981 Spyder or GT4 ?

[RSVP911]

spareparts said:

Having driven both the 3.8RS and the 4.0RS at their traction limits, I would be surprised if the difference was that great considering the Spyder and GT4 share the same engine, although the Spyder produces only less than 3% less top end HP. The 4.0 had significantly more than the 3.8 pretty much everywhere... too much imho for really exploitable fast trackwork. I though the 3.8RS was a much sweeter and better balanced drive, but that's another story.

Any coupe could be used daily, as could the Spyder be used daily as long as one drove with the roof up all the time. When I had a lowered 6.1GT3 with larger Cup brake ducts, speedhumps and access was never an issue - even the dreaded ferries were successfully negotiated with a diagonal approach instead of straight on. So I don't think the fractional differences between either Spyder or GT4 will be an issue.

I'm struggling here between the two - I suspect the differences will be more about overall feel and approachability of both vehicles. Whilst the GT4 is bold and brash, I suspect the Spyder will deliver it's message more quietly - although both would be equally quick in give/take fast road situations with similar dynamics. Over the long run, I wonder if the Spyder may hold more allure and charm on long drives... although there is no denying that the 'GT' moniker will forever remain the attraction and stir interest. After 60 votes on the poll, a 2/3 split is closer than I thought it might be. Maybe the answer to the original question is 'both'. The Spyder is evocative. GT4, the mini-GT3.

2/3rds in favour of the GT4 ? Interesting one of your posts earlier today had me thinking the Spyder had your vote - see below :

"On public roads driven anywhere up to 8-9/10s, I do wonder how much the Spyder gives away to the GT4. I do wonder if the merits of the GT3 front end may only become apparent when really pushing the limits on track. Do the control arms and steering rack really add anything significant on the road? But in all other situations, the same engine, same chassis, same interior - surely these are dominant factors to the overall enjoyment/driving experience? (And before one takes into consideration the roof-off experience)

The appeal of the Spyder is that it seems to take the best bits of the last NA 911 engine, packed into the same excellent chassis of the Boxster/Cayman, adds a gorgeous mini-918 Spyder body, and then suspends it all on the sportiest suspension/chassis set up - same as GT4. The fractional reduction in tyre width can only be a good thing on the road too - offering more delicate feedback and adjustability perhaps... The 2.7RS's legendary steering/handling feel makes do with skinny tyres.

The next Boxster/Cayman may well see 4 cylinder turbo'd engines (and maybe lose "Boxster/Cayman" naming in the same process?). In which case the adoption of the biggest NA engine from a 911 may well secure the Spyder and GT4's legendary status, dry sump or not!"

[spareparts]

I was referring to the poll results being 2/3 in favour of the GT4 over 1/3 the Spyder. I would have thought the poll would have been more heavily in favour of the GT4. I abstained from voting in the poll as I'm in favour of both cars, for different reasons, for similar reasons posted by others in this thread. Was interested to hear others thoughts on the choices between both cars.

When it has come to spec'ing the cars, it is tempting to spec the GT4 with the pure performance options, and then the Spyder with the comfort oriented options. Maybe that betrays the experience expected... I just don't know which one will be the keeper over the long term.

[RSVP911]

spareparts said:

I was referring to the poll results being 2/3 in favour of the GT4 over 1/3 the Spyder. I would have thought the poll would have been more heavily in favour of the GT4. I abstained from voting in the poll as I'm in favour of both cars, for different reasons, for similar reasons posted by others in this thread. Was interested to hear others thoughts on the choices between both cars.

When it has come to spec'ing the cars, it is tempting to spec the GT4 with the pure performance options, and then the Spyder with the comfort oriented options. Maybe that betrays the experience expected... I just don't know which one will be the keeper over the long term.

Have you decided on both then ?

[av185]

spareparts said:

When it has come to spec'ing the cars, it is tempting to spec the GT4 with the pure performance options, and then the Spyder with the comfort oriented options.. I just don't know which one will be the keeper over the long term.

The cost of options between the two cars is vastly different. The Spyder includes 'free' folding buckets, (c £1600 on GT4), 'free' coloured stitching (£800 on GT4) and far better value carbon fiitings. But the satin platinum wheels with coloured Porsche crests are c £550 on the Spyder but 'free' on the GT4 but with no coloured crests.

Most Spyders appear to be arriving with Pirellis btw. Gt4 has Dunlops which are fine.

From my limited use so far of both cars, unfortunately the Spyder is receiving much more attention......but both cars appear to excite more people than the GT3.........

[Beaver]

My mate has just picked his Spyder up from Hatfield today, white with 918 buckets and satin wheels.
He also has the fire extinguisher fitted, I don't remember seeing that as an option?

Anyway, he has his woolly hat on, the roof down and a big grin on his face.
Car looks great, sounds great too.

[RSVP911]

av185 said:

The cost of options between the two cars is vastly different. The Spyder includes 'free' folding buckets, (c £1600 on GT4), 'free' coloured stitching (£800 on GT4) and far better value carbon fiitings. But the satin platinum wheels with coloured Porsche crests are c £550 on the Spyder but 'free' on the GT4 but with no coloured crests.

Most Spyders appear to be arriving with Pirellis btw. Gt4 has Dunlops which are fine.

From my limited use so far of both cars, unfortunately the Spyder is receiving much more attention......but both cars appear to excite more people than the GT3.........

Drove both at the PEC today - admittedly only 15 mins in the GT4 , both are really great fun , but if I had to choose one (ignoring values) it would be the Spyder - it sounds amazing , looks lovely with its top off and is just really playful and bloody quick and handles like a dream ! The 4 was great too , but I preferred the Spyder. Also the 4 had a horrid forced induction type of noise as you put the speed on . Spyder felt more planted , less skittish - both absolutely great though

[av185]

RSVP911 said:

av185 said:

The cost of options between the two cars is vastly different. The Spyder includes 'free' folding buckets, (c £1600 on GT4), 'free' coloured stitching (£800 on GT4) and far better value carbon fiitings. But the satin platinum wheels with coloured Porsche crests are c £550 on the Spyder but 'free' on the GT4 but with no coloured crests.

Most Spyders appear to be arriving with Pirellis btw. Gt4 has Dunlops which are fine.

From my limited use so far of both cars, unfortunately the Spyder is receiving much more attention......but both cars appear to excite more people than the GT3.........

Drove both at the PEC today - admittedly only 15 mins in the GT4 , both are really great fun , but if I had to choose one (ignoring values) it would be the Spyder - it sounds amazing , looks lovely with its top off and is just really playful and bloody quick and handles like a dream ! The 4 was great too , but I preferred the Spyder. Also the 4 had a horrid forced induction type of noise as you put the speed on . Spyder felt more planted , less skittish - both absolutely great though

Agree with your comments R and think the GT4 is more of a serious package overall which after all is what was intended. In some ways it is a 'mini' GT3 and whilst it is the same width as a 991as a car it feels more compact all round.

The Spyder perhaps brings more of a smile to your face and is a total hoot to drive. It is one of those cars you don t just park up and leave without turning round as you walk away for one more glance. A rare quality!

[RSVP911]

av185 said:

Agree with your comments R and think the GT4 is more of a serious package overall which after all is what was intended. In some ways it is a 'mini' GT3 and whilst it is the same width as a 991as a car it feels more compact all round.

The Spyder perhaps brings more of a smile to your face and is a total hoot to drive. It is one of those cars you don t just park up and leave without turning round as you walk away for one more glance. A rare quality!

[spareparts]

Now that the GT4 and Spyder have/are coming to an end, what are peoples' thoughts on this? GT4 held a lead a few months back, but is sentiment for the Spyder in our glorious English summer weather still the same?

So come on lads, a half a year in... GT4 or Spyder?

[mdianuk]

Production continues, but only a few months left.

Pointless poll really, all down to personal opinion, and whilst I only enjoy my car on the nice days, so a soft top would make sense, I still wouldn't be able to cope with that stupid roof (as it would need to be closed when I finish playing), so for me, on that and a few other reasons, it has to be the GT4.

[spareparts]

mdianuk said:

Production continues, but only a few months left.

Pointless poll really, all down to personal opinion, and whilst I only enjoy my car on the nice days, so a soft top would make sense, I still wouldn't be able to cope with that stupid roof (as it would need to be closed when I finish playing), so for me, on that and a few other reasons, it has to be the GT4.

Your considerations of a manual roof are fair. I'm interested in when you say "a few other reasons" - what may they be? There's no right/wrong answer to this and everyone has their own reasons. Curious to know what they may be. And in terms of production, the GT4 is coming to an end about now (although deliveries will be staggered over the next couple months) as is the Spyder.

[m33ufo]

Spyder for me. No question.

[Koln-RS]

I thought all 981 production finished this month?

[mdianuk]

spareparts said:

I'm interested in when you say "a few other reasons" - what may they be?

Oh nothing more than personal taste, I prefer the bigger brakes and bite from them. I prefer the sound of the engine from within the closed in cabin. The GT4 is a GT car in the true sense compared, so works for my requirements. Just prefer the GT4, but the roof is the biggest problem for me just because I couldn't store it in a garage when not in use, where I could just leave the roof off and forget about it like so many others do. Both very special cars, and if I could have both, I would.

[DMC2]

Having owned both, as a road car the Spyder wins hands down. I wouldn't use a road car on track so the noise, looks, and more flexible setup of the Spyder makes it my choice. Such a special car. Roof is a doddle compared to the last model.

[RSVP911]

Spyder .

Roof is so quick and easy , literally takes a few seconds

[ChrisW.]

Ok, so now I will set the cat among the investment pigeons.

There is no doubt that the GT4 is more special.

But as a road car and even a very swift trackday car the Spider is --- wonderful. Since the votes appear to be 2:1 in favour of the GT4 and manufactured numbers may be closer to 75:25 ? --- in favour of the GT4, maybe the Spyder could be even more fun ??

Sorry -- typo !

Edited by ChrisW. on Friday 1st July 21:26

[Beedub]

spyder with Gt4 suspension and steering!! ALL DAY long

Can this stuff be retro fitted or does the GT4 have a unique setup ??

[DMC2]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

What I meant was as a road car the Spyder is the better car in my opinion, especially if you are not going to track.

[ChrisW.]

Yes, if you like al-fresco the Spider is much better. As road cars the Spyder is certainly softer, but you would be surprised how much more fealsome the GT4 becomes on Pilot Super Sports rather than PSCup2's ...