991 T vs 718 GT4
Discussion
I have a budget of up to £65,000. I could potentially go a little higher.
How would these stack up? I've driven a 718 GT4 PDK and loved it, but I love driving and seem to enjoy all cars so I'm sure I'd enjoy the T as well. Less BHP but more Torque. I'm curious in the real world which would "feel" faster. Has anyone driven both?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410215...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502259...
I get all the "you need to drive them" but it isn't always an option, well driving them properly isn't.
I love the GT3 but once I start digging around £65,000 there are so many options, including the 991 Turbo S. For some reason I feel the Turbo S could be more to maintain.
Any help, advice or feedback is much appreciated!
How would these stack up? I've driven a 718 GT4 PDK and loved it, but I love driving and seem to enjoy all cars so I'm sure I'd enjoy the T as well. Less BHP but more Torque. I'm curious in the real world which would "feel" faster. Has anyone driven both?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410215...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502259...
I get all the "you need to drive them" but it isn't always an option, well driving them properly isn't.
I love the GT3 but once I start digging around £65,000 there are so many options, including the 991 Turbo S. For some reason I feel the Turbo S could be more to maintain.
Any help, advice or feedback is much appreciated!
It’s a great question.
I’ve had a manual and PDK 718 GT4 and a PDK 991.2 Carrera T
They are all amazing in their own right. But for me, a manual 718 GT4 comes significantly below both the PDK variant and the 991.2 T
Splitting those two is much harder, and really depends on how you drive, and what you want to get out of the car.
The GT4 is more instantly gratifying, and for most drivers they will be happy with that. But there is something special about the balance of a 911, and having had a few of them, the 991.2 T makes the most out of these newer generation cars. The engine doesn’t feel overly turbo charged, it revs cleanly, and sounds fantastic.
If you are willing to spend the time and effort to learn how to drive it properly, it’s hugely rewarding. It does require a different and more nuanced driving style to get the most out of it. But once you get into it, it has a way of rewarding you that a GT4 struggles to do. It has a great balance to it, and if you do actually like “driving” as opposed to just going “fast” then I think it’s perfectly suited to UK A and B roads.
At the end of the day, I actually miss the T more than I do either of the GT4’s. Just because the T wasn’t so easily accessible and made me work for the performance I got out of it.
Jack
I’ve had a manual and PDK 718 GT4 and a PDK 991.2 Carrera T
They are all amazing in their own right. But for me, a manual 718 GT4 comes significantly below both the PDK variant and the 991.2 T
Splitting those two is much harder, and really depends on how you drive, and what you want to get out of the car.
The GT4 is more instantly gratifying, and for most drivers they will be happy with that. But there is something special about the balance of a 911, and having had a few of them, the 991.2 T makes the most out of these newer generation cars. The engine doesn’t feel overly turbo charged, it revs cleanly, and sounds fantastic.
If you are willing to spend the time and effort to learn how to drive it properly, it’s hugely rewarding. It does require a different and more nuanced driving style to get the most out of it. But once you get into it, it has a way of rewarding you that a GT4 struggles to do. It has a great balance to it, and if you do actually like “driving” as opposed to just going “fast” then I think it’s perfectly suited to UK A and B roads.
At the end of the day, I actually miss the T more than I do either of the GT4’s. Just because the T wasn’t so easily accessible and made me work for the performance I got out of it.
Jack
I was in exactly the same position as you. coming out of a couple of 987.1 3.4 boxsters with exhaust and a remap I brought a 991T from Porsche Preston for 67k in October last year.
It's a fantastic car and a massive step up in performance, looks, tech, interior and posing power... but it's much much more insulated than the boxsters were.
Way too quiet, the rear engined layout is less natural, feels a little big on B roads - which is my daily drive.
I drove a 4.0 cayman GTS PDK at PEC Silverstone recently and TBH if | was buying now - if you want a drivers car - the 4.0 cayman walks it.
So I currently have a dilemma of swapping into a GT4 or Tuning the T - I think with a bit of tuning my car would be pretty mega as a daily driver, I test drove a 992.1 GTS which was way faster and had a more exciting power delivery but honestly I'll probably end up getting into a GT4 at some point.
I don't regret scratching the 911 itch tbs and I tend to change my mind on tuning/swapping the car every 72hrs...
It's a fantastic car and a massive step up in performance, looks, tech, interior and posing power... but it's much much more insulated than the boxsters were.
Way too quiet, the rear engined layout is less natural, feels a little big on B roads - which is my daily drive.
I drove a 4.0 cayman GTS PDK at PEC Silverstone recently and TBH if | was buying now - if you want a drivers car - the 4.0 cayman walks it.
So I currently have a dilemma of swapping into a GT4 or Tuning the T - I think with a bit of tuning my car would be pretty mega as a daily driver, I test drove a 992.1 GTS which was way faster and had a more exciting power delivery but honestly I'll probably end up getting into a GT4 at some point.
I don't regret scratching the 911 itch tbs and I tend to change my mind on tuning/swapping the car every 72hrs...
I considered a last build slot 718 GT4 or going for a targa 911
Completely different cars and after having a 981 Cayman previously I opted for the GT4 as driving it was just a pure delight and also the fact they don’t make them anymore. For the money the GT4 imo is an absolute delight to own and gives you so much
Completely different cars and after having a 981 Cayman previously I opted for the GT4 as driving it was just a pure delight and also the fact they don’t make them anymore. For the money the GT4 imo is an absolute delight to own and gives you so much
I can't comment as I'm a mere 996 owner but my techie warns of turbo failures on later 911s and whilst a turbo charged car gives more immediate power, it will ultimately lack the delicacy of a GT4. I'd also say buying a slightly older 911 inevitably brings increased maintence so that's something else to consider vs a younger GT4.
MrC986 said:
I can't comment as I'm a mere 996 owner but my techie warns of turbo failures on later 911s and whilst a turbo charged car gives more immediate power, it will ultimately lack the delicacy of a GT4. I'd also say buying a slightly older 911 inevitably brings increased maintence so that's something else to consider vs a younger GT4.
To be fair, you’d want both to be under warranty. Turbo issues on the T and PADM issues on the GT4. rob.kellock said:
991T said:
I think maybe I did? The GB press car?
No, mine was the other one, no ceramics.Small world! I was chatting to a pal or relative of yours at Porsche Club a few weeks ago!
OP, apologies for the thread hi-jack. I did 28,000 miles in my 991.2T over 6 1/2 years. Loved it. I’ve not heard of turbo issues on the T, but a few on S and GTS cars - maybe they are less stressed due to the lower power?
I think in this case, the best advice really has to be to drive them, they are quite different but my experience reflects jackwood’s post above.
Ultimately, some people prefer the driving experience of the Cayman over the 911, others vice versa. Same with PDK verses manual.
Owned/own both of which as usual either has its pluses and minus's but you have to decide essentially if you prefer a 911 to a Cayman and the only way is to spend at least a morning or afternoon driving them preferably over your favourite roads to find out.
You will get a newer 718 GT4 for your money oldest 19 69 reg v 18 18 T especially if you want a basic spec comfort manual without extended leather as per the red Ashgoods car in your link.
Be aware rear seats were a no cost option on the T and a car without them rather negates the whole point in having a comfort 911 in the first place. T pack is a nice extra which was £1700 or tgereabouts adds coloured stitching of your choice and leatger dash doors and console. Be aware some cars were supplied without DAB but most had OPC retrofits. Lightweight glass a worthwhile no cost option this improved the interior exhaust noise more than saved any appreciable weight.
The T is a great package as a Touring car benefits being last of the narrow bodied Carreras no ground clearance issues to speak of and decent engine although the usual turbo characteristics are a negative for purists as is the vagueness in the gearbox upper ratios although top is a great cruising gear adding to excellent economy.
718 GT4 with GT3 chassis and brakes is more of an event to drive than the T and has the far superior more powerful engine with higher 8k rev limit and for road use at least it is almost as rapid and engaging as a GT3 for substantially less money. Main reason why I sold my T and kept the GT4. Very usable too some use as a daily.... quieter than a GT3.... just returned from 2 week road trips in the Lakes and Snowdonia although roads were dry (cup tyres can be a problem in the wet).
Drawbacks with the GT4 include no front lift option and slightly overlong gearing although this is rarely an issue broadly an internet myth on the 718 in reality with its better torquier low down more powerful engine compared to the 981.
That 51k mile T in the ad is way overpriced btw. Also worth doing some research into the vendors and take a close look at their trustpilot rating which makes for intersting reading etc etc.
Both cars need OPC warranties btw although my GT4 has only thrown a PADM fault light for one side in 4 years these are weak points covered under warranty otherwise a £3.5 k job.
You will get a newer 718 GT4 for your money oldest 19 69 reg v 18 18 T especially if you want a basic spec comfort manual without extended leather as per the red Ashgoods car in your link.
Be aware rear seats were a no cost option on the T and a car without them rather negates the whole point in having a comfort 911 in the first place. T pack is a nice extra which was £1700 or tgereabouts adds coloured stitching of your choice and leatger dash doors and console. Be aware some cars were supplied without DAB but most had OPC retrofits. Lightweight glass a worthwhile no cost option this improved the interior exhaust noise more than saved any appreciable weight.
The T is a great package as a Touring car benefits being last of the narrow bodied Carreras no ground clearance issues to speak of and decent engine although the usual turbo characteristics are a negative for purists as is the vagueness in the gearbox upper ratios although top is a great cruising gear adding to excellent economy.
718 GT4 with GT3 chassis and brakes is more of an event to drive than the T and has the far superior more powerful engine with higher 8k rev limit and for road use at least it is almost as rapid and engaging as a GT3 for substantially less money. Main reason why I sold my T and kept the GT4. Very usable too some use as a daily.... quieter than a GT3.... just returned from 2 week road trips in the Lakes and Snowdonia although roads were dry (cup tyres can be a problem in the wet).
Drawbacks with the GT4 include no front lift option and slightly overlong gearing although this is rarely an issue broadly an internet myth on the 718 in reality with its better torquier low down more powerful engine compared to the 981.
That 51k mile T in the ad is way overpriced btw. Also worth doing some research into the vendors and take a close look at their trustpilot rating which makes for intersting reading etc etc.
Both cars need OPC warranties btw although my GT4 has only thrown a PADM fault light for one side in 4 years these are weak points covered under warranty otherwise a £3.5 k job.
All incredibly helpful. Thank you all!
It seems like a light edge to the GT4 and that's how I feel.
I had a morning in a 991 4S at the PES about 10 years ago and although I loved it i remember thinking I wouldn't spend 90K on that car.
I drove the GT4 a month or so ago at the PES and was blown away, that being said the instructor (Chris) was far better. When I left I didn't question the value of the car.
I could push a little higher on the price but I think a basic model will more than fulfil my needs. I love driving and will push on when it's safe but I'm no boy racer. I might sound square but I'm always concerned about other road users, I have Partridge tendencies when on the road. That being said I would like to do some track days (again, imagine Partridge on a track day).
I've been looking at the 981 as well. I'll be making a final decision in the next two weeks,
Thanks to all those who replied.
It seems like a light edge to the GT4 and that's how I feel.
I had a morning in a 991 4S at the PES about 10 years ago and although I loved it i remember thinking I wouldn't spend 90K on that car.
I drove the GT4 a month or so ago at the PES and was blown away, that being said the instructor (Chris) was far better. When I left I didn't question the value of the car.
I could push a little higher on the price but I think a basic model will more than fulfil my needs. I love driving and will push on when it's safe but I'm no boy racer. I might sound square but I'm always concerned about other road users, I have Partridge tendencies when on the road. That being said I would like to do some track days (again, imagine Partridge on a track day).
I've been looking at the 981 as well. I'll be making a final decision in the next two weeks,
Thanks to all those who replied.
I am not a Porsche expert, but I recently bought a low mileage immaculate 991.1 C4S - which would be within your budget limits.
I've owned quicker cars, but this has all the speed I need and I really like the 3.8 non turbo - it's a Jekyll and Hyde engine, which is fun.
Just a thought.
I've owned quicker cars, but this has all the speed I need and I really like the 3.8 non turbo - it's a Jekyll and Hyde engine, which is fun.
Just a thought.
Benzooki said:
All incredibly helpful. Thank you all!
It seems like a light edge to the GT4 and that's how I feel.
I had a morning in a 991 4S at the PES about 10 years ago and although I loved it i remember thinking I wouldn't spend 90K on that car.
I drove the GT4 a month or so ago at the PES and was blown away, that being said the instructor (Chris) was far better. When I left I didn't question the value of the car.
I could push a little higher on the price but I think a basic model will more than fulfil my needs. I love driving and will push on when it's safe but I'm no boy racer. I might sound square but I'm always concerned about other road users, I have Partridge tendencies when on the road. That being said I would like to do some track days (again, imagine Partridge on a track day).
I've been looking at the 981 as well. I'll be making a final decision in the next two weeks,
Thanks to all those who replied.
Definitely try a 981 gt4 if you can - imo the most fun to drive of them all It seems like a light edge to the GT4 and that's how I feel.
I had a morning in a 991 4S at the PES about 10 years ago and although I loved it i remember thinking I wouldn't spend 90K on that car.
I drove the GT4 a month or so ago at the PES and was blown away, that being said the instructor (Chris) was far better. When I left I didn't question the value of the car.
I could push a little higher on the price but I think a basic model will more than fulfil my needs. I love driving and will push on when it's safe but I'm no boy racer. I might sound square but I'm always concerned about other road users, I have Partridge tendencies when on the road. That being said I would like to do some track days (again, imagine Partridge on a track day).
I've been looking at the 981 as well. I'll be making a final decision in the next two weeks,
Thanks to all those who replied.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff