Cosmo Kramer

Hey everyone

Not sure if this has been talked to death yet but thought I would ask it here (also did on the 981 forum so I could see both perspectives). I have a chance to get a 2024 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 allocation with a summer delivery date. I am noticing that I can buy a 981 GT4 for a bit less with about 20-30,000 miles on the clock. One in particular I have found is well optioned, 18,000 miles, had the transmission recall done, service records, nice colour, has an aftermarket exhaust and the seller seems motivated. I can probably can get it for about 15k less than the new GTS as dealers are still doing that “mandatory $$ options” thing.

I have test driven the GTS 4.0 and it was pretty impressive. I also drove a 981S manual that the dealer had in stock and obviously the GTS was a big upgrade. I haven’t driven the 981 GT4 but from what I have read they are pretty awesome. This will be a weekend warrior car not a daily driver.

So based on driving experience, resale, cost of ownership etc I would love to hear some opinions on this.

UncleDude

Looking forward to seeing the comments, if you like the look of both I think it is a tough decision.

Montaver

The 981 GT4 has a real specialness to it, it also sounds incredible out of the box. I would drive both and see which you prefer.

MaddMike

Usually in Porsche world it is best to get the newest one you can afford. However, that is for an apples to apples comparison. A GT car to a non-GT car is going to be different as they have different use cases, ride differently, etc.

The GT4 is going to be a better buy as depreciation has already hit vs. the GTS which is going to depreciate much steeper. Besides, GT cars depreciate less. However, you get to pick your options and colors and have it since new. Is this a DD? A track toy? A weekend toy? How much do you value that new car smell? How long do you plan on keeping it? If you are only going to keep it for a couple of years, are you willing to pay +$20k for the privilege?

You have to give us a bit more info on how you plan to use the thing to get some advice. From a purely financial perspective, the GT4 is the better buy. Assuming it is clean and in good condition with all maintenance up to date, you can probably drive it for 5 years and sell it for near what you paid for it. It would also make a better track car and IMO will always be the cooler of the two. The GTS will be more comfortable, have more creature comforts, and be more modern but the total cost of ownership will be higher.

Edit: I see it is supposed to be a weekend warrior so assuming the GT4 is clean and up to date on maintenance, that is a no-brainer for me.

Cosmo Kramer

Talking depreciation. The GT4’s are basically at their 2016 MSRP prices. I don’t know if a 2024 GTS will be at MSRP 8 years from now as the new ones are already inflated post Covid. The 718 GT4 and RS will probably keep the 981 GT4 resale strong as they are above MSRP currently, their MSRPs were very high plus all the ADM buyers paid. I thought the 982 was going to end in 2024 but it appears Porsche is going to keep it going as they phase in the electric model. Knowing them they will probably bring out some more special gas powered models for people to line up for.

I do all my own maintenance so not overly worried about that end of things. I believe the 981 platform is pretty solid. Also you can add CarPlay to the PCM fairly easily so that will make it a bit more livable.

rcfun33

I think they are both really great cars, so it likely comes down to your preferences/priorities. I do think the GTS will depreciate more than the GT4, since it is starting at a higher price and will eventually come down the depreciation curve, particularly since it isn't technically a GT car. So if money/value is a primary concern, I would lean towards the GT4.

We own a 718 GTS 4.0 and on the track it does quite well against the 981 GT4s. It has a bit more torque and I'm sure with an exhaust and tune, it would be considerably quicker than the GT4 in a straight line. At the track there are many 981 GT4 owners/drivers and the one thing they crave is a bit more torque. The GTS is obviously softer which depending on your focus is either good or bad. It's nice on the road, but leaves something on the table if tracking the car.

We really like our GTS AND we enjoy going to the track. I plan to keep it and slowly turn it into my version of a GT4 touring with suspension and power upgrades putting it on par or above a stock 718 GT4, just missing the rear wing and big diffusers. We also have a 718 Spyder which is the 718 GT4 without the roof. The GTS and Spyder really are not that far off in performance, even though one is from the GT division.

MaddMike

GT cars have minimal depreciation. GTS cars are already selling for $10-$20k below MSRP which is why I brought that up. People who paid over MSRP for their cars did so knowing that they were burning that money. For a lot of people on this site, it is a non-issue. For me, it was part of my calculation. I sold my 981 Spyder for close to MSRP and ordered a 982 Spyder for MSRP. Yes, I have $30k in parts on it that I understand I will not get back but I can at least justify to my wife that the actual car will hold its value.

A GT car will always be special. A GTS will be a high-spec Porsche. Nothing wring with a GTS except that it is not a GT car.

RoadrunnerGTS

Track car vs street/touring car. 981 GT4 is more raw than current GT4. GTS is a great all-rounder if you not doing a lot of track work. Also the 981 looking a bit dated now.

Eric5280

Owned 981 GT4 and currently own GTS 4.0 and 718 GT4.

If not tracking often, then GTS is my pick. It's a much better road setup that feels a lot like a GT4 yet more compliant. 981 out of warranty as well. GTS are coming to end for a new one, you can always get a 981 GT4 if you end up wanting that.

Both are incredible cars, though. Can't go wrong.

Cosmo Kramer

Thanks for all the information, it's a really tough call. A new Porsche would be fantastic, I have never done one. Came close on a 2022 Spyder but got jerked around on the allocation.

I may put 2-3000 miles a year on this car, want it to be an event when I go out. We also take trips to tail of the dragon, I think either car would shine nicely there.

mikedee

I just went through this and the GTS won for me. Non track owner just backroads enjoyment. Drove it from TX to The Tail and enjoyed every minute.

Xxyion

While i cant say 100% as i only owned my 718 GT4 for about 7 months and have not received my BGTS yet, i would guess that the GTS and the GT4 (981 or 718) are about the same when it comes to road driving. I drove a 981 GTS Boxster a while back and its quite capable on the street. I think its the track where the GT4 really shines and where you can really start to tell the difference between the two. If you have no intention about tracking the car, id go with the new GTS. Being a 718 it will be quite the event when you got out and you will get to experience a new Porsche experience. However i think if you plan on doing a lot of track days or a lot of HPDE events, then i think the GT4 will suit it better as it should have a higher limit.

coldfire

I had a 981 GT4 before my current 718 Spyder. The 718 is the objectively the better car, especially in terms of suspension refinement and the engine (power delivery). But subjectively I thought the 981 GT4 was more unique and raw in terms of driving experience. The clutch was heavier, you had to pay more attention when driving hard, and the mechanical sensations/sounds were more old school. I went with the Spyder for the open-air experience. Don't think I would have traded the 981 GT4 for a newer GT4/GTS.

TheBucketOfTruth

I still haven't driven a 981 GT4 but have driven a GTS 4.0 and own a 718 GT4. If it's not your daily I'd say 981 GT4. I already have a problem with my GT4 not being quite as characterful as older Porsches when just driving normally (though it's fantastically capable on a good road). So the idea of going even softer from there to a GTS does not sound exciting. If the 981 GT4 is more raw as some people say then that seems like it would be more of an occasion to get in for weekend fun. I've also read multiple members here say their Cayman Rs were more interesting street cars than their GT4s they ended up getting. I haven't driven a 997 GTS either but as long as we're talking about out of warranty Porsches... anyway best of luck with your decision.

silverscooby27

I would go for a new GTS 4.0.