RE: 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 | Driven
Discussion
Jazzer said:
The high gearing ruins the road experience in these things, just as it did in the previous one and in the manual 981 GTS. I so wanted a manual until I drove it....never really got out of second!!
The drivel written on this subject is incredible.It's a sports car, not a shopping car. Performance in 2nd, 3rd and 4th is brilliant and in normal driving you probably won't be bothering with 3rd at all.
rockin said:
The drivel written on this subject is incredible.
It's a sports car, not a shopping car. Performance in 2nd, 3rd and 4th is brilliant and in normal driving you probably won't be bothering with 3rd at all.
That's the problem chap, you won't use 3rd as you're stuck in 2nd to extract the full 400bhp at legal speeds.It's a sports car, not a shopping car. Performance in 2nd, 3rd and 4th is brilliant and in normal driving you probably won't be bothering with 3rd at all.
Jazzer said:
The high gearing ruins the road experience in these things, just as it did in the previous one and in the manual 981 GTS. I so wanted a manual until I drove it....never really got out of second!!
For me, a PDK 981 GTS with sports chassis remains one of the very best (at any price) sports cars for the road.
A very fair point.For me, a PDK 981 GTS with sports chassis remains one of the very best (at any price) sports cars for the road.
rockin said:
Jazzer said:
The high gearing ruins the road experience in these things, just as it did in the previous one and in the manual 981 GTS. I so wanted a manual until I drove it....never really got out of second!!
The drivel written on this subject is incredible.It's a sports car, not a shopping car. Performance in 2nd, 3rd and 4th is brilliant and in normal driving you probably won't be bothering with 3rd at all.
Pistonheads should be brave and do a head to head on the track and road with this and a similar cost pdk gts (getting around the usual Porsche excuse of “I’m sorry journalist we only have this model available with all the extras and pccb “)
My money would be on the lighter 4 pot...
This is a shame as the gt4 was the Halo model but this seems to have lost its way- yes it is a 6 pot but it is the heaviest in the range. I suppose if they had really made it a halo model nobody would be able to buy it anyway....
My money would be on the lighter 4 pot...
This is a shame as the gt4 was the Halo model but this seems to have lost its way- yes it is a 6 pot but it is the heaviest in the range. I suppose if they had really made it a halo model nobody would be able to buy it anyway....
Is the old gt4 really one of the best road cars ever made? Aside from the gearing issue there’s the lack of clearance under the front splitter. I’m thinking the 981 GTS (pdk perhaps) or the boxster spyder are both better road cars. I need to know as I’ll probably buy one of the above next year...
Track is a different conversation.
Track is a different conversation.
macky17 said:
Is the old gt4 really one of the best road cars ever made? Aside from the gearing issue there’s the lack of clearance under the front splitter. I’m thinking the 981 GTS (pdk perhaps) or the boxster spyder are both better road cars. I need to know as I’ll probably buy one of the above next year...
Track is a different conversation.
You have to be a little careful when entering car parks / speed bumps etc, but it doesn't detract from its road going ability. I took mine to Le Mans, and drove 'off road' down various tracks and yes there was the odd scrape (against mud admittedly rather than anything too solid), but no lasting damage. Track is a different conversation.
I know there are those on here that will suggest the turbo 4 pot pdk can outperform a GT4, but it will be a very different driving experience. Some I know like low down torque, but try before you buy. Porsche GT cars really are very special.
I ordered my 2006 987 Cayman S with the manual gearbox. Lovely, precise action and feel but very highly geared. After a gap in ownership I bought a 2014 981 Cayman GTS; this time with PDK. Shortly after I ordered it, Porsche announced the launch of the GT4 and I wondered if I should change my choice. I’m glad I didn’t though. It’s a real world choice as mine is a daily driver. Quiet and economical when I am commuting and super focused when I’m in the mood for fun. It’s coming up to it’s fifth birthday and I haven’t tired of the engine sound. The ride and handling are outstanding, never mind the performance. I thought the active suspension would be a bit of a gimmick but it really works superbly and flatters the driver. I don’t treat it as an investment; what’s the point of buying a drivers car and not driving it?
I’m sure both the MK1 & 2 GT4s will be fabulous. I’m pleased Porsche installed a NA flat six again. They invited me to drive a 718 Cayman but I think my 981 is a keeper.
I’m sure both the MK1 & 2 GT4s will be fabulous. I’m pleased Porsche installed a NA flat six again. They invited me to drive a 718 Cayman but I think my 981 is a keeper.
macky17 said:
Is the old gt4 really one of the best road cars ever made? Aside from the gearing issue there’s the lack of clearance under the front splitter. I’m thinking the 981 GTS (pdk perhaps) or the boxster spyder are both better road cars. I need to know as I’ll probably buy one of the above next year...
Track is a different conversation.
As a road car, I can recommend the 981 GTS PDK. From a practical perspective, it’ll be more cost effective to use regarding tyres and fuel consumption. I’ve actually seen 40mpg from my 981 GTS, albeit on a very sedate long run. Use the performance and you’ll see the low teens. Even on Porsche’s track at Silverstone it’s amazing. I haven’t driven a GT4 and I guess if you’re spending £50 - 80k you really must try them both. Track is a different conversation.
Realistically, how many times have you seen a Porsche being driven anywhere near it’s potential on the road? As you write, track is a different conversation.
The gearing is a personal interactive thing.
I like close ratio gearboxes where you are changing gears quite often.
I enjoy the experience especially with a slick changer like Porches.
It may not be any quicker or economic but that is just how I like it, it adds to the on road or track experience for me.
I like close ratio gearboxes where you are changing gears quite often.
I enjoy the experience especially with a slick changer like Porches.
It may not be any quicker or economic but that is just how I like it, it adds to the on road or track experience for me.
IME the gearing is not an issue on the 987 manual S, with a sports exhaust you only need first and second to get the epic noise legally anyway. It may be different in the 718 GT4 but I still find myself using the lovely gearchange plenty. It's obviously each to their own, but I can't understand the opinion that it ruins the experience.
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