2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 vs 2015 Porsche 911 GT3 - Head to Head Review!

The 981 GT4 has been one of my favorite ~$100K sports cars for as long as I can remember. But with 991.1 GT3 prices now in the $120-150k range, might it be worth the extra money?
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[@CarYenta-1]

The G6 has even better modifications to it than the 911 R engine, which wasn't given a warranty. You never hear of people worrying about 911 R engines! If you're really still worried, shift at 8500 like the RS and R redline.

[@PS3Cooooooool]

from an owner of BOTH and not biased (though biased of owning porsche cars :). the GT4 718 has everything (bolt ons, shorter not gear but gear n pinion) and a bolt on manual GT3 911.2. if you own a 4x4 as a daily and one of these cars....get the GT3 as a weekend, and track car. if you want a more usuable day - day get the GT4 as it will cover more than %90 of the flavor and joy of the GT3. didn't like the rear-engine i loved the mid-engine feel more and you can notice it when driven and owned both of them

[@kmh4321]

fun fact: the GT3 has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the GT4. That + the rear end weight distribution probably made it more lively and move around a lot more.

[@mattyp3119]

This is absolutely false. Gt4 is smaller in both length and width.

[@CarYenta-1]

Wheelbase does not equal car length, the wheelbase of Caymans have always been longer than 911's. I think some of the tippy toes is too high tire pressure, I wonder what they're at in this video. For suspension, really need to get a DSC Sport v3 and tune soft for street driving, sport for track. It makes massive differences.

[@DaftDriver]

Clinical is definitely the feel of Porsches of this generation. After driving the 991.1 GT3 and 458 back to back, it felt like the GT3 was driving itself, while the 458 was a much more raw and emotional experience. If you value precision, you can't go wrong with Porsche. There's a reason why almost every auto engineer I know owns or plans on owning one

[@rjhick1]

There is a reason why the resale value of the 458 is still way higher lol

[@bobbykhan5787]

I agree that the 458 is more raw and emotional, but to me it isn’t worth double or near double a 991 GT3 (at least when they were both new, not sure if it’s still that much of a difference on used market).

[@Zygrene]

Well said!

[@dennygamble4520]

I felt the opposite. I thought the 458 felt like a boat and didn’t sound as good on the track. I fell in love with the 991.1 GT3. I could brake later and it sounded better. I have only driven those cars on track.

[@johnblackburn4759]

hard to compare the two: The GT3 is a track car. The 458 doesn't measure up there.

[@DaGrybo]

You’re really good at making these reviews even compared to the most famous journalists, no joke. I think that we all feel the same about the good old GT3, and I’m a Cayman owner. Interesting about the playfulness of the 911ns chassis, I have an internal fear against how large is the back of this car, if it snaps it kills sort of anxiety, but I’m yet to drive one and probably buy one. Interesting to know why the price difference is there between .1 and .2. So the price of the dream is 180. Next is spending a lifetime in one and getting buried in it at the end.

[@donnybrooks13]

That GT3 engine sound with flat PDK shifts, insane

[@D.vanlente]

G6 engine is the way to go 💪 awesome car, i also had the gt4 but the gt3 is another level.

[@algt4521]

I had the 981 gt4. Then got a 991.2 gt3. Made me miss the gt4 so got a 718 gt4. 981 gt4 was still the most fun out of all of them.

[@frederickschulze8014]

Why is that? That kind of surprises me, because the engine of the 718 is crazy good in comparison. If I had to guess, the 981 probably felt more raw to drive?

[@algt4521]

@@frederickschulze8014 that's exactly it. I know on paper 718 gt4 motor is great. But feel wise I prefer the 981 gt4's 3.8. Feels more direct. Makes the 718 feel a little lazy. Overall 981 gt4 is like you said more raw, and more "go cart" like. Just my opinion though.

[@churchofbrap876]

Love these comparison videos!!

[@jimiverson3085]

IIRC Andy Preuninger claimed that the GT4s stated horsepower was underrated. In an article he was quoted as saying the car had 385 HP at the top of a 10,000 foot mountain. I think that with either of these cars, switching to a shorter final drive ratio would be beneficial with a manual transmission (the PDK has more gears, so it is a different proposition). Porsche probably uses the gearing they do for EPA mileage tests.

[@blueshark3098]

Awesome video, Zygrene. Great driving, and I loved seeing the owner grinning as you drove the car. Fun to watch you tearing it up through that canyon road. And the sound of that engine when you did the pull was just intoxicating. Glad you kept your NSX, though. :D :D

[@johnwilliams727]

Love the comparison vids, keep it up.

[@mariogutierrez8712]

I just subscribed. I apprecite the precision in your language and comments sir. I also appreciate that most words that come out of your mouth are meaningful and they come out naturally. Excellent youtuber. Thanks .

[@jordank3141]

Great review man…. Keep up the good work

[@z06van21]

On ride quality... I have the AD09's on my 718 GT4. They are a stiff sidewall track tire and excel on high speed sweepers. The Michelins, especially the 4S, has a MUCH softer sidewall. That definitely plays a roll. The final answer though on both cars is MCS dampers. PASM is a pretty old technology now and really behind the current times of advanced suspension. I have MCS 2-way remotes on my 718 GT4 PDK and they are awesome. Those paired with the AD09 tires and the car is super confident, super direct and capable, AND most importantly... COMPOSED at ALL TIMES!!

[@Poorschedriver]

Awesome job! So similar yet so different, and there's no right or wrong answer.

[@HK-tk5mk]

A 981 GT4 clinical? Lol, this is the biggest BS I‘ve ever heard about this phenomenal car. It is one of the few cars that provides joy even if you drive it slowly cos it is so balanced.

[@bobbykhan5787]

I was waiting to see what you said and if it matched with what I felt after driving these. You said basically exactly what I felt lol. Including the PDK tuned specifically for GT3 or RS. I thought it was marketing garbage back then when they said they made it “emotional” but I drove and thought the same thing, that I don’t feel like I’m missing a good manual car. Was also clear because the other car I drove (as part of PEC ATL program) that day was the Turbo S, which had a much more seamless smooth operation of PDK. Sorry for wordy post

[@FreshYoungDude]

Loved this video.

[@web]

So if you want reliable 9k rpm experience there is no way to avoid the true answer - S2k ap1 😂

[@MikeP41]

Ap1 owner watching this 😅

[@555dho555]

Enjoyed the video / review! 👍🏼 I’ve owned a 981 GT4 and loved it. Great car for B roads in the UK. Handling is sublime and the mid engine gives great balance. I never bothered about the tall gearing but it did lack overall power. I then moved onto a 991.1 GT3, considerably quicker and took time to adjust to the rear engine layout as it handles quite different. The GT3 is defo a step on from the GT4, but I found the suspension and steering not as good as the GT4. Suspension was a bit harsh and didn’t absorb bumps as well and the steering lacked some feel and communication. I then moved onto a 991.2 GT3 and it’s better in all areas V the 991.1 GT3, all the improvements are small if you hone in on one area - steering, engine, suspension, sound etc - but when you look at the total package together, it’s quite a step on versus the .1. I think all three are great cars, but the GT3 is big brother for a reason and Porsche are great at evolving their cars! 🔥

[@Mattyice650]

It was interesting that you mentioned what you would give your NSX up for. I also have an NA1 and have now mostly let it sit in the garage for the majority of the last 10+ years. I have my mind set on replacing with a Porsche when I’m finally able to let go but I’m having a hard time letting go. Not going to lie though, I am ready for something with Bluetooth/CarPlay. 😂

[@jarrodhaas]

Great review, as always! One thing I would have liked to hear about is mid vs rear engine. Historically a big talking point, but does it even matter any more? My experience driving the 991.2 and 992 carrera cars is that it doesn’t-if you have the cash, go 911 over the cayman, as the driving experience is simply superior. Love to hear another viewpoint on this tho! Keep up the good work 👍

[@00dc2]

Agree, I want to hear about their willingness to rotate, handle at the limit, correct ability. Seems the gt3 is just dominated by the engine which is sublime but what about the rest?

[@akkando]

Hoping you get to a back to back with a 991.1 and 991.2 GT3 with PDK someday.

[@kyolml]

991.1 GT3 engine is always the one I love the most for the sound. I always thought the .2 GT3 is better car overall and the engine is smoother and with the last 1k rpm has that VTEC amplifying effect, it doesn't have the .1 3.8 liter metallic howl at between 8-9k rpm, which for me I conisdered special and more raw sounding experience. The 991.2 GT3 RS sounds slightly different than the .2 GT3 with a little more back fire under engine braking but close to it. 992 with the ITB is even more smooth than the 991.2 which doesn't' have the throttle intake suction noise, and like a sportbike than the 991.2. GT4RS sounds a little too loud for my taste. If just for the sound, i will take the 991.1 GT3

[@IIVVX]

Having owned a 981 GT4 and now a 991.2 GT3 (manual/buckets) I wholeheartedly agree with your conclusion that a GT3 is worth the delta over a GT4. I personally thought the GT4 was so polished and clinical as you put it that it was just boring on the street. On the track I’m sure it’s a great car but it didn’t excite me on the street at all. The GT3, otoh, is the best car I’ve ever owned by a mile. The only thing that compares is my old M4 GTS that I felt was criminally underrated. That would be a great comparison actually, M4 GTS vs 991.X GT3. I will say the 991.1 engine issues really put me off, I’d never consider one. Those will tank as warranties expire.

[@rekt_86]

these .1 gt3's really need the DSC suspension controller to correct the bouncy damper feeling that the .2 solved with revised calibration. funny timing on this video, I have been considering a 981 gt4 but recently started cross-shopping the .1 GT3 as the price jump isn't as significant (compared to a .2), but the value for money seems to be there. only concern on the .1 is they still use hydraulic lifters vs the solid lifters in the .2

[@jorgeortiz6184]

I own a gt4 981 thank you for your excelent video Iam really thinking about up grade for a gt3 991.1 this is very helpfull but as you said is a little worry that the porsche warranty is coming to and end. Excelent video!!

[@CarYenta-1]

Just get a G6 engine, they don't fail.

[@johnwhodat8135]

I'm getting one with 27k mi and the car got a G6 at 24k mi. The original engine didn't fail.. Porsche just replaced it.

[@shakespeareracing7822]

Great video! Nice to see the owner in the passenger seat again. Have you driven a GT3 with a DSC sport controller?

[@Zygrene]

Nope. I'm a believer in DSC controller for track use though

[@jackzhang6705]

What’re your thoughts on the mid vs rear engine balance? Power aside, which one will be faster on the track? Which one do you prefer?

[@mwong987]

Beautiful roads and landscape. Looks like South Bay, SF.

[@VK6AB-]

Checkout the 991.1 GT3 engine history. The 991.2 GT3 engine is in a different league to the one found in the 991.1 GT3. Also read the fine print on the extended warranty.

[@Braselton21]

981 GT4 for the Track 991 GT3 for the Canyons

[@svang1991]

I believe that if it is not for the nostalgia factor and your Honda roots, you would sell the NSX for a Porsche GT car. There is truly no replacement for a Porsche. The GT4 is heaps better than any NSX.

[@lotusupra]

On paper, yes. When you actually drive them back to back, nsx has much superior handling

[@mattlehec]

I also own a 981 Gt4 and the 991 gt3 is probably my dream car….. But it’s really all down to the engine failures that scares me off. I know most have been changed now but it’s the what if it blows a engine! , factor in the price of a gt3 engine if it goes it would ruin me. The Gt4 is a great car and nothing to replace costs anywhere near the Gt3 so unless I win the lottery will be sticking where I am.

[@lairdinho]

That steering wheel in the 991. Sheesh!

[@idokwatcher2062]

People figured out last year how to program GT3 steering on the 981 EPS, they all claim it makes it better on the forums

[@patricsteele]

What a great contrast showing perfect handling can require less involvement that subtracts a dose of the fun ! Does the steering feel IN THE 991.1 GT3 substantially communicate the levels of front end grip to indicate when it's about to break loose as opposed to the 991.2 GT3 Touring?

[@Zygrene]

I need to drive them back to back, but the steering in the 911.1 felt pretty communicative (for an EPS)

[@boom2055]

Could you review the new lotus emira?

[@lairdinho]

Reliability aside, the 991.1 GT3 is probably underrated. The engine is fabulous. A great pity it was never offered as a manual. Well, unless you count the R, which I suspect is probably the nicest modern GT car for road driving, though admittedly, I've only driven the 991.1 GT3 and 991.2 GT3, not the R (and not the new 992 GT3, though I have a hard time believing it's more rewarding and involving than a 991.1 R, as much as it is obviously a technical step forward - that said the 996.2 GT3 and GT3 RS are the best Porsche GT cars I've personally driven).

[@gmc89coventry77]

Didn't think they made two generations of the 996 gt3? I take it you probably mean 997?

[@lairdinho]

@@gmc89coventry77 Yes they did make two generations of 996 GT3. Gen one was the first GT3, but there was no RS model. Gen 2 had both GT3 and GT3 RS models. Gen 1 definitely wasn't sold in the US. Think the Gen 2 was, which is perhaps why you thought only one generation?

[@gmc89coventry77]

Yep that makes sense, fair enough.

[@jameslerner846]

So technically, the 991.1 gtrs 2015 to 2016 had the 4.0 found in the 911 R and the subsequent 991.2 and 992 variants of gt3. Fixes the 3.8 blowing up occasionally.

[@Zygrene]

Great info

[@frederickcook87]

I thought the 4.0 gt3 engine didn’t come until the 991.2 gt3 which dropped in 2018 for the USA

[@jickel180]

Sorry, that's not accurate at all. The 4.0 in the .2 991 GT3/RS cars uses a different head design than the 4.0 found in the 991.1 GT3RS. The 911.1 GT3 RS still uses the finger follower/hydraulic lifter setup used in the 991.1 GT3 engine. However, Porsche didn't warranty the 991.1 GT3RS to 10 years like the non-RS GT3 due to it's lower rev limit, and different oiling configuration and DLC coated components. The G6 engine replacements that started finding their way into the 991.1 GT3 cars starting around 2017 include the RS head w/DLC components and oiling updates (additional oil passages and higher pressure).

[@TML34]

The GT3 is amazing, except for the engine exploding! 🤣If this one was replaced however, there shouldn't be an issue.

[@mrscary.5048]

Great video!! Can you find out a couple things for me? What are the carbon shifter he got and also what did he do to get his wing end caps in black? The wing is usually just the paint color. Thanks in advance!!!

[@thelowc]

I would also like to know

[@GoldenEagleXTND]

Have yoy driven the AMG GTR? Theyre around the pricing of both these cars and I'm going qbck and forth on the choices.

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

the 991.1 GT3 has its fatal flaws as well and owning a time bomb would scare me even with the G6 engine. Im sure its played out a bit but still there is a number of well documented engine failures and its a $50k bill with the .1 GT3.

[@CarYenta-1]

G6 are so far more reliable than the 991.2 GT3 engine.

[@shehatezme]

Actually more like $90k replacement bill. This was recent bill posted in rennlist.

[@nikosavo1393]

Thanks!

[@Zygrene]

I appreciate the support!

[@tonymcflattie2450]

Shut the front door! This is the question I have been asking myself

[@ZDY66666]

Forums seem split on whether the 991.1GT3 RS has the catastrphic issues too (i.e finger follower). Some say, no way, its a 4 liter diff engine. But others say well its still base on the same.engine in the standard gt3 and its not exactly the engine from the .2 either. Idk what to think. I used to think i wanted a 991.1 GT3 for the price but it is scary. And if .1 GT3RS is fine, i think i rather that than a .2 Gt3 for the same price

[@johnwhodat8135]

G6 replacement engine in the gt3 is the same as the RS engine. RS only has the slightly longer stroke which makes it a 4.0.

[@sanzserif]

I sat as a passenger in my friends GT3 and the car sat in 2nd gear the entire ride. Not sure why the long gearing is a criticism only for the GT4. The gears seem equally long in all GT cars.

[@Zygrene]

I think I give the GT3's gearing a pass because of the higher redline and additional midrange torque over the GT4

[@gazman9468]

The GT3 gear ratios are about right though...in fact 2nd gear is almost 20% shorter than 2nd in the GT4. So while the GT3 still need 77mph to hit the top of 2nd you're anywhere from 1000 to 1500rpm higher for any given road speed. The GT3 engine is only +20Nm up on the GT4 but the gearing makes it feel like +100Nm. If you found the GT3 gearing too long on the road you drove with your friend then the GT4 gearing would drive you mad.

[@sanzserif]

@@gazman9468 o no, it wasn’t meant to be a criticism, the car sang beautifully. Personally I think theres enough torque in the GT4 where it wouldnt bother me on public roads.

[@matthewwong3688]

Long 2nd is great for good lap times

[@CarYenta-1]

You can shift the PDK GT3 at 7800 RPM and you're at 67 mph (70 mph in the .2 manual GT3) and well within the power band. That is way shorter than the GT4's 82.

[@lordmaster5522]

Since you have driven both GT4 and GT3, then do you think a GT2 justifies the premium over the GT3? Do you think a GT1 is the holy grail of all Porsche GT cars?

[@cn0503]

There is way you can cook the engine so you will get the new G series engine but it is illegal 😊

[@jameslerner846]

I spot an upgraded steering wheel too

[@sunilsolanki]

I couldn't live with that overly long 2nd gear for street and fun canyon carving... Soooo dull... I'll use my ND Miata for those tasks!

[@Andychengg]

No, unless its a g series motor

[@adriangarza3541]

Did they ever fix the blowing up engine problems with the 991.2 ?

[@Zygrene]

I believe the 4 liter motors are bulletproof. Could be wrong

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

its the 3.8l 991.1 GT3 engines that blow up. The issue is revving the 9A1 to 9k RPMS where it wears the finger followers in the heads. the .2 was fixed and they're great.

[@IIVVX]

Yes, 991.2 has solid lifters which fixes the fundamental design flaw in the 991.1 heads.

[@ZDY66666]

.2s are fixed completely. A lot of ppl are in the camp that the .1Gt3 isn't worth it unless the price gap between .1 and .2 is the cost of a motor which is $50-60k after labour. The .1 engines are still more prone to failure. There's still videos and posts of owners posting their engine blew even recently. But most seem to be doing so on track so maybe...daily drivers wouldn't encounter it nearly as much? Still no excuse as the gt3 should be tracked 80 times a year and still be fine

[@nomadic_mind]

Out of all the gt3’s and gt4’s you’ve driven, what are the top3 cars?

[@Zygrene]

GT4 RS, 991.2 GT3 manual, 992 GT3 manual, 997.2 GT3 manual with a built 4.2L

[@jackzhang6705]

⁠@@Zygrenewhy 991.2 proceeds 992 though? Thought the double wishbone front is supposed to get the car to the next level?..

[@robertwesley8047]

I would like to see the 991 GT3 vs a 718 GT4. both PDK

[@Zygrene]

The Porsche comparison possibilities are endless! Lol

[@ZDY66666]

Ironicaply the 981 GT4 engine doesnt have as many issues as rhe 991.1 GT3. Finger foolower issue is still very real. Only buy if its a G6 motor and even then...no one will know until wnother decade later if the motor stands the test of time. The GT4 engine is more than likely willl be perfectly fine a decade down But ofc the experience is totally different

[@johnwhodat8135]

There's one guy on KZbin who put 10k mi on g6 engine and has no problem.

[@jamesdean3232]

GT4!!!

[@churchofbrap876]

Curious in the 911 why u don't use the paddle shifters. Id rather keep both hands on the steering wheel. Would probably also left foot brake in a car like that, no?

[@Zygrene]

On track I would definitely use the paddles. In the canyons I'm after fun/engagement

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

God-King Zygrene, what are your thoughts on 718 GTS vs 991.2 Carrera T? Liked 718 GTS 2.5 (had some weird boominess/pressure in the cabin at higher revs) worlds more than 981 GTS (which felt more like a numb, soft, bigger gt car with totally dead steering, gutless engine, and not great suspension compared to more of a return to form sports car tighter and more precise feeling 718) and 718 GTS4.0 (for the money may as well just stretch a bit more and go for GT4 at that point or GT3 like in this video and have less depreciation with a more special experience; turbo four is definitely more potent at high altitude here, sound is not terrible, although six cylinder sound is more exciting, but the engine is pretty anemic at elevation combined with tall gearing, and the car felt heavier than the four cylinder).

[@Zygrene]

Gotta drive them back to back. But in general, I prefer how the 718 drives over the 991 (excluding GT3) due to its mid engine balance.

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

@@Zygrene that's kind of what I'm expecting. I like how 718 rotates. The only 911 that I've driven was a 996 C4S, and the mid engine dynamics were kind of interesting to manage, although that understeer can probably get old, can't carry as much speed into a corner.

[@brontoo]

FYI - There has been G6 engine failures too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXXbapdvn718g5o

[@Zygrene]

Ouch!

[@jickel180]

Only 2 G6s have been documented to fail, both bottom-end related (including the one in the video). Plenty of 4.0 .2 engines have failed. The .2 block can split around the main bearings, and/or pop out valve shims that make their way into the timing chain(s) causing a catastrophic failure.

[@brontoo]

@@jickel180 thanks for the insight! I guess a part of me was trying to help keep values down for others to enjoy. How about the Mezger block?

[@jickel180]

@@brontoo Mezgers are solid, just need to take care of the coolant fittings by pinning them to prevent them from falling out, which is typically an engine-out procedure.

[@WanderingFriar]

Poor location for a review....?

[@ddmegadoodoo892]

Dog, where you finding gt3’s for 120-150😢

[@Zygrene]

Cargurus, autotrader, etc

[@akkando]

Anywhere you look.

[@lotusupra]

991.1 gt3s are around 120k easy

[@johnwhodat8135]

I locked in one for 128...has 27k mi and got a G6 at 24k mi.

[@frederickcook87]

👌🏾❤️👌🏾

[@user-kv5dz3rg1k]

Learn how to double clutch......

[@henrylau4599]

GT3RS duh…