2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 vs 2016 Porsche Cayman S - Head to Head Review!

[@spikes20]

Went from official s2000 channel, to official Cayman channel 😊

[@Zygrene]

Lots of S2000 drivers "graduate" to the Cayman, particularly the GT4. It's a pretty logical progression for those who still want the amazing power delivery, handling and track chops but delivered in a far more refined manner.

[@spikes20]

@@Zygrene this was my path, supercharged s2k and now 718 gt4 😜 hence why I watch all your content!

[@KenColton]

GT4s absolutely murder my local Autocross. They look like they bend the laws of physics. Much respect.

[@ricepony33]

I got a ride with a Porsche pro driver at an autox event at the Porsche Fest… I honesty told him, is this too good?

[@qikqbn77]

Zygrene, I have said this before, but you are very fortunate to be able to sample so many great Porsches. As a Porsche owner, your sentiments at the end about price versus experience ring true. This is one of the reasons I have not upgraded my older Porsches with new ones. Depending on your daily driving habits and purpose for the car, it is hard to justify $75-100K in order to "upgrade" to the newer models. Porsche cars in general have just been that good for so long, that each model is a joy to drive, no matter how old they are. BTW the steering feel and long gearing were a big factor in keeping me from upgrading when the 981's + 991's first came out with the new electronic steering pump. Although the newest models are getting better with steering feel, the levels of performance are so high now, that it's difficult to enjoy them around town without getting thrown in jail. Keep up the great work!

[@Poorschedriver]

Well said. Many people forget that on a tight canyon road power becomes less relevant than chassis tuning. My 987 boxster S with Cayman R suspension and 280HP is as fast as my 981 Cayman GTS with 340hp.And they're both a blast and much cheaper than a GT4.

[@lbeck37]

I bought a 2015 Cayman S PDK last year ($45K, 88K miles) and have found it a good car for going to my first track days. The car does everything I want and sounds out of this world. Before buying this car, I had no track experience and and I have found the CS to be a really good car on the ~5 track days I have done. I had it at a Porsche DE event (driver education) at Laguna Seca and it worked great for me. I kept my speed down, having heard there were some places without a lot of run off, but the CS did go fast enough (110mph?) down the main straight to scare me each time coming over the rise before turn 1. I found the track gets narrower above a 100mph. I had an instructor most of the time and the car did everything I asked. My instructor had raced at Laguna Seca and I learned that apparently you don't drive around the Corkscrew, you come off the tight left hander before it, get on the gas for about a second and then crank the wheel hard right into space and hope you are in position when you come down on the rumble strips. The Cayman S handled it over and over and never protested. I have found that currently the Cayman S is a much better car than I am a driver. An important option for a 981 Cayman S with a PDK is the Sport Chrono package (silly clock on center of dash) which gives both a Sport and a Sport Plus button that give multiple useful tunes for the engine and PDK.

[@Unicornpirate]

Would like to see a 981 GT4 vs 718 GT4 comparison if you can make it happen. But excellent video nonetheless. I don't think you can go wrong with any Porsche GT product

[@Zygrene]

This one has eluded me. I'll try to make it happen.

[@sanzserif]

Just my 2c after driving them: 718 has a bit more grunt. Especially at the top end where the 981 kinda dies off after 7k. Low end grunt feels similar. 981 clutch feels more mechanical. Steering is heavier. Exhaust is better and is an absolute screamer whereas 718 has is more induction sound. Big takeaway for me was that the 981 feels more raw and mechanical. Like every generation, the newer one feels more refined. Personally, the 981 felt more special but you could make a case for the 718 due to the engine power at the top end.

[@Juzz_Vibes]

@@sanzserifnothing a tune can’t fix

[@SpicyHatchback]

You can update the EPS software to get more steering feel on the 981/991.1 generation cars. Makes a huge difference.

[@adrs2k]

Just did this myself. Night and day difference on my 981 CGTS.

[@victoryang9115]

@@adrs2kwhat do you need to update the software? Would like to do mine too

[@adrs2k]

@@victoryang9115 PIWIS 2 or 3. Many Indy shops are able to do the coding and even some dealerships from what I’ve heard. There are also a lot of people out there with their own PIWIS tool that can do the coding.

[@MacroLensMan]

All these reviews have been so helpful for me when deciding on my entry car in the Porsche brand. Thank you for taking the time to produce all this excellent content.

[@lbeck37]

I meant to mention that these videos are some the best and most informative ones I have seen. He really communicates how the cars feel and their pros and cons.

[@garyle3778]

Totally unrelated but I'd love to see you make an advanced video on driving stick for daily drivers! After watching your videos for a couple of years now I bought my first car being an nc miata and I wish to drive like you one day :)

[@Zygrene]

Adding this video to the backlog!

[@BubuBarong]

Hi mate, I now own a 2023 718 Spyder PDK coming from a 2014 981 Boxster S PDK, so I completely get your comparison. Cheers from Italy! P.S. for the money the 981S is unparalleled.

[@user-wq7ct4yu7k]

Great review. Would like to see a comparo between Lotus Emira Manual to 718 GTS 4.0 Manual for a weekend car.

[@Zygrene]

Definitely going to film that comparo once I can.

[@mechanics718]

My first sports car was a 2015 Cayman S. PDK with sports exhaust. It really is an amazing car. I've been through a ton of cars since then but keep a Porsche in the garage. I'm now on my 3rd P-Car, a 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 6MT.

[@QuickQuips]

Glad the GT4 fixed the absurdly long first gear in the first gen. For a B road car I'd take the S to be honest. Spend the savings on nicer tires, lighter wheels, coilovers and track time.

[@miamigt4922]

I have a GT4RS and a 981 Cayman S. I did trade a 2020 718 GT4 in for my 4RS. I regularly track the 981CS until my 4RS is broken in. The GT4 feels closer to the GT4RS, of course without the same power and insanity than the difference between the GT4 and 981CS. On high speed corners the 981CS feels more floaty while the GT4 felt more planted. Both GT4 and 4RS feel like they have the ability to push each wheel into every contour of the road surface while the 981CS rolls over the road surface. This is a total PITA when you’re in the mood for a normal drive on an uneven road while the 981CS is more comfortable and smoother for daily driving. But the GT4 and 4RS feel like race cars you are lucky enough the government lets you drive on the street. Calculating what percentage the 981S is to the 718 GT4, I’d say its about 65%. Compared to the GT4RS I’d say its less than half the car, prob 40%. The GT4 is amazing, the 4RS is legendary, the 981CS is very good.

[@prazzy4712]

you always manage very relevant comparos, I went from a 2016 Cayman S to a 2022 GTS 4.0, an S offers 90% of the experience for 60% of the money.

[@thespectralsorrows]

agree, I have a tuned 981 Boxster S, got to drive the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, I'd put it around 85%...which is why I couldn't justify paying double to get one, just doesn't make economic sense to me.

[@denisvogel5155]

Thanks for the comparison video. I had a 981 CS with X73 suspension, without a locking diff. and without sport exhaust but with a manual transmission. I changed that for a 718 GT4 manual and your observations, in my opinion, are spot on. In inclement weather I missed not having a limited slip diff. but not the sport exhaust so much because the 3.4 makes a wonderful sound without it, much better than the 718 4.0 I would say. The 718 GT is however worth every penny. As I mentioned elsewhere, it's the excellent icing on an already superb cake!

[@cr4zym3x1c4n]

Got the chance to drive the gt4 in the mountains over the weekend, I absolutely could not put it too it’s full potential it is TOO GOOD at the handling, I’ve been looking at buying the 981 cayman S so this is the ultimate video comparison for me. I was blessed to experience the ride of my life, Porsche wins by miles

[@bakhteria]

I would think a 981 gts vs a 718 S would be the more fair comparison.

[@teddyframhein]

For what it's worth - I'm not aware of any need in the 981 for additional cooling or anything like that. Unless you're thinking of running in 100+F ambient conditions, in which case I'd ask, what's the point? As with most any road car, there are things you can do to help bolster braking consistency, but at least the rest of the package is fine out of the box. You may be surprised at the difference a set of proper tires can make, on a 981 running on stock X73, in making the entire thing feel more track-able.

[@krabbypatty7618]

Love the video and commentary! Keep them coming!

[@purplejuice476]

I just got my 981 CS coming from a stage 1 A3 Quattro and its exponentially more fun! Just depends on what car you're coming from and what you want in terms of driving experience.👍

[@inaNis_]

Can you do a review on a first gen boxster?

[@Pogona2011]

Oh nice! What road! Most of the fun ones were shut down for storm damage in our area-I live nearby

[@racsowang]

For the price, I think the 981S delivers enough Cayman sensation. The newer 982 GTS4.0, GT4 are progressively better, until the GT4RS.

[@FreshFL5]

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve had a recent appreciation for lower hp cars, coming from something much quicker before my FL5. Driver connectivity and experience is often forgotten. If something gets you 70% to the GT4 for way less money, it’s definitely something to consider.

[@likwong7786]

Wish to see F87 M2 vs 981S in your next one.

[@rahatchoudhury175]

This a good one right here

[@shughes911]

Man you have great reviews!!! I have a 05 997 but would like to buy a cayman. My budget won’t stretch to a cayman s what do you think of the base cayman ? I get mixed opinions on the base. Since I have to settle on the base I would look for one that is optioned well.. or just keep my 997? Just can’t find a base to drive.. any input from everyone is greatly appreciated

[@lbeck37]

I'm curious where these videos are taken. Somewhere in Calif? I mentioned Laguna Seca and I realized the video looks like the area around there.

[@Xxyion86]

This was awesome! Would love to get together again in the future!

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

Why is pulling down to downshift and pushing up to upshift not logical?

[@seepuyi]

Under braking, your body moves forward, so pushing forward to downshift is more efficient because it's in sync with your body. Similarly, under acceleration, pulling to upshift feels right.

[@borinvlogs]

you look like you had more fun and giggles in Tesla model 3 Performance video

[@Poorschedriver]

981 GTS is the poor man's GT4. Usually about 2/3 the price with 4/5 the performance. Sure you don't get the GT3 front end, but most GTS are highly optoned and in some cases better optioned than most GT4. X73 and PTV really make the car come alive.

[@Aiken47]

How can a GT4 be a daily driver when it would leave half of itself on a speed hump, even with the lifter? I don’t understand why the 981 S isn’t being compared with a 718 S. Not that I’d climb over one to get into another car

[@thespectralsorrows]

No doubt the 981 remains a great value when compared to the 718's which are typically nearly twice the price...but obviously much newer. If you are a track guy...the $70K saved buying the Cayman S will go a long way to pay for a few needed upgrades (Suspension/brakes/rollcage/exhaust/tune) and lots and lots of track time/brake pads/tires.

[@Tariq0826]

I wish the 718 had the same interior as the Carreras

[@nyy6221]

Have a cayman s 2016 for sale local for $40k close to me. Thinking about it. Anyone have suggestions?

[@drdavidrose4]

I've no idea why you would turn off the PSM. It's there for a reason - if you do something stupid it saves you.

[@y0udefeated738]

Great comparison 👍 Looking to buy a GTS 4.0 early next year; I wonder how that differs from the GT4…

[@joe718gt4]

Most likely a little softer and quieter

[@Zygrene]

GT4 feels more precise, but the GTS might be more fun on public roads.

[@mechanics718]

I have a GTS 4.0 and have driven the GT4 at PECLA. Main difference is track feel where the GT4 is transcendent. If you have the funds to track GT4 I think it's absolutely worth the price difference.

[@y0udefeated738]

@@mechanics718 Thanks for the insight. It’ll mainly be for B-roads and light touring so sounds like GTS is more suitable

[@neilturner6749]

I looked at a used 718 GT4 (here in the UK the entire 3 year production run sold-out back in early 2021) having driven a friends one, but decided to buy a new GTS instead. Performance (acceleration wise) is in reality identical, the GT4 is very slightly quicker around a racetrack though (I track my GTS at Goodwood) due to the aero allowing marginally higher cornering grip. I much prefer the slightly softer ride of the GTS over the GT4s harshness, but its a mistake to put either model in the stiffer suspension setting on the public road though, as the reviewer does here, because it unsettles the car over bumps and means you actually have to drive slower through backing-off.

[@oesoy]

How does the Cayman S compare to the GR Supra auto?

[@Zygrene]

Supra feels a lot quicker but less composed

[@thedailyshift4160]

Good channel, hate the chuckles though seem fake

[@bootneck401664]

Always makes me laugh to PDK drivers not using the paddle shifters and instead acting like it’s a manual shift 😂😂

[@BubuBarong]

Particularly when the lever works the other way round, like on 981 PDKs...

[@verdict1163]

If you're used to driving stick it can feel more natural.

[@OVER5TEER]

More like pretending like it's a sequential dogbox.

[@milli2385]

It’s just more satisfying idt anyone is pretending it’s a manual.

[@lbeck37]

It's seeing them take their right hand off the wheel to grab the gearshift - I'm more comfortable keeping both hands on the wheel. :) In fact, I like letting the PDK take care of the up and downshifts.

[@michaelp8928]

What do you think of the 981 cayman compared to your BRZ? I know in the past you've highlighted the playfulness of the BRZ over the 987 cayman. For the price, would the 981 Cayman be a disappointment?

[@michaelp8928]

With the BRZ being 50% of the price of the 981 CS, how much % of car do you think the BRZ is of the 981 CS?

[@thespectralsorrows]

Also consider resale value, you are buying an asset that will likely not depreciate much in the Cayman...but yes, a 981 Cayman is a great car and huge upgrade over a BRZ.

[@mattonthewater]

No. Save a little more and buy a GT3

[@Zygrene]

991.2 GT3s still go for around 50% more money. Worth the premium in my opinion but still a ton of additional $$ to drop.