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That's like looking at the rear of two supermodels and trying to decide which is nicer; preferring one over the other is just nit-picking the flaws.
Although I do prefer the slightly busier back end of the newer version.
I love my '16 GT4, but I also love a big booty, so I've got to say the new one is more...impressive. That being said, the owner of either of these cars is a lucky person.
For me it's the opposite. I think the design of the 981 rear is much cleaner than the 718. I can appreciate the improved aerodynamics that the changes provide, and the 718 does of course improve on the overall performance of the 981, but that's to be expected. Personally, I think the 718 loses some of the rawness that the 981 offers, unfortunately due to the refinements Porsche has made. It's all about what makes you happy though. The 981 is not the fastest Porsche on the road, but to me at least it's one of the most fun to drive.
Love the 981 body style, just not on a GT car. It was perfect for the 981 Spyder IMO, but it just doesn't look right on a GT car. The 718 fixed that, even though it's a less organic design. It's much more aggressive looking from every angle and that's what a GT car should be IMO. And if one wants to avoid upgrading, don't look at an overlay of the two car's dyno curves...
Love the 981 body style, just not on a GT car. It was perfect for the 981 Spyder IMO, but it just doesn't look right on a GT car. The 718 fixed that, even though it's a less organic design. It's much more aggressive looking from every angle and that's what a GT car should be IMO. And if one wants to avoid upgrading, don't look at an overlay of the two car's dyno curves...
I love the simplicity of the 996, 997 and 991 GT3s (non-RS). The 981 GT4 has more in common with those in that they have wings, redesigned bumpers and that’s about it. The 991 GT3RS looks aggressive, but too over the top for me. The new GT4 reminds me of the RS. That being said, I do think the 718 GT4 front end and diffusor look very aggressive and the wing looks great. I hate the light bar design language on new Porsches, the 718 rear reflectors and the 718 tail lights. Rear is way too busy.
Love the 981 body style, just not on a GT car. It was perfect for the 981 Spyder IMO, but it just doesn't look right on a GT car. The 718 fixed that, even though it's a less organic design. It's much more aggressive looking from every angle and that's what a GT car should be IMO. And if one wants to avoid upgrading, don't look at an overlay of the two car's dyno curves...
Or have a look at the overlay, and then at the premium you pay for said upgrade.
I love the simplicity of the 996, 997 and 991 GT3s (non-RS). The 981 GT4 has more in common with those in that they have wings, redesigned bumpers and that’s about it. .
But each of those started with an epic design (the 911) and got a Motorsport motor as well. The 981 GT4 got neither unfortunately. It was kind of a parts bin GT car and never really pulled it off IMO. But that’s the beauty of having choices - everyone can get the one they prefer.
But the premium is for a lot more than a massively improved linear power curve, not to mention zero miles and a warranty.
I totally get not upgrading if one already has a 981 GT4. But if one is out shopping, the 718 is well worth the cost difference.
A well optioned 718 is in C2S price territory. A local dealer has 5 of them in stock, along with 3 Spyders, and the pile keeps growing. The last 981 they had was gone in a day (white, 5000 miles, CPO) and they were asking over $100k CDN. There has to be a reason why they are not selling. Also, IMO, the “parts bin” idea of the 981 is part of what makes it special, GT3 suspension, Turbo hubs, C2S motor, It’s a Cayman with 911 bits, built by the Motorsport team and it’s appreciated heavily by the hot rod crowd. The new one, with all of its performance improvements, is very capable for sure. Once PDK arrives it will be even better on the track, but, it’s not a special car, also IMHO. It’s too accessible, over refined, and Porsche blew it with the pricing strategy. For a person who wants a daily, the GTS 4.0 ticks a lot of the same boxes at a better price, and if you want something faster, the C2S gets tempting at the GT4 price point. Will be interesting to see used market values of the two over the next few years. However, having said all that, the upcoming RS is very exciting indeed. Glad we all have something to choose that makes us happy.
But each of those started with an epic design (the 911) and got a Motorsport motor as well. The 981 GT4 got neither unfortunately. It was kind of a parts bin GT car and never really pulled it off IMO. But that’s the beauty of having choices - everyone can get the one they prefer.
I do love the 911 but I think the 981 Cayman is one of Porsches best sports car designs from a strictly looks perspective. I think what Porsche did with the 981 GT4 was perfect. But you’re right, looks are purely subjective.
As for the engine, the 981 Gt4 didn’t get a motor sports engine but I don’t care, I love it. But at this point, with all the 981 and 718 GT4s campaigning the 9A1... it’s more of a motorsports engine then the 718 GT4 streetcar.
But the premium is for a lot more than a massively improved linear power curve, not to mention zero miles and a warranty.
I totally get not upgrading if one already has a 981 GT4. But if one is out shopping, the 718 is well worth the cost difference.
I would never pay up to, nor over $143K for a 718: ever, but to each their own.
You can't keep a 981 GT4 on a car lot long, but the 718s are parked in a row outdoors with maybe a PTS inside the showroom.
So happens I own both a 981 GT4 and a recent addition 991.1 GT3, so call me a bit biased, lol!
I would never pay up to, nor over $143K for a 718: ever, but to each their own.
If Porsche offered a manual GT4 w/ the GT3 engine for GT3 money. I would have bought it. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I'm also sure we're few. I just prefer the Cayman to the 911. Was never interested in the 911. The 987 Cayman is what brought me to the Porsche brand (even though my first Porsche was a 981)
10-01-2020, 01:14 PM
