718 Spyder v GT4
Discussion
A friend has just got his long-awaited GT4, and although not yet run-in, very generously let me drive it extensively over the weekend.
Apart from the heavy clutch, I really enjoyed it, especially the sense of structural rigidity, and it is definitely some way further along the “sports car” spectrum, than my E92 M3.
So…very tempted..
I am however somewhat besotted with the style of the Spyder.
So, my question - how does the driving experience compare? Does the Spyder have the same feeling of integrity? Are the spring/damper rates the same?
(I hate even the slightest rattles or trim squeaks…)
Thanks in advance!
Apart from the heavy clutch, I really enjoyed it, especially the sense of structural rigidity, and it is definitely some way further along the “sports car” spectrum, than my E92 M3.
So…very tempted..
I am however somewhat besotted with the style of the Spyder.
So, my question - how does the driving experience compare? Does the Spyder have the same feeling of integrity? Are the spring/damper rates the same?
(I hate even the slightest rattles or trim squeaks…)
Thanks in advance!
I don’t have extensive time in both, but I did buy a 718 Spyder a couple of weeks ago (whilst looking at GT4s also) and still have a GT3.
In reverse order, fit and finish is great in the Spyder. I don’t see it being any different to the GT4. However the wind noise and ambient noise from the outdoors is naturally greater so you’re less likely to notice. To my knowledge the underpinnings of engine, gearbox and suspension are identical. I’m not 100% on spring rates given some weight difference, but they are near as damn it the same. They share a user manual as I discovered at the weekend.
The bigger issue, at least to me, was what did I want to use the car for. I wanted a soft top and I wanted something comfortable for regular use that the wife/kids would be happy in. I also didn’t want another car that looked like a mini race car with wings etc. The Spyder did all of this, but still had the same underpinnings as the GT4 thus making it a proper sports car. If I’d wanted a car more for trackdays, Sunday blasts and I wasn’t worried about family etc then the GT4 would have been the option of choice.
This might sound odd, but I think of the Spyder as a car to drive whilst wearing sunglasses and the GT3/4 as suited to a crash helmet. Of course one doesn’t do either of those all the time, but it’s the mental image and use case that each conjures for me.
As ever, I suggest getting a decent test drive in both, ideally back to back. Sounds like you’ve got a good view on the GT4, so maybe a trip to an OPC along with your mate in his GT4!
In reverse order, fit and finish is great in the Spyder. I don’t see it being any different to the GT4. However the wind noise and ambient noise from the outdoors is naturally greater so you’re less likely to notice. To my knowledge the underpinnings of engine, gearbox and suspension are identical. I’m not 100% on spring rates given some weight difference, but they are near as damn it the same. They share a user manual as I discovered at the weekend.
The bigger issue, at least to me, was what did I want to use the car for. I wanted a soft top and I wanted something comfortable for regular use that the wife/kids would be happy in. I also didn’t want another car that looked like a mini race car with wings etc. The Spyder did all of this, but still had the same underpinnings as the GT4 thus making it a proper sports car. If I’d wanted a car more for trackdays, Sunday blasts and I wasn’t worried about family etc then the GT4 would have been the option of choice.
This might sound odd, but I think of the Spyder as a car to drive whilst wearing sunglasses and the GT3/4 as suited to a crash helmet. Of course one doesn’t do either of those all the time, but it’s the mental image and use case that each conjures for me.
As ever, I suggest getting a decent test drive in both, ideally back to back. Sounds like you’ve got a good view on the GT4, so maybe a trip to an OPC along with your mate in his GT4!
I've got a Spyder, but not driven a GT4 - however I would echo the post above. In my mind, if I was wanting a GT4 I'd be looking for one with PDK, buckets and ceramic brakes; just feels that kind of car to me, and I'm a diehard manual fan.
I'm happy with my Spyder with comfort seats, manual and steel brakes. As much as it's brilliant to drive quickly, there are plenty of times you just want to mooch along enjoying the roof down - and manual box/comfort seats suits that well. If I had a GT4 I'd be wanting to drive it flat out everywhere, but that's probably just me.
I also dislike wings on cars these days, the Spyder is subtly aggressive without the rear wing and looks so good with the roof down
I'm happy with my Spyder with comfort seats, manual and steel brakes. As much as it's brilliant to drive quickly, there are plenty of times you just want to mooch along enjoying the roof down - and manual box/comfort seats suits that well. If I had a GT4 I'd be wanting to drive it flat out everywhere, but that's probably just me.
I also dislike wings on cars these days, the Spyder is subtly aggressive without the rear wing and looks so good with the roof down
I have owned both in manual, but now don't own either, so my honest points:-
Spyder Positives
Roof down motoring, on the right this can be amazing.
No rear spoiler, sometimes felt the GT4 can look a bit max power.
Better looking motor, the shape of the Spyder is amazing to my eyes
Spyder Negatives
Don't believe the hype the roof really is a faff, it becomes a pain and sometimes you can't be arsed with get it down. Especially on longer trips.
GT4 is more practical as rear boot on Spyder can only be open when roof is down.
Due to a very thin roof the Spyder is louder inside and not always in a good way. You hear more rattles because of this. The roof is nothing like that in a regular Boxster.
I do like a convertible, but if I was buy again for me it would be a GT4.
Both great cars, both are two of the best drivers cars you can buy.
Spyder Positives
Roof down motoring, on the right this can be amazing.
No rear spoiler, sometimes felt the GT4 can look a bit max power.
Better looking motor, the shape of the Spyder is amazing to my eyes
Spyder Negatives
Don't believe the hype the roof really is a faff, it becomes a pain and sometimes you can't be arsed with get it down. Especially on longer trips.
GT4 is more practical as rear boot on Spyder can only be open when roof is down.
Due to a very thin roof the Spyder is louder inside and not always in a good way. You hear more rattles because of this. The roof is nothing like that in a regular Boxster.
I do like a convertible, but if I was buy again for me it would be a GT4.
Both great cars, both are two of the best drivers cars you can buy.
Edited by diffstar on Tuesday 2nd August 14:39
Having had one, the secret with the Spyder is to treat it as a car to have the roof down permanently, and only put it up when you're out and parked up somewhere for example. Keep it at home in a garage and leave the roof down the rest of the time.
Mine was always outside, so it very quickly became such an issue fannying about with the roof that it started to annoy me. I was able to drop it in 15 seconds, but nonetheless it made it less enjoyable.
Overall, fabulous car though.
Mine was always outside, so it very quickly became such an issue fannying about with the roof that it started to annoy me. I was able to drop it in 15 seconds, but nonetheless it made it less enjoyable.
Overall, fabulous car though.
Jefferson Steelflex said:
Having had one, the secret with the Spyder is to treat it as a car to have the roof down permanently, and only put it up when you're out and parked up somewhere for example. Keep it at home in a garage and leave the roof down the rest of the time.
Mine was always outside, so it very quickly became such an issue fannying about with the roof that it started to annoy me. I was able to drop it in 15 seconds, but nonetheless it made it less enjoyable.
Overall, fabulous car though.
Agree with this. I probably use it less than I would a GT4 as it needs to be a roof-down day for me to take it out - it suits being part of a small fleet, rather than your only weekend toy IMO.Mine was always outside, so it very quickly became such an issue fannying about with the roof that it started to annoy me. I was able to drop it in 15 seconds, but nonetheless it made it less enjoyable.
Overall, fabulous car though.
I enjoy having it, and it's nice to have the choice
I am on my second 718 Spyder and have had a 981 GT4. I have also done a few miles in a 718 GT4.
My first Spyder I specified as if it was a drop top GT4, because that’s what I thought it was. Buckets, Cup2’s, manual etc etc. I was quite disappointed with its on track performance, perfectly acceptable to a point but not as well resolved as a GT4 and not as precise. Porsche clearly don’t expect you to use it on track as the tyre pressure monitoring system does not have the track setting as per the GT4 which is a PITA as you need to start the Cup2’s quite low which sets off the alarms, it does not do this in a GT4 track setting.
The second one I specified as a dedicated road car, so comfy seats, sports tyres, PDK, ceramics etc etc. This car is a much nicer car, a gorgeous convertible with a firm edge, lovely. They were both very well screwed together, very solid nothing fell off and no rattles, the benefit of an old well developed platform.
As far as useability goes I am up to 7000miles since February in my current Spyder and I love every minute of it. This car has a lot less wind noise than the first one with the hood up so either it’s just luck of the draw or Porsche have got better at screwing them together. Saying that I drive virtually everywhere with the hood down unless it’s absolutely chucking it down with rain. More often than not I park it up with the hood down as well. It is garaged when at home so the hood stays down then as well. With the hood down it’s lovely up to about 80MPH after which it starts to get a bit breezy. Up to 60 or so it’s probably quieter than a GT4 as well. I have the Burmester system in mine (not an option on a GT4 AFAIK) which is brilliant especially at speed. I listen to music or podcasts in mine and it’s fine at all UK speeds with the hood down. The GT4 was dire even with the Bose that I had in mine.
Rear boot access is a breeze with the hood down but as others have said a PITA with the hood up. I have parked up at a hotel in the pissing rain with Mrs BigM in the car and had to release the hood to get her case out of the boot, that went down well
you just get used to a bit of forward planning with the packing.
My take on it is that the Spyder is a superb car, one of the nicest in the current range, but it’s not a drop top Porsche GT car.
My first Spyder I specified as if it was a drop top GT4, because that’s what I thought it was. Buckets, Cup2’s, manual etc etc. I was quite disappointed with its on track performance, perfectly acceptable to a point but not as well resolved as a GT4 and not as precise. Porsche clearly don’t expect you to use it on track as the tyre pressure monitoring system does not have the track setting as per the GT4 which is a PITA as you need to start the Cup2’s quite low which sets off the alarms, it does not do this in a GT4 track setting.
The second one I specified as a dedicated road car, so comfy seats, sports tyres, PDK, ceramics etc etc. This car is a much nicer car, a gorgeous convertible with a firm edge, lovely. They were both very well screwed together, very solid nothing fell off and no rattles, the benefit of an old well developed platform.
As far as useability goes I am up to 7000miles since February in my current Spyder and I love every minute of it. This car has a lot less wind noise than the first one with the hood up so either it’s just luck of the draw or Porsche have got better at screwing them together. Saying that I drive virtually everywhere with the hood down unless it’s absolutely chucking it down with rain. More often than not I park it up with the hood down as well. It is garaged when at home so the hood stays down then as well. With the hood down it’s lovely up to about 80MPH after which it starts to get a bit breezy. Up to 60 or so it’s probably quieter than a GT4 as well. I have the Burmester system in mine (not an option on a GT4 AFAIK) which is brilliant especially at speed. I listen to music or podcasts in mine and it’s fine at all UK speeds with the hood down. The GT4 was dire even with the Bose that I had in mine.
Rear boot access is a breeze with the hood down but as others have said a PITA with the hood up. I have parked up at a hotel in the pissing rain with Mrs BigM in the car and had to release the hood to get her case out of the boot, that went down well
you just get used to a bit of forward planning with the packing.My take on it is that the Spyder is a superb car, one of the nicest in the current range, but it’s not a drop top Porsche GT car.
If you think the 718 GT4 clutch is heavy drive a 981 GT4 or 981 Spyder they are far heavier and perfectly weighted for a Porsche GT imo as the 718 clutches are too light as are all Porsche manuals since the 991.2 Gt3 which is also too light.
Structural integrity of the Spyder is virtually identical to the GT4 but very slight scuttle shake if barely noticeable but the car is noisier overall.
I would go GT4 think it looks better with the small rear wing but the Spyder is a great looking car cheaper new than the Gt4 too (bizarrely) and rarer too.
Structural integrity of the Spyder is virtually identical to the GT4 but very slight scuttle shake if barely noticeable but the car is noisier overall.
I would go GT4 think it looks better with the small rear wing but the Spyder is a great looking car cheaper new than the Gt4 too (bizarrely) and rarer too.
bigmowley said:
I am on my second 718 Spyder and have had a 981 GT4. I have also done a few miles in a 718 GT4.
My first Spyder I specified as if it was a drop top GT4, because that’s what I thought it was. Buckets, Cup2’s, manual etc etc. I was quite disappointed with its on track performance, perfectly acceptable to a point but not as well resolved as a GT4 and not as precise. Porsche clearly don’t expect you to use it on track as the tyre pressure monitoring system does not have the track setting as per the GT4 which is a PITA as you need to start the Cup2’s quite low which sets off the alarms, it does not do this in a GT4 track setting.
The second one I specified as a dedicated road car, so comfy seats, sports tyres, PDK, ceramics etc etc. This car is a much nicer car, a gorgeous convertible with a firm edge, lovely. They were both very well screwed together, very solid nothing fell off and no rattles, the benefit of an old well developed platform.
As far as useability goes I am up to 7000miles since February in my current Spyder and I love every minute of it. This car has a lot less wind noise than the first one with the hood up so either it’s just luck of the draw or Porsche have got better at screwing them together. Saying that I drive virtually everywhere with the hood down unless it’s absolutely chucking it down with rain. More often than not I park it up with the hood down as well. It is garaged when at home so the hood stays down then as well. With the hood down it’s lovely up to about 80MPH after which it starts to get a bit breezy. Up to 60 or so it’s probably quieter than a GT4 as well. I have the Burmester system in mine (not an option on a GT4 AFAIK) which is brilliant especially at speed. I listen to music or podcasts in mine and it’s fine at all UK speeds with the hood down. The GT4 was dire even with the Bose that I had in mine.
Rear boot access is a breeze with the hood down but as others have said a PITA with the hood up. I have parked up at a hotel in the pissing rain with Mrs BigM in the car and had to release the hood to get her case out of the boot, that went down well you just get used to a bit of forward planning with the packing.
My take on it is that the Spyder is a superb car, one of the nicest in the current range, but it’s not a drop top Porsche GT car.
Yes i found that out on track as well. The track mode isn't there.My first Spyder I specified as if it was a drop top GT4, because that’s what I thought it was. Buckets, Cup2’s, manual etc etc. I was quite disappointed with its on track performance, perfectly acceptable to a point but not as well resolved as a GT4 and not as precise. Porsche clearly don’t expect you to use it on track as the tyre pressure monitoring system does not have the track setting as per the GT4 which is a PITA as you need to start the Cup2’s quite low which sets off the alarms, it does not do this in a GT4 track setting.
The second one I specified as a dedicated road car, so comfy seats, sports tyres, PDK, ceramics etc etc. This car is a much nicer car, a gorgeous convertible with a firm edge, lovely. They were both very well screwed together, very solid nothing fell off and no rattles, the benefit of an old well developed platform.
As far as useability goes I am up to 7000miles since February in my current Spyder and I love every minute of it. This car has a lot less wind noise than the first one with the hood up so either it’s just luck of the draw or Porsche have got better at screwing them together. Saying that I drive virtually everywhere with the hood down unless it’s absolutely chucking it down with rain. More often than not I park it up with the hood down as well. It is garaged when at home so the hood stays down then as well. With the hood down it’s lovely up to about 80MPH after which it starts to get a bit breezy. Up to 60 or so it’s probably quieter than a GT4 as well. I have the Burmester system in mine (not an option on a GT4 AFAIK) which is brilliant especially at speed. I listen to music or podcasts in mine and it’s fine at all UK speeds with the hood down. The GT4 was dire even with the Bose that I had in mine.
Rear boot access is a breeze with the hood down but as others have said a PITA with the hood up. I have parked up at a hotel in the pissing rain with Mrs BigM in the car and had to release the hood to get her case out of the boot, that went down well
you just get used to a bit of forward planning with the packing.My take on it is that the Spyder is a superb car, one of the nicest in the current range, but it’s not a drop top Porsche GT car.
You are correct that it is not a track car just competent road car and it does that bit well.
I love it on PCCB and with PDK. I prefer the buckets just for the looks.
and whilst the top is down, i dun need no stereo
It will do the odd track day but it definitely isn't a track day car.
av185 said:
If you think the 718 GT4 clutch is heavy drive a 981 GT4 or 981 Spyder they are far heavier and perfectly weighted for a Porsche GT imo as the 718 clutches are too light as are all Porsche manuals since the 991.2 Gt3 which is also too light.
Structural integrity of the Spyder is virtually identical to the GT4 but very slight scuttle shake if barely noticeable but the car is noisier overall.
I would go GT4 think it looks better with the small rear wing but the Spyder is a great looking car cheaper new than the Gt4 too (bizarrely) and rarer too.
Your comment on clutch weight is interesting, as I have driven a 981 Spyder - admittedly 5 years ago - which did not feel particularly heavy. So maybe my friend's GT4 needs some time to loosen-up a bit?Structural integrity of the Spyder is virtually identical to the GT4 but very slight scuttle shake if barely noticeable but the car is noisier overall.
I would go GT4 think it looks better with the small rear wing but the Spyder is a great looking car cheaper new than the Gt4 too (bizarrely) and rarer too.
Thanks everybody for interesting and obviously thoughtful perspectives.
There is definitely some point to the question - what do I expect to use it for?
Highly unlikely that I would ever take one or the other on track, so a lean towards the Spyder is reasonable, so long as the on-road experience is not compromised. Pure fun/weekend/European trips are its target, as I have other wheels for the mundane stuff. Justifying keeping the M3 would be difficult, as Mrs Wife would see the GT4 as too similar to the M3, whereas the Spyder would be completely different to her. Selling the M3 would be a wrench, too.
However, the Spyder roof complication is relevant as currently I would not be able to garage the car (a house move might sort that out). I know I should not worry about what others think of someone my age driving a convertible, but the more hard-core image of the GT4 tends to negate that.
I really do need to try a Spyder on road, but that might be almost as difficult as getting a build slot now.....!
There is definitely some point to the question - what do I expect to use it for?
Highly unlikely that I would ever take one or the other on track, so a lean towards the Spyder is reasonable, so long as the on-road experience is not compromised. Pure fun/weekend/European trips are its target, as I have other wheels for the mundane stuff. Justifying keeping the M3 would be difficult, as Mrs Wife would see the GT4 as too similar to the M3, whereas the Spyder would be completely different to her. Selling the M3 would be a wrench, too.
However, the Spyder roof complication is relevant as currently I would not be able to garage the car (a house move might sort that out). I know I should not worry about what others think of someone my age driving a convertible, but the more hard-core image of the GT4 tends to negate that.
I really do need to try a Spyder on road, but that might be almost as difficult as getting a build slot now.....!
bigmowley said:
What on earth does age have to do with driving a convertible? I’m 60 and love mine to bits but my kids drive it too and love it. My 3 year old Grandson loves it too. Genuinely interested 
Logically, nothing at all.But it does tend to attract snarky "mid-life crisis" comment from some people - who are probably motivated by jealousy...
77 and drive a Spyder 987 and a 981 have had convertibles for years
The negative on the 981 and 718 you cant access the boot without detaching the roof flyers first . so if clothes are in the boot and its raining you are going to get wet retrieving them
The negative on the 981 and 718 you cant access the boot without detaching the roof flyers first . so if clothes are in the boot and its raining you are going to get wet retrieving them
Edited by woodysnr on Wednesday 3rd August 22:42
I think you’ll be ok getting a test drive. I managed three in two days, albeit there was some reticence at first until they’d figured I was a credible buyer. If I was charitable I’d say they must get a lot of chancers and test pilots; if I wasn’t being charitable I’d say it was a bit like hard work and they need to work on some customer service! Call ahead, give it some chat to demonstrate you’re a real buyer, rocking-up in a nice car etc etc and should be fine (all a bit painful I know).
woodysnr said:
77 and drive a Spyder 987 and a 981 have had convertibles for years
The negative on the 981 and 718 you cant access the boot without detaching the roof flyers first . so if clothes are in the boot and its raining you are going to get wet retrieving them
That restriction is not quite as bad as I thought it would be - I could live with that!The negative on the 981 and 718 you cant access the boot without detaching the roof flyers first . so if clothes are in the boot and its raining you are going to get wet retrieving them
Edited by woodysnr on Wednesday 3rd August 22:42
I was lucky to get a 718 Spyder in 2019 which I had for a year which I loved. For various reasons I had to sell this having done several EU trips and the odd few trackdays. The car was faultless and a great privilege to have had. In 2021 I had a GT4 PDK which was bought as a track day car with this use in mind (I couldn't imaging a better car for me). Its definitely better much than the Spyder on track which felt soft in comparison. However during this time I began to miss the Spyder and I was lucky enough to get another allocation for a PDK Spyder. Its an awesome car and I can't see myself letting this go. I've done many trips in this too and 5 trackdays, including Zandvoort and SPA. Not as fast as the GT4, but equally as fun. It noe has a JCR silenced exhaust which completes the 'ticks most boxes' car for me. Good luck..
718 Spyder
For: Engine surprisingly good on road and track, but not like a GT3. Lovely gear change. Steering seems much improved over 981 for feel and weight. Convertible top not difficult to use (reference 987 Spyder). Top down driving, great on road, it really flows. Surprisingly good on track when set up by Centre of Gravity (however not primarily for track work, no harnesses, difficult to source track parts since can't use many GT4 parts, lacks several GT4 track options and GT4 aero).
Against: More noise than many convertibles. Standard Boxster roof effortless to use, better in every way, except looks. Top down limits use of Hi Fi (engine sound nice alternative on B-roads). Access to rear trunk limited. Gear ratios, same for GT4 (not a fan of PDK, but would help in this area, plus faster on track).
718 GT4
For: Better track car, equipped for track (especially CS option). On road as per Spyder, seems a little firmer. Quieter, but still noisy for a coupe.
Against: Rear view (most cars with decent aero). Not a GT3, but great for the price and less unobtainable (hate paying over for a spec I didn't want). Not a convertible.
Summary: Drive them both if you can, proper test drive (very important). Regular track use GT4, open top driving important Spyder. Mixed use Spyder worth the slight extra effort for open air option (my choice, did I mention the looks and the way it drives).
For: Engine surprisingly good on road and track, but not like a GT3. Lovely gear change. Steering seems much improved over 981 for feel and weight. Convertible top not difficult to use (reference 987 Spyder). Top down driving, great on road, it really flows. Surprisingly good on track when set up by Centre of Gravity (however not primarily for track work, no harnesses, difficult to source track parts since can't use many GT4 parts, lacks several GT4 track options and GT4 aero).
Against: More noise than many convertibles. Standard Boxster roof effortless to use, better in every way, except looks. Top down limits use of Hi Fi (engine sound nice alternative on B-roads). Access to rear trunk limited. Gear ratios, same for GT4 (not a fan of PDK, but would help in this area, plus faster on track).
718 GT4
For: Better track car, equipped for track (especially CS option). On road as per Spyder, seems a little firmer. Quieter, but still noisy for a coupe.
Against: Rear view (most cars with decent aero). Not a GT3, but great for the price and less unobtainable (hate paying over for a spec I didn't want). Not a convertible.
Summary: Drive them both if you can, proper test drive (very important). Regular track use GT4, open top driving important Spyder. Mixed use Spyder worth the slight extra effort for open air option (my choice, did I mention the looks and the way it drives).
So is the consensus that the Spyder is slightly softer sprung than the GT4?
When I drove the GT4 last week it did seem pretty firm at low speeds, but the chassis appeared to do a remarkably good job at smoothing out the roughness/undulations as speeds increased.
If the Spyder is slightly softer, I would not object, and I am extremely unlikely to take either on track.
When I drove the GT4 last week it did seem pretty firm at low speeds, but the chassis appeared to do a remarkably good job at smoothing out the roughness/undulations as speeds increased.
If the Spyder is slightly softer, I would not object, and I am extremely unlikely to take either on track.
In my opinion, the best car that Porsche makes for your intended use is a Boxster GTS 4.0. It has all the real-world performance (and sound) of the Spyder with a slightly better ride and significantly better practicality. And it's cheaper and probably easier to obtain.
It will still feel completely different to your E92 M3.
If you aren't too bothered about 'owning the Top Trump', a GTS in an understated spec will allow you to fly under the radar and please both yourself and your wife.
I have a Cayman GTS 4.0 and an E90 M3 (and a GR Yaris). They make an excellent pair (trio). I used to have a 981 GT4 and I have no regrets whatsoever about moving to the GTS.
Nice position to be in, whatever you decide!
It will still feel completely different to your E92 M3.
If you aren't too bothered about 'owning the Top Trump', a GTS in an understated spec will allow you to fly under the radar and please both yourself and your wife.
I have a Cayman GTS 4.0 and an E90 M3 (and a GR Yaris). They make an excellent pair (trio). I used to have a 981 GT4 and I have no regrets whatsoever about moving to the GTS.
Nice position to be in, whatever you decide!
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