718 Cayman GTS 4.0 vs 992.1 Carrera T
Discussion
Ever since getting my Cayman GTS 4.0, I've been thinking whether I made a mistake and should have gotten a 911 instead. So, I wanted to settle this and booked two 1.5hr sessions at Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.
The cars - my Cayman GTS 4.0 (manual) and a 911 992.1 Carrera T (PDK + Rear-Axle Steer/RAS).
I deliberately picked the 911 T because it's the closest to the Cayman in most ways. The 911 T has 385ps, max power at 6.5k, redline at 7.5k, max torque 450Nm between 1,950-5,000rpm and 0-62 in 4.5s (in manual form, 4.0 in PDK), 1,505kg DIN weight (PDK) / 1,470kg (manual), wheelbase 2,450mm. The Cayman GTS 4.0 has 400ps, redline at 7,800, max torque 420NM (for manual) between 5,000-6,500 and 0-62mph in 4.5s (manual) / 4.0s in PDK, wheelbase of 2,475mm, 1,405kg DIN weight (manual) / 1,435kg DIN weight (PDK).
So, in terms of power/performance, pretty identical and a difference of around 100kg between the two cars that I drove on the day.
Expectations
I’ve driven a few 911s before (at the PEC) - 997.2 C2S, 997.2 GT3RS, 991.2 GT3 + GT3RS, so I had an idea what to expect - but it’s been a long while, so everything was a distant memory, I didn’t really have a direct comparison against my Cayman.
I came in with the expectation that the 992 would beat the Cayman at everything - it’s about 50% more expensive.
After my 992 session, I thought to myself - this is awesome, I can clearly see why it’s so much more expensive. But I was comparing the Cayman’s street behaviour vs the 992 closed circuit behaviour where I could push much harder.
I then jumped back into my Cayman… and I quickly realised, the comparison between the two is not so simple after all.
Engine
The 992 engine is great - it’s super linear, I would keep it in 3rd gear for most of the time and ride the torque. It does feel like a natural aspirated lump although there is a bit of lag compared to the 4.0L (as expected).
The 4.0L on the other hand needs revs… I kept it in 2nd for most of the course, between 4-7.5k rpm where the sweet spot is. And holy moly, it’s so much rawer, more visceral, more emotional - chasing those high revs, it absolutely screams. In comparison, the 992 is a super efficient hammer, with that consistent torque but no fireworks anywhere in the rev range.
The 992 does pull stronger, up to 1G vs 0.7G for the 4.0L.
Handling
I’ve read all about 911s, the weight distribution, the lightness of the 718 and so on. I was skeptical - I really didn’t believe you can tell much of a difference with a 100kg difference and slight change of distribution of the weight.
Well, I was so wrong. You could feel the difference immediately in the first 200m in how the 718 just rotates and how light it feels. I couldn’t believe the difference in reality vs paper specs.
In the 992, the car was understeering on the long higher speed sweeper, it was so apparent from the get go. With the 718, completely different - I had so much more confidence, could barely feel any understeer while going around a bit faster.
Gearbox
If you need to go fast or use all the power of the engine, PDK is the way to go, zero doubt. But I don’t do track days, I don’t race, I don’t daily, so that doesn’t matter to me. For me, manual is the right box - gives me the pleasure and variety of experience.
Conclusion
There are many aspects where the 992 was better than the 718 - but those are irrelevant to me but might be crucial for others.
Specifically, rear seats if you have kids and the tech in the 992 is a step up.
The status/prestige of the 911 is something the 718 cannot contend with, just a fact. The 992 is more comfortable and quieter, less visceral.
The 718 is more nimble, louder inside the cabin, more emotive, less practical if you have kids.
Both are amazing cars in their own way, tailored for different use cases.
Most important of all, if you’re wondering which Porsche is the best for you, book yourself at the PEC and try the cars out - a short test drive would never cut it.
The cars - my Cayman GTS 4.0 (manual) and a 911 992.1 Carrera T (PDK + Rear-Axle Steer/RAS).
I deliberately picked the 911 T because it's the closest to the Cayman in most ways. The 911 T has 385ps, max power at 6.5k, redline at 7.5k, max torque 450Nm between 1,950-5,000rpm and 0-62 in 4.5s (in manual form, 4.0 in PDK), 1,505kg DIN weight (PDK) / 1,470kg (manual), wheelbase 2,450mm. The Cayman GTS 4.0 has 400ps, redline at 7,800, max torque 420NM (for manual) between 5,000-6,500 and 0-62mph in 4.5s (manual) / 4.0s in PDK, wheelbase of 2,475mm, 1,405kg DIN weight (manual) / 1,435kg DIN weight (PDK).
So, in terms of power/performance, pretty identical and a difference of around 100kg between the two cars that I drove on the day.
Expectations
I’ve driven a few 911s before (at the PEC) - 997.2 C2S, 997.2 GT3RS, 991.2 GT3 + GT3RS, so I had an idea what to expect - but it’s been a long while, so everything was a distant memory, I didn’t really have a direct comparison against my Cayman.
I came in with the expectation that the 992 would beat the Cayman at everything - it’s about 50% more expensive.
After my 992 session, I thought to myself - this is awesome, I can clearly see why it’s so much more expensive. But I was comparing the Cayman’s street behaviour vs the 992 closed circuit behaviour where I could push much harder.
I then jumped back into my Cayman… and I quickly realised, the comparison between the two is not so simple after all.
Engine
The 992 engine is great - it’s super linear, I would keep it in 3rd gear for most of the time and ride the torque. It does feel like a natural aspirated lump although there is a bit of lag compared to the 4.0L (as expected).
The 4.0L on the other hand needs revs… I kept it in 2nd for most of the course, between 4-7.5k rpm where the sweet spot is. And holy moly, it’s so much rawer, more visceral, more emotional - chasing those high revs, it absolutely screams. In comparison, the 992 is a super efficient hammer, with that consistent torque but no fireworks anywhere in the rev range.
The 992 does pull stronger, up to 1G vs 0.7G for the 4.0L.
Handling
I’ve read all about 911s, the weight distribution, the lightness of the 718 and so on. I was skeptical - I really didn’t believe you can tell much of a difference with a 100kg difference and slight change of distribution of the weight.
Well, I was so wrong. You could feel the difference immediately in the first 200m in how the 718 just rotates and how light it feels. I couldn’t believe the difference in reality vs paper specs.
In the 992, the car was understeering on the long higher speed sweeper, it was so apparent from the get go. With the 718, completely different - I had so much more confidence, could barely feel any understeer while going around a bit faster.
Gearbox
If you need to go fast or use all the power of the engine, PDK is the way to go, zero doubt. But I don’t do track days, I don’t race, I don’t daily, so that doesn’t matter to me. For me, manual is the right box - gives me the pleasure and variety of experience.
Conclusion
There are many aspects where the 992 was better than the 718 - but those are irrelevant to me but might be crucial for others.
Specifically, rear seats if you have kids and the tech in the 992 is a step up.
The status/prestige of the 911 is something the 718 cannot contend with, just a fact. The 992 is more comfortable and quieter, less visceral.
The 718 is more nimble, louder inside the cabin, more emotive, less practical if you have kids.
Both are amazing cars in their own way, tailored for different use cases.
Most important of all, if you’re wondering which Porsche is the best for you, book yourself at the PEC and try the cars out - a short test drive would never cut it.
KittyLitter said:
Re 'The status/prestige of the 911 is something the 718 cannot contend' true but only to those that know, of which is a fraction of the general public. I have lost count of how many people have said about my CR (words to the effect) 'that is a lovely 911'
I always wondered about this - does the general public understand the differences between a 718 and 911? Has anyone done any studies on this?
c3m said:
KittyLitter said:
Re 'The status/prestige of the 911 is something the 718 cannot contend' true but only to those that know, of which is a fraction of the general public. I have lost count of how many people have said about my CR (words to the effect) 'that is a lovely 911'
I always wondered about this - does the general public understand the differences between a 718 and 911? Has anyone done any studies on this?
I went from a 718 Boxster 4.0 GTS PDK to a 992 T PDK and don’t regret the change. I agree the 4.0 is a more characterful engine and as NA slightly sharper than the T’s turbo 3.0 (which is very good) but on the road where wringing ever last RPM is less likely the much broader torque spread means the T is noticeably quicker and easier to drive.
Personally I prefer the 911s handling, I feel I can take it by the scruff a bit more and feels to me, on the roads I drive, more confidence inspiring. Perhaps on a track it would be different.
Personally I prefer the 911s handling, I feel I can take it by the scruff a bit more and feels to me, on the roads I drive, more confidence inspiring. Perhaps on a track it would be different.
If you don’t track the car, to me there’s no comparison between the 2 cars; the 911 is head and shoulders above the other car - boxster, cayman, macan, taycan or whatever.
No matter how good dynamically a boxster or cayman is, you’ll always be limited by traffic, speed cameras, potholes, dithering drivers and in the case of a manual, the long gearing.
A 911 is a 911 wherever you drive it - it’s about how it makes you feel. The heritage , the aspiration, the admiring looks and the road presence. In my eyes, the GT4 is the only iteration that comes close.
No matter how good dynamically a boxster or cayman is, you’ll always be limited by traffic, speed cameras, potholes, dithering drivers and in the case of a manual, the long gearing.
A 911 is a 911 wherever you drive it - it’s about how it makes you feel. The heritage , the aspiration, the admiring looks and the road presence. In my eyes, the GT4 is the only iteration that comes close.
lol, not in my experience, I’ve a c4s 997 and a 981 gt4, for me it’s the gt4 every time, 9 out of 10 people think it’s the better Porsche looks wise and it gets loads more attention (embarrassingly) than the 911 unless it were a gt3.
To 99% of the general public it’s a Porsche no matter a cayman or 911, all I get is they all look alike.
Don’t be under any illusion that people think your doing better sailing round in a 911 over a cayman, lol.
To 99% of the general public it’s a Porsche no matter a cayman or 911, all I get is they all look alike.
Don’t be under any illusion that people think your doing better sailing round in a 911 over a cayman, lol.
Edited by Youforreal. on Wednesday 15th May 12:31
I'm thinking about trading in my 4.0 GTS. It's actually the perfect car imo but being 6ft4 I just can't get comfortable in it. I drive it less and only for shorter journeys because of that.
Considering a CT now even though I drove a 992 C2S PDK and wasn't keen on it at all as I found it too much of a GT. Thinking of a 991 or 992 (CT), with a manual gearbox and without RWS. I'm hoping it doesn't feel like a cruiser like the C2S?
I'll either trade in my GTS or the E46 M3. I can't decide which.
My ideal car would be a manual 991.1 GTS but I've been looking for a LHD car for six months and nothing's coming up.
I sold my 991 GT3 because I found it too capable to enjoy on the road and too artificial. I guess my question is, will I find the 991 chassis too dull and/or the engine too muted?
Considering a CT now even though I drove a 992 C2S PDK and wasn't keen on it at all as I found it too much of a GT. Thinking of a 991 or 992 (CT), with a manual gearbox and without RWS. I'm hoping it doesn't feel like a cruiser like the C2S?
I'll either trade in my GTS or the E46 M3. I can't decide which.
My ideal car would be a manual 991.1 GTS but I've been looking for a LHD car for six months and nothing's coming up.
I sold my 991 GT3 because I found it too capable to enjoy on the road and too artificial. I guess my question is, will I find the 991 chassis too dull and/or the engine too muted?
Edited by stef1808 on Saturday 3rd August 14:58
I had a 991.2 S for a few years. I’ve now also had a 981 GT4 for a couple. The 991 imo isn’t a great ‘drivers’ car - the weight is totally in the wrong place. The cayman is just setup so much better. The 911 can get out of shape on challenging roads more quickly (off camber, bumpy roads etc)
In my mind the 991 is all about being a lovely little daily with those classic wide hips look, that’s also fun to drive (slow in fast out).
Both great cars, just different.
In my mind the 991 is all about being a lovely little daily with those classic wide hips look, that’s also fun to drive (slow in fast out).
Both great cars, just different.
Edited by bosshog on Sunday 4th August 10:18
Hi
Great write up.
Weirdly I drove a 992 T a few months back as I have a 718 GT4 thinking it would be an upgrade.
I was left slightly disappointed and although it felt 'spacious' in the 911 with all the tech upgrade, it was a let down on the track compared to 2 back to back drives with a 718 gt4 pdk and manual. The GT4 felt more 'special' with the buckets and in price comparisons, I prefer the GT4. I even let the instructor take myself and my father around (each turns) and even my father was glad I kept the GT4. I could not feel the power difference between the 2 and the GT4 sounds better with the valves open in comparison but the 992 had more urgency and torque. I guess its all subjective but the 911 will always have the prestigious status but I feel the gt4 has enough street cred already.
I have also driven a base 992 which I thoroughly enjoyed.
For the price, I think a 718 GT4 would be a better choice. If I required 4 seats, and a 911, maybe a 992 GTS or 991.1 GTS I think.
Great write up.
Weirdly I drove a 992 T a few months back as I have a 718 GT4 thinking it would be an upgrade.
I was left slightly disappointed and although it felt 'spacious' in the 911 with all the tech upgrade, it was a let down on the track compared to 2 back to back drives with a 718 gt4 pdk and manual. The GT4 felt more 'special' with the buckets and in price comparisons, I prefer the GT4. I even let the instructor take myself and my father around (each turns) and even my father was glad I kept the GT4. I could not feel the power difference between the 2 and the GT4 sounds better with the valves open in comparison but the 992 had more urgency and torque. I guess its all subjective but the 911 will always have the prestigious status but I feel the gt4 has enough street cred already.
I have also driven a base 992 which I thoroughly enjoyed.
For the price, I think a 718 GT4 would be a better choice. If I required 4 seats, and a 911, maybe a 992 GTS or 991.1 GTS I think.
Nice review c3m.
For me personally, I prefer 718 Cayman 4.0 GTS. However, I am married and twice a year we go travel across Europe. The missus doesn’t like to drive as much as I do, but she is willing to compromise, so to accommodate her I got 992 T. In the 992 T we have more elbow-room, she can recline the seat to more horizontal position, rear seats are useful for hand luggage. We are both happier in a 992.
The 992T is not as dynamic as the 718 4.0, but the 3.0 flat six, with M/T and shorter final drive, it is a very good enthusiast car. I don’t race people at the traffic lights, but I visit Goodwood track occasionally and I like to go WOT on the Autobahn. 992T is very good vehicle, for normal street driving, travel, autobahn and track.
I want to get a GT3 at some point, but I will battle to hand over the 992T
For me personally, I prefer 718 Cayman 4.0 GTS. However, I am married and twice a year we go travel across Europe. The missus doesn’t like to drive as much as I do, but she is willing to compromise, so to accommodate her I got 992 T. In the 992 T we have more elbow-room, she can recline the seat to more horizontal position, rear seats are useful for hand luggage. We are both happier in a 992.
The 992T is not as dynamic as the 718 4.0, but the 3.0 flat six, with M/T and shorter final drive, it is a very good enthusiast car. I don’t race people at the traffic lights, but I visit Goodwood track occasionally and I like to go WOT on the Autobahn. 992T is very good vehicle, for normal street driving, travel, autobahn and track.
I want to get a GT3 at some point, but I will battle to hand over the 992T
On UK roads I think the T with a manual box and a tune to >500bhp is the way forward. The massively increased torque allows for a playfulness at lower speeds and revs.
Today is a gorgeous sunny day in Marbella. Just looking at the mountain behind us suggests to me that the 4.0 GTS would be the better choice over here.
Today is a gorgeous sunny day in Marbella. Just looking at the mountain behind us suggests to me that the 4.0 GTS would be the better choice over here.
Pivo-T said:
PS. @c3m I see you picked 992T with PDK.
While PDK is a superior box to M/T, I find it makes 992T sluggish and much less exciting. The M/T comes with shorter final drive and mech LSD. It is more engaging than the PDK which is more of a cruiser.
Unfortuantely, they didn't have the MT for the 992.1 T, otherwise I would have compared like for like.While PDK is a superior box to M/T, I find it makes 992T sluggish and much less exciting. The M/T comes with shorter final drive and mech LSD. It is more engaging than the PDK which is more of a cruiser.
Pivo-T said:
Nice review c3m.
For me personally, I prefer 718 Cayman 4.0 GTS. However, I am married and twice a year we go travel across Europe. The missus doesn’t like to drive as much as I do, but she is willing to compromise, so to accommodate her I got 992 T. In the 992 T we have more elbow-room, she can recline the seat to more horizontal position, rear seats are useful for hand luggage. We are both happier in a 992.
The 992T is not as dynamic as the 718 4.0, but the 3.0 flat six, with M/T and shorter final drive, it is a very good enthusiast car. I don’t race people at the traffic lights, but I visit Goodwood track occasionally and I like to go WOT on the Autobahn. 992T is very good vehicle, for normal street driving, travel, autobahn and track.
I want to get a GT3 at some point, but I will battle to hand over the 992T
I pretty much agree, I think the 992.1 T is the better all-round car which serves a wider range of duties. The GTS 4.0 is the rawer, more sports experience with the associated compromises in usability (rear seats, comfort, toys, etc).For me personally, I prefer 718 Cayman 4.0 GTS. However, I am married and twice a year we go travel across Europe. The missus doesn’t like to drive as much as I do, but she is willing to compromise, so to accommodate her I got 992 T. In the 992 T we have more elbow-room, she can recline the seat to more horizontal position, rear seats are useful for hand luggage. We are both happier in a 992.
The 992T is not as dynamic as the 718 4.0, but the 3.0 flat six, with M/T and shorter final drive, it is a very good enthusiast car. I don’t race people at the traffic lights, but I visit Goodwood track occasionally and I like to go WOT on the Autobahn. 992T is very good vehicle, for normal street driving, travel, autobahn and track.
I want to get a GT3 at some point, but I will battle to hand over the 992T
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff