GT4 RS Driving Impressions
12-15-2023, 02:47 PM
#421
Pro
Professional driver in Argentina, he competes in the top categories. He was driving his Gt4RS last week 👆🏻
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Manifold (12-15-2023)
12-15-2023, 02:50 PM
#422
Got about 500mi now. Keeping the revs to around <= 6k. Some more thoughts
Suspension
The car is stiff but not harsh. (suspension button off) Not crashy (like older bmws) but it is stiff. To me it’s a good thing but I can see how some might complain. Overall it’s a worthy trade off because the body is way more controlled in corners. Last night I went over a little whoop in the hills (hwy 35 heading south) that unsettled both the stock 718 GT4 I had and the 981 GT4. This car doesn’t get unsettled. The back end just feels way more buttoned down. 35 has a lot of bumps the 981/982 gt4 would smooth those out a bit better but at the cost of some confidence / control. Overall I’m happy with the improvement and willing to sacrifice some smoothness over bumps to maintain grip. The one exception is there are sometimes little whoops that cause the car to pogo off the ground - I’m talking bad pavement. So if you’re getting on the gas the TC steps in. Overall still more control - but I will always keep the TC on when doing backroads. I could see some people getting a nasty surprise.
Engine / noise
I love it. Imo the sound of this engine from 0-6k rpm really sounds like a better spiritual successor to the original GT4. The 718 while unique missed the musical tone the 981 GT4 had which replaced with a growl. The RS just sounds so good. I’ll say again - perfect for highway cruising no annoying drone like the 718 GT4.
I can see how this car is going to be quite loud when I finally reach the glorious crescendo at 9k. That said medium to full throttle up to 6k at least to my lousy ears doesn’t bother me. I would compare the noise in the cabin at those speeds to the 981 GT4 perfectly livable. Advice though if you want good noise but less loud the 991.2 GT3 is probably more tolerable in this respect.
Engine sounds exactly the same as the 991.2 GT3. All the metal noises the idle sounds etc. The way it changes as it gets heated up.
Some new noises I’m curious about from other owners:
Front axle lift ( or lack thereof )
Don’t miss it. I would have ordered it if I had configured the car. But it seems to have the same amount of clearance the 981/982 GT4s have. I haven’t scraped yet.
PDK
Never had a GT4 with PDK. I love it. Feel it suits the car. Don’t miss the manual. Well only occasionally. I run in manual mode. The shorter gearing is great.
Overall
This car sure can hustle. I find myself regularly 10-15mph higher cruising than I normally would in my old GT4s. It feels great at all speeds. The grip is much higher than the other cars. Maybe the wider track or out of the box alignment is better - but I can just lean on it more and it’s just gripping. Pretty amazing.
Such a great car feeling fortunate to have one. No regrets selling my ‘18 GT3 PDK for it. However - they are different enough that if I was willing to spare the money and had garage space I would have both.
Suspension
The car is stiff but not harsh. (suspension button off) Not crashy (like older bmws) but it is stiff. To me it’s a good thing but I can see how some might complain. Overall it’s a worthy trade off because the body is way more controlled in corners. Last night I went over a little whoop in the hills (hwy 35 heading south) that unsettled both the stock 718 GT4 I had and the 981 GT4. This car doesn’t get unsettled. The back end just feels way more buttoned down. 35 has a lot of bumps the 981/982 gt4 would smooth those out a bit better but at the cost of some confidence / control. Overall I’m happy with the improvement and willing to sacrifice some smoothness over bumps to maintain grip. The one exception is there are sometimes little whoops that cause the car to pogo off the ground - I’m talking bad pavement. So if you’re getting on the gas the TC steps in. Overall still more control - but I will always keep the TC on when doing backroads. I could see some people getting a nasty surprise.
Engine / noise
I love it. Imo the sound of this engine from 0-6k rpm really sounds like a better spiritual successor to the original GT4. The 718 while unique missed the musical tone the 981 GT4 had which replaced with a growl. The RS just sounds so good. I’ll say again - perfect for highway cruising no annoying drone like the 718 GT4.
I can see how this car is going to be quite loud when I finally reach the glorious crescendo at 9k. That said medium to full throttle up to 6k at least to my lousy ears doesn’t bother me. I would compare the noise in the cabin at those speeds to the 981 GT4 perfectly livable. Advice though if you want good noise but less loud the 991.2 GT3 is probably more tolerable in this respect.
Engine sounds exactly the same as the 991.2 GT3. All the metal noises the idle sounds etc. The way it changes as it gets heated up.
Some new noises I’m curious about from other owners:
- the intake housing buzzes at low revs when the car is cold. Do your cars do this?
- I noticed when applying the brakes then letting off there are new distinct “clicks” from the engine bay that the 981/982 GT4s didn’t have - do your cars also do this?
Front axle lift ( or lack thereof )
Don’t miss it. I would have ordered it if I had configured the car. But it seems to have the same amount of clearance the 981/982 GT4s have. I haven’t scraped yet.
PDK
Never had a GT4 with PDK. I love it. Feel it suits the car. Don’t miss the manual. Well only occasionally. I run in manual mode. The shorter gearing is great.
Overall
This car sure can hustle. I find myself regularly 10-15mph higher cruising than I normally would in my old GT4s. It feels great at all speeds. The grip is much higher than the other cars. Maybe the wider track or out of the box alignment is better - but I can just lean on it more and it’s just gripping. Pretty amazing.
Such a great car feeling fortunate to have one. No regrets selling my ‘18 GT3 PDK for it. However - they are different enough that if I was willing to spare the money and had garage space I would have both.
- the intake housing buzzes at low revs when the car is cold. Do your cars do this?
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12-15-2023, 02:53 PM
#423
Only downside is the inside noise level :-((.
Sounds great below 7k RPM, close to 8k ear plugs AND Bose headset (lol) needed. In Sport+ with every gear hitting 9k, with earplugs AND helmet okay but without helmet even with the Bose, I couldn't hear much after my 4 15min Tourist runs on the GP Circuit (no helmet required). Now that's all with windows closed, which is a requirement in ROW. Don't know (yet) how noisy it is with the windows down here in the US. My car is stuck in Benecia Port's parking lot for close to 10 days now. Overstuffed with too many boats for too small a space and underresourced, not enough dockworkers since the great socialist welfare state of CA pays $20/hrs minimum doing nothing, so why work?
Sorry for the rant! I WANT MY CAR!!😪😪
12-15-2023, 03:54 PM
#424
- the intake housing buzzes at low revs when the car is cold. Do your cars do this?
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12-15-2023, 04:03 PM
#425
Rennlist Member
For those of you that may have missed this video buried in another thread. I think its one of the few back to back comparisons of driving these two cars on the road.
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Mike981S (04-05-2024)
12-15-2023, 04:03 PM
#426
There is truly greatness in the 4RS just needs better dampers imo.
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12-15-2023, 04:06 PM
#427
It is not as composed as the 992 GT3. It doesn’t feel as solid on hard braking, doesn’t feel as confident (to me) on turn in, and doesn’t grip as well on turn exists. As a result, it’ll take more effort to reach equivalent lap times.
But IMO, that’s also what makes the journey fun. It has a lot of power—too much for the OE tire size! Dancing with the car—steering inputs, throttle inputs, becomes really fun. It feels light, agile, and raw, compared to the GT3, which feels more like a cheat code…I’m sure the new 3 RS, even more so.
The engine sound is loud in the cabin, especially at sustained WOT, like down straights. Earplugs are absolutely necessary if you have windows up. Not so much with windows down, but the sound is incredible inside the car. Additionally, the sound is quiet on the outside, so this usually means it doesn’t blow sound at a lot of tracks.
It’s just a lot of fun, period. If you’re someone who is pushing for better and better lap times (like me), the limit of the car will feel more sketchy compared to a GT3–but it makes the journey really rewarding when you do hit your PBs. If you’re someone who doesn’t push for better and better times and just wants something quick and reliable on track, there’s absolutely nothing to be concerned about. The car is solid.
As with most here that are regular track folks, my recommendation would be a good track alignment, corner balancing, and hi temp brake fluid to start. No aftermarket parts needed to have a solid car on track. Mod, tuning, seat time etc from there to reach your personal goals makes the journey more fun.
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cooler2442 (12-15-2023)
12-15-2023, 04:13 PM
#428
Not at all! Drove 5000 kms and 6 race tracks in Europe with a 7:23 (lead-follow) on the shorter "Tourist" Ring loop :-)). No mods, factory alignment, just so buttoned down! Did that with my 981 GT4 (8:05) in '15 and it was downright scary. Interesting that the tire pressures of those Cup2s need to be much higher to get max grip (29/33 cold factory setting, 34/38 hot at Spa which was magical).
Only downside is the inside noise level :-((.
Sounds great below 7k RPM, close to 8k ear plugs AND Bose headset (lol) needed. In Sport+ with every gear hitting 9k, with earplugs AND helmet okay but without helmet even with the Bose, I couldn't hear much after my 4 15min Tourist runs on the GP Circuit (no helmet required). Now that's all with windows closed, which is a requirement in ROW. Don't know (yet) how noisy it is with the windows down here in the US. My car is stuck in Benecia Port's parking lot for close to 10 days now. Overstuffed with too many boats for too small a space and underresourced, not enough dockworkers since the great socialist welfare state of CA pays $20/hrs minimum doing nothing, so why work?
Sorry for the rant! I WANT MY CAR!!😪😪
Only downside is the inside noise level :-((.
Sounds great below 7k RPM, close to 8k ear plugs AND Bose headset (lol) needed. In Sport+ with every gear hitting 9k, with earplugs AND helmet okay but without helmet even with the Bose, I couldn't hear much after my 4 15min Tourist runs on the GP Circuit (no helmet required). Now that's all with windows closed, which is a requirement in ROW. Don't know (yet) how noisy it is with the windows down here in the US. My car is stuck in Benecia Port's parking lot for close to 10 days now. Overstuffed with too many boats for too small a space and underresourced, not enough dockworkers since the great socialist welfare state of CA pays $20/hrs minimum doing nothing, so why work?
Sorry for the rant! I WANT MY CAR!!😪😪
12-15-2023, 04:18 PM
#429
I would say the car likes to dance. This can be both good and bad, depending on your skill level and mindset.
It is not as composed as the 992 GT3. It doesn’t feel as solid on hard braking, doesn’t feel as confident (to me) on turn in, and doesn’t grip as well on turn exists. As a result, it’ll take more effort to reach equivalent lap times.
But IMO, that’s also what makes the journey fun. It has a lot of power—too much for the OE tire size! Dancing with the car—steering inputs, throttle inputs, becomes really fun. It feels light, agile, and raw, compared to the GT3, which feels more like a cheat code…I’m sure the new 3 RS, even more so.
The engine sound is loud in the cabin, especially at sustained WOT, like down straights. Earplugs are absolutely necessary if you have windows up. Not so much with windows down, but the sound is incredible inside the car. Additionally, the sound is quiet on the outside, so this usually means it doesn’t blow sound at a lot of tracks.
It’s just a lot of fun, period. If you’re someone who is pushing for better and better lap times (like me), the limit of the car will feel more sketchy compared to a GT3–but it makes the journey really rewarding when you do hit your PBs. If you’re someone who doesn’t push for better and better times and just wants something quick and reliable on track, there’s absolutely nothing to be concerned about. The car is solid.
As with most here that are regular track folks, my recommendation would be a good track alignment, corner balancing, and hi temp brake fluid to start. No aftermarket parts needed to have a solid car on track. Mod, tuning, seat time etc from there to reach your personal goals makes the journey more fun.
It is not as composed as the 992 GT3. It doesn’t feel as solid on hard braking, doesn’t feel as confident (to me) on turn in, and doesn’t grip as well on turn exists. As a result, it’ll take more effort to reach equivalent lap times.
But IMO, that’s also what makes the journey fun. It has a lot of power—too much for the OE tire size! Dancing with the car—steering inputs, throttle inputs, becomes really fun. It feels light, agile, and raw, compared to the GT3, which feels more like a cheat code…I’m sure the new 3 RS, even more so.
The engine sound is loud in the cabin, especially at sustained WOT, like down straights. Earplugs are absolutely necessary if you have windows up. Not so much with windows down, but the sound is incredible inside the car. Additionally, the sound is quiet on the outside, so this usually means it doesn’t blow sound at a lot of tracks.
It’s just a lot of fun, period. If you’re someone who is pushing for better and better lap times (like me), the limit of the car will feel more sketchy compared to a GT3–but it makes the journey really rewarding when you do hit your PBs. If you’re someone who doesn’t push for better and better times and just wants something quick and reliable on track, there’s absolutely nothing to be concerned about. The car is solid.
As with most here that are regular track folks, my recommendation would be a good track alignment, corner balancing, and hi temp brake fluid to start. No aftermarket parts needed to have a solid car on track. Mod, tuning, seat time etc from there to reach your personal goals makes the journey more fun.
12-15-2023, 04:36 PM
#430
And understanding the limitations to keep it safe on track, while pushing to improve with each lap is all part of the fun and learning experience.
Internet forums are always full of arguments of what car is better and faster. What car would smoke another car, etc. It's nonsense. Cars don't drive themselves. (Well some do, I guess).
Each individual's driving style, habits, risk tolerance, and bravery have so much to do with the performance output on track.
12-15-2023, 04:46 PM
#431
Mine does it through the gears (but at random) at the low rev range and it can be quick or long but not so draggy. It doesn't bother me to as it goes away when PDK sport is on, did check the car nothing was loose etc. But I would like to know if others are experiencing this and obviously you get all the intake noise coming in but this buzzing sound does comes out of place. I could be over exaggerating and the sound does turn out to be normal on the 4RS(intake).
12-15-2023, 11:53 PM
#432
Rennlist Member
What I love about driving the GT4RS is its unrestricted essence as a Cayman. Rather than drawing comparisons to the GT3, I find it more fitting to compare its evolution from previous Cayman models, each of which stood out as excellent cars.
My first Cayman was the PDK-equipped 981 Cayman S in 2014. I predicted then if Porsche were to create a variant with ample horsepower, it would be one of the greatest sports cars of all time. I started with the 981 Cayman S, then moved to the GTS, then the GT4, and finally to the GT4RS. Porsche has indeed achieved building one of the world's best sports cars in the GT4RS.
While a power boost and added aero elements on the 718 GT4 alone would have sufficed, Porsche elevated the experience with the GT4RS, making it truly exceptional. They crafted an emotionally charged machine, unparalleled among Caymans and even within the broader Porsche lineup. The emotional elements – the sound, the feel, and the source of power – takes the car to another level.
The precise steering imparts a racing car-like driving experience, and the sound is simply awe-inspiring. It's not just the volume of the sound but the sheer quality that sets it apart. The auditory experience mirrors the essence of the Porsche brand itself – each rev screams connection to a meticulously crafted, highly advanced mechanical masterpiece. It's akin to a watchmaker making the movement pretty when its primary task is to be precise. Porsche made the GT4RS feel and sound special. I believe the GT4RS stands alone in the Porsche world as their most emotional car. And, perhaps one of the best sports cars of all time.
My first Cayman was the PDK-equipped 981 Cayman S in 2014. I predicted then if Porsche were to create a variant with ample horsepower, it would be one of the greatest sports cars of all time. I started with the 981 Cayman S, then moved to the GTS, then the GT4, and finally to the GT4RS. Porsche has indeed achieved building one of the world's best sports cars in the GT4RS.
While a power boost and added aero elements on the 718 GT4 alone would have sufficed, Porsche elevated the experience with the GT4RS, making it truly exceptional. They crafted an emotionally charged machine, unparalleled among Caymans and even within the broader Porsche lineup. The emotional elements – the sound, the feel, and the source of power – takes the car to another level.
The precise steering imparts a racing car-like driving experience, and the sound is simply awe-inspiring. It's not just the volume of the sound but the sheer quality that sets it apart. The auditory experience mirrors the essence of the Porsche brand itself – each rev screams connection to a meticulously crafted, highly advanced mechanical masterpiece. It's akin to a watchmaker making the movement pretty when its primary task is to be precise. Porsche made the GT4RS feel and sound special. I believe the GT4RS stands alone in the Porsche world as their most emotional car. And, perhaps one of the best sports cars of all time.
Last edited by matttheboatman; 12-15-2023 at 11:55 PM.
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12-16-2023, 05:34 PM
#433
I track mine and can say without reservation it needs a good alignment before going ***** out on track. Otherwise, it will understeer badly on corner exit. It will also be unstable under hard braking due to the rear struts causing toe-out. The weakness of the 4RS is that it feels underdamped considering its quite high spring rates. It would benefit hugely from a set of Manthey KW coilovers or MCS as a better value option.
There is truly greatness in the 4RS just needs better dampers imo.
There is truly greatness in the 4RS just needs better dampers imo.
Yep, same as the GT4. I would go as far as saying (at least on the GT4) severely underdamped on the rebound stroke.
There are a few bumps large enough on our freeways here that at about 80-90MPH I would extend the rear of my car to the stops on the rebound stroke when stock. It was very unnerving.
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Taffy66 (12-16-2023)
12-16-2023, 07:46 PM
#434
Yep, same as the GT4. I would go as far as saying (at least on the GT4) severely underdamped on the rebound stroke.
There are a few bumps large enough on our freeways here that at about 80-90MPH I would extend the rear of my car to the stops on the rebound stroke when stock. It was very unnerving.
There are a few bumps large enough on our freeways here that at about 80-90MPH I would extend the rear of my car to the stops on the rebound stroke when stock. It was very unnerving.
12-17-2023, 03:28 AM
#435
Rennlist Member
How would you compare the GT4RS to the 918 in several bulletin points, i.e.: excitement, quality, comfort, looks/curb appeal, etc? I know they're not exactly in the same class but as an owner of two of the most desirable Porsches ever, I'd love to hear your take on a direct comparison.
I know this is quite a late reply to your post, but well here it is finally 😂
Let's go with the obvious, curb appeal. There is no contest, 918 wins by a mile. For most people, the very special 4RS still look like an entry level Cayman to most, people will think ah you can't afford a 911 and bought a Cayman and put a giant wing on it.
Next up we can talk about quality. both are perfect. Everything on either car is perfectly fitted to the car, stitchings are lined up perfectly and arrow straight. Zero complaints.
Comfort. My 4RS has sofas, that's a win by default. The 918 buckets isn't a comfortable seat at all, I have had them since 2014, in all sorts of cars. Those who say they are GREAT, COMFORTABLE, they are f-ing lying. They are fine for short trips, and for 30 yr olds. but for those 50 and up, they are only good for maybe 60mins and that's it. Granted, I have done MANY long road trips in the 918 in those buckets, longest one was 37hrs one way. But there were plenty stops in between so my back can rest and also a tiny travel pillow helps A LOT at the lower back position.
Excitement. I have to put the 4RS right up there with the 918. The 4RS can't touch the 918 in the thrust department for sure, but the 4RS isn't about quickness in a straight line, nor is it about how many Gs one can pull around a corner. The 4RS is about being an old school analog car that rewards the driver with excitement, it's the rawest street car Porsche made in the modern era, nothing else is close, especially when Porsche is putting modern manuals in their 'manual' cars, those are fake manuals when compared to old ones like 993, 964, 911, the ECU works it's magic behind the scene to make them easy to use, zero challenge). The intake sound is second to none. The small size means you feel like you are diving a Miata around traffic, around corners, around hairpins, very unlike the feeling of piloting an African elephant when I am in a 992 GT3. Ride quality is also very good, the standard settings is slightly softer than the standard in the 918, while the sport setting is also slightly softer than the sport setting in the 918, basically means it is great on the street. Both settings are also softer than those in the 992 GT3. (I had sofas also on my GT3 so it's a proper apples to apples comparison).
Counting everything Porsche made since the 997.2 GT3RS 4.0, the GT4RS is the BEST car Porsche made, not quite up there with CGT or the 918 but well nothing is. It is definitely a better driver's car than the 911R and the current S/T, or the newest GT3RS.
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