Prospective 981 GT4 Owners Discussion Forum.
Discussion
mdianuk said:
According the manual, the car width is ~182cm (body) and ~198cm (inc mirrors). Can anyone confirm if the mirrors can be manually folded and if so, what the width is then (just body width)? Don't suppose someone can measure the width of the car with the drivers door opened to the first latch...need to know if it will fit, the Cayman R did, but the GT4 is bigger...damn integrated garage!!!
That would be a right 
punt if the car doesnt fit after all this time 
do you get PTS?jackwood said:
Personally I think it's pretty impressive from Porsche that they can create a very similar car in theory to the 996 GT3 and at a far more advanced spec level and still be lighter.
In the rest of the automotive world the last 10 years has seen equivalent cars pile on hundreds of kg's.
+1 Agreed. In the rest of the automotive world the last 10 years has seen equivalent cars pile on hundreds of kg's.
Thanks to the other posters ref the 6GT3 and GT4 weights.
It is impressive that they seem to be nigh on same weight after 10+ years of development. Quite unusual among manufacturers.
Next point of interest will be the power to weight ratio. From strong empirical experience most 996 GT3s have nicely loosened engines generating circa 395-400bhp (410bhp for the 6RS). It would be interesting to see how much a GT4 generates once we've got them run in a bit and stretched on a track. AP was hinting that GT4 should be packing more horses than what's on paper.
The chassis dynamics of the GT4 should be more advanced given the modern design - notwithstanding whether a rear engined design is better or not over a mid engined one on track. I'm hoping the GT4 can pump out something close to 400bhp. At any rate I'll take one of each to a dyno in the summer on the same day.
LaSource said:
isaldiri said:
bigmowley said:
Here is the corner weight data as delivered from factory. Its quite a high spec car so quite heavy.
Total weight was 1422Kg. That includes a full tank of fuel, no driver.
LF 321kg RF 312
LR 388.5 RR 400.5
Geometry was spot on the recommended factory settings.
That's quite heavy. Do you have the clubsport pack as well so that's inclusive of harnesses/rollcage?Total weight was 1422Kg. That includes a full tank of fuel, no driver.
LF 321kg RF 312
LR 388.5 RR 400.5
Geometry was spot on the recommended factory settings.
Also wondering how this compares to the 996 GT3 CS (official spec and std road spec)...wouldn't mind weighing my own 996 GT3 CS to compare.
The full spec is: LWB, Big tank, PCM with digital radio & mob phone prep, Clubsport, Harnesses and extinguisher, PCCB, Climate control, cruise, PDLS, Door trim package, leather + stitching. Think that is it for the heavy bits. Mine will be at the heavy end of the range.
I did not think it was too bad, my 991GT3 was an absolute lard arse by comparion at 1481.5Kg with quarter of a tank of fuel.
lemmingjames said:
That would be a right punt if the car doesnt fit after all this time do you get PTS?
I know, but it won't stop me, I'll just have to leave it on the drive or pursued a neighbour with a bigger garage to rent it to me. No PTS options available, not expected to return either, but don't have to commit for quite some time yet, so you never know (not that I think the additional choices will be healthy for me!) punt if the car doesnt fit after all this time do you get PTS?lemmingjames said:
That would be a right punt if the car doesnt fit after all this time do you get PTS?
My gts goes in ok, not as wide as the atom but the atom was easier to see, however the doors don't open very wide, not to first latch, also I like pie. Ive found that with the window down its quite easy to slide out, hoping my gt4 will be the same =) punt if the car doesnt fit after all this time do you get PTS?Then use key to close windows and auto fold mirrors
anonymous said:
[redacted]
To be honest, I say that not from specific knowledge, but the assumption that each GT car tends to get more 'sophisticated' and the GT4 borrows much from the latest 991 GT3...and the chassis always gets stiffer...and in this case the dual spring set up may be better too. So blind assumption. Happy to be corrected if I'm way off.To date I am hearing optimistic lap times being intimated (though not proper summer season/run in cars yet) so also assume it compares favourably on pace - though a well sorted 996 GT3 is no slouch and will not be dropped easily at all (I've been up against a friend's GT4 in my 996 GT3 at Spa)
Like you, I am also more driven by driving enjoyment than pace - even though my last post was about pace. Personally I am not expecting the GT4 to be a better driving experience than a 996 GT3 which I absolutely adore (though will be pleasantly welcome to be proved wrong). IMHO, I believe the 996 GT3 has a more honest driving experience than any GT3 that followed it. If it is in my powers I hope never to be without a 996 GT3....ever!
Anyway, given your recent reviews, we should do a 996 GT3, 997 GT3, 981 GT4 back to back review next spring
LaSource said:
It is impressive that they seem to be nigh on same weight after 10+ years of development. Quite unusual among manufacturers.
Next point of interest will be the power to weight ratio. From strong empirical experience most 996 GT3s have nicely loosened engines generating circa 395-400bhp (410bhp for the 6RS). It would be interesting to see how much a GT4 generates once we've got them run in a bit and stretched on a track. AP was hinting that GT4 should be packing more horses than what's on paper.
The chassis dynamics of the GT4 should be more advanced given the modern design - notwithstanding whether a rear engined design is better or not over a mid engined one on track. I'm hoping the GT4 can pump out something close to 400bhp. At any rate I'll take one of each to a dyno in the summer on the same day.
Hm... I'm less sure there is any really good reason why the gt4 being no heavier than the 6gt3 is that much of an achievement. Some extra airbags apart, the gt4 does not have very much more complex electronics (thank goodness) or dual clutch gearbox that adds to the weight. Bigger brakes/wheels apart where else is the weight coming from given the 981 chassis is supposed to be lighter and the 9A1 engine is definitely lighter than the mezger.Next point of interest will be the power to weight ratio. From strong empirical experience most 996 GT3s have nicely loosened engines generating circa 395-400bhp (410bhp for the 6RS). It would be interesting to see how much a GT4 generates once we've got them run in a bit and stretched on a track. AP was hinting that GT4 should be packing more horses than what's on paper.
The chassis dynamics of the GT4 should be more advanced given the modern design - notwithstanding whether a rear engined design is better or not over a mid engined one on track. I'm hoping the GT4 can pump out something close to 400bhp. At any rate I'll take one of each to a dyno in the summer on the same day.
Bigmowley - thanks for the weights, very interesting especially how lardy the 991gt3 is!
Edited by isaldiri on Monday 30th November 22:30
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Thanks for the info. Agree with the general point that a std GT4 should be quicker all things being equal.My 996 is running 3 way Nitron Race dampers, uprated springs, motorsport diff, and Cup 2 tyres....and yes, was about a second quicker than the GT4 on the day (I accept not fully scientific and also more GT4 seat time by my friend and further tweaking on the setup would probably leapfrog the 996)
mdianuk said:
According the manual, the car width is ~182cm (body) and ~198cm (inc mirrors). Can anyone confirm if the mirrors can be manually folded and if so, what the width is then (just body width)? Don't suppose someone can measure the width of the car with the drivers door opened to the first latch...need to know if it will fit, the Cayman R did, but the GT4 is bigger...damn integrated garage!!!
Fairly sure where the doors open to would be the same, and mirrors most likely, just the arches that are pumped up?Digitalize said:
Fairly sure where the doors open to would be the same, and mirrors most likely, just the arches that are pumped up?
Yeah, I did consider this, if the door gap open is the same as the 987 Cayman R, then it will be fine, plus I had buckets in that one, so the bending required to get out will be similar with the LWB's.Be good to know if the door mirrors fold though, manual or electric, as that will help ensure the car is as far over as possible. Can someone confirm???
mdianuk said:
Yeah, I did consider this, if the door gap open is the same as the 987 Cayman R, then it will be fine, plus I had buckets in that one, so the bending required to get out will be similar with the LWB's.
Be good to know if the door mirrors fold though, manual or electric, as that will help ensure the car is as far over as possible. Can someone confirm???
The mirrors fold manually. Be good to know if the door mirrors fold though, manual or electric, as that will help ensure the car is as far over as possible. Can someone confirm???
Would anyone mind giving an example of financing they have taken out to buy a GT4? Just wondering what rates and deals people have achieved. I have an opportunity to put down a deposit on one and just mulling over the cash versus finance options. Feel free to PM me instead if you don't wish to divulge in public. Thanks
Interesting comparison between the 996.2 GT3 and the GT4. Similar power and weight, looking back at Autocar's road test of the GT3, it
has better acceleration, especially higher up, beyond 80 mph. Back in 2003 the GT3 was listed at 72,750 before options, so the GT4
is great value 12 years on. I can't see why Porsche would have detuned the engine from the unit in the 991 S, so the GT4 has probably got
close to 400 hp. The GT4 has been built to a price. The Mezger engine is a lot more expensive to produce, and fitting the same gearbox
as an S to the GT4 has saved money. Whatever the lap times say, the GT3 will be the much better machine to drive.
has better acceleration, especially higher up, beyond 80 mph. Back in 2003 the GT3 was listed at 72,750 before options, so the GT4
is great value 12 years on. I can't see why Porsche would have detuned the engine from the unit in the 991 S, so the GT4 has probably got
close to 400 hp. The GT4 has been built to a price. The Mezger engine is a lot more expensive to produce, and fitting the same gearbox
as an S to the GT4 has saved money. Whatever the lap times say, the GT3 will be the much better machine to drive.
skijumper said:
Interesting comparison between the 996.2 GT3 and the GT4. Similar power and weight, looking back at Autocar's road test of the GT3, it has better acceleration, especially higher up, beyond 80 mph. Back in 2003 the GT3 was listed at 72,750 before options, so the GT4 is great value 12 years on. I can't see why Porsche would have detuned the engine from the unit in the 991 S, so the GT4 has probably got close to 400 hp. The GT4 has been built to a price. The Mezger engine is a lot more expensive to produce, and fitting the same gearbox as an S to the GT4 has saved money. Whatever the lap times say, the GT3 will be the much better machine to drive.
I don't think they detuned the engine as such. As I understand it, the reason the GT4 has a lower power output is due to restrictive airflow into the engine....... I am probably wrong though
v8ksn said:
I don't think they detuned the engine as such.
As I understand it, the reason the GT4 has a lower power output is due to restrictive airflow into the engine....... I am probably wrong though
As I understand it, the engine was 'detuned' so it wouldn t be quicker than the Carreras........As I understand it, the reason the GT4 has a lower power output is due to restrictive airflow into the engine....... I am probably wrong though
Taffy66 said:
There's a guy over on rennlist who weighed his GT4 at 1430kg; if memory serves me right it was specced with clubsport( inc harnesses and fire extinguisher),steel brakes,PCM,air con,no PDLS and full 64l tank.In comparison a german magazine weighed their test car at 1379kg specced as above but without clubsport pack but with PCCB,LWBS,PDLS and full 55l tank.
The clubsport pack is a very heavy option(27kg),PDLS(7kg) and the reason both Preulinger and WR both said they would not spec it !.
I had no ideas that the CS pack was so heavy and also the lights?!The clubsport pack is a very heavy option(27kg),PDLS(7kg) and the reason both Preulinger and WR both said they would not spec it !.
What are peoples thoughts on the smaller fuel tank? Are most speccing the 64l ? I would imagine that a 54l is pretty poor if you're getting 23/25 MPG.
JiggyJaggy said:
Would anyone mind giving an example of financing they have taken out to buy a GT4? Just wondering what rates and deals people have achieved. I have an opportunity to put down a deposit on one and just mulling over the cash versus finance options. Feel free to PM me instead if you don't wish to divulge in public. Thanks
You should achieve about 6.1 to 6.6% from an OPC. If they try to sell you at anything above my advise would be to go to Oracle, get a quote and then show to the OPC and they will almost certainly match or get very close.A few .1 of a percentage make very little difference to the overall cost of borrowing so I wouldn't get too hung up, just make sure its under 7% APR. As a guide, a flat rate is normally about half of the APR, again roughly speaking.
I am pretty sure you won't achieve under 6% from an OPC or Oracle but its worth shopping about if you want the best possible rate. It is nice and easy to keep it all under one roof though…
First port of call is to get the OPC to give you a rate, if higher than you like then ask for a lower rate, they're usually quite accommodating to a certain extent.
Edited by Fokker on Tuesday 1st December 14:18
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff