k3|th

I had the privilege of driving a 718 GT4 back to back with my 981 GT4. If I had to summarize, I would say overall the 718 GT4 is more refined. Here is a breakdown of what I recall from the driving experience:

- Lighter clutch - The very first thing I noticed was how light the clutch is on the newer model. I hopped in and mashed the clutch to start the car and thought "what tha hellll"? I got used to it after a few shifts and the clutch engagement appears smoother.
- Lighter steering - The steering in the new car felt much lighter but it is very precise.
- Suspension - The suspension has improved immensely. This is the one area I'm really jealous. On the bumpy backroads the car never felt unsettled in corners. Complete control at all times...amazing.
- Shifter - The car has less than 300 miles on it, so I think the shifter will improve, but I felt my car's shifting "feel" was better.
- Engine - Yes, it's better. It pulls much sooner and harder in the rev range and is so linear. My 981 only has a Sharkwerks tune, just to note. I will be adding plenum/tb in a couple of weeks.
- Quieter cabin - Inside it's quieter...less engine noise possibly due to more sound insulation. The interior quality improved just a tad, but it's very nice.
- Appearance - It looks fantastic in person. I really love the exterior changes. Porsche did a great job!
- Exhaust - This is the biggest talking point. I will say it's not bad...I could live with it for a little while. The 718 has a lower, deeper note. I think once the particulate filter delete pipes are out and available, that'll fix the problem. All-in-all I will say it's not an immediate upgrade requirement but definitely any owner should modify it later to get the pure sound.

Thanks to SP Motorsports for letting me tag along. They will be dropping a comparison video on YouTube soon, so stay tuned to their channel.

k3|th

spyderphile

So, here is the obvious question: assuming you can add a GPF-delete pipe and make the exhaust valve flaps open at all rev range, would you switch from 981 to 982? Or, assuming you can keep the 981, would you add a 982? Lighter clutch and steering would bother me too. I may compromise considering chassis/suspension improvements.

k3|th

That is a very good question...one that I've been asking myself since yesterday. I think I can get over the lighter steering, but the light clutch is almost a no-go for me. Both steering and clutch feel completely opposite of my 981. The exhaust would not be a blocker for me...especially knowing there will be aftermarket options. The suspension and engine definitely won me over. I think two years from now if I found a one-owner 718 GT4 with similar specs to mine, I would be very tempted to switch. By that time however, I'll probably be in the market for a 991.2 GT3.

NoGaBiker

A heavyish clutch and steering are really important to me in sportscars. My first Miata, a 94, was manual steering and I switched out the wheel for a Momo Competition 330mm I think it was (maybe 350), and that car was a delight. I ordered a 2015 Carrera GTS and my SA said to get Porsche Steering Plus, which lightened up the steering in sub-25mph situations but is identical to regular steering above 25. I really didn’t like it and had them unprogram that option (it’s just software since steering is DBW). Even at parking lot speeds I want my sportscar to sorta remind me of tugging a racecar around at paddock speeds.

I wonder if the 982 GT4 could be programmed to 981 spec, or if the hardware is different somehow? I’ve only driven two 718s (S and GTS) and I don’t remember anything about the steering, but there was a lot else going on.

4ocious

So my takeaways from this comparison are:

1. good but not great,
2. improved but not significantly better,
3. difference is similar to a mid-model refresh vs. a whole new model,
4. performance and handling improvements can be matched with current model (981) modifications,
5. good car if you're new to the GT4 platform but there's nothing wrong with the older model,
6. older model is more engaging and "old school" vs. newer more sophisticated model,
7. may want one in the future but can easily wait until supply, demand and prices drop.

d00d

I'm not aware of any changes to the suspension, other than the increased weight of the car, would you include a reference?
Agree with lighter steering and clutch being negatives.
Still don't like the corporate rear styling, nor the interior changes.

cooler2442

If anyone is in Los Angeles with a new 718 GT4 that wants to meet up to do a similar comparison, PM me!

Last_935

Nice summary. Regarding point 4, what mods do you feel would would escalate the 981 GT4's performance and handling to that of the 718 GT4?
BTW, where in VA are you located? I'm in Chesterfield.

Todd

colnagoG60

My guess would be:

1. DSC Controller (check)
2. Cat/Cat-less header + tune (soon)
3. LW flywheel (soon after)

weekndr.porsche

Nice feedback.
I perceive the 981 steering as already "light".
Definitely would not enjoy the 718 for this reason alone.

4ocious

Hi Todd,
I'm in Manassas, not too far from you.

lawlence

The 981 front suspension is derived from the 991.1. It's my understanding the 718 GT4 has the .2 front setup, although not sure what the differences are.

bk_911

Same feedback from my experience. I didn't get to carve on a back road but back to back the changes weren't enough for me to let go of 50k plus money for clear bra on the new car to upgrade from my 981.

The suspension is definitely better and I could feel the extra power / torque right away. But taken in total my opinion is that it wasn't worth that money.

The 981 has a more musical exhaust note too.

Yargk

Springs and geometry are the same, aren't they? (correct me if I'm wrong) So perceived suspension differences must be down to shocks.