Self specced GT4 PDK vs 991.1 GT3
Discussion
robj4 said:
I had a 981 GTS (twice) that I specced from new and tried two 981 GT4's (how stupid is that), then settled on a 991.2 GT3. So not exactly as per the OP choices and how each of us enjoy or dislike certain cars is very much individual of course. However I found the GT4 too harsh and the clutch too stiff for me to enjoy it on the road. The additional noise from the engine directly behind you and the short top gear meant that my wife and I didn't really use it for road trips.
The clutch on the 718 GT4 that I tried is just like a shopping car so that wouldn't be an issue now and it only was on the 981 because I have a bike injury with a stiff weak left ankle.
My .2 GT3 has PDK and with the engine further back we can use it for road trips, even though it has the same low top gear, just a small difference but for us it makes a big change in how we use it.
I tracked the CGTS once at Spa and it was great fun but didn't leave me wanting to do it again. Never tracked the GT4's as I knew I wouldn't be able to change gear so frequently without being left in pain. I've tracked the GT3 twice with more to come and it's completely addictive, the car is just epic on a track and huge fun. So much so that a friend who races F3 tried my car at Donnington and went straight out and bought one.
In summary and a very, very personal opinion; Unless you intend to track the GT3 I'd consider sticking with the 981 GTS. I've never driven anything that was such a sweet spot for road use, it does it all and let's you really enjoy it without going 200 leptons as Dr911R might say. (Although he'd also point out I am a w@**+r for having a PDK) Then you can cruise along the motorway when you have to and have a conversation in it!
Apparently the .1 GT3 is slightly more comfy on the road though, some extra sound deadening that was removed on the .2 to compensate for some weight addition to the body?
Good luck!
Thanks!The clutch on the 718 GT4 that I tried is just like a shopping car so that wouldn't be an issue now and it only was on the 981 because I have a bike injury with a stiff weak left ankle.
My .2 GT3 has PDK and with the engine further back we can use it for road trips, even though it has the same low top gear, just a small difference but for us it makes a big change in how we use it.
I tracked the CGTS once at Spa and it was great fun but didn't leave me wanting to do it again. Never tracked the GT4's as I knew I wouldn't be able to change gear so frequently without being left in pain. I've tracked the GT3 twice with more to come and it's completely addictive, the car is just epic on a track and huge fun. So much so that a friend who races F3 tried my car at Donnington and went straight out and bought one.
In summary and a very, very personal opinion; Unless you intend to track the GT3 I'd consider sticking with the 981 GTS. I've never driven anything that was such a sweet spot for road use, it does it all and let's you really enjoy it without going 200 leptons as Dr911R might say. (Although he'd also point out I am a w@**+r for having a PDK) Then you can cruise along the motorway when you have to and have a conversation in it!
Apparently the .1 GT3 is slightly more comfy on the road though, some extra sound deadening that was removed on the .2 to compensate for some weight addition to the body?
Good luck!
That's what I feared to hear re. sticking to the 981 GTS... It can walk over speed bumps almost like normal cars, and sound per money is up there..
I do want a more forcused and shaper car though (and I fall for Porsche rear wings, can't help it
). I'm hoping the PDK'd GT4 would complete the car in a way and being new it's almost carefree. But then I know the GT3s have holy engines.. This is not going well 
Edited by blz06 on Wednesday 16th September 16:16
blz06 said:
Thanks!
That's what I feared to hear re. sticking to the 981 GTS... It can walk over speed bumps almost like normal cars, and sound per money is up there..
I do want a more forcused and shaper car though (and I fall for Porsche rear wings, can't help it). I'm hoping the PDK'd GT4 would complete the car in a way and being new it's almost carefree. But then I know the GT3s have holy engines.. This is not going well
Problem solved. GT4 as it’s mid engined. Newer car so less to go wrong.That's what I feared to hear re. sticking to the 981 GTS... It can walk over speed bumps almost like normal cars, and sound per money is up there..
I do want a more forcused and shaper car though (and I fall for Porsche rear wings, can't help it
). I'm hoping the PDK'd GT4 would complete the car in a way and being new it's almost carefree. But then I know the GT3s have holy engines.. This is not going well Edited by blz06 on Wednesday 16th September 16:16
Xyphox said:
I own a 991.1 GT3 now and previously owned a GT4. I did near 10k miles in the GT4 and have done about 3k thus far in the GT3.
Without going into the intricacies of each car too much, the GT3 is a full-fat car compared to the diet GT4. You may think that they drive similar but that couldn't be less true - the GT3 is hardcore in comparison with its characteristic clunks and rattles, 9k redline and full-GT screamer engine.
Absolutely no contest for me - go for the GT3. They seem like great value at the moment as stated.
Quoting this for emphasis. Without going into the intricacies of each car too much, the GT3 is a full-fat car compared to the diet GT4. You may think that they drive similar but that couldn't be less true - the GT3 is hardcore in comparison with its characteristic clunks and rattles, 9k redline and full-GT screamer engine.
Absolutely no contest for me - go for the GT3. They seem like great value at the moment as stated.
I ran a gen 1 GT3 as a daily for 15k miles. The engine is a masterpiece. You just can't compare it to a GT4. Keep your Porsche warranty and try and not worry too much. If the worst happens you'll be well taken care of by possibly the most supportive manufacturer out there.
Don't forget that the 991.2 GT3 everyone lauds as the high point for Porsche is an updated 991.1. Yes, its a better car but the gen 1 is an absolute beast in its own right and is a steal at this pricepoint.
Tough choice which I had during the summer myself. Went to buy two different GT3s but couldn’t Quite agree a price with the sellers. Drove one of them and the more I reflected on it decided I really didn’t want a PDK. Managed to get a manual GT4 slot and am now waiting delivery. If I had loved the PDK I’d possibly have pushed through with GT3 but it was a close run thing - brand new in my spec and colour V 6 year old, 15K miles and two owners. You pays your money and takes your choice.....
blz06 said:
Thanks!
That's what I feared to hear re. sticking to the 981 GTS... It can walk over speed bumps almost like normal cars, and sound per money is up there..
I do want a more forcused and shaper car though (and I fall for Porsche rear wings, can't help it). I'm hoping the PDK'd GT4 would complete the car in a way and being new it's almost carefree. But then I know the GT3s have holy engines.. This is not going well
Yup, I can see that.. But then do you consider the GTS4.0 in PDK? Because that extra 'sharpness' of the pure GT car really doesn't add much on public roads, it just makes you whince more with the pot holes and drains. On a track absolutely, but on the road my personal findings are that you can push a well suspended sports car like the GTS harder and therefore smile more.That's what I feared to hear re. sticking to the 981 GTS... It can walk over speed bumps almost like normal cars, and sound per money is up there..
I do want a more forcused and shaper car though (and I fall for Porsche rear wings, can't help it
). I'm hoping the PDK'd GT4 would complete the car in a way and being new it's almost carefree. But then I know the GT3s have holy engines.. This is not going well Edited by blz06 on Wednesday 16th September 16:16
The GT3 gives you enjoyment with the laugh out loud engine, as long as you are really careful where to rev it out. It's perhaps far too quick to really get on it through the twisties but who cares when that engine spins up.
I'd like to try the 718 GT4 and new GTS4.0 in PDK, if I were in your shoes I'd pay for the time at Porsche Silverstone to try them as I think you can get a drive on road as well? It's a really big decision and I've lost thousands discovering what works for me.
@blz06
Interesting dilemma with a few considerations....
Is your GTS manual/pdk?
Are you planning OPC finance?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have experience of the recent crop of GT products. I currently daily a 718 GT4, just approaching 2000 miles and getting louder by the day. Clearly the recent announcement of PDK availability, as usual creates a degree of excitement and anticipation. Tricky bit is that no one is going to get the opportunity to try before you buy. Well done on getting what will be one of the first PDK slots.
My main observation would be how suited the new 4.0 engine is to pdk. Undoubtedly it will be a good product, but in my mind the high revving engine in GT3 cars is more suited to pdk, where - when you change gear as you approach the redline you get that thrown back in the seat feeling. I’m not quite convinced the current 4.0 engine will provide that feeling and may detract from the sporting character of the car. Manual offers connectivity to the driving experience and the ability to play around significantly more than the pdk gearbox.
However GT4 RS, that may be a completely different beast suited to pdk!
Best of luck.
giles panizzi said:
@blz06
Interesting dilemma with a few considerations....
Is your GTS manual/pdk?
Are you planning OPC finance?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have experience of the recent crop of GT products. I currently daily a 718 GT4, just approaching 2000 miles and getting louder by the day. Clearly the recent announcement of PDK availability, as usual creates a degree of excitement and anticipation. Tricky bit is that no one is going to get the opportunity to try before you buy. Well done on getting what will be one of the first PDK slots.
My main observation would be how suited the new 4.0 engine is to pdk. Undoubtedly it will be a good product, but in my mind the high revving engine in GT3 cars is more suited to pdk, where - when you change gear as you approach the redline you get that thrown back in the seat feeling. I’m not quite convinced the current 4.0 engine will provide that feeling and may detract from the sporting character of the car. Manual offers connectivity to the driving experience and the ability to play around significantly more than the pdk gearbox.
However GT4 RS, that may be a completely different beast suited to pdk!
Best of luck.
Cheers Interesting dilemma with a few considerations....
Is your GTS manual/pdk?
Are you planning OPC finance?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have experience of the recent crop of GT products. I currently daily a 718 GT4, just approaching 2000 miles and getting louder by the day. Clearly the recent announcement of PDK availability, as usual creates a degree of excitement and anticipation. Tricky bit is that no one is going to get the opportunity to try before you buy. Well done on getting what will be one of the first PDK slots.
My main observation would be how suited the new 4.0 engine is to pdk. Undoubtedly it will be a good product, but in my mind the high revving engine in GT3 cars is more suited to pdk, where - when you change gear as you approach the redline you get that thrown back in the seat feeling. I’m not quite convinced the current 4.0 engine will provide that feeling and may detract from the sporting character of the car. Manual offers connectivity to the driving experience and the ability to play around significantly more than the pdk gearbox.
However GT4 RS, that may be a completely different beast suited to pdk!
Best of luck.
My 981 GTS is also PDK, basically I'm not allowed a manual car for the reason you can probably guess. Personally I think either box will bring joy albeit in rather different ways.
It's well possible Porsche is being conservative with the engine limit to not repeat history. Glad to hear yours is getting louder by day though, just like you tend to get better performance from official numbers, Porsche bonus..
I had a 991.2 GT3 manual and a 981 Spyder. Honestly... the 981 Spyder was more fun, more of the time. No doubt that when you drive the GT3 hard, it’s incredible and the engine from 6000-9000 rpm is a must have life experience... but and it’s a big but for me... below that it’s dare I say it a bit boring.... and that’s the conundrum because if you are in the fun zone for revs you are into licence losing territory very very quickly. The 981 on the other hand had me smiling driving at 10 mph with its pops and bangs. Downside on that car was the long gearing but I really loved it. The question I don’t have the answer to is whether with an aftermarket exhaust you can make either a GT3 or a 718 GT4/Spyder fun in the lower rev range in the way the 981 is from the factory.
AndySurrey said:
I had a 991.2 GT3 manual and a 981 Spyder. Honestly... the 981 Spyder was more fun, more of the time. No doubt that when you drive the GT3 hard, it’s incredible and the engine from 6000-9000 rpm is a must have life experience... but and it’s a big but for me... below that it’s dare I say it a bit boring.... and that’s the conundrum because if you are in the fun zone for revs you are into licence losing territory very very quickly. The 981 on the other hand had me smiling driving at 10 mph with its pops and bangs. Downside on that car was the long gearing but I really loved it. The question I don’t have the answer to is whether with an aftermarket exhaust you can make either a GT3 or a 718 GT4/Spyder fun in the lower rev range in the way the 981 is from the factory.
Porsche did a fantastic job on the 981GT/Spyder exhaust. I’ve not heard anything better, love the sound. Don’t think after market applications will be able to match that, especially with all the filters on the 718.Twinfan said:
You'll get the volume and tone, but not the overrun pops and crackles with an exhaust on a 718 GT4.
Different, and just as good in its own way. Some will prefer it to a 981 I suspect.
I like both, but I also like the car as standard
May I ask which exhaust you put on your GT4? Was it JCR? If JCR did you go silenced or non silenced? Have a Spyder arriving early ‘21 so am starting to do some research. Different, and just as good in its own way. Some will prefer it to a 981 I suspect.
I like both, but I also like the car as standard
AndySurrey said:
May I ask which exhaust you put on your GT4? Was it JCR? If JCR did you go silenced or non silenced? Have a Spyder arriving early ‘21 so am starting to do some research.
I'm waiting on a new product from Ninemesiter - a silenced version in inconel. Should have it in a couple of weeks.
robj4 said:
Because that extra 'sharpness' of the pure GT car really doesn't add much on public roads, it just makes you whince more with the pot holes and drains. On a track absolutely, but on the road my personal findings are that you can push a well suspended sports car like the GTS harder and therefore smile more.
I have extensive experience of both 718 GTS & GT4. This is spot on - if you're not tracking don't bother with the GT4Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff