Self specced GT4 PDK vs 991.1 GT3
Discussion
MDL111 said:
I would take the 991 I think. While it has engine issues I am not sure the GT4 / Spyder don’t also have some given I was at a track day last week where a spyder engine let go
Any 911 GT3 is quite a special car and the 991 sounds great imo
Yeah, the sounds are definitely far apart. Agree that gen 1 GT3 will have its place along the road, not sure how special a GT4 will be going forward but we never know.Any 911 GT3 is quite a special car and the 991 sounds great imo
Mutema said:
Engine, gearing, sound, rear vs mid engine layout.
9K RPM, better gearing, better sound, personal preference.
If you decide on the GT3, check warranty, some of the last cars had the engine put in directly at factory versus out at dealer and this will impact the warranty which I think was 10 years on the engine replaced cars. I can't remember if it was 10 from recall date or topped up to 10 based on when the car was delivered. But the 992 platform is a relatively new powerplant, particularly the 9A2 iteration in the GT4 so not sure what long term will be like.
I feel that Porsche made a dog's dinner of the 718 series or is that the 718 Cayman GT4 or is the 982. The fraudulent links to the original 718 and that 4-pot were the beginning but in fairness, dynamically and pace wise, no issue, but if you buy a Porsche, you want a flat six IMHO. For me, the sound is important. OPF makes everything sound strangled and the sound is very thin.
The 981 GT4 felt like a skunkworks project that got let out the gate. There was a sense that they'd taken a risk. 718 feels more cynical, greater numbers, PDK, manual. I think from a residuals perspective, you'll do better in the GT3 if you have a good spec.
718 will feel more modern - not a great deal on from the 981 in design but with PCM4 and Car Play + LED lights, a few more luxury options if that's your thing.
Tough choice. Easier on the 991.2 GT3 where it's obvious for me.
haha .2 GT3 would be a no-brainer but the jump in price tag...9K RPM, better gearing, better sound, personal preference.
If you decide on the GT3, check warranty, some of the last cars had the engine put in directly at factory versus out at dealer and this will impact the warranty which I think was 10 years on the engine replaced cars. I can't remember if it was 10 from recall date or topped up to 10 based on when the car was delivered. But the 992 platform is a relatively new powerplant, particularly the 9A2 iteration in the GT4 so not sure what long term will be like.
I feel that Porsche made a dog's dinner of the 718 series or is that the 718 Cayman GT4 or is the 982. The fraudulent links to the original 718 and that 4-pot were the beginning but in fairness, dynamically and pace wise, no issue, but if you buy a Porsche, you want a flat six IMHO. For me, the sound is important. OPF makes everything sound strangled and the sound is very thin.
The 981 GT4 felt like a skunkworks project that got let out the gate. There was a sense that they'd taken a risk. 718 feels more cynical, greater numbers, PDK, manual. I think from a residuals perspective, you'll do better in the GT3 if you have a good spec.
718 will feel more modern - not a great deal on from the 981 in design but with PCM4 and Car Play + LED lights, a few more luxury options if that's your thing.
Tough choice. Easier on the 991.2 GT3 where it's obvious for me.
Thanks a lot for the detailed breakdown
Mankers said:
Sounds like you need a test drive.
My vote for 991 GT3, epic car and an event to drive. That engine, wow!
991.1 GT3 has 10 yr engine warranty from date of the cars manufacture (plenty info on Rennlist etc). Usual Porsche warranty can be extended beyond 10 yrs (to 15yrs).
Not sure how to go about and ask for a test drive on 718 GT4. My OPC doesn't have a demo. My PDK GT4 spec is already with them and freezing period starts in a week..My vote for 991 GT3, epic car and an event to drive. That engine, wow!
991.1 GT3 has 10 yr engine warranty from date of the cars manufacture (plenty info on Rennlist etc). Usual Porsche warranty can be extended beyond 10 yrs (to 15yrs).
I have driven the GT3, btb with some other random cars - it was addictive and easily the best motor on that day. Hence the hesitation now....
MDL111 said:
I heard a 981 GT4 on track yesterday but was not sure if it was a club sport (it was in the road car group m, so should have been a normal one) - it did sound amazing and about as loud (and better) than the Performante that followed it
No doubt about that. 981s are in general great sounding, my GTS screems sensationally not to mention GT4.Never saw or heard a 718 GT4 in flesh, but enough said on web
MannyLon said:
Have people driven both cars in order to comment?
Maybe not many. More likely ppl have driven the 991.1 GT3 since it's been around for quite a while. I haven't even see a 718 GT4 in flesh before placing an order. Supposedly you shouldn't expect to go through the process of test drive - spec the car on a big screen?With these cars you do it when you are told you can
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
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..
23wn_4f2 said:
I've had a 718 Spyder for almost a year now and it was used as a semi-daily, tourer and trackday car. It suits all 3 areas very well. It is comfortable and enjoyable on road and no issues with pot holes or speed bumps for that matter which is an improvement over the 981 GT4 front splitterc. On track it gives you a a rewarding and engaging experience whilst letting you drive within your limits. Also managed a 5 day, 1500 mile into Europe with the better half and its was comfortable and practical. As people have mentioned before, the more you drive these cars, the better they sound however I understand why others choose an after market exhaust. I've only heard the JCR one in person and that's what I would choose personally as they are a professional outfit.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your Spyder. I'm very much looking forward to the delivery. Do you remember your freeze, build and delivery dates? How far apart are they from each other? My spec freeze date just got postponed for 2 weeks, very annoyed..
Twinfan said:
Spec freeze is usually around 2 months prior to build. Delivery is usually around 4-6 weeks after build.
Got told my build is currently on 10th Dec. Not looking good for crossing the line before year end, Will be so gutted if the brexit tarrff gets slapped on becaused of the delay.
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