If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d like to admit wondering whether to go with the original Cayman GT4 or its newer, arguably more refined sibling – the 718 GT4. They share the same GT4 badge, but under the surface, these two Porsches take surprisingly different approaches to delivering driving thrills. So let’s dive in and figure out which one might suit you more.
Is the 982 GT4 really heavier?
No. The 718 GT4 isn’t simply heavier, at least not in the way most people assume. Many reviewers have pointed out the weight increase compared to the 981 GT4, but the truth is a bit more nuanced. When the 981 GT4 was released, Porsche was still allowed to publish the car’s minimum weight. That meant a version with carbon bucket seats, no air conditioning, and no infotainment system. The result was an impressively low brochure figure of just 1340 kg.
The 718 GT4, on the other hand, is officially listed at 1420 kg. That sounds like a significant jump, but it’s also a more honest number. Updated regulations required Porsche to reflect a more realistic, road-ready configuration. In real-world terms, the 718 GT4 is around 35 kilograms heavier which is mostly due to the addition of OPF filters and the more aggressive aero package.
I weighed my own 718 GT4 during a corner balancing session and with a quarter tank of fuel, iron brakes and bucket seats, it came in at 1390 kg.
Many 981 GT4 owners have also taken their cars to the scales and shared the results online, giving us a clearer picture of the real-world differences. Here’s what they found:
| 981 GT4 / Options | Weight in kg |
|---|---|
| Bucket seats, full leather | 1392 |
| Bucket seats, iron brakes, 3/4 of gas | 1402 |
| 2 way seats, iron brakes | 1398 |
| Bucket seats, iron brakes, full tank | 1403 |
| Bucket seats, full leather, 2/3 of gas | 1387 |
New engine, new power delivery
The engine chart says it all. The 718 GT4 delivers a more linear power curve and pulls stronger at higher revs. On porscheclubgb.com, you can find several dyno plots that closely match the factory figures, confirming the car’s character up top. The 718’s 4.0-liter flat-six shows a much smoother and more consistent curve, holding power better at high revs. This linearity is something owners feel clearly behind the wheel, especially compared to the 981, which some describe as feeling slightly ‘strangled’ in the upper rev range.
While the 718 GT4 offers improved performance, its exhaust note is noticeably more subdued due to the OPF filters. The 981 GT4, on the other hand, delivers a rawer, more aggressive sound that many enthusiasts still swear by.
The 718’s 4.0-liter flat-six delivers smoother power, while the 981 offers a rawer, more aggressive sound beloved by purists.
Suspension differences
Both the 981 and 718 GT4 share the same front suspension and brakes as the GT3, ensuring top-tier performance. However, there are differences in suspension adjustability. The information I received unofficially suggests that the shock absorber scale for the 981 GT4 ranges from 5 to 7, while the 718 GT4’s scale spans from 3 to 9. This means the 718 is softer in its normal setting and stiffer in sport mode.
In fact, other unofficial sources also confirm that the PASM in the 718 GT4 has been improved, which aligns with my findings on the shock absorber scales. This allows for more dynamic adjustments to suspension stiffness, improving the balance between comfort and performance. The PASM in the 981 GT4 offers a more fixed balance between comfort and sportiness.
The 718 offers a wider range of damper settings—softer in normal, stiffer in sport.
The areodynamics
The 981 GT4 offered the aero kit as optional equipment, which included components like a larger front splitter, rear diffuser, and enhanced side intakes. These parts were designed to improve aerodynamics and increase downforce, but only those who chose the option could benefit from them.
In contrast, the 718 GT4 comes with an improved aero kit as standard, providing 50% more downforce compared to the 981 GT4. This increased downforce contributes to better high-speed stability and faster cornering, helping the 718 GT4 achieve a top speed of 304 km/h (189 mph), versus 295 km/h (183 mph) in the 981 GT4.
| 982 Cayman GT4 | 981 Cayman GT4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Power | 420 PS @ 7,600 rpm | 385 PS @ 7,400 rpm |
| Torque | 420 Nm / 430 Nm (PDK) @ 5,000–6,800 rpm | 420 Nm @ 4,750–6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK | 6-speed manual only |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s (manual) / 3.9 s (PDK) | 4.4 s |
| Top speed | 304 km/h | 295 km/h |
Driving experience
Regarding the driving experience, the 981 GT4 offers a firmer clutch and a heavier steering feel, providing a more raw, mechanical connection to the car. The 718 GT4, on the other hand, has a slightly lighter steering feel, making it less demanding and more comfortable for everyday use, though still providing plenty of feedback and precision.
Other differences
There are several notable visual distinctions between the 981 GT4 and 718 GT4. The 981 GT4 features different rear taillights, which are more traditional in design compared to the more modern and sleek LED taillights found in the 718 GT4. Another difference is the exhaust system: the 718 GT4 has a dual exhaust, replacing the two central exhaust pipes of the 981 GT4. This change also creates a more prominent gap above the exhaust outlets, which some may find less aesthetically pleasing.
However, what is pleasing are the optional black brake calipers available in the 718 GT4, offering more customization options for enthusiasts who enjoy paying attention to detail.
Additionally, the 718 GT4 introduces the option of the PDK transmission, providing faster gear shifts and a more convenient driving experience, a feature not available in the 981 GT4, which only offered the manual gearbox.
The 718 GT4 also benefits from an upgraded infotainment system, offering better connectivity and a more intuitive user interface, along with adaptive LED headlights for enhanced visibility and precision.
