981 vs 718 GT4 - for the same money?
Discussion
Hi everyone,
First time posting here, I’m in the market for a GT4 which would be my first Porsche. I know this topic has been done to death but with prices overlapping on both generations now, it has made the choice more difficult for me!
I live in Scotland and would be using the car for road trips (NC500 and across to mainland Europe) rather than track days. I know objectively the 718 is faster but that doesn’t come into the equation for me as I’m not going to be chasing lap times, it’s more about the experience.
My heart says go for the 981 as it was the original GT4 and sounds better without OPF’s. Although my head says I would be mad not to get a manual 718 as it is a 4 year newer car with updated tech (CarPlay, reversing camera etc) for pretty much the same price - around the £70k mark.
Without having driven either car it is difficult to make an informed decision.
Would love to hear some feedback from anyone who has owned/experienced both cars.
Thanks!
First time posting here, I’m in the market for a GT4 which would be my first Porsche. I know this topic has been done to death but with prices overlapping on both generations now, it has made the choice more difficult for me!
I live in Scotland and would be using the car for road trips (NC500 and across to mainland Europe) rather than track days. I know objectively the 718 is faster but that doesn’t come into the equation for me as I’m not going to be chasing lap times, it’s more about the experience.
My heart says go for the 981 as it was the original GT4 and sounds better without OPF’s. Although my head says I would be mad not to get a manual 718 as it is a 4 year newer car with updated tech (CarPlay, reversing camera etc) for pretty much the same price - around the £70k mark.
Without having driven either car it is difficult to make an informed decision.
Would love to hear some feedback from anyone who has owned/experienced both cars.
Thanks!
jay2000 said:
The clutch on the 718 is also lighter. Overall I think the 718 is better unless you want the noise above everything else. Might be biased since I have the 718 gt4.
Thanks for the reply, the sound is my main concern with the 718. Again, without having spent any time with the cars in person it is difficult to say but from a bit of YouTube research the difference in sound appears to be quite substantial! Do you feel your 718 makes a good enough sound for a GT Porsche? It would be a weekend/trip car rather than daily driver so a heavier clutch in a 981 wouldn’t be too much of a problem.
RM93 said:
Thanks for the reply, the sound is my main concern with the 718. Again, without having spent any time with the cars in person it is difficult to say but from a bit of YouTube research the difference in sound appears to be quite substantial! Do you feel your 718 makes a good enough sound for a GT Porsche?
It would be a weekend/trip car rather than daily driver so a heavier clutch in a 981 wouldn’t be too much of a problem.
It sounds like your heart is set on the 981 so I would go for that. I'm with you on this one. The other day when I was walking along a street, a 981 was just pulling off and I got that tingly feeling hearing that throaty engine which I hadn't heard for a while. Those old feelings of wanting one all came flooding back.It would be a weekend/trip car rather than daily driver so a heavier clutch in a 981 wouldn’t be too much of a problem.
The timing and finances meant I never did own one but the desire has not gone.
How about this that popped up at one of my local indies.
https://brentmealin.com/cars/porsche-cayman-gt4/
Not sure where that has come from but it’s a ridiculously low mileage.
First reg 30/01/2016 as GC65WDY. First reg Isle of Man 26/02/2018. 104 miles! Must have been trailered everywhere. Bonkers.
https://brentmealin.com/cars/porsche-cayman-gt4/
Not sure where that has come from but it’s a ridiculously low mileage.
First reg 30/01/2016 as GC65WDY. First reg Isle of Man 26/02/2018. 104 miles! Must have been trailered everywhere. Bonkers.
Edited by bigmowley on Friday 9th February 17:43
I've owned my 981 GT4 (Clubsport pack car) for almost 4 years now and I don't think I'm going to sell it anytime soon.
If I were looking for a GT4 now I would probably go the 718 GT4 PDK route. The manual box is great and don't be put off by the constant 'the gearing is too long'. You won't be driving there car at 10/10ths on the road. The only time the long gearing is a challenge is on track. if you are going to track the car a lot I would consider a 718 GT4 PDK. However, the 981 is just as much fun on track.
Also, I wouldn't change my 981 for a 718, and thankfully I track a 500bhp/ton track car
and my GT4 is purely used on road.
If I were looking for a GT4 now I would probably go the 718 GT4 PDK route. The manual box is great and don't be put off by the constant 'the gearing is too long'. You won't be driving there car at 10/10ths on the road. The only time the long gearing is a challenge is on track. if you are going to track the car a lot I would consider a 718 GT4 PDK. However, the 981 is just as much fun on track.
Also, I wouldn't change my 981 for a 718, and thankfully I track a 500bhp/ton track car
and my GT4 is purely used on road.RM93 said:
Thanks for the reply, is this based on performance or just you feel the 718 in general is a better car than the 981 all round?
Thanks!
I did 7k miles in my 981 which was a combination of road and track days . I never found it too hard in any way as I'd always been used to cars like GT3's and even an Exige S2S. Thanks!
Ive owned many P cars ( north of 10) so I'd say I've experienced lots of the variants.
I think if you're wanting an everyday car plus a few track days per year then the 718 is the better bet plus you can always go PDK in the 718
Edited by GT3Manthey on Friday 9th February 19:36
I have owned and tracked both variants of GT4. I loved the 981 as a car but didn’t like the engine tune which in my opinion drives like a high performance diesel, flat torque curve, not particularly good at high revs etc etc. I preferred the 4.0L engine which is much nicer but didn’t really like the 718 car as a package. My main gripes with the 718 is the road noise and the quality of the engine sound post GPF. Great if you are a connoisseur of belt noise and general whines. I had both manual and PDK incidentally. The PDK for me is vastly better. So I am no help at all really! As others have said drive both if possible and see what works for you. I also had a Cayman R for many years which I kept whilst I had all the GT4s and as a package I found it a nicer car especially at almost half the price. Lovely steering, lovely engine, lovely car 
Yep the 718 has the way superior engine with 8k rev limit v the 981 which is basically a detuned non GT lower rev Carrera S lump with substantial torque hole rather dire economy and glacial warm up cycle although it does sound ok at relatively low speeds. Nice clutch action though which has more weighting than the rather light 718 ( similar to the 991.2 GT3).
The engine noise on the gpf 718 is all about the induction noise across the rev range and not external exhaust noise which is not far off the 991.2 GT3 in terms of quality. Some have done simple and inexpensive adjustments to the exhaust valves openings and are easy to do if you so wish.
Bear in mind you would be buying a car roughly twice the age of the 718 if you bought a 981.
Yep there are more 718s around with pdk but manual numbers are about the same v the 981.
Folks claim the steering is better in the 981 but I haven't found much difference and may be more down to tyre differences across various cars.
As ever the best advice would be to drive both cars to see which you prefer they are both great packages at the money in their own way btw.
For the record owned a 981 GT4 and 981 Spyder together with a 718 GT4 currently....all from new.
My 1 owner Guards Red 4k mile 2021 model 718 GT4 manual (carbon Spyder buckets extended leather red stitching carbon interior package chrono sat plat wheels red calipers FPSH + full Porsche warranty etc etc) will be for sale in a few weeks time btw to make way for my incoming new 4RS.
The engine noise on the gpf 718 is all about the induction noise across the rev range and not external exhaust noise which is not far off the 991.2 GT3 in terms of quality. Some have done simple and inexpensive adjustments to the exhaust valves openings and are easy to do if you so wish.
Bear in mind you would be buying a car roughly twice the age of the 718 if you bought a 981.
Yep there are more 718s around with pdk but manual numbers are about the same v the 981.
Folks claim the steering is better in the 981 but I haven't found much difference and may be more down to tyre differences across various cars.
As ever the best advice would be to drive both cars to see which you prefer they are both great packages at the money in their own way btw.
For the record owned a 981 GT4 and 981 Spyder together with a 718 GT4 currently....all from new.
My 1 owner Guards Red 4k mile 2021 model 718 GT4 manual (carbon Spyder buckets extended leather red stitching carbon interior package chrono sat plat wheels red calipers FPSH + full Porsche warranty etc etc) will be for sale in a few weeks time btw to make way for my incoming new 4RS.
I've driven both, and currently have a 981 GT4 and Cayman 718 GTS 4.0.
The 718 GT4 is faster, and has fewer holes in the torque curve, but I somehow love it less. The GTS 4.0 is probably the quicker car of my two, and has the lighter clutch and more comfortable control/cabin feel of the 718 GT4. All of them are supremely capable road cars, but the 981 GT4 id the least refined.
Ignore comments around fuel consumption. Yes, the 981 GT4 is thirstier, but in real world conditions, only by 1 or 2 mpg. It also doesn't make weird growling noises a couple of minutes into the warm up cycle. Or shunt weirdly in slow traffic. I'm guessing that's all about fulfilling emissions requirements in the later cars.
But if I could only have one? 981 GT4 every time. It's visceral, noisy, rattly, and kind of a skunkworks special, rather than an actual fully designed and developed road car. That makes me laugh every time I turn the ignition key. Just the best idiotic plaything that you can go to work in, ever. Like a Lotus, but with less lively steering, and without all the downsides.
I was offered a quick allocation for a new 718 GT4 this time last year. I could have done it, but it meant moving my 981 GT4 onwards. When push came to shove, I just didn't feel like giving the keys to anyone else. I've bought the GTS 4.0 since, and I love it. But the 981 GT4 is the one, no matter how heavy the clutch pedal (and it really isn't that bad). It makes me smile every time I drive it.
Liam
The 718 GT4 is faster, and has fewer holes in the torque curve, but I somehow love it less. The GTS 4.0 is probably the quicker car of my two, and has the lighter clutch and more comfortable control/cabin feel of the 718 GT4. All of them are supremely capable road cars, but the 981 GT4 id the least refined.
Ignore comments around fuel consumption. Yes, the 981 GT4 is thirstier, but in real world conditions, only by 1 or 2 mpg. It also doesn't make weird growling noises a couple of minutes into the warm up cycle. Or shunt weirdly in slow traffic. I'm guessing that's all about fulfilling emissions requirements in the later cars.
But if I could only have one? 981 GT4 every time. It's visceral, noisy, rattly, and kind of a skunkworks special, rather than an actual fully designed and developed road car. That makes me laugh every time I turn the ignition key. Just the best idiotic plaything that you can go to work in, ever. Like a Lotus, but with less lively steering, and without all the downsides.
I was offered a quick allocation for a new 718 GT4 this time last year. I could have done it, but it meant moving my 981 GT4 onwards. When push came to shove, I just didn't feel like giving the keys to anyone else. I've bought the GTS 4.0 since, and I love it. But the 981 GT4 is the one, no matter how heavy the clutch pedal (and it really isn't that bad). It makes me smile every time I drive it.
Liam
av185 said:
Yep the 718 has the way superior engine with 8k rev limit v the 981 which is basically a detuned non GT lower rev Carrera S lump with substantial torque hole rather dire economy and glacial warm up cycle although it does sound ok at relatively low speeds. Nice clutch action though which has more weighting than the rather light 718 ( similar to the 991.2 GT3).
The engine noise on the gpf 718 is all about the induction noise across the rev range and not external exhaust noise which is not far off the 991.2 GT3 in terms of quality. Some have done simple and inexpensive adjustments to the exhaust valves openings and are easy to do if you so wish.
Bear in mind you would be buying a car roughly twice the age of the 718 if you bought a 981.
Yep there are more 718s around with pdk but manual numbers are about the same v the 981.
Folks claim the steering is better in the 981 but I haven't found much difference and may be more down to tyre differences across various cars.
As ever the best advice would be to drive both cars to see which you prefer they are both great packages at the money in their own way btw.
For the record owned a 981 GT4 and 981 Spyder together with a 718 GT4 currently....all from new.
My 1 owner Guards Red 4k mile 2021 model 718 GT4 manual (carbon Spyder buckets extended leather red stitching carbon interior package chrono sat plat wheels red calipers FPSH + full Porsche warranty etc etc) will be for sale in a few weeks time btw to make way for my incoming new 4RS.
The red works well on the GT4 as it matches the brake callipers too . Looks a lovely spec car The engine noise on the gpf 718 is all about the induction noise across the rev range and not external exhaust noise which is not far off the 991.2 GT3 in terms of quality. Some have done simple and inexpensive adjustments to the exhaust valves openings and are easy to do if you so wish.
Bear in mind you would be buying a car roughly twice the age of the 718 if you bought a 981.
Yep there are more 718s around with pdk but manual numbers are about the same v the 981.
Folks claim the steering is better in the 981 but I haven't found much difference and may be more down to tyre differences across various cars.
As ever the best advice would be to drive both cars to see which you prefer they are both great packages at the money in their own way btw.
For the record owned a 981 GT4 and 981 Spyder together with a 718 GT4 currently....all from new.
My 1 owner Guards Red 4k mile 2021 model 718 GT4 manual (carbon Spyder buckets extended leather red stitching carbon interior package chrono sat plat wheels red calipers FPSH + full Porsche warranty etc etc) will be for sale in a few weeks time btw to make way for my incoming new 4RS.
I had a 2014 981S which I absolutely adored and would have kept forever. In immaculate condition, lovely spec with low mileage. Only by chance I got a build slot for a MY2023 718 GT4 so took it. The GT4 is awesome but my point being is they are both amazing cars to experience. The whole feel and enjoyment of them I find magnificent. As said before drive the cars you like the spec, price and look of and you will work it out. I moved to the 718 GT4 as I could get it in PDK version and it was the last of the production for it.
Thanks for the replies everyone, seems most people are leaning towards the newer car, although still a lot of love for the 981!
PDK isn’t an option for me on the 718 purely from a financial point of view, I don’t want to break the £70k budget so it’s purely manual 718 vs 981.
The solution is definitely to drive both cars although this doesn’t appear to be easy living in Scotland! I visited a nearby OPC last weekend to have a look at some 718’s, I didn’t even suggest a test drive and the sales person was pretty quick to mention that they never let people test drive their GT cars as they already know whether they want it or not.
There aren’t any good independents up here with GT4’s either and not a single 981 GT4 for sale in the country!
Hopefully a few more come to market and I’ll be able to experience them both soon
PDK isn’t an option for me on the 718 purely from a financial point of view, I don’t want to break the £70k budget so it’s purely manual 718 vs 981.
The solution is definitely to drive both cars although this doesn’t appear to be easy living in Scotland! I visited a nearby OPC last weekend to have a look at some 718’s, I didn’t even suggest a test drive and the sales person was pretty quick to mention that they never let people test drive their GT cars as they already know whether they want it or not.
There aren’t any good independents up here with GT4’s either and not a single 981 GT4 for sale in the country!
Hopefully a few more come to market and I’ll be able to experience them both soon
LiamH66 said:
I've driven both, and currently have a 981 GT4 and Cayman 718 GTS 4.0.
The 718 GT4 is faster, and has fewer holes in the torque curve, but I somehow love it less. The GTS 4.0 is probably the quicker car of my two, and has the lighter clutch and more comfortable control/cabin feel of the 718 GT4. All of them are supremely capable road cars, but the 981 GT4 id the least refined.
Ignore comments around fuel consumption. Yes, the 981 GT4 is thirstier, but in real world conditions, only by 1 or 2 mpg. It also doesn't make weird growling noises a couple of minutes into the warm up cycle. Or shunt weirdly in slow traffic. I'm guessing that's all about fulfilling emissions requirements in the later cars.
But if I could only have one? 981 GT4 every time. It's visceral, noisy, rattly, and kind of a skunkworks special, rather than an actual fully designed and developed road car. That makes me laugh every time I turn the ignition key. Just the best idiotic plaything that you can go to work in, ever. Like a Lotus, but with less lively steering, and without all the downsides.
I was offered a quick allocation for a new 718 GT4 this time last year. I could have done it, but it meant moving my 981 GT4 onwards. When push came to shove, I just didn't feel like giving the keys to anyone else. I've bought the GTS 4.0 since, and I love it. But the 981 GT4 is the one, no matter how heavy the clutch pedal (and it really isn't that bad). It makes me smile every time I drive it.
Liam
Good feedback. I was in a modded 987s and have since owned a Sport410 Evora and currently in an S1 Exige. I've been contemplating getting back to Porsche as the Exige is a bit too one dimensional and 981 GT4 was top of my list. Your comments are encouraging...When I had my 987 a friend had a 981 GTS and to be honest a found it a bit big, the steering too light, and in general I felt a bit to insulated/isolated from the road vs my old car..The 718 GT4 is faster, and has fewer holes in the torque curve, but I somehow love it less. The GTS 4.0 is probably the quicker car of my two, and has the lighter clutch and more comfortable control/cabin feel of the 718 GT4. All of them are supremely capable road cars, but the 981 GT4 id the least refined.
Ignore comments around fuel consumption. Yes, the 981 GT4 is thirstier, but in real world conditions, only by 1 or 2 mpg. It also doesn't make weird growling noises a couple of minutes into the warm up cycle. Or shunt weirdly in slow traffic. I'm guessing that's all about fulfilling emissions requirements in the later cars.
But if I could only have one? 981 GT4 every time. It's visceral, noisy, rattly, and kind of a skunkworks special, rather than an actual fully designed and developed road car. That makes me laugh every time I turn the ignition key. Just the best idiotic plaything that you can go to work in, ever. Like a Lotus, but with less lively steering, and without all the downsides.
I was offered a quick allocation for a new 718 GT4 this time last year. I could have done it, but it meant moving my 981 GT4 onwards. When push came to shove, I just didn't feel like giving the keys to anyone else. I've bought the GTS 4.0 since, and I love it. But the 981 GT4 is the one, no matter how heavy the clutch pedal (and it really isn't that bad). It makes me smile every time I drive it.
Liam
I'm hoping a 981 GT4 is rawer and feels more connected than 981 GTS?
Edmundo2 said:
Good feedback. I was in a modded 987s and have since owned a Sport410 Evora and currently in an S1 Exige. I've been contemplating getting back to Porsche as the Exige is a bit too one dimensional and 981 GT4 was top of my list. Your comments are encouraging...When I had my 987 a friend had a 981 GTS and to be honest a found it a bit big, the steering too light, and in general I felt a bit to insulated/isolated from the road vs my old car..
I'm hoping a 981 GT4 is rawer and feels more connected than 981 GTS?
I’ve come from 6 Lotus on the trot including 2 S1s and a V6 410. I’d echo Liam’s comments - the steering isn’t as good as a Lotus but I still find it to be very good plus there's many things that are as good if not better (than the V6) which is still a derivative of the 111 platform. I'm hoping a 981 GT4 is rawer and feels more connected than 981 GTS?
Control weights are perfect, including the clutch which I don’t find too heavy, just ‘meaty’.
In a weird way it reminds me of an S1 with the 718 being equivalent to an S2
Just feels a special car to me and, for once, I’m not considering moving it on and want to keep it.
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