981 Spyder or GT4 ?

[spareparts]

Noticed that there is relatively little said about the new 981 Spyder compared to the GT4. The new roof mechanism looks a lot simpler than before, and if EVO's video on the mechanism is anything to go by, it looks relatively painless. The Spyder looks drop dead gorgeous, offers near GT4 performance and dynamics albeit without GT3 steering. It has been suggested it is more limited in numbers, is not GT motorsport built (nice for mental kudos only?), and initial very illiquid market values suggest it holds less of a premium compared to the GT4... not sure about longer term though.

Already have a daily/family wagon, and am debating between the 981 Spyder and GT4 as a 2nd car for weekends and sunny days, 2-up touring, and solo hoons. It has been 10 years since my last convertible (an MX5!) and top down motoring across Europe was some of the best memories - although I do wonder if this was more about youth than anything else. I still get proper adrenaline kicks on the motorbikes, have done the whole GT3/trackday scene already, so more interested in driver involvement and the overall experience rather than searching out the last second around the Ring.

The GT4 may be the obvious choice, but is it?

[mdianuk]

A more potent question would be do you already have a build slot? If not, then forget either; or pay a premium second hand.

[Davey S2]

Not that I'm in the market but I'd go with the Spyder as I'd want the car for long euro trips where having the roof off is lovely.

GT4 if you intend to do more track days.

[PorscheGT4]

"so more interested in driver involvement and the overall experience "

987.2 Spyder no question.

[spareparts]

mdianuk said:

A more potent question would be do you already have a build slot?.

Yes

Davey S2 said:

Not that I'm in the market but I'd go with the Spyder as I'd want the car for long euro trips where having the roof off is lovely.

GT4 if you intend to do more track days.

This is my thinking, but the practicalities of the Spyder roof for all other times are the only hindrance. The fact that both cars are almost the same price does not help!

PorscheGT4 said:

"so more interested in driver involvement and the overall experience "

987.2 Spyder no question.

Sorry, but the 981 generation is the first decent looking Boxster I would consider. And having come from a 997.2 TurboS, the 987.2 is underpowered imho.

[mdianuk]

spareparts said:

Yes

On which, because surely that is your decision made

[W12JFD]

Spyder! - but I am somewhat biased!! 97% of GT4 experience and pace on track and fun on the road - plus roof off - what's not to like.

[itsybitsy]

I am on the fence imo either is a good choice !if I was a roof down type of person perhaps the spyder may have swung it for me with 370hp passive suspension whats not to like!But I got rid of my 987 spyder because I wanted a coupe again really not into open top driving especially in this country so only a gt4 would do for me!

[PorscheGT4]

spareparts said:

Sorry, but the 981 generation is the first decent looking Boxster I would consider. And having come from a 997.2 TurboS, the 987.2 is underpowered imho.

don't post crap like "so more interested in driver involvement and the overall experience " then ;-)

Edited by PorscheGT4 on Wednesday 25th November 16:53

[spareparts]

PorscheGT4 said:

spareparts said:

Sorry, but the 981 generation is the first decent looking Boxster I would consider. And having come from a 997.2 TurboS, the 987.2 is underpowered imho.

don't post crap like "so more interested in driver involvement and the overall experience " then ;-)

Edited by PorscheGT4 on Wednesday 25th November 16:53

The thread is about the 981 Spyder vs GT4. Accelerative performance is absolutely part of "the overall experience" and the 987.2 engine does not offer the level of performance I am looking for. And if you think the 987.2 Cayman R offers exceptional 'driver involvement', I can assure you that my old Manthey 996.1 GT3 with Uniball top mounts, KW suspension, and many other modifications makes your 987.2 Cayman R feel like an anaesthetised Cadillac in comparison.

I have a fair degree of experience with Porsche, and both the GT4 and 981 Spyder are the first cars in a long time from Porsche to get me slightly interested again. Interestingly, the GT4 offers near identical weight and power stats compared to the 996.2 GT3...

[Steve Rance]

It's an impressive testament to the ability of the 981 chasis that Porsche can effectively cut the roof off of it and produce such a beautifully handling car as the Spyder without sacrificing a huge chunk of weight.

Most decent open topped sports cars have un stressed bodies fixed to a seperate monocoque chassis (Lotus Elise etc.) I think that it would be a mistake to under estimate the Spyders dynamic capabilities. I think that it's a very good car.

[spareparts]

Steve Rance said:

It's an impressive testament to the ability of the 981 chasis that Porsche can effectively cut the roof off of it and produce such a beautifully handling car as the Spyder without sacrificing a huge chunk of weight.

Most decent open topped sports cars have un stressed bodies fixed to a seperate monocoque chassis (Lotus Elise etc.) I think that it would be a mistake to under estimate the Spyders dynamic capabilities. I think that it's a very good car.

Steve,
Have you driven the 981 Spyder? If so, what were your thoughts of it?

[RSVP911]

I think the op's opening question is a tricky one - I agree there is so much hype about the Gt4 , but to me the Spyder will be a more interesting (and far rarer) car - I guess as said earlier ; it all depends on end use - If its euro trips and Sunday blasts - it has to be the Spyder every time - If its serious track work its the 4 .

I'm driving the Spyder at the PEC on Saturday - I'll let you know what I think

[spareparts]

RSVP911 said:

I think the op's opening question is a tricky one - I agree there is so much hype about the Gt4 , but to me the Spyder will be a more interesting (and far rarer) car - I guess as said earlier ; it all depends on end use - If its euro trips and Sunday blasts - it has to be the Spyder every time - If its serious track work its the 4 .

I'm driving the Spyder at the PEC on Saturday - I'll let you know what I think

I've toured through Europe on extreme superbikes, and in my old GT3, and I imagine the GT4 is a far more refined drive in comparison. I'm not sure how much less comfortable it is compared to the Spyder... the suspension is almost the same?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the PEC Spyder drive!

Edited by spareparts on Wednesday 25th November 21:53

[av185]

These are both incredible cars and either would be the right choice.

After reading the Ecoty result placing the GT4 first and stating it was a 'masterpiece' from Porsche, I was sceptical it was the usual magazine hype but am now inclined to agree...the GT4 is one hell of a car and an absolute hoot to drive. Whilst being of identical effective width as a 911, it nevertheless feels so much smaller....a true junior supercar and fantastic value.

The Spyder is equally as involving as the 4 but in different ways. If anything, it is a more visceral experience probably due to the soft top, but the increased awareness of engine, road and exhaust are a delight. This probably makes up for the less hardcore handling characteristics due to lack of GT3 front chassis compared to the 4 but in the real world of quick open A and B road blasts there is little between the two.

As a long term proposition I would probably vote Spyder perhaps also partly influenced by rarity and the fact it will doubtless be the true last of a line n.a engine as the next gen will probably be a turbo as it is a non G T car.

[Sandy59]

spareparts said:

RSVP911 said:

I think the op's opening question is a tricky one - I agree there is so much hype about the Gt4 , but to me the Spyder will be a more interesting (and far rarer) car - I guess as said earlier ; it all depends on end use - If its euro trips and Sunday blasts - it has to be the Spyder every time - If its serious track work its the 4 .

I'm driving the Spyder at the PEC on Saturday - I'll let you know what I think

I've toured through Europe on extreme superbikes, and in my old GT3, and I imagine the GT4 is a far more refined drive in comparison. I'm not sure how much less comfortable it is compared to the Spyder... the suspension is almost the same?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the PEC Spyder drive!

Edited by spareparts on Wednesday 25th November 21:53

I picked up my Spyder last Saturday but limited miles so far due to weather mainly. What I would say is I'm pretty excited by this car from these limited miles, I think it's a great package. I have also driven the GT4 at the PEC, and there's no doubt it's also a great drive, but for mainly road use and esp if you like to hear the fantastic engine noise at it's best with the roof down, I really can't see you being disappointed with the Spyder in any way.

[RSVP911]

spareparts said:

I've toured through Europe on extreme superbikes, and in my old GT3, and I imagine the GT4 is a far more refined drive in comparison. I'm not sure how much less comfortable it is compared to the Spyder... the suspension is almost the same?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the PEC Spyder drive!

Edited by spareparts on Wednesday 25th November 21:53

No problem , really looking forward to it - I love the honest simplicity of the concept - listening to others it sounds like I won't be disappointed

[RSVP911]

av185 said:

These are both incredible cars and either would be the right choice.

After reading the Ecoty result placing the GT4 first and stating it was a 'masterpiece' from Porsche, I was sceptical it was the usual magazine hype but am now inclined to agree...the GT4 is one hell of a car and an absolute hoot to drive. Whilst being of identical effective width as a 911, it nevertheless feels so much smaller....a true junior supercar and fantastic value.

The Spyder is equally as involving as the 4 but in different ways. If anything, it is a more visceral experience probably due to the soft top, but the increased awareness of engine, road and exhaust are a delight. This probably makes up for the less hardcore handling characteristics due to lack of GT3 front chassis compared to the 4 but in the real world of quick open A and B road blasts there is little between the two.

As a long term proposition I would probably vote Spyder perhaps also partly influenced by rarity and the fact it will doubtless be the true last of a line n.a engine as the next gen will probably be a turbo as it is a non G T car.

Good points

[billzeebub]

Spyder

[spareparts]

av185 said:

These are both incredible cars and either would be the right choice.

After reading the Ecoty result placing the GT4 first and stating it was a 'masterpiece' from Porsche, I was sceptical it was the usual magazine hype but am now inclined to agree...the GT4 is one hell of a car and an absolute hoot to drive. Whilst being of identical effective width as a 911, it nevertheless feels so much smaller....a true junior supercar and fantastic value.

The Spyder is equally as involving as the 4 but in different ways. If anything, it is a more visceral experience probably due to the soft top, but the increased awareness of engine, road and exhaust are a delight. This probably makes up for the less hardcore handling characteristics due to lack of GT3 front chassis compared to the 4 but in the real world of quick open A and B road blasts there is little between the two.

As a long term proposition I would probably vote Spyder perhaps also partly influenced by rarity and the fact it will doubtless be the true last of a line n.a engine as the next gen will probably be a turbo as it is a non G T car.

Good post - and you've hit my dilemma on the head as to why I'm struggling to choose between them.