Porsche GTS 4.0 vs 981 Cayman - What Does $20K Buy? Real POV Drive | Best Backroad EP 12

Porsche 718 GTS 4.0, 981 Cayman S and 981 Base Cayman on a winding mountain backroad. The performance difference between the cars is apparent from watching the video. If you aren't going to track the car, the real question to ask is if you can use the performance you pay for on public roads. Check out the 12th video in our search for the Best Backroad!
Porsche 718 GTS 4.0
Porsche 981 Cayman S
Porsche 981 Cayman (Base)
Note of correction - 981 Base Cayman has 2.7L and 275 hp
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Google map link showing the location of every video on the channel page. Check it out.

[@kendamer1480]

Just enjoying this video again, waiting for TrueView to publish the next one!

[@trueview3127]

Darn work has me crushed right now - but soon - soon!

[@TrueViewDriving]

The real question is which car gives the most smiles per mile? Winners all around if you ask me! 😄 With famously long gearing, its easy to argue that the lower cost of the 981 Base Cayman allows you to more fully enjoy the car on public roads . . . . What do you all think?

[@trueview3127]

I think the price delta is closer to $15K - $20K between the 981 Base and 981 S it turns out. Smiles per mile equal for all!

[@drunvert]

I have a 981 base manual. Amazing car. 4k rpm and up but plenty of torque for city driving and 1st 3rd or 2nd 4th shifts. The base comes pretty stiff, so without the sport plus option of the S that gives you stiff and comfort. The base model basically gives you mostly stiff which is fine by me. It's very difficult to break traction but I did it once and traction controlled jumped in after a minor rear end slide cutting power and made it very safe and easy. It only under steers with old front tires. The higher horsepower S or GTS might be able to push the front tires harder but you could always go up to 245s from 235 s. Almost everyone is fine in a base model. Porsche Cayman or 911. The only time you will really notice any differences if you are racing on a track.

[@edwinmartin7134]

Love to see you guys doing a walk around review of your cars. What you like and what you would change. There are lots video on track cars but very few on every day drivers that are also driven with spirit.

[@trueview3127]

Great call - I like that idea and will see what we can do!

[@kendamer1480]

I like that idea!

[@Milano322]

Another road I’m familiar with! Heading from the top up 42 North towards Elk Garden and 46 North from there is a nice stetch as well, along the Jennings Randolph lake. 46 past Cross however the road changes pretty drastically; pavement becomes quite rough, narrow, is unmarked and has a few patches of pure gravel before reaching better maintained roads again at the T-junction at the Maryland border.

[@trueview3127]

I am keeping of list of your recommendations! I hate hitting gravel when it isn't expected - will keep an eye out. I think we've tried 42 North - pretty good - but the sheriff wasn't the nicest to us! "We heard about you guys . . . . I've sent out the radio call . . . so everybody will know you are coming in all the counties around here. Drive safe now."

[@Milano322]

@@trueview3127 I’ve been lucky on that front; I’m sure with the amount of ground you cover and the number of roads you’ve seen, that sort of thing happens a fair bit?

[@eustaceomalley6071]

I know this is going to sound crazy... but I have to drive all these roads... I'm gonna have to take my Genie on a road trip and try some of these!

[@trueview3127]

Never a crazy idea to have a dream . . . And with enough time you can make it happen. Thanks for the great comment and welcome aboard!

[@BillLee3]

What have y'all found to be the best camera for this stuff? I like the videos and want to record my own in my new GTS 4.0.

[@trueview3127]

I am using GoPro 9 and 10s. Also have an insta 360 Go2 for POv. Best bet is an over the shoulder cam attached to the crossbar. Suggest the GoPro 10 or 11. Make sure to set a spot exposure balance on the windshield and not the entire scene.

[@rick-hm3ji]

all great cars, all fun roads!

[@trueview3127]

Amen brother!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Could you post your speed? That would give a better sense of grip.

[@trueview3127]

Thanks for the comment - I have noticed that when I added a Speedometer to the video in the past that I get significantly less views, which is I think driven by the algorithm reacting to people who watch and then give a thumbs down - but I can’t be sure of that. In general, we are running between 7 to 8 10ths. The aim is to avoid TC intervention and to never use ABS. Thanks again for watching! Hope to see you back.

[@kkkkimbg]

Very nice i love it

[@trueview3127]

Thanks for watching! I hope you keep coming back for all the videos! Cheers and great fun comment.

[@rosgoncharuk2403]

You've got the 981 base stats all over the place... It's 2.7L 275hp 213 lb/ft, I got one. My biggest problem with it is not the lack of power but the tall gearing, even on PDK.

[@trueview3127]

Agree I tried to update the stats in the comments - but unfortunately after a video drops I can’t update the video itself without losing the algorithm. Thanks for the comment and appreciate the watch!

[@Jay-xr3sb]

The tall gearing is helped with the 981 S, more torque all over, so you don't have to find the top end to get moving

[@drunvert]

981 base is 2.7 litre 275 hp or 285 w sport Uphill the hp difference from base to S is apparent. 4 seconds. But less on flat and almost zero downhill.

[@trueview3127]

Well said. I don’t see a lot of videos that show the real difference. It’s hard to really tell the difference from the drivers seat unless you are heading uphill or drag racing.

[@Poorschedriver]

Wow! Another great drive! I've not driven a GTS 4.0 but have had ample time in a 4.0 Spyder, which has a similar engine. The torque difference to the 981 is definitely substantial but I felt the 4.0 lacked some of the character of the 3.4L engine. It's worth $30k If you're spec'ing new, or just want a CPO car, otherwise the 981 is the value champion. Also, have you thought about adjusting your go pro settings? Mine used to do that turning focus thing as well, but if you turn off the image stabilization it will lock the frame. Those roads look pretty smooth so I doubt that you need the stabilization, but worst case you can smooth it out in post. I think it will help to capture the left/right transitions of the car better. Try it out!

[@trueview3127]

Thanks for the comment - as always! I agree the 981 S is the value champ, but so have to say I am enjoying the 718 GTS 4.0 and did order to spec so no looking back! As for the GoPro settings, I have already started experimenting with no stabilization and will probably go that direction. Truth be told - we have a ton of footage in the can, still be edited with in cam stabilization active, so it may be a while before you see the new style! Again, thanks for the comments! Cheers.

[@wvjon75]

Love this series! I live in WV and have driven all over. A couple favorites are RT20 from Webster Springs to Buchanan and RT 15 from Valley Head to Webster Springs. Also the Welch area is great.

[@trueview3127]

We appreciate the input and will add your suggestions to our map - link on the Channel page!

[@kendamer1480]

Man, that run up 50 at Skyline is short but sweet. Love the view of the chase. Any of those cars make a great dance partner!

[@trueview3127]

As I watched this back - there is no denying how great that stretch of road really is. I just wish it kept going for longer!