981 GT4 Review: Here’s What You Need To Know If You’re Buying One.

The 981 GT4 isn’t cheap but represents one of the best values for the money in the Porsche world...I can say that with 100% certainty after living in the air cooled 911 world for the past few years.
There’s something a little wrong with a world where a 981 GT4 selling at +/- $100,000 seems like a bargain…but when you compare it to what you get in the air cooled 911 world buying a GT4 seems like a no brainer.
In this video, I’ll tell you
- exactly what to look for when buying a 981 GT4
- what’s great about lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats
- what’s not great about lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats
- the recall item on the 981 GT4 that you’ll want to make 100% sure has been done
- tricks for getting in and out of the carbon fiber bucket seats
- info on the handling characteristics
- info on the way the car makes power
0:00 Start
0:56 981 GT4 exterior
1:29 Manufacturing facts
1:42 Why the 981 GT4 is a good investment
2:16 981 GT4 3.8 liter engine info
2:46: Specs of my example
4:01 981 GT4 ownership experience vs air cooled Porsche ownership experience
5:08 Why I Bought this 981 GT4 instead of another air cooled 911
6:49 My personal 981 GT4 purchase experience
7:45 What to look for when buying a 981 GT4
9:17 My first road trip in the car
10:13 PPF on the entire car
10:27 981 GT4 Interior view
10:44 Porsche Lightweight Carbon Fiber Bucket mods
11:43 981 GT4 driving review
12:18 Tricks for getting in and out of lightweight carbon bucket seats
13:35 LWB comfort
15:15 981 GT4 engine sounds
16:18 GT4 vs GT3
17:20 Memory foam cushion impressions
18:46 Can you have fun in the 981 GT4 on the street?
20:13 981 GT4 Interior fit and finish
21:10 GT4 clutch feel
21:50 GT4 shifter feel
22:25 Rev match
23:04 GT4 sport exhaust sound
24:04 GT4 Handling
***************************************************
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Bucket Resources mentioned in the video:
LWB Seat center cushions:
P1 Designs
p1designs.com
Contact: Kim DelVecchio
***************************************************
LWB Seat Bolster Protectors
EdGuard USA
www.edguardusa.com/product-pa...
***************************************************
LWB Seat Recliner Spacers:
Designs By Jakob
designsbyjacob.com/collection...
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Porsche of Englewood
www.porscheenglewood.com
Jean Beltran
201-450-6314
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Recommended Car Shipper
Christian
954-907-7527
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Get Your Air Cooled Merchandise: rennthusiast.myspreadshop.com/
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Items I Use To Make These Videos Happen:
Sony a7iii mirrorless camera: amzn.to/3JjPPUs
DJI Drone: amzn.to/3WGmmqz
GoPro Hero 10: amzn.to/3wvge9V Tentacle Sync Microphones KILLER mics: amzn.to/3HAARbq
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Porsche 911's I currently own or have owned:
- 1969 Porsche 911T Hot Rod in Ossi Blue (sold) - 1976 Porsche 911S in Ice Green Metallic
- 1977 Porsche 924 Martini Edition Safari Car
- 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera in guards red (SOLD) - 1992 Porsche 911 964 in Amazon Green metallic (SOLD)
- 1995 Porsche 911 993 Coupe in polar silver
- 1995 Porsche 911 993 in Grand Prix White
- 2007 Porsche 911 997.1 Turbo in guards red (SOLD)
- 2009 Porsche 911 997.2 C4S PDK (SOLD)
- 2014 Porsche Cayman S
- 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4
- 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder
- 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S
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Please subscribe to my channel.
My website: www.rennthusiast.com/
IG: @RennthusiastTV
FB: Rennthusiast Air Cooled Porsche Fans: / 251472282967671

[@docfink]

As much as I'd love to have a GT3 with that 9000rpm redline, l'll never let go of my 2016, Euro-delivered, GT4. It was a dream to pick up with my son in Germany seven years ago, and it's a joy to drive now. I know I'd regret parting with it, so it won't be trade-bait on another car in the future. I drove a 2018 GT3 because I had become obsessed with getting one, and while I'll always prefer the shape of the 911 having had two of them prior to the GT4, the experience with the GT3, while incredible, wasn't as mind-blowingly different as I thought it would be. It made me feel even better about the GT4, which is the best-looking Cayman produced IMHO. Again, I'm not saying my 981 GT4 is the equivalent of a modern (or any, for that matter) GT3. It is however, it's own legend and a modern classic. Incredibly fun to drive and adequately quick with a killer exhaust, it's a keeper even if a GT3 joins the garage one day. Enjoy yours!

[@steveshap1369]

Best comparison I've seen in some time on GT3 vs GT4. Both are sweet, both keepers (if possible), and 2 complimentary, yet unique experiences. Pretty much an ideal combo for today's enthusiasts.

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks man! Gonna pin this 🙏🏽

[@WFOSA67]

Wouldn’t disagree with any of that, had a 718 GT4 and it was a wonderful machine (apart from the buckets which didn’t suit my lanky frame) they are just brilliant. Don’t give up on the GT3 though, I’ve a 991.2 GT3 and it’s epic. Mid engined is a different proposition entirely and is “better!” We’re lucky to have the choice.

[@vanischan9946]

As a custodian of 981 GT4, I feel good about my car and feel the same way as what you have been feeling.😊

[@craigc8682]

Have a racing yellow GT4 in Cape Town and it is absolutely epic!

[@ernesternest815]

Living with a modern Porsche is just so much easier than the older cars, it’s as simple as that. Both are great experiences when driving. I do think if you are a more project guy and like the journey of maintenance and mods the air cooled provide that at a pretty steep cost. I love my 981 cayman base, it’s the best for spirited street driving and going to Home Depot or any other daily errands.

[@grecopena]

That’s what I’m thinking. I’d like to daily my Porsche more if I had the additional room to fit my golf clubs and other stuff. I just hate the thought of losing the top down experience with my 911 cab. Thanks

[@danfreeney7656]

Great video and you’ll love the GT4. One tip. Change the side markers to clear. Will transform the look.

[@jeanbeltran-ew7oi]

Thank you Will for your business. I’m happy to see your enjoying your GT4. I appreciate the shout out! Love the video!

[@randyc2083]

Have a twin to your Sapphire Blue GT4. My wife & I drove it to Rennsport Reunion VI from Portland, Or (and I was 68 at the time) w/ buckets. We both thought that they were vary comfortable & supported us well. The GT4 is a blast to drive. Definitely made us feel younger. It was a very memorable drive. The sound is incredible & plenty of room for road trip luggage.

[@853massey]

If I could afford 2 Porsches they would be a 70's orange 911 and a Cayman GT4. Congrats and enjoy the heck out of it. Stunning car.

[@jonwarshawsky5288]

Love the seats. With regard to new water-cooled versus old air-cooled, no doubt you got stung by big repairs on the 964 and the 1976 (green). New cars are just easier. I always see 5-10 late generation 911s and 718s when I drive across town in my 964, and they are great cars. I think you have to sort your priorities and go for whatever experience works for you, because ultimately no one really needs a sports car. For me, a 2.4L 911S would be the best weekend fun car, and the 964 is the “comfort” end of that lineage. In either case, they are more maintenance than the newer cars, but they are quite a bit better than their contemporaries - Ferrari 348, for example. I could definitely see a 981/991-generation in our garage and as more of a daily driver, but not as a replacement for a classic 911. If you keep a 993 and have the newer cars, you’ll probably be happy with the fleet. My own sense is that if you have an air-cooled 911 that’s sorted and really dialed in, it’s something you can’t easily replace.

[@jibmaster]

Great review. Honestly, I appreciate you seeing the light again with water cooled, modern P cars. They're amazing. Especially a GT4! I appreciate I have both air/water models and each have their own driver characteristics. Thanks for sharing your passion Will. Sapphire IS the best color hands down on those GT4's. ✌️

[@TobyD]

Hey Will - I’ve been following your channel & story since the BMW days. Think you are doing the right thing mixing air & water cars. I’ve car two air cooled and two water cooled and it’s the perfect mix. Agree the air cooled are a labor of love (and money) and are not the sort of cars to trade in-and-out. Fascinating to hear how you go with these - and thanks for your honesty, we always know you say what you think irrespective of what people might say. Although I will miss your mid-year and 911T, great cars. Keep it up 👍

[@Rennthusiast]

Thank you for sticking around and watching the channel evolve. Appreciate the support.

[@tacosandfrenchfries4561]

Another great video. I understand moving away from the air cooled. Still cool to have one in the stable but I totally get it. Many of the air cooled mechanics are retiring etc. hard to find local shops to work on them.

[@razorworks111]

Great review of what can only be succinctly described as a brilliant car. I’ve had mine for over 5 years, and its never skipped a beat. Back in 2016 when these launched I was unable to obtain an order allocation for one due high demand, but a year or so later I fortunately found one for sale that had been barely driven, sourced from a local collector in the same exact spec I was initiallly after. I’m just as thrilled with it as the day I bought it. As this car is a permanent member of my garage, I’m currently considering taking it to a nearby specialist to have the ratios for gears 2-5 shortened, along with upgrades to the flywheel and limited-slip differential. But even in stock form, it’s a gem of a car.

[@victorrios8947]

Nice video and the color is great. I like what you did on the seats. My neighbor had a gt4 with the stock carbon seats and boy they were so uncomfortably hard and especially getting in over the high bolsters. I am not a track person so prefer a more softer seating experience.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Excellent example and enjoyed your drive of what is imho the best water cooled Porsche without spending too much 👍🎯

[@MrSchn3ll]

I agree with your thoughts on the buckets - it works on a weekend vehicle, but I had them on my 991.2 semi-daily car and they were not fun (and I'm not even 40 yet)! They are a must on a GT4 though, you don't lose a backseat like with the 911 either.

[@Redducati1199]

My 2016 981 GT4 is a keeper, absolutely love it

[@AJ-kineticU]

Great to see an actual enthusiast enjoy the package as it is. I don’t modify my cars and drive them for what they are meant to be, and drive them a lot. Though it’s difficult to be on the right side of the price curve sometimes

[@DonLemelin]

Congratulaton on your new GT4! I shopped for a longhood hotrod for a good long time, checked a number of them out and despite my love of classic cars (I've had a C2 corvette for 20 years and rally it regularly) I was so disappointed at what was for sale for $100K your 69 would have been perfect, but out of my budget. Ended up buying a 981 GT4 like you with 8K. miles, an original msrp of $127K for less than I had budgeted for the air cooled car. I've now got just under 14K miles on it hasn't missed a beat and I've spent less than $200 on maintenance in the last year and a half (do my on work for the most part). Just for laughs, one of the cars I went to look at was the WEVO car on BAT it was right at $100K when I checked it out.The car was dirty, worn, corrosion every wear, had cracked dash, sticky knobs a speaker grill flopping all over the place (may have even had a pair of vise grips on the window crank if memory serves) shook and rattled down the road (remember I drive an old survivor vette so the bar isn't very hight) It was at best a $60-70K car even with it's cool ownership history. It ended up not meeting reserve at I think $105K if I'd have bought it sight unseen and it showed up on a trailer at my house I'd have probably cried. I see that it sold on another site someone got a surprise, glad it wasn't me. bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-porsche-911t-45/

[@rickfowler3710]

super cool car and i think your right about the 981 being a good value prop. Where I am in the UK there are currently around 60 718's and only 16 981's on Autotrader

[@staceybsnyder]

Congratulations Will on the new water cooled car(s). As a fellow air cooled and watercooled Porschephile, I agree with everything you've stated. In fact, I remember back early on when you said something along the lines of the water cooled cars just didn't have that appeal you were looking for. I knew you'd come around. If you're fortunate enough to have both, it's amazing. Enjoy the cars and keep the awesome videos coming. Cheers!

[@Rennthusiast]

Thank you man 🙏🏽

[@mattymatt3654]

I do feel variety is the spice of life. I love the pulling back the seat and acrobatics idea. I'll have to try that. I hate running across the bolster, hahaha.

[@qikqbn77]

Great to see you put aside the air-cooled pride and really be honest about how the water-cooled side also offers an incredible experience, and in many ways, is the better car in many ways.

[@BixenteDelBosque]

Cool complete video, thanks. I only had the opportunity to drone the spyder. Did you notice other differences that the sound perception (with open top) when you tried it ?

[@Craina-gk8uz]

Beautiful car, these are wonderful machines. To answer your question about 17 minutes in re: poor man's gt3, the 996 gt3 is the poor man's gt3. Absolutely love mine. You need to try one of those.

[@grecopena]

Will, I’m really enjoying living vicariously through your journey. Your flair for telling a story and living the Porsche experience. You are my younger alter ego with stronger balance sheet. 😅 Thanks for sharing your sand box with us. Yeah, I love your GT4 and how you set it up. It’s perfect! I have one question… Do you fell the Cayman’s have some visual blind spots compared to a 911 or Boxter? My only test drive in one gave me that experience. Onward my friend. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👊🏼

[@Rennthusiast]

Hey! Sorry for the delayed response. Channel is growing and comments get buried and are hard to keep up with. Thanks for the compliments and for watching. Yes, the Cayman definitely has more of a blind spot than a 911 and a boxster. Blind spots have never been a problem for me in the 911. My Spyder has a bit of a blind spot - or at least you need to pay attention to your blind spots - because you sit lower INSIDE of the car so it’s hard to see over the rear deck if that makes sense.

[@mikenorthern1024]

I’m an air cooled guy at heart. Something about the raw feel and sound of the air cooled motor clicks. I know you know what I mean. In the last few years I haven’t had interest in the post 2012 911 water cooled models as they have gotten too big in size for me. However, the recent GT4 and the RS model version has received so much hype lately coupled with its smaller size and performance really makes it desirable and they are cool looking. Thanks for the video and enjoy!!

[@fredericlarochelle8068]

Still madly in love with mine after 4 years of ownership. Only thing I would like to get my hands on are a set of bucket seats to put in. I have the sofas :) Love the color (carmine), love everything except for the seats

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Last year I pulled the trigger on a rare color 2022 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with

[@Rennthusiast]

Thank you!

[@motorconcierge]

Great take on buckets! As someone who has back issues - they look fantastic, but they are really a pain when it comes to comfort. Driving an hour or two is ok, but if you go for a long trips or not perfect roads it is a challenge, same as getting in and out as you showed. Always suggest to test drive for the comfort level before deciding on whether yes or no.

[@Rennthusiast]

I have figured out how to make them super comfortable…at least for me! I was super happy when the small adjustments transformed them.

[@1993Turbo36]

I have a 987.2 Spyder with buckets. Cantrell Motorsports make adjustable mounts for those seats. It allowed me to lower the rear and give me more angle. I’m 6’ 4”

[@Rennthusiast]

@@1993Turbo36 I am interested in getting one of those cars.

[@joebekavac1517]

Totally agree. I run a 1980 911 weissach and a 2018 718 cayman (sapphire blue of course) and it’s the best of both worlds. That’s not to say that I will bump up to a GT4 when I find the right car, nevertheless having both in the garage certainly provides a great balance of old school air cooled rawness with the amazing ride and handling of the perfectly balance and rotation of the modern Cayman

[@jackpalczynski7884]

While getting in and out is more difficult than in your average Cadillac, if you want to see a difficult car to get in and out, in and out of, try a Lotus Elise. Because of one car in the shop and my son using another for his summer job, my Elise became my daily and by the time I got one of the cars back, I was looking for replacement cars.

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

absolutely love my 981 GT4.

[@ky7037]

I find the CF LWBS comfortable. Did a 12 hr drive in them and was ready to experience all the hate on them but I had no issues. Granted I’m a slim 6’ and still on the younger side compared to the average GT4 owner.

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

Talking about new and non limited production cars as investment, some are going to be surprised within a few years... now talking about value I totally agree the GT4 is among the best from the whole industry today, if you are looking for enjoyment rides and you can afford it don't look anywhere else. Myself I had to go for a 911 since I needed the back seats for my 3 years old but the GT4 was on the top of my list because of the sound and the fun on B-roads

[@Rennthusiast]

If you look at the cycle with Porsches, they depreciate, bottom out, then come back. Just have to keep it nice and keep the miles off and I think it’s safe. But I will run up the miles so whatever lol

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

@@Rennthusiast I was just talking about that whole "investment trend" you ear everywhere nowadays, to me investment means you are actually making money. But speaking of depreciation I totally agree that it's a good bet

[@madfemurfast]

There is no question that a modern car has to be better than a 1980 automobile. There are 40 years of mechanical evolution and improvement. But I do not think they have to be compared. I think, andi know here some people will disagree, that air cooled cars are for collecting whereas a water cooled is a daily driver. Just me. My Cayman (not GT4) is a fantastic car and has to be more reliable than any 1980s car. But I would not mind a 993... Careful, you do not want the same problem that the 997 Turbo that drives too fast.

[@Kmh0277]

I think it's hard to find CPO 981 GT4s because people over-rev them too much and they can't be certified if the report has too many. Congrats on the GT4, great find!

[@netcrashYT]

Go PDK and don’t worry about that, and less impact of the gearing ! 😉

[@Kmh0277]

@@netcrashYT I have a PDK 718 GT4 on the way

[@steveshap1369]

@@netcrashYT No PDK on the 981. For a reason, and that is to "re-connect" with older enthusiasts who loved the more mechanical and direct connection of MT. Now in a modern, capable, safe package, the 981 GT4 does just that I've owned many air-cooled and liquid-cooled Porsches; and love them all. But for today's world the 981 GT4 is hard to top. in a week or so I'll be adding a Sapphire Blue w/ buckets to a 991.2 Carrera T (also MT). Just perfect for what I wasn't about an attainable, affordable Porsche sports car tody.

[@netcrashYT]

@@steveshap1369 ah right, forget that about 981 GT4....

[@BrettSamuels]

Hey, just an idea - since you’re keeping the script decal on the side, source an older Carrera badge from the 80’s that uses the same script for the new rear deck - would be a subtle IYKYK detail.

[@horatiotimewaster5755]

Love your GT4. The trip you took on those great roads must have been a dream. The last Porsche I drove at an autocross was a 1990 Carrera 4. I remember how much better it was than the 1987 Carrera my parents had at the time. I can't imagine how capable Porsches since are now. My ideal setup would be a 992 GT3 or Cayman GT4 and a 964 Carrera 2. Are you going to keep one of the 993s? Also, about the ice green 911, though it's annoying you now, will be in great shape when it's out of the shop. Seems like you have a very interesting mix of water/air-cooled at the moment. I would guess that the 911s would (at least) hold their value. Your journey is interesting to follow. One other thing: have you considered doing European Delivery? What an incredible experience it would be to start off with a Porsche in Zuffenhausen.

[@Rennthusiast]

The 76 will actually be offered in BaT in a few weeks. I have shifted towards wanting only one air cooled 993 in the garage…a white ‘95 I bought a few weeks ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4DdimqhisZooMk Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bready4christ96]

Beautiful car!

[@zheqiang9202]

I was actually about to buy this car from Porsche Englewood but you beat me :) When I called them it was too late and they told me it was sold to a KZbinr haha. Congrats!

[@Rennthusiast]

Lol too funny…small world.

[@cr4zym3x1c4n]

I will for sure take this as a weekend car, no way I’d let it sit in the garage for months

[@eyesurgeon69]

Enjoy both your air cooled and water cooled content, as a former owner of a GT4 and current 992 daily driver I agree that the value proposition for air cooled is terrible as far as driving experience goes, I love to look at them, they are beautiful, but any modern porsche sports car, be it rear or mid engine, blows the air cooled away dynamically and anyone who says otherwise is just valuing nostalgia over objective driving experience.

[@robertsmithUH60driver]

This is my spec also. Congrats.

[@chrisperez8341]

Great vid! Has your interior dash or door card started to bubble/warp? Or has your headliner started to sag? I know they are a known issue for the 981 unfortunately.

[@Rennthusiast]

Car has since been sold, but when I owned it, no, there was no warping. Of course, the faulty pieces had been replaced under warranty already.

[@chrisperez8341]

@@Rennthusiast what pieces were replaced?

[@hombrealagua]

Great video!... So now you understand the value of a 914?

[@cartergarnon6299]

Here’s my quick brain dump on the platform from my ownership experience. You have to put a valve controller in a 718 to unlock its soul and separate it from a 981. It also fixes 90% of the long gearing symptoms. Otherwise you’re absolutely wasting your money vs a 981. Then once you do bmc filters in a 718, you have a manual GT4RS without the migraines. At that point you have the best car Porsche makes, or 1A/1B with the Spyder, depending on your preference/climate/use case. The carbon buckets are pure art. As such, they’re much better in a museum than in a car. They’re 99% worse to live with, and only 1% better on a track…but a 10x boost to the aesthetic.

[@el_vaquero_del_condado]

Curious to know: Have you had both models? I’m trying to decide which way to go [981 vs 718], and as per your suggestion, everything seems to be pointing me towards the 981, in addition to the fact that, at least in my opinion, the 981 looks better throughout, if a little less aggressive…

[@Aiken47]

Summers in Australia average 35 -40C and can regularly get to 45C in peak summer. Air cooled Porsche arent made for our conditions. On a 24C day they start cooking in traffic. I was navigator for my friend in his 2021 GT3 those carbon buckets can be tiring over a full days rally.

[@jc4liferesearch5]

Does not get any better 😎 enjoy, one day I hope to own one in white.

[@timw308]

IMO I would never own a GT car without the Carbon buckets… it completes the experience. I think they are really comfortable, a non issue.. the internet paints a wrong picture of the buckets IMO. Purchased a 981 GT4 a year ago and I absolutely think a 718 GT4 is not worth the 20,k+ premium… the RS is a different animal. The first time you drive a 981 GT4 you will say whats up with this clutch, after awhile you never notice it again. 100% satisfied.

[@Rennthusiast]

Agreed 100%

[@ky7037]

The people saying they hate buckets are just salty their GT4 is spec’d with sofas lol. The CF buckets look absolutely sexy and complete the interior.

[@edbratrud167]

I test drove the Cayman GT4 at the Porsche experience in Carson Ca. It was a disappointment. Second gear is way to long resulting in poor acceleration for a car costing 115,000 dollars. The exhaust system sounds terrible and needs to be replaced with a better system.

[@ky7037]

Wait. Did you test drive a 981 or 718 GT4? The 981 GT4 sounds niice whereas the 718 sounds eh

[@colorowdy9655]

@rennthusiast, do you think the GTS 4.0 will also be a good investment car like the GT4?

[@Rennthusiast]

Not sure but I imagine the collectibility will be there but not like the GT4. After all, ifs technically a GT car which people see in a different light

[@mukulsingh6027]

You never provided the seating position that fixed your back problem?? Is that supposed to come on a future video?

[@Rennthusiast]

The whole seat mod process I’ll do in a video in the next couple of weeks. But as far as position it ended up being as close to the wheel as possible.

[@franzhuber7361]

If you like to drive sporty then the GT4 is the car you ever wanted to have. But can you do me a favor and get closer to the wheel, please? There should be a 90° angle in your elbow pits. Compared to the GT3, the GT4 is a more economical car and imho shows understatement. Congratulations, the car looks great, and it sounds mean. ❤

[@Rennthusiast]

I hear you. Thanks for the suggestion. Thanks for watching.

[@sixpotshot]

The 981 GT4 IS the DEFO Sweet Spot of all GT4s so far (RS included). And this in its OEM state. Plenty of tuning options (more than any other version) Sharkwerks being one of them, if one wants to change (rather than improve, please note) any of its aspects*. Rarer and lighter than all other versions it is The Original One and why this matters? Porsche made it as if there would be no successors and this turned out to be best compromise in between the other GT4s: the successor is too soft (so that Porsche could have room for the RS already in the agenda...) and the RS is too focused albeit the one to have if one does mainly track days. *The 981 GT4 is solid throughout: a car like this which does NOT have any weak spots (the gear ratios, to touch a hot point, are to me, perfect regardless of what people like to say but if you are not happy with it then there are plenty options to change the ratios without breaking the bank) is incredibly rare and astoundingly difficult to achieve in the world of sport cars. I call it a Porsche Masterpiece.

[@BobbyDigital_100]

Take a shot every time he says “air cooled” in this video 🥃

[@akh822]

As a former 981 GT4 owner (~2 years), I'll say two things: First, the 981 GT4 is one of my favorite modern (EPS-era) Porsches, especially for the money. Buckets are a must because I wouldn't daily drive one anyhow (not because of NVH; more because of clearance/approach angle issues etc). Everybody with the inclination and means should sample one at some point, so buying a good one is never a mistake. You'll get back out of it for around running costs alone even if you pour on some miles (I certainly did). However, second, I agree with Savagegeese about this car giving you blue balls on the road--especially because I did track mine, extensively--and by the end of it found it a bit more tedious than fun to drive on public roads, but it did take me a while (about a year) to arrive at the same conclusion. I think a lot of the initial fun the car delivers is theatrical: the noise and NVH in general, the sharpness and immediacy of the inputs, the "vibe" it has as a car that feels noticeably edgier than a garden variety Porsche (or most anything else). This is very much unlike e.g. most 911 Turbos or a 991.2/992 C2S which are not only far too fast but also just not that dramatic. The car is light, can be thrown around at will, and it'll eat corners in a way that seems to make light of the laws of physics. However, that all wears off over time, the gearing really did start to bother me a bit off-track, and the chassis will absorb mistakes and pretty much doesn't challenge the driver at anything approaching road legal speeds (i.e. zero pucker factor--actually, even on track I found it a little too easy to drive, but I'm also a track rat), and the steering still has the same problem every other EPS system does with feedback (or lack thereof). The GT4 is very planted at almost any speed and just doesn't move around the way an air cooled car or even a 996/997 C2 does, so I found that the meat of the experience just isn't accessible off the track (and on road, it eventually started to frustrate me that I couldn't get there). 996 GT3 (if you can tolerate the aesthetic) and 997 GT3 are the best of both worlds, but they're getting very expensive and it takes forever to find a good one with the right spec (not that many out there). Plus, running costs--the GT4 is much cheaper to actually drive. I think most people would be better served by rotating through a couple different cars over time rather than making that sort of commitment.

[@Rennthusiast]

Thoughtful insight. Really appreciate you taking the time to add some real value to the comments. Have you driven a 981 Spyder and if so, how would that compare to your opinion of the GT4 from the perspective of being tedious to drive on the road over time? Would the Spyder deliver the same result or would it remain as entertaining after a year as it was on day 1?

[@corgi_leonberger7233]

@@Rennthusiast I had a very early 981 Spyder on crap P-Zero tyres and the steering for me was a disappointment running it alongside a 991.2T - it just felt completely numb. Now own a 718 Spyder which moves the game on in every way except for the exhaust but mine sounds great with a JCR

[@jamesmartin8100]

Agreed. I've owned my 981 GT4 for a little over a year and am arriving at the same conclusion. On track (with the tires at the correct temperature) this car provides an experience that cannot be matched on the public road. The closest I've come is on a closed road tarmac rally course, but those are few and far between. There is significant enjoyment to be had driving the GT4 quickly on public roads but it's only on track where I've experienced the dizzying heights of this car's true capability.

[@akh822]

@@Rennthusiast Sorry it took me forever to get back to you--busy couple of weeks. Anyhow--hmm, that's a tough call. For road use, I prefer the suspension in the Spyder (X73, I think, similar to the Cayman GTS) as it has a bit more dive, sway, and general compliance, but I strongly prefer the steering and gearbox in the GT4. I'm also not a convertible guy, myself. Also, the fully adjustable suspension in the GT4 gives you some opportunities to set the car up the way you like it. I had mine set up for fast tracks, but I think changing the tire stagger or playing with the rear toe a bit would make the car a bit livelier (and more fun ;) ) at the lower speeds you hit on road. I will admit that I've found myself missing my 981 GT4 a lot these past few weeks...I'm currently in a (non-GT) 997 and as good as the steering is, it's missing the theatrics and everything else the GT4 does so well. Too quiet and sedate. And sometimes a little extra composure is a good thing even off the track...was running down some fast mountain roads this past week and couldn't muster up the confidence to push it the way I could push the GT4s; keeping up with my buddies was a little too far into the nerve-wracking side of things than properly exhilarating. Still need to watch your 981 vs. 718 comparo--will be fun to see what the conclusions are but FWIW, I personally prefer the 981, myself (engine note, steering, and clutch weighting).

[@mezger918]

Will, what radar detector are you using?

[@Rennthusiast]

Uniden R7

[@jordonhoggro7532]

Inarguably the poor man’s GT3. With that said that statement takes nothing away from this weekend enthusiast car. It’s a fantastic vehicle.

[@nelson1525]

Great car and color...your glasses are too big/wide..get something a little smaller...been selling glasses for 48 years...jmo. .great video.

[@fastbloommessi7211]

Gt4 have really long gear ratio you really have get on it to hear and feel the power.

[@Rennthusiast]

So many complain about the long gearing. I have zero problems with it personally. Hasn’t detracted from the fun at all.

[@timw308]

Non issue.

[@shokrefumi]

Love the car but not a big fan of thinking that you've depreciated the car by driving it. Just enjoy these things and don't worry about it. This kind of thinking is just contrary to what these cars were made for. It's not one of a kind, for Pete's sake.

[@annley]

Can’t help but notice that land cruiser peaking out of the garage 👀

[@Rennthusiast]

Yes, that’s our 200 series. It has been rear ended twice 😔

[@blairsmith2000]

Don’t take this to the track - you’ll learn you’re nowhere near the limit on the street (even in the twisties) and it will start to bore you. That’s what happened to me. Phenomenal track car, frustrating street car.

[@Rennthusiast]

Good advice. Thanks.

[@jeffogilvie596]

Is that Watch Rd between Andrews and Franklin NC(

[@Rennthusiast]

No sir

[@TogetherFaster]

You sold your Turbo because in your opinion it was too fast for you and now you bought a GT4 which is probably faster than the Turbo? Greetings from Germany 😁

[@y3sbw]

@rennthusiast why didn’t you go for a 996.2, 997.1/2 or 991.1 gt3 instead?

[@Rennthusiast]

Not a huge fan of the 996 gt3. Tried to talk myself into wanting one but couldn’t do it The 997.1 gt3 is attractive but harder to find in the right spec, mileage, documentation, etc. I was kind of looking around for one alongside the 981 GT4 and this one found me. 991.1 is out of my budget range

[@y3sbw]

Thanks for the reply. I hear you and makes complete sense (to me at least). In the UK, there are not many 96, but a few 97 available currently. Still an on going debate that no doubt will continue… Most importantly, ENJOY!

[@chasbro6491]

Delivering a car to J Z and Beyonsay is not a plus. Those folks know zero about cars and tech but I digress. Good vid though.

[@ky7037]

Top $ clientele means the guy knows what he’s doing. You don’t want a guy that ships your average consumer vehicle to ship your $100k car

[@slytherben]

Wife sees my Carrera 4S and says those seats don't look comfy. We go on a roadtrip, she says, "wow, somehow these are the most comfortable seats ever." That's why I'll never pursue a GT product. I have no interest in pretending I'm a track instructor. I want to be comfortable in the mountains and have fun driving. Comfort goes a long way

[@Rennthusiast]

Sofas are great, I can’t deny it.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Being that this is a 16 model I assume that CPO has run out?

[@timw308]

cpo is cerified by the dealer by meeting certain inspection criteria after the factory warranty has ran out.

[@miker1721]

He doesn’t seem to hang on to a car for very long….what is the over and under betting line in months for when he sells the GT4?

[@Rennthusiast]

Lol

[@miker1721]

@@Rennthusiast watching you get in and out of that racing seat made me have sympathy pains in my knees…….you know I’m just kidding with you!

[@Rennthusiast]

Haha of course man! I like the idea, too. See how long the cars last. After the green 76 I have learned never to say “forever” and “Porsche” in the same sentence when talking about myself 😂

[@miker1721]

@@Rennthusiast Car and Driver has an online review of the GT4 dated May 11, 2020. This is an excerpt talking about the $5900.00 bucket seats option: “ More than anything else, the $5900 Full Bucket seats seem to exist to facilitate such bruising. They will be instruments of TORTURE for most people and best left to Instagram "fitness models" and other masochists. After just a couple hours in them, our toes started to go NUMB and our hips felt as if they'd been HAMMERED with a meat tenderizer. A mild panic that we were never going to be comfortable again set in. If you see a GT4 parked on the side of the road and the owner walking, it's not necessarily because the car's out of gas. The driver might just need a break.”

[@angunias]

i would replace the steering wheel for the new 718 steering

[@Rennthusiast]

I want to leave this car 100% stock with the exception of a seat cushion upgrade, which is reversible in less than 5 mins.

[@russcrosby]

Fair weather aircooled guy, Not surprised you could not handle the air cooled experiance, the fact you have zero skills maintining anything yourself means you made the right move. Just keep paying someone else

[@angunias]

you got a lot of car for the money

[@el_vaquero_del_condado]

Mr. Rennth, you’re an evil man… Last time I took you seriously I ended up with a 993, whose angels and demons I’m still battling with [that car is like an expensive a drug]. Now that I’m convalescing again, and weak with lust for a 981 GT4, you come back to haunt with dangerous advice once more, and I’m scared I’m going to end up needing to convince my wife about a new toy…. What to do?

[@Rennthusiast]

YOLO 😂

[@steveshap1369]

Just go for it, don't fight it!!😄

[@abagley2334]

Stop the presses!! Water cooled cars are an overall better driving/ownership experience! Enjoy the GT4 👍🏼

[@royramdeen8864]

God came down to earth and gave the gift of wisdom and enlightenment to one Ferdinand Alexander Porsche to built a 911 much as he told Noah to built the Ark. The only car Porsche does well is a 911, everything else is a copy.

[@Rennthusiast]

Guessing you have never driven a GT4.

[@royramdeen8864]

@@Rennthusiast Once at the dealership, but I am old school 911. Seeing most ofl the same parts from the 911 usually gets passed down to the other less expensive models. Happy you are having a blast enjoying and sharing the passion. My 911.1 and GT3 RS is plenty for me. Everyone wants the air cooled. They are now too expensive to keep and maintain, but these beauties are what started a revolution that will last forever.

[@thordandersson5802]

sorry, you lost me.

[@Rennthusiast]

That sucks. Was worried it was kind of long and not upbeat enough. No real action shots either but that’s the rough thing about being a solo creator not having a partner.