If you could choose today: spyder or gt4
11-01-2015, 07:14 PM
#76
Race Director
Thread Starter
not having driven either, my "just for sunday fun" perspective would seem to include:
What does GT4 offer which Spyder does not:
-repeat lapping fade-free braking
-more adjustable camber/track set up if you're really hardcore
-potentially stiffer structure which can hold up to track abuse for more years than a roadster?
What does Spyder offer which GT4 does not:
-more fun open top driving experience?
-better engine sound
-mildly more compliant suspension and ride height?
-LWB in your case (and in mine).
Living in NorCal and with minimal (1-2x/yr) track use.. the Spyder is like the holy grail to me... although i find myself thinking of those red LWB's more than anything else.
11-01-2015, 08:49 PM
#77
Three Wheelin'
Also consider how often you would actually put the top down. In SoCal, it can actually be too hot to drive with the top down for many months, though A/C helps. I don't take the top off my convertible as often as I'd like for that reason.
11-01-2015, 09:45 PM
#79
Rennlist Member
What makes the decision for me is the open vs closed car. The sun and wind are no longer my friends (or my wife's), so as much as I like the Spyder, it is not the car for me anymore. The GT4 makes so much more sense at my age.
11-02-2015, 04:02 AM
#80
Three Wheelin'
Much harder to get a GT4 allocation so the choice is made for me but it's Spyder for me by a nose. GT3 suspension vs open top are the only differences that are important.
If I were tracking it then it would be different. GT4 has huge GT3 brakes where Spyder 'just' has Carrera S brakes. The latter will be adequate for road use on either car and will reduce un sprung and rotational mass. Plus Spyder is slightly lighter overall. My only fear is the Turbo steering on the Spyder will not give as much feel as the GT3 setup on the GT4.
If I were tracking it then it would be different. GT4 has huge GT3 brakes where Spyder 'just' has Carrera S brakes. The latter will be adequate for road use on either car and will reduce un sprung and rotational mass. Plus Spyder is slightly lighter overall. My only fear is the Turbo steering on the Spyder will not give as much feel as the GT3 setup on the GT4.
11-02-2015, 07:35 AM
#81
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For whatever its worth, I talked to my SA on Friday. He told me that they are getting a LOT more GT4 allocations, but no Spyder. May be because of huge demand for GT4. However, the list for GT4 is still long and some still do not get any. As for Spyder, they have not gotten any more. May be Spyder is flying under the radars now and be even more desirable in the future.
11-02-2015, 11:25 PM
#82
11-02-2015, 11:27 PM
#83
11-03-2015, 12:37 AM
#84
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by martinmp42
For whatever its worth, I talked to my SA on Friday. He told me that they are getting a LOT more GT4 allocations, but no Spyder. May be because of huge demand for GT4. However, the list for GT4 is still long and some still do not get any. As for Spyder, they have not gotten any more. May be Spyder is flying under the radars now and be even more desirable in the future.
02-27-2017, 04:31 AM
#85
X73, same spring rates, stiffer swaybars, wider rear wheels (but with the same size tires).
There's absolutely less rear grip than a 991. In fact the Spyder is the most over-powered (for its tire) mid range Porsche ever. To get anything slider or more extreme you need one of Porsche's halo models: GT3s, CTG, RWD Turbo, etc.
For those used to the imperious grip of a 911 this can be a downside. The Spyder won't get off the corners as well, requires more careful modulation of the throttle, and is therefore harder to drive with TC off as you approach the limit.
For those that get comfortable with adjusting the car with the right foot, however, it's a blast. Throttle steer is far more accessible than other modern Porsches- the rear end comes into play earlier and more often, even with TC on. I love a car where the grip to power ratio is biased towards power- it's more challenging, but also more involving (to me- everyone will be different). The Spyder is that car in Porsche's lineup currently- you'd better have experience when you turn TC off. The payoff is an experience you'd have needed to get a baby supercar to get, but in a chassis that's forgiving enough to have far less fear-factor.
There's absolutely less rear grip than a 991. In fact the Spyder is the most over-powered (for its tire) mid range Porsche ever. To get anything slider or more extreme you need one of Porsche's halo models: GT3s, CTG, RWD Turbo, etc.
For those used to the imperious grip of a 911 this can be a downside. The Spyder won't get off the corners as well, requires more careful modulation of the throttle, and is therefore harder to drive with TC off as you approach the limit.
For those that get comfortable with adjusting the car with the right foot, however, it's a blast. Throttle steer is far more accessible than other modern Porsches- the rear end comes into play earlier and more often, even with TC on. I love a car where the grip to power ratio is biased towards power- it's more challenging, but also more involving (to me- everyone will be different). The Spyder is that car in Porsche's lineup currently- you'd better have experience when you turn TC off. The payoff is an experience you'd have needed to get a baby supercar to get, but in a chassis that's forgiving enough to have far less fear-factor.
02-28-2017, 06:52 PM
#87
To 09 red, I hear you on the sun and wind, however as one with spine damage, entering a car with no top on it affords a more vertical approach. I went to drive a Lotus once and felt like human origami on the way in.
03-01-2017, 08:40 AM
#88
Race Car
GT4. I'm fairly sure I'll regret selling mine in a year or two.
03-01-2017, 11:40 AM
#89
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I drove the Spyder to work today. I was grinning listening to all the sounds. It's almost like driving in a cartoon. These sounds are awesome but so not typical factory street car sounds.
03-01-2017, 03:58 PM
#90
Rennlist Member
I miss my GT4 because of a) the way it drove b) it was an awesome car that I ordered new so no one else had farted around with it, and it had zero problems c) I can't say that for my Spyder, which has taken some negotiations and adjustments to get right.
But ultimately, I'm a convertible guy. And as much as I loved the way the GT4 drove, on pretty days, I missed having the top down. And that was the only time I drove it - it's certainly not a poor weather car.
But ultimately, I'm a convertible guy. And as much as I loved the way the GT4 drove, on pretty days, I missed having the top down. And that was the only time I drove it - it's certainly not a poor weather car.