2016 Alfa Romeo 4C vs 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman S - Head to Head Review!

[@roytrevisan3491]

Owned a 4C and a Boxster S similar years they are different experiences. The drivers whining about the steering feel of the 4C is NOT my experience. Once at speed IE 10MPH and above it is wonderful in the 4C and the Porsche cannot compete. Comfort and confidence the Porsche takes the cake IMO. Everyday driver the Porsche wins BUT want to push through hard curves the Alfa all day everyday. Tires on the 4C make a difference I had Michelin sport cup 2's and they were awesome. Love them both, different cars for different experiences. Styling Alfa ALL DAY everyday.

[@TChan-z8j]

The Alfa rewards a good driver to bring out its best. And you will enjoy it if you are good and smooth. It brings back the feel of 80s sports cars where the driver has to know he/she is doing. Cayman coddles you and so is easier to drive.

[@roytrevisan3491]

Alfas have always been drivers cars, so many people think they know how to drive but they really do not.

[@rlsedition]

@@roytrevisan3491 And some DO know how to drive.

[@Zuffenhouse]

Love this channel. Porsche has made the cayman so good that the most common gripe among reviewers is that it lacks occasion. It doesn’t understeer, it doesn’t snap oversteer (aka “rewarding driving experience”), and it doesn’t make loud unrefined blow off valve noises. It just does exactly what you want it to do, whether you are on a track or commuting. And it’s incredibly comfortable. 10 years ago, cars were more purpose-built. You had cars that performed exceptionally well on track/twisties, and you had cars that were very comfortable/livable on a daily basis. You didn’t have cars that did both of those things well. With the 718, you can have both. But journalists need to find something, and I chuckle that the car’s ability to do everything SO well and SO predictably (i.e. without occasion) is a common grievance with this car. Bravo Porsche engineers, bravo.

[@DrivinZ]

I own the base Cayman PDK but test drove the S in 6MT. I bought the base. The engine is interesting, given the lower power figure can really wring it out on public roads.

[@retrograde11]

Slow car fast.... Although it's not really slow. This is the way. 👍

[@junitoortega8656]

The mr2 spyder fly by got me🤣

[@Zygrene]

It got me too. I had to pause and watch it fly by

[@BRAINFxck10]

4C 4 me! I'll take the extra weight for extra saftey, seen a euro spec one crash on track the driver got banged up pretty good. Also that Best MOTORING shirt is 🔥

[@T8T-]

I agree, I always find it kind of interesting now unconcerned most enthusiasts are with safety. I see tons of folks do steering wheel/seat/roll cage mods that affect safety significantly without a second thought. Or just generally driving really old cars that will kill you in even a moderate collision. Everyone is different, but those risks are not for me.

[@inflatable2]

You seriously think that Alfa 4C is more safe than a Porsche 718?!? 😂

[@clu4u]

Here are the safest cars, 1. Tesla Model 3 2. Tesla Model Y 3. Tesla Model S 4. Tesla Model X Let the haters hate, it’s KZbin. My rides are 981 Spyder and Model Y Performance ❤🎉😂

[@T8T-]

@@inflatable2 No one said that. You should work on your reading comprehension. The US version of the 4C is safer than the European version. That is what our comments are referencing.

[@clu4u]

The Alfa weighs 2500lbs, the Cayman 3100

[@louieperez806]

Alfa 4C FTW, sounds awesome and looks beautiful. Also you don’t see one in every car meet unlike the Porsche which bland and boring🙌

[@jordandyar5967]

It's interesting you talk about how having turbo lag down low would make interacting with the cayman more interesting... Because that's the exact thing everyone complained about the base 718 engine. Yet I'm with you, the lag and then whoosh as the revs climb make the base engine actually more interesting and enjoyable especially when paired with the 6-speed manual. I think time is going to look very kindly on the 718 cayman t with the 6-speed and gt4 short shifter as the one to have even though they struggled to sell when new. I'll be patiently waiting for one in guards red with the t interior package and hopefully carbon buckets to fall below the 50k mark.

[@clintavo]

Glad to know how well the 718 has held up to track use!

[@L_RANTA]

commenting becuase you should have way more than 52.5k subs! great content as usual!

[@ibrahimjubayer8373]

The turbo whoosh 💨 of the blow off valve is too good

[@pvtcmyers87]

This is a fantastic comparison idea. I never thought about this.

[@tomporter6324]

The car in between these two would be a 2009-12 Porsche Boxster/Cayman 987.2 with it's flax six and hydraulic steering. Not apples to apples by any means, but the steering/chassis is where its at and the flat six makes all the right sounds.

[@LL-ls8es]

Job well done. Very enjoyable review. Makes me fall in love again with my 981 S !

[@Atothen1234]

I’d love to see Porsche make a Miata competitor that’s a naturally aspirated small block 6 cylinder or even a 4 cylinder that’s slow-ish but rev happy.

[@1ROCKY89]

That’s an interesting idea

[@Chainwhips]

That would be amazing but theres no incentive when they can just keep making limited versions of the 911 (ST etc) that the Seinfelds of the world will overpay hundreds of thousands of dollars for for what is effectively a lighter flywheel and different suspension.

[@MrRoyck10]

A pipe dream!

[@mitchd8516]

Like a 1997 boxster?

[@Atothen1234]

@@mitchd8516 yeah haha.

[@Poorschedriver]

The 4C is quite the interesting proposition. It's a 4/5 supercar in size, and 1/4 in price and power. But even with those size deficiencies it still looks every bit as exotic in person and its a quick little bastard. The turbo noises really sounds like some crazy group B creation, or even a Bugatti Veyron for younger enthusiasts. It's a shame that the steering is so heavy thoguh as it really degrades the confidence mid corner.

[@Fifthstone1]

Had the 4C and test drove the 718. The Alfa was physically demanding to drive at lower speeds and the power delivery was unpredictable, but the sounds and character was very cool. The car had a lot of presence but wasn’t even close to being daily drive friendly. The Porsche felt incredibly balanced and capable but with less character. Loved them both.

[@roytrevisan3491]

My experience to a tee.

[@retrograde11]

So which one would you recommend for a weekend fun?

[@gpapa31]

@@retrograde114c and it’s not even close. The Cayman for daily.

[@retrograde11]

@@gpapa31 thx!

[@verynormalman]

@@Fifthstone1 This is accurate. Alfa 4C for fun, whether it be on a Monday, a Thursday, or a Sunday. Everyday driver, my Fiat Panda Twinair (I did have the 1.2 but I really like the twin turbo concept - I am not joking about the Panda. I the city it's thin, and short so you can make progress and park. Plus it got a few dents now, so no one can bully me!)

[@xliu37]

exclusivity is key, as 4c is discontinued, no more supply , demand will only drive price up in the long run

[@bobbykhan5787]

When I drove 718 S pdk, I was actually very surprised by the top end. You don’t think it will do it but the 1000-1500 rpm pulled much stronger than I thought it would. Compared to the base it was very apparent.

[@paulhoffmann2200]

Alfa all day long. Not even close. Good job on the video.

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

It's not close. True.

[@noahfagan3727]

Had a mean 718s with a downpipe and APR tune.. it was quick. Driver ran a spot sign and totaled it. Miss that car every day.

[@tealruby1]

Zygrene make a bad video challenge [impossible] [0% success rate]

[@timhayward6833]

I think you need to take a trip to the UK or Japan or Australia to drive the new and old cars you never got in the US. Thinking Toyota GR Yaris, Lotus Elise and Exige final edition, Alpine A110, Renault Megane and Clio cup across several generations.

[@Zygrene]

I'm hoping to do a UK trip next year if I can find a solid group of cars to film

[@Razyre]

@@ZygreneYou need to try A110 - be really interested to see what you think

[@jonasbaine3538]

Wish SW20 MR2 TURBO was included in this too. Particularly one with a gen3 or gen4 3sgte swap.

[@Zygrene]

That's a good one. Forgot it also has a 4 cyl turbo

[@jdubb6591]

I had a 91 turbo and LOVED that car. I own a 981 Cayman S now, but the MR2 is still my favorite car I ever owned.

[@jonasbaine3538]

@@jdubb6591 Yes the mr2 is an unforgettable car. Had several aw11 and sw20 superchargered turbo 20v. Favorite indeed.

[@apordonez]

Gotta love the MR2! I went from a Mk I (1985) to a Mk II (1993) - then joined the “dark side” with an ND Miata - and now a Cayman R!

[@williamsebastian88]

Ah I miss riding in Henry's 4C!

[@henrylen]

Well you wanna try the new control arms and nitron setup? 😉

[@pathung17]

I drove a stock 4C a few years ago, and was floored by how much fun it was. Coming from owning/driving/racing vintage Alfas, I didn't feel the steering to be heavy at all (it was "normal" by those standards), especially once we got going; I remember the handling and brakes being excellent as well. Of note, I didn't miss a manual-tranny in this car at all - the car provided plenty of other sensory pleasures. Carving the mountain roads around Santa Cruz is second-nature with this car - simply keep the engine on a boil, then point and squirt - the next corner comes right up, accompanied by a crazy soundtrack emanating from right behind one's head. Going fast(?) on a long straight on Hwy. 1 was a bit unnerving, though, as the car "wondered"; I suppose that some suspension blocks would've helped. Would I like to be an owner? A resounding "yes". As to a Porsche... no Caymans for me, but a proper N-A 991.1 S, or a G50 911 from back in the day.

[@spyrosspyrou9432]

718 S with tuner and downpipe, total dream car, sound is incredible and its a stop light king, but every 6 months you need new rear tires , it lights up the rear tires so easily, and its so addicting.

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

The sound is incredible? Dude. It sounds awful. The Alfa sounds WAY better.

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

Wish the 4C was manual transmission...

[@frednyberg7408]

Good comparison. The aftermarket mods and tunes for the 718 Cayman S show the amazing performance potential for handling and power. Too bad it is being replaced by a heavy EV.

[@Gurka84]

That Alfa not offering a manual option is such a motoring sin man

[@churchofbrap876]

Automated manuals can be fun. Loved my Evo MR with paddles.

[@Abarthgo]

Honestly not with this engine. Its long stroke and doesn't really have much go up top of the revs. With the flappy paddles you can keep it in the sweet spot.

[@verynormalman]

The gearbox is excellent. You can go through the gears like an F1 car. It's unbelievably intoxicating.

[@Gurka84]

@ I don’t care it’s still an auto in a super lightweight drivers car, just like I wouldn’t care if a Miata or an BRZ/86 would have the best auto in the world. should have at least offer a manual option.

[@verynormalman]

@@Gurka84 Do you own an Alfa 4C? What cars do you own? What cars do you actually plan to buy? I look forward to hearing your story. And..... it's a dual clutch automated manual, not an "automatic".

[@Nathanvoie]

I used to drive this road all the time with my Mazdaspeed3. Fun times!

[@stephen300o6]

How much do you need to know about the pebbles?

[@T8T-]

Awesome comparison! I'm curious, what is that device mounted low on the windshield?

[@rlsedition]

The turbo blow-off noise is not there stock. Probably an aftermarket cold air system.

[@notdaltonxd]

It’s between the 4C and a Supra 6MT. I can’t decide 😩

[@williambellisIII]

@@notdaltonxd They’re very different cars. Drive both and you should know pretty quickly.

[@Ryan-cv8sn]

I went through the exact same decision--I had my eye on a new phantom grey 2022 supra that was sold out from under me. The dealership offered to order me another at the exact same price--while considering it, I searched out 4C wanting one years earlier. As far as build tolerances go, there is no comparison--the BMW/Toyota collaboration blows the Alfa away. The Supra would also make a much more compliant daily driver. A weekend car for special occasions, the Alfa is the only choice. The 4C is just so unique. With only a relative handful in the country, you will never see another one on the road. The sounds, the design--people honestly don't know what to make of it.........

[@fredsalfa]

I’ve driven many Boxster variants and the 4C. 4C is definitely a weekend car only not a daily driver. You need a second car if you have the Alfa. Porsche is an all round daily driver if that’s what you require.

[@ForgetfulFoot]

Can't go wrong with either car tbh. And after having a few manual Porsches. And more recently, a 981 PDK. You can't go wrong with either.

[@MB-zt9eo]

4C is at 45 k $? Price is double in Europe keep it in Us or Bought it ! Price of the cars is moving up a lot

[@computerhelpcc]

Solid review :-), as a multi-NA owner, Boxer Turbo 4 sounded waaaay better than other 4 and all the farting sounds. NEXT 09-10 PDK cars vs 4 cyl PDK cars, please....

[@jayczyzyk9707]

can u do comparison 1965 peugot and skoda

[@CI_4C]

Come on dude, the steering is not super heavy, you make it sound like it’s undriveable and you got bigger arms than me 😂. It’s quite heavy when not moving and when parking but as soon as you get moving I find it ok. Don’t get me wrong it’s not an easy car to drive around bends and over rough bitumen but that’s what makes such a unique driving experience…you drive IT it doesn’t drive you

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

He's a dork. And whiny. Lol. The Alfa handles and steers amazing. And I love Porsches, too. Have a 991.2 GTS. And a Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Alfa is more fun.

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

Yes, a110 slots in-between, now go to Europe and drive one. Or v6 exige.

[@Rex_Racer]

An Emira to split the difference.

[@wrefordmiles]

Alpine A110 slots in between in you want to keep it 4 cylinders comparison - Bend the criteria a little then The 987.2 CaymanR or Spyder would do it

[@30hours51]

Nice Best motoring shirt

[@andygtv]

Alfa Romeo or VW Porsche, Alfa Romeo please, not dead yet.

[@vicso86]

The 718 didn’t have SC, does the owner track and autocross with PSM off? Any issues with PSM intervening when its off?

[@allstonmickey5164]

Owner here. I autocross with PSM off but not track. In HPDE I drive at 8 or 9/10ths, and in time trials at 10/10ths, can’t risk binning the car before I drive it to work the following day 😂 PSM intervenes on specific corners on specific tracks, usually 2 corners per track. Just have to learn what corners they are, and how to change the approach to the turn to minimize PSM (e.g. delayed throttle, gentler throttle, less use of curbs, or a straighter line/later apex). On thunderhill, it’s usually the cyclone and T11,12,13 complex. PSM is there to save you, so if it’s intervening, I try to adjust my driving so that it doesn’t need to. When the turbo hits full boost the rear can lose traction into/exiting a turn, so that needs to be kept in mind too. It’s not very dramatic as it’s a very gradual build up of boost, but still need to keep it in mind if you’re at 10/10ths.

[@verynormalman]

4C UK owner from new in 2015: (you cannot compare an amateur tuned car) From the video, what the feck has someone done to that car. I suspect this is an international crime. The TOTALLY standard car is amazing. Listening to the blow off valve, there's something VERY wrong here. Don't change anything apart from the tyres. Select a lesser grip, better wet tyre. The Pirellis are shocking. I suggest Goodyear Asymmetric 6's. Day to day, it's a true occasion to drive. You really have to concentrate. Re the comparison, the 4C is MUCH faster. The 718 is not interesting in any way. It feels wooden and dead compared to the Alfa. The 200 kg extra weight makes a huge difference in the US spec car. In fact it probably kills the whole concept. The survival cell in Europe is very strong. I imagine it has the extra weight because of the size of US vehicles. I drive a 458, and that's much easier to daily than the 4C. Luckily, I drive many other vehicles. BUT my 4C is staying. 10 year birthday soon, and I can't see it going before it's 20! No rust you see. Plus, it's very rare. While a Porsche is just common.

[@arjanvandenbrand2070]

@verynormalman The blow-off valve sound comes from the carbon intake with open air filter

[@verynormalman]

@arjanvandenbrand2070 It didn't seem a very fair comparison. I suspect more than just a carbon intake. The engine sounded very different from mine. And the valve seemed to be working continually. Plus you have all the suspension work. From listening to the car, and hearing the commentary, it seems like a car ruined. And the Porsche isn't nearly as reliable as the 4C. Not as fast. Not as special. It's not even a competition. But of course I have never driven the heavy US version. I suspect that would be very very different, and not in a good way.

[@arjanvandenbrand2070]

@@verynormalman don't know about Porsche reliability (although it has high reputation), I have a 4C spider myself (Europe spec) and very happy with it! On 4C-forum the open air intake is discussed quite intensively, you can also find movies on it on KZbin, it does make such noises. I 'just' have the BMC filter in standard air box, for a little bit more noise.

[@verynormalman]

@arjanvandenbrand2070 Noise! I have a standard exhaust. I am older, therefore quieter. But each to his own. Still thought the car in the video didn't seem to drive anywhere near as nicely as mine.

[@VK6AB-]

The 4C is a beautiful looking car that missed the mark with both steering and engine. The steering is unassisted rack and pinion is both heavy and can have kick back on rough roads plus with aggressive camber the tramlining fight becomes obnoxious. I don't remember endless BOV noises so I suspect thats a function of the tune. Wanted to love the 4C but the above combined with the track pack suspension offering just wasn't there. The Alpine A110 is far better. The 3.4L NA (981) or 4L NA (718) Cayman GTS are better again.

[@dp2901]

I chose a 981S over a 4C several years ago after test driving each. I used to be an Alfisti but Porsche just gets it right as an all around car. I’m now in a 718 CGTS. It’s such a cliche but it’s tough to compete against Cayman/Boxsters of any generation. It”s heartbreaking that they’re going EV.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

Is your 718 the 4.0? And in any case is it worth a move from a 981S? I currently have the latter

[@LateNightDateNight]

Porsche announced they aren’t done with gas powered vehicles a few weeks ago, did a complete 180. They’ll reverse engineer an engine back into the Cayman/Boxster

[@dp2901]

@@LateNightDateNight it's bc the mid-engine platform is superior :)

[@dp2901]

@ yes its a 4L. I came from a manual 2014 (round front running lights like the 987) 981S with every sport option. I miss the 981S some days. It looks better, the exhaust tuning is louder, and it’s lighter. The 718 CGTS is almost like a GT4 Touring.

[@dp2901]

@ I saw that announcement and am hoping for the best.

[@RFIDemocracy]

Only one of those two can double as a daily, and it’s pretty obvious which one.

[@BTDrgonzo]

Throw an NA Evora in the mix!

[@1ROCKY89]

Porsche all day 🏁 when you’re going 100 mph and then floor it and feel the torque it’s really surprising how much get up these cars have and the handling is simply awesome . The 4c is good looking that’s for sure .

[@salami99]

the 718 s should not be 50k used or less. that car is too young, that would put it on part with the 981 and under the 981s prices. if this is true the 718 is fastest depreciating cayman.

[@jdubb6591]

The purists don’t want a four cylinder.

[@Ellie-rp3fw]

he mentions later the better examples (not 90k miles lol) are closer to 60-65k. not a massive gap but big enough to make these two cars pretty far apart imo

[@salami99]

@@Ellie-rp3fw yeah i underestimate the 100k factor.

[@CubanDre]

Lately I’ve been thinking about perhaps a merc AMG GT S instead of a Porsche GT product. Curious if you have had a chance to drive one. Engine sits behind the front axle like the s2k. Wondering if the two might be similar. They are sub 60 and the high mileage can go sub 50. Watching your AMG GTR video now

[@williambellisIII]

The 4C is not easy to drive quickly. So fun but not confidence inspiring. Haven’t driven that Cayman, but it seems so clinically good… that’s also a problem, because it seems boring-ish.

[@jlwutk70]

That nonsense turbo whoosh would get old after 100 yards. That's some 18 year old kid nonsense.

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

That blow off valve would drive me nuts with the Alfa, its a bit excessive.

[@The_EmperorIX]

Very JDMish sound

[@The_EmperorIX]

The sound 🤤🤤🤤👌

[@GXKid06]

Ayyy its skidpad

[@victoryang9115]

Would you pick the 981 cayman s or 718 cayman s?

[@wclutch]

I feel like the 981 is the obvious pick with the flat 6

[@123antimiro]

718 with 4pot Turbo allways for me👍

[@fredericberthou]

@@123antimirole son est mauvais sur 718 😢

[@arr0gant1]

Upgraded from the 981S to 718S. There is no comparison, the 718S. Once you drive one you'll never even think about the 981S ever again ..

[@tealruby1]

@@arr0gant1 Ehhh, I would disagree. I owned a 981 and then rented (turo) a 718 for a weekend. Gave it back after a day, that engine was just so boring. Great powertrain for a hot hatch, dull for a sports car. Personally, so much of the Cayman experience was tied to the screaming howl at 7800 rpm. Without that, I found it fairly boring. My 0.02. I wouldn't fault someone for liking the 718 more because of the perky powerband. Just comes down to how you like to drive and what you seek in a car. A Soul Performance valved exhaust on a 981 makes it sound downright exotic and I can't see past that.

[@elaironen8592]

Highway 9

[@TGCREken]

Porsche all day long. Quality is miles ahead too.

[@sunnyvalentino]

Clinical Cayman. Those cars have always been that way. 4C unrefined with suboptimal DCT but much more characterful.

[@ryshask]

Porsche all the way. Even though I like how the 4c looks more.

[@fredericberthou]

La boîte de la 4 C EST VRAIMENT MAUVAISE 😢

[@terrydu1572]

2台都开过 4c的操控好太多 外观设计感用心很多非常特别 传动系统是非常拖后腿 泄气阀声音感觉在一台意大利🇮🇹车上非常不适合

[@henrylen]

@@terrydu1572 it was simply a results of aftermarket intake. No mods done to the blow off valve itself. It was simply entirely muffled with Oem intake.

[@pierrebridet]

Why anyone in their right mind would choose to buy a 4 cyl Cayman instead of a 6 cyl is completely beyond my comprehension. Just buy a used 6cyl S if a new GTS is too much money. It'll hold its value better (it's actually appreciating in value in the last few years) unlike the 4cyl which experienced tragic depreciation and no one wants on the used market. It'll be more fun to drive, more engaging, sounds a million times better.

[@allstonmickey5164]

When I bought this car, 6 cylinder + options of the 718 GTS is easily another $20k. With the miles I put on, I wanted a new car and the assurance knowing how the car was treated, and the reliability of new car parts. I don’t care for the 6 cyl enough when this car is a great daily and also competitive with gt4s and gt3s on track. Irrationally, I love the python green, which was available only on the 718 from 2021-2024. I did test drive a 981 GTS and honestly liked this more for a dual duty car.

[@d.nakamura9579]

Have you ever driven a 4 cylinder 718? The lower end torque makes the very tall gearing much less egregious. And according to Matt Farah, the 2.5l turbo will CRUSH a 2016 981 GTS with the 3.8l flat six, and is about as fast as a 996 turbo.

[@pierrebridet]

@ i couldn’t care less about the performance, it could do the 0-100 in 1.5 seconds, still sounds like a broken vacuum cleaner.

[@allstonmickey5164]

I honestly think the audio quality doesn’t capture the true sound inside the cabin. Everyone I’ve had passenger has said it sounds completely different from the youtube videos. I don’t think the engine sounds great or exceptional for the price point, but it definitely sounds good. Best to drive or ride in one to hear the actual sound from 1k RPM to redline. Some people care about the emotionality, some people care about handling, and some care about practicality, and the extent to which the car fulfills each of those. The emotionality on this car is low, but it’s not bad IMO.

[@ryshask]

Wow.. you drive those roads SLOOoooowwwww.

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

That's how your mother likes it

[@salami99]

alpha, from a 981 guy

[@flyingiguana409]

if you're gonna do 4 cylinders, do it right and get a sport bike

[@flavioc5389]

718 4.0 > 4c > 718 4-cylinder

[@TheChannel1978]

Terrible cars, Zygrene probably had to bite his lip not to mention the s2k shows how to make an exciting 4cyl car

[@Ryan-cv8sn]

Yuck--I spent a month with an s2000. Super boring and a motor with zero torque. Hard pass........

[@theredsalmon612]

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