GT4 / Exige V6, has anyone had/got both?
Discussion
Hi All,
We bought my wife a new Macan before Xmas, she had a Discovery sport before, I have had fast estates for the last 15 years.
I had not embraced Porsches, primarily as I have enjoyed Lotus’ for the last 20 years or so and I maintain my love for them. Accordingly, the Macan was the first Porsche at Tin Hat Towers. It is a very nice bit of kit, I have been converted.
We have no kids, so the money that this saves allows me to indulge myself with a garage that is better suited to someone who is half my age, but, as the kids say, YOLO.
I cannot see myself selling my V6 Exige Cup which I ordered from new back in 2014, so the Cayman GT4 that was winking at me in the dealer had to try quite hard to get my attention. However, I was handed the keys to look around it and was impressed, it is a very, very nice bit of kit. With a fixed roof, a gearbox that felt like a sniper rifle ,ICE and carpet it is a bit of a step up from my Exige, but clearly these are broadly similar machines. Does anyone here run an Exige ( or Elise ) and a GT4, and are their DNA different enough to enjoy owning both?
We bought my wife a new Macan before Xmas, she had a Discovery sport before, I have had fast estates for the last 15 years.
I had not embraced Porsches, primarily as I have enjoyed Lotus’ for the last 20 years or so and I maintain my love for them. Accordingly, the Macan was the first Porsche at Tin Hat Towers. It is a very nice bit of kit, I have been converted.
We have no kids, so the money that this saves allows me to indulge myself with a garage that is better suited to someone who is half my age, but, as the kids say, YOLO.
I cannot see myself selling my V6 Exige Cup which I ordered from new back in 2014, so the Cayman GT4 that was winking at me in the dealer had to try quite hard to get my attention. However, I was handed the keys to look around it and was impressed, it is a very, very nice bit of kit. With a fixed roof, a gearbox that felt like a sniper rifle ,ICE and carpet it is a bit of a step up from my Exige, but clearly these are broadly similar machines. Does anyone here run an Exige ( or Elise ) and a GT4, and are their DNA different enough to enjoy owning both?
Can’t help really yet either, but just parted ways with my V6 Exige Cup in December as GT4 incoming feb build / Mar delivery, assuming production hasn’t gone haywire.
I did however drive the 718 GT4 at PEC for a morning just after a track day in the Exige, and thought it was great. It obviously wasn’t as raw an experience, but still had that beautiful balance, adjustability, and feedback that is what I’ve always loved about my lotuses.
I did however drive the 718 GT4 at PEC for a morning just after a track day in the Exige, and thought it was great. It obviously wasn’t as raw an experience, but still had that beautiful balance, adjustability, and feedback that is what I’ve always loved about my lotuses.
ChrisW has Fully modded 981 GT4 and also Exige (410 i think?)
I did a taster day of Exige 410 Sport and Evora 410 Sport.
Slightly different propositions from my 981 GT4.
GT4 is definitely more of an all rounder compared to the Exige, and I still felt the GT4 was more focussed than the Evora.
Exige is very very singular in it purpose.
I did a taster day of Exige 410 Sport and Evora 410 Sport.
Slightly different propositions from my 981 GT4.
GT4 is definitely more of an all rounder compared to the Exige, and I still felt the GT4 was more focussed than the Evora.
Exige is very very singular in it purpose.
Edited by TDT on Sunday 17th January 19:45
Not an S3 Exige but have had an S2 260 for years now. Also have a 718GT4. Both cars are very different, S2 is very raw, light, nimble, manic power delivery. I run it most time with the soft roof fitted rather than the hard top. Very different to the GT4 which is more “grown up”. GT4 is more for longer blasts, weekends away etc. Plus I suspect it will morph into my daily later this year.
Planning keeping both long term.
Planning keeping both long term.
I had a 981 Cayman GT4 for four and a half years.
Many years ago I had a VX220 Turbo, and test drove several S2 Elises and Exiges between 2002 and 2008.
Last July I test drove the current Elise, Exige and Evora and then I test drove the 718 Cayman GTS a couple of weeks later.
As a result of these test drives, I sold the GT4 and ordered a 718 GTS which arrived in November.
But - the Exige was the most immersive driving experience and I could definitely see a role for owning both, if space and funds allowed.
Enjoy your dilemma. Hopefully some of the content in my comparative reviews below might help:
Lotuses:
https://themotorforum.co.uk/thread/2227/trio-cars
718 GTS:
https://themotorforum.co.uk/thread/2237/litres-mid...
Many years ago I had a VX220 Turbo, and test drove several S2 Elises and Exiges between 2002 and 2008.
Last July I test drove the current Elise, Exige and Evora and then I test drove the 718 Cayman GTS a couple of weeks later.
As a result of these test drives, I sold the GT4 and ordered a 718 GTS which arrived in November.
But - the Exige was the most immersive driving experience and I could definitely see a role for owning both, if space and funds allowed.
Enjoy your dilemma. Hopefully some of the content in my comparative reviews below might help:
Lotuses:
https://themotorforum.co.uk/thread/2227/trio-cars
718 GTS:
https://themotorforum.co.uk/thread/2237/litres-mid...
BertBert said:
I'm looking at a variant of this conundrum comparing the review Evora 410 versus the Cayman. This is to replace my 997.1 GT3 which I sold to specifically to try the lotus. But every time i think of it, I can't help but think that the Cayman would be a more rewarding sports drive!
This may be of interest if you haven't seen it already:https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/comparis...
Thanks guys, it sounds like you are reinforcing my interpretation of the GT4 as a bit more grown up.
My Exige has both hard and soft tops - Hooning with a roof off is the very best way to enjoy the Lotus, it can feel quite compact with the roof on. It has tended to spend the winter locked away as a result.
I’ve taken my Exige to the Black Forest and that is definitely for a younger body than mine, it felt like a long,long way, but was highlighted by some epic driving once we had got there.
The GT4 definitely sounds like the car that I will ‘grow’ into - I originally had my heart set on a 911 GT3, but they seem to be extremely mileage sensitive and I want to drive it and enjoy it without worrying about the cost of mileage. The 991 has also got quite big for the UK
My Exige has both hard and soft tops - Hooning with a roof off is the very best way to enjoy the Lotus, it can feel quite compact with the roof on. It has tended to spend the winter locked away as a result.
I’ve taken my Exige to the Black Forest and that is definitely for a younger body than mine, it felt like a long,long way, but was highlighted by some epic driving once we had got there.
The GT4 definitely sounds like the car that I will ‘grow’ into - I originally had my heart set on a 911 GT3, but they seem to be extremely mileage sensitive and I want to drive it and enjoy it without worrying about the cost of mileage. The 991 has also got quite big for the UK
Tin Hat said:
Thanks guys, it sounds like you are reinforcing my interpretation of the GT4 as a bit more grown up.
My Exige has both hard and soft tops - Hooning with a roof off is the very best way to enjoy the Lotus, it can feel quite compact with the roof on. It has tended to spend the winter locked away as a result.
I’ve taken my Exige to the Black Forest and that is definitely for a younger body than mine, it felt like a long,long way, but was highlighted by some epic driving once we had got there.
The GT4 definitely sounds like the car that I will ‘grow’ into - I originally had my heart set on a 911 GT3, but they seem to be extremely mileage sensitive and I want to drive it and enjoy it without worrying about the cost of mileage. The 991 has also got quite big for the UK
I came close to buying a couple of 991:1 GT3 in summer and both times it didn’t quite work out - plus I really didn’t want a PDK. The 991:2 was a consideration but for me, it’s too much £ to have in one car and I’d rather have the GT4 and the Exige, especially as the GT4 is my colour and spec and I know it’s not been hammered by anyone else and of course it has a three year warranty. My Exige has both hard and soft tops - Hooning with a roof off is the very best way to enjoy the Lotus, it can feel quite compact with the roof on. It has tended to spend the winter locked away as a result.
I’ve taken my Exige to the Black Forest and that is definitely for a younger body than mine, it felt like a long,long way, but was highlighted by some epic driving once we had got there.
The GT4 definitely sounds like the car that I will ‘grow’ into - I originally had my heart set on a 911 GT3, but they seem to be extremely mileage sensitive and I want to drive it and enjoy it without worrying about the cost of mileage. The 991 has also got quite big for the UK
Stunters said:
BertBert said:
I'm looking at a variant of this conundrum comparing the review Evora 410 versus the Cayman. This is to replace my 997.1 GT3 which I sold to specifically to try the lotus. But every time i think of it, I can't help but think that the Cayman would be a more rewarding sports drive!
This may be of interest if you haven't seen it already:https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/comparis...
BertBert said:
Stunters said:
BertBert said:
I'm looking at a variant of this conundrum comparing the review Evora 410 versus the Cayman. This is to replace my 997.1 GT3 which I sold to specifically to try the lotus. But every time i think of it, I can't help but think that the Cayman would be a more rewarding sports drive!
This may be of interest if you haven't seen it already:https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/comparis...
TDT said:
Exige is very very singular in it purpose.
That's an excellent, short summary. I had waited in excitement for Exige V6 roadster to be launched. Went for a drive in one and came away disappointed. Whilst undoubtedly a very fast vehicle it's not really much of a car. Fun for 20 minutes but, what next?
I'm not a Porsche fan but went straight from my Exige test drive to the local Porsche dealership to see what they had. Went for a drive in a 981 and it's still in my garage today.
If you want a GT4 by all means go for it. I'd be more likely to buy a GTS.
I bought the Exige 410 Sport just before the first lock-down with the intention of comparing it to my modified 981 GT4.
You do notice the lightness of the Exige over the GT4, it is a very fast car ... much closer to a 991 GT3 that the standard GT4, but a far less practical car than a GT4 which is a great all-rounder.
In fact, my modified GT4 and the Exige 410 Sport were really too close in performance and the Exige always felt fragile by comparison, so less useable to me.
So I decided to exchange the Exige for something different ... a very nice '88 944 Turbo Cup car which has just been registered for use on UK roads. Now back in lock-down and it's winter !
I can't wait to get out and about and show the car at trackdays and Porsche events but ... who knows when ??
To sum up ? The Exige was a step up from a Caterham but not as useable as a GT4 ... and the GT4 is plenty fast enough.
A 991.2 GT3 would be nice ... but a McLaren 600LT would be faster and more exclusive ... and both would be a very tough comparison for the super useable and sweet GT4 !
I dream about faster but really, there is no need and the classics are a very exciting ride that I hope will keep me out of too much trouble ...
You do notice the lightness of the Exige over the GT4, it is a very fast car ... much closer to a 991 GT3 that the standard GT4, but a far less practical car than a GT4 which is a great all-rounder.
In fact, my modified GT4 and the Exige 410 Sport were really too close in performance and the Exige always felt fragile by comparison, so less useable to me.
So I decided to exchange the Exige for something different ... a very nice '88 944 Turbo Cup car which has just been registered for use on UK roads. Now back in lock-down and it's winter !
I can't wait to get out and about and show the car at trackdays and Porsche events but ... who knows when ??
To sum up ? The Exige was a step up from a Caterham but not as useable as a GT4 ... and the GT4 is plenty fast enough.
A 991.2 GT3 would be nice ... but a McLaren 600LT would be faster and more exclusive ... and both would be a very tough comparison for the super useable and sweet GT4 !
I dream about faster but really, there is no need and the classics are a very exciting ride that I hope will keep me out of too much trouble ...
I've owned a 981 GT4 and an Exige V6S.
They are quite different beasts in many ways despite being quite similar in pace on track.
To me the Exige was the more enjoyable drivers' car overall - the whole experience is immersive: steering, directness of the controls and lack of inertia due to low relative kerb weight. Clearly it's more compromised and requires more effort than the GT4. Despite being mid-engined and having a shorter wheel base I found the Exige surprisingly playful on track and not intimidating when you break traction at the rear, partly because of the quality of the steering I guess since you can feel exactly what's happening and therefore have more time to plan your next inputs. I've done long road trips in it and whilst not the most comfortable the torque of the supercharged V6 means you can make brisk progress by only stroking the motor which makes for a waay more relaxing car on a run than say a supercharged Elise with its banzai top end.
GT4 easily more comfortable, practical and usable, apart from the low front splitter which does limit day-to-day usability.. On the track I found it very easy to drive reasonably quickly due to the excellent inherent balance, but not as enjoyable as the Exige once it's over the limit and therefore not as approachable (this might be more down to my lack of ability than the car but that was my impression). On the road the suspension can deal with absolutely anything you throw at it - completely rock solid and the grip levels were superb, almost too much grip for the available power/torque which is partly down to the Cup 2s. I've not driven the 718 version but the 981 engine was IMHO not especially brilliant or memorable. If it can be "X51'd" it would be a much more engaging car overall since the engine in the 991.1 GTS is superb - better mid range and free-er revving than the 981. The chassis can easily handle the extra, as the 718 shows.
There is no bad choice here.
They are quite different beasts in many ways despite being quite similar in pace on track.
To me the Exige was the more enjoyable drivers' car overall - the whole experience is immersive: steering, directness of the controls and lack of inertia due to low relative kerb weight. Clearly it's more compromised and requires more effort than the GT4. Despite being mid-engined and having a shorter wheel base I found the Exige surprisingly playful on track and not intimidating when you break traction at the rear, partly because of the quality of the steering I guess since you can feel exactly what's happening and therefore have more time to plan your next inputs. I've done long road trips in it and whilst not the most comfortable the torque of the supercharged V6 means you can make brisk progress by only stroking the motor which makes for a waay more relaxing car on a run than say a supercharged Elise with its banzai top end.
GT4 easily more comfortable, practical and usable, apart from the low front splitter which does limit day-to-day usability.. On the track I found it very easy to drive reasonably quickly due to the excellent inherent balance, but not as enjoyable as the Exige once it's over the limit and therefore not as approachable (this might be more down to my lack of ability than the car but that was my impression). On the road the suspension can deal with absolutely anything you throw at it - completely rock solid and the grip levels were superb, almost too much grip for the available power/torque which is partly down to the Cup 2s. I've not driven the 718 version but the 981 engine was IMHO not especially brilliant or memorable. If it can be "X51'd" it would be a much more engaging car overall since the engine in the 991.1 GTS is superb - better mid range and free-er revving than the 981. The chassis can easily handle the extra, as the 718 shows.
There is no bad choice here.
BertBert said:
I'm looking at a variant of this conundrum comparing the review Evora 410 versus the Cayman. This is to replace my 997.1 GT3 which I sold to specifically to try the lotus. But every time i think of it, I can't help but think that the Cayman would be a more rewarding sports drive!
I owned a 981 Cayman GTS, then 981 Spyder, then an Evora 400. The evora is by far the most rewarding drive. Yes, it will never win group tests due to the interior etc, but judged solely on the driving, the Evora blows the porsches out of the water. The steering is way way better, the damping is more resolved, and the brake feel is just a little better than and the porsches. To put it into perspective, you would have to go to a mclaren to drive an equally resolved sports car.cypriot said:
I owned a 981 Cayman GTS, then 981 Spyder, then an Evora 400. The evora is by far the most rewarding drive. Yes, it will never win group tests due to the interior etc, but judged solely on the driving, the Evora blows the porsches out of the water. The steering is way way better, the damping is more resolved, and the brake feel is just a little better than and the porsches. To put it into perspective, you would have to go to a mclaren to drive an equally resolved sports car.
That's a pretty strong opinion! I've driven a number of Evoras. In the interests of balance I would counter that the brake feel and stopping power of the GT4 tops the Evora. As does the throttle response. As does the gearbox action.In certain circumstances the chassis of the Evora absolutely excels (tricky, poorly surfaced B roads really show off its talents) but it is an ageing platform and some of the ergonomics are not quite up to Porsche standards.
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