the clutch was quite heavy which meant I didn't use it that often. The beauty of the GT4 RS is that it is PDK.
Very nice review - congratulation for the work done ! One question I have always had and struggle to get an answer is whether the carbon airbox that comes with the Weissach pack does change the engine intake noise in the cabine of the Cayman ? Views and experience here ?
Ceramics, mags, and comfort seats make a big difference in making the 4rs more streetable... And that UK weather is exactly why the Spyder RS is a no go
The suspension is my biggest issue with the GT4 RS. I like the bucket seats. PCCB weren't an option on my GT4 RS due to supply issues. However I would option them on my next Porsche.
Is there any scope for adjusting the pre-existing setup to make it more supple? What about retrofitting the Spyder RS suspension? The GT4 RS should be the ultimate Cayman and it seems a shame for it to be limited to just track days. Surely worth exploring since like you say the 992 is a bit big to fully take advantage of that amazeballs engine on UK roads.
Very timely. I have an arctic grey GT4RS with indigo blue wheels and it looks pornographic. I have done over 12,000 kms and yes on B roads it can be very firm, but I never worried about the stability. It just is a sensational car. I have been offered an RS Spyder allocation and have a few hours to make my mind up. Part of the final decision will be what can I get for the GT4RS as a trade in as the market here in Australia has dipped. I wouldn't want to swap and find the air intake noise markedly inferior. The noise is what makes the GT4RS so special and with the roof down on the Spyder the air intakes are close to your head. What do you think is the future for each of these cars?
The GT4 RS looks better in my opinion but is too firm for the road. It is ideal on a race track. The Spyder RS will make a better road car. Ideally I would have both, but the Spyder RS suspension makes it a better road car.
Someone said, with the roof down, that the intake noise was even better than the GT4RS. Did you feel that? I note your comment about the lack of a need for a front nose lift, which is not only expensive, but it adds weight. What do you feel is the best colour? Until recently you could get Bronze Gold Metallic, but no longer. A wrap guy here said to buy a black car and get it wrapped in bronze gold metallic. Is that something you guys do in UK? @@888mf4
The weather as an excuse for not going on track? 😂 I've done 30+ UK trackdays across the past 4yrs and had rain on probably less than 5. Insurance isn't an issue, FJ, ClassicLine, etc do road policies with 'free' trackdays as I have on my GT4 and my friends on their RS'. If you don't like trackdays just say it, nothing wrong with that, to each his own. But you're missing a massive chunk of what really makes these cars special.
just an excuse we all know :) there is a huge scene in the UK who race regularly and don't look for excuses. Wish other countries would have the same ammount of races. 100% agree with what you wrote.
I am with CHUBB and they don't offer track insurance. I am not moving as they have a multi car policy and I am insured to drive any car up to any value. Something a lot of insurance companies don't offer. As for the weather, I am sure you would agree that Florida is better for track days than the UK!!
Nice Review. Thank you…I own the GT4RS and also 992 GT3 manual along with 718 spyder (manual) and I can attest to the harshness of the GT4 RS suspension hardness compared to my other cars, to the point it takes away from the overall enjoyment of this magnificent car. I have RS spyder coming this summer and I must part ways with one of the cars I own, which is going to be tough because I truly love my GT3 and my GT4RS, but I adore my 718 Spyder manual the most and it is the car that puts the biggest smile on my face, so most logical choice is to get rid of the GT4RS and mainly due to this suspension hardness. Now my local Porsche dealer suggested to install the stock Spyder RS suspension(shocks+springs) on my GT4RS to soften the GT4RS suspension which could allow me to keep it and part ways with my 718 Spyder instead. Not sure if you know the answer but have you thought about swapping your GT4RS with standard Spyder RS suspension? And do you know if it would fit and work. My Porsche local dealer thinks it should swap over with no issues and this will eliminate the biggest complaint I have against my GT4RS. My other question to you…. In your opinion….Is the Spyder RS suspension significantly softer than GT4RS to the point that makes it worth spending the extra money or do you think I am better off spending the money on a 3rd party coil over to reduce the harshness further. Please share your honest opinion given the fact you spent driving both cars back to back on English B-roads. Thanks for the review and look forward to hear your thoughts on this. Mark Qandil
Interesting suggestion about softening suspension on GT4RS. Wonder what it would cost. Like you I am waiting for a Spyder RS and currently have a GT4RS which has dropped in value a lot here in Australia (and 17 for sale - same as UK).
@@alenaalena13 congratulations on both cars. I am estimating U.S.$7000 for parts and labor to complete the suspension swap but probably be a little cheaper going to 3rd party coil over. I would not get discouraged about the falling prices as I think these prices will go back up again upon production suspension of all 718 next month. According to Porsche they are suspending 718 production in May 2024 to make room for the new electrics. I suspect both the 718 spyder and GT4RS may go on for couple more months.
There is no Boxster Spyder. It's a 718 Spyder or a 718 Spyder RS. Mistaking an RS for a non RS is not all bad. The Spyder I think is the best looking car Porsche makes currently... it's must better looking that the GT4 or GT4 RS.
Canada was once such a great place. SO you'd have to pay 10k+ insurance for 1 day at the track? Smart money would insure you for half of that and be thrilled.
@@982spyder5It’s about $1k CAD for a day’s track insurance, and there is quite a bit of paperwork that needs to be done (like getting the track organizer to apply such that you can buy insurance on the lap day, and so forth)
Great review Mark & thanks as always. You helped me buy my 981 spyder in Oz & still v happy. Hard decision so I have both 4RS & new spyder coming. When you said the f’d up roof takes least 2 min, that’s normal for most great things these days. 2min max 🤣. Take care merry Xmas 🎄 brother & happy safe holidays! When in Oz visit for sure mate!
@@alenaalena13both amazing & surprisingly different cars. 4RS just loves the track & I find it fine on the road too. Although the spyder RS has approx half the spring rates so more compliant especially on rough roads. Nice to be able to use rear view mirror too but Silver Rocket do make 3in wing risers. So for me, these are both AMAZING in their own way!
@@nikspartan My take after just two days of driving the new RS Spyder is that it is a better car than my GT4RS in its responsiveness off the line, its road compliance over bumps, its chortling away even at low speeds and low gears, better visibility, and despite the taffy roof, the option to have an open top. AS you said both cars are ridiculously good, pity I need to sell the GT4RS.
As much as I love the Spyder, I would never own a car with a manual roof. That being said, I don’t like the HUGE wing on the GT4RS or the cacophonous noise in the cabin at high RPM’s. So, I wouldn’t want either of these. I’d take one if given to me, drive it for a few miles and sell it. I’d personally prefer the Boxster GTS 4.0 over either of these and pocket the difference.
Thank you so much for that review spyder rs is my dream car. I’m quite surprised it is quieter than the gt4. Do you confirm it is still quieter even with the roof down?
Totally impractical maybe even pointless but god I'm glad they did ❤ I own a z4 m40i, roof down in sport plus and greabox in sport mode i thought that was a bit much but this lol just bonkers, love it. If i could afford such cars it'd be the spider, as i dont drive on a dally basis no commuting no children and i love the roof off when at all possible
@@888mf4 problem was when I looked at a similar spec Porsche 718 of similar year 2020 and mileage 20k you're talking a 10k price hike from what I paid for my Z4 😮😖
Good review very interesting. My garage is a 987.1 Cayman S manual and Boxster GTS 2.5L PDK and it’s really hard to say which one I would wish to upgrade. Sure would be nice to test drive them. Happy Christmas 888
These cars, especially the GT4 RS, are made with the track in mind, but streetable enough to drive to the track and home again. Not going to go on the track because it’s wet, you don’t have the insurance, blah, blah, blah. Excuses, excuses…
The GT4RS would have to be the pick here because everything good about the Spyder RS is noticeably better in the nonRS Spyder. Buy the 718 Spyder, invest the money you saved into BTC, and in 9 months you’ll be able to buy anything you want.
I spent around 3 months a year in Florida from 2017 - 2020 and did lots of filming there too. You’ll see the 991 GT2 RS review filmed in Pompano Beach. I know it is tropical but it’s way better than London!!
@@888mf4 Ha, I suppose so. I grew up there, and flash afternoon storms were a very real thing, depending on time of year. By the time you got the spyder rs top on, your car would be half full. :) But then, I have one on order anyway. It’s just too good a car not to! Cheers.
This was a horrible review. Painful to watch. He spent the entire time talking about stuff nobody cares about. Plus how about handling? Slow talking. Babbling. Horrible editing. You couldn’t even tell what car he was in because the camera kept jumping and showing the wrong car. Also who says they like a car better because of a color? you can get the Indigo Blue wheels on the Spyder RS As well So that just further shows that you don’t know what you’re talking about.