718 GT4 or 991.2 GT3
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 1,217
From: Washington State
The GT4 has never been limited production (aka numbered), they have always been production limited (they make as many as they can with existing production lines). The difference between the 981 and 718 is Porsche mis-predicted the demand for the GT4 so the 981 GT4 wasn't produced for enough model years. Expectation is that the 718 GT4 will be produced longer.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 989
Likes: 579
If I was going to buy a hard top Porsche, the GT3 .2 would be on the top of my list followed by the Carrera T. There’s something about that 911 shape in hardtop form that’s truly irresistible.
Being an open top guy, my choice was easy. I bought the 718 Spyder because the only other comparable open top Porsche is nearly 3x the price, arguably less pretty and maybe a touch less nimble albeit with the exceptional Motorsport engine.
That being said, don’t underestimate the new 4.0 liter in the GT4 and Spyder. Having previously owned the 981 Spyder, I can say the 4.0 engine feels much more responsive than the 3.8 and it’s free revving effortlessness reminds me more of the GT3 engine than the 3.8 engine it replaced.
Bottom line, there’s no bad choice here. Both cars represent two of the most competent, visceral sports cars you can buy today and both can be had with an MT which is something you can’t get from Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, etc. The midengine upstart GT4 or the all conquering and classic GT3. Flip a coin and then enjoy.
Being an open top guy, my choice was easy. I bought the 718 Spyder because the only other comparable open top Porsche is nearly 3x the price, arguably less pretty and maybe a touch less nimble albeit with the exceptional Motorsport engine.
That being said, don’t underestimate the new 4.0 liter in the GT4 and Spyder. Having previously owned the 981 Spyder, I can say the 4.0 engine feels much more responsive than the 3.8 and it’s free revving effortlessness reminds me more of the GT3 engine than the 3.8 engine it replaced.
Bottom line, there’s no bad choice here. Both cars represent two of the most competent, visceral sports cars you can buy today and both can be had with an MT which is something you can’t get from Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, etc. The midengine upstart GT4 or the all conquering and classic GT3. Flip a coin and then enjoy.
Pro
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 575
Likes: 217
From: Sydney, Australia
IMO I don't think you can go past the 991.2 GT3 particularly given its size (cf RS & 992) but then it is not a mid engine which I think is where the Cayman still has the advantage but then the GT3 has RAS which I believe helps overcome the rear engine bias. I still also like the proportions of the Cayman better. It is a shame they do not make a mid engine GT3.
In our part of the world a 991.2 GT3 is still $30k US more for a higher milage (~6000miles) and up to $50k more for a lower milage (~1000miles) so it is still really a different buyers market. Values seem to hold quite well because it seems most of the owners don't really drive their cars!
In our part of the world a 991.2 GT3 is still $30k US more for a higher milage (~6000miles) and up to $50k more for a lower milage (~1000miles) so it is still really a different buyers market. Values seem to hold quite well because it seems most of the owners don't really drive their cars!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,772
Likes: 3,914
Used GT3 is going to be better financially. If you prefer GT4 though buy the GT4.
GT4 has held well for those that paid MSRP, but remember, they were trading over MSRP for a while. Figure a $100k sticker car is selling somewhere around $80k now. That same car was selling for $105k a year or two ago. There's a reason they increased pricing on the GT4, there was more development with the new engine, but also they realized they priced the last one too low.
GT4 has held well for those that paid MSRP, but remember, they were trading over MSRP for a while. Figure a $100k sticker car is selling somewhere around $80k now. That same car was selling for $105k a year or two ago. There's a reason they increased pricing on the GT4, there was more development with the new engine, but also they realized they priced the last one too low.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 56
Likes: 13
From: OR 3
I have 992 GT3 allocation but have been considering the same question. Not in a rush, so going to see how the new GT3 plays/prices out. Some aren't keen on the new look, but I think it's rad. GT3 price also puts ya in a 570S or a used 458 range.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 540
Likes: 292
Your chart above is very useful and (I think) finally is showing why the 718GT4 is a bit faster than the original around the Ring etc, it's not peak power its the consistently and smoother torque across about 2/3rds of the range (plus, no doubt N1 tyres, new tarmac and a bit of aero at the Ring). The torque curve is just so flat at the upper end. I have clipped the BGB dyno from the June 18 posted on Rennlist. It's their 981 GT4 stage 1 tune - cargraphic race headers, IPD, throttle body and, of course, some expert tuning from BGB. Baseline GT4 in the second chart is very, very similar to the one in your post above, no surprise, same BGB dyno. So old GT4 plus headers is much more comparable to 718 GT4 until the very top of the range where the new engine just keeps going ! I can't wait to see what else the US tuners get out of this engine !
Banned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 241
Same sentiments here....
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 508
Likes: 179
From: Austin Tx
What if we where talking gt3 .1 vs 718 gt4? Now we have apples to apples on price. Have not seen many track comparisons of those 2 cars (yet). From some of the you tube videos and forums I seem to be hearing or reading the gt4 numbers coming from P are lower then what people are seeing in the real world. When I spec a new gt4 I am coming out to 109-115k vs finding a med/high spec gt3 being 115-125k.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 719
Likes: 229
Won't surprise me if tuners can extract 475 hp with E85 and some bolt on's. With PDK, it will be a true track weapon that can also run low low 11's down the 1/4 mile.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 961
I've done my own digging but im curious of the thoughts from u guys the porsche pros. My question from an economic (depreciation) standpoint, does a used 991.2 GT3 with 10-20k miles make more sense than brand new GT4 (both low spec i dont need options or buckets)? I don't plan on selling the car but I never rule out getting a newer GT car as time goes on, I will be tracking the car. My understanding is that the previous gen GT4s have held their value extremely well but that may be due to the low supply that this newer GT4 may not be given. I will be happy with either car just looking for some opinions from the information some of you have accumulated on this site.
I hope everyone is having a great week, cheers!! (:
I hope everyone is having a great week, cheers!! (:
there is a couple other cars at that sweet spot of about $115,000 right now I'd throw in the mix.....
lightly used NSX's and R8 V10's .....my pick would be the NSX probably
2017 3700 Miles $117K asking
2014 5,500 miles asking $114K
Last edited by SoCal-NSX; Jul 30, 2020 at 12:31 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Noticed small advertised discounts on new gt4's. But they are $120k+... I may pull the trigger if it's on one with a $100k build w/ a discount purely for track.
Can't justify paying $80k for a 2016 gt4 w/o a warranty...
Can't justify paying $80k for a 2016 gt4 w/o a warranty...
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 508
Likes: 179
From: Austin Tx
Same boat. Last weekend I called every dealer that had a new gt4 in and asked if they would give any discount off MSRP only one said yes buy spec was around 128. 981gt4 just cant get myself to spend the 80-90k it will take to get a good one (good is subjective) would rather just spend the 109-114 for the new one...... then you can get a .1 gt3 for same price that's going to have more power.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 982
Likes: 1,197
From: Upstate SC
I would go for the v10 R8 however (gated manual).