2020 718 Cayman GT4

Hi all!

I recently scored an hour in a 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4. I got to take it on highway, city and mountain roads. I know many of you love sports cars, so I thought I'd share my impressions! (My full write-up with more pictures is here.)

* The seat and suspension comfort in the GT4 (with Porsche's base sports seats) was better than I expected out of a motorsports-oriented Porsche. I was comfortable on the highway and would road trip the GT4. I also found the chassis confident on back roads. The GT4 holds its line over severe bumps.
* Having experienced the 911 GT3 engine, I was disappointed with the Cayman GT4 engine. Yes, the GT4 is a revver, but it's not as reactive or torquey as the GT3; I felt like it was missing the special sauce. The S65 V8 feels more reactive than the GT4's flat-6.
* Shifting the GT4 6-speed is bliss. This is one of the best manuals I've ever used!
* But the 6-speed's long gearing muffles some of the engine's punch. I like cars where the engine terrorizes the rear tires. The GT4 doesn't have the gearing or power to do that.
* The GT4 has incredibly informative steering, though it still talks with an EPAS accent. (I prefer the well-oiled slickness of a true hydraulic rack, but the GT4 EPAS is extraordinary and completely satisfying.)

I had a great day playing with the GT4. I'd be happy owning one! Please send money!

Best,
Mike

Nice review! So how does the GT4 compare to our venerable E92 M3? Especially one with some mild suspension mods like solid subframe bushes and coilovers.

Redd wrote

Nice review! So how does the GT4 compare to our venerable E92 M3? Especially one with some mild suspension mods like solid subframe bushes and coilovers.

Well, it's been a year since I sold my stock competition pack E90 on PS4S tires. So I'll be putting fuzzy memories against fresh ones. That said, here I go!

I think I prefer the fizz of the S65 engine to the GT4's flat-six; there is more excitement to the final RPM in the S65. Suspension-wise the GT4 is superior, and better able to deal with rough roads. I actually think my M3 had a better cabin than the GT4, but then again I had the extended red leather and this GT4 was in base cabin trim. The GT4 feels lighter and more race-ready (especially with respect to the brakes), and more agile, too. Money no object, I'd take the GT4. However, as a cheaper way to get the motorsport engine thrills, the E90 M3 is very compelling!

The GT4 in stock form is a great driving car but Porsche purposely gimped transmission gearing on the car to make it uncompetitive with the GT3. The long gearing makes it feel less powerful and not rev as fast.

The aftermarket has come and fixed it though. Changing the gearing completely changes the car.

https://www.sharkwerks.com/transmission/p4727-sharkwerks-transmission-regearing-for-981-cayman-gt4-cayman-boxster-SHAT464

Z K wrote

The GT4 in stock form is a great driving car but Porsche purposely gimped transmission gearing on the car to make it uncompetitive with the GT3. The long gearing makes it feel less powerful and not rev as fast.

The aftermarket has come and fixed it though. Changing the gearing completely changes the car.

https://www.sharkwerks.com/transmission/p4727-sharkwerks-transmission-regearing-for-981-cayman-gt4-cayman-boxster-SHAT464

I was under the impression the long transmission ratios had to do with some sound regulations for full throttle in 3rd gear.

The gearset upgrade looks like the ticket! Too bad it's so dang expensive!

I just bought a 2020 GT4 a couple weeks ago and am now selling all of my "fun" M cars. E39 M5, E92 M3, and E46 M3 all going away. Every backroads/track oriented M car I own now feels wasted compared to a GT4. E92 is a great and special car but a GT4 is a top-notch purpose-built sports car, so it's really hard to compare them without the unfair advantage given to the GT4 since if you are even considering a GT4 in the first place, you're clearly interested in performance. We aren't having a discussion about daily driver cars, which M cars are well-suited for.

I've put 1000 miles on the GT4 now, and prior to purchasing this example (I bought it off of a friend), I drove it for a track day at Road America about 6 weeks ago right before they tore up the track for repaving. At the time I told my buddy "let me know if you decide to sell this" and 2 weeks later he called me so I bought it. Let's get the sound and gearing discussion out of the way next:

The S65 is nigh unbeatable for sound no matter what you are buying. Other cars like a Gt350's Voodoo might be on par, but "better" would be subjective at that point. There are several V8 engines that could be considered "peak" NA high revving sounds on par with each other. The last 1000 RPMs of the 4.0 in the 718 GT4 pulls very strong and sounds good. Something to understand is that the style of engine being a Porsche flat-6 NA is always going to give you a very mechanical noise, and a satisfying engine whine. The note is still very motorsport-inspired and with the engine right behind you inside the cabin you get so much of it.

Regarding gearing, to me the feel isn't much different than my 6MT S65 - the gearing in the S65 with a manual isn't all that great.

For me, I don't compare the cars in this manner because I enjoy breathing with the car as it climbs RPMs and listening to it. With an aftermarket backbox-only exhaust, the GT4 sounds incredible. I'm fine with some longer gearing and listening to the car climb RPM with such a measured pace that you can legitimately process what is happening and what you're hearing. If the car just rips through the gears, that has a benefit but it doesn't come without other compromises.

Road manners in the GT4 are as OP stated. It does not punish you and can definitely be driven on the street as needed. I still wouldn't daily drive it. It doesn't get very unsettled by bumps in the road, and the adaptive suspension is way less crashy than you might expect for a Porsche GT car. My wife has fused discs in her back and has had back problems for 18 years and is particular about seats - the carbon buckets in the GT4 are fine for her. Very comfortable once you get in. Still stiffer on the road that I would like and wouldn't make it my everyday car.

Everything else the OP is saying about the shifter, steering, all that is just top notch. Easily one of, if not the best manual shifters I have ever driven. It's crazy how perfect the throw is and the snicksnick is so satisfying. The mechanical click engagement of the shifter is so good.

So what are you keeping as a practical car — back seat, useable trunk, etc? I can see giving up the 3 you are selling — none are GT4 substitutes; they are all significant compromises.

This is how I felt when I drove an Evora GT with MCS suspension and some other suspension mods. The turn in makes the E92 feel like an Escalade; even with loads of camber and caster. But its not any faster in a straight line and the engine was not on the level of the S65. And at 100k I felt it was a bad ROI for money spent vs fun had. I dont spend much time at the track so I personally prefer my Harrop E92 over a Gt4 or a Lotus. If I tracked it more or had a better backroad to highway ratio I would have made the jump. But to buy a slower car that sounds worse wasnt enticing me. Hopefully one day I live in a place where I can enjoy a Gt4 style experience.

I struggle to believe the GT4's suspension + tire sizes make it feel more compliant over bumps or bad roads than virtually any BMW but maybe its much improved over my 2015 991.1. Even with a suspension controller and performance winter tires the 911 is way, way harsher than my BMW's (especially E90 M3 non-EDC) and I would reach for the Bimmers anytime I just want to relax.

No way I'd sell any daily driver BMW to just own a Porsche sports car as my only car but maybe I'm getting old. It has also been mentioned back seats and trunk space also being an advantage. When the roads get curvy though no question which car is better up to the task.

He's keeping the e92 now but also has a '21 X5 Msport and I think he still has his Honda Element for the dog.

pbonsalb wrote

So what are you keeping as a practical car — back seat, useable trunk, etc? I can see giving up the 3 you are selling — none are GT4 substitutes; they are all significant compromises.

Lucky1 wrote

I struggle to believe the GT4's suspension + tire sizes make it feel more compliant over bumps or bad roads than virtually any BMW but maybe its much improved over my 2015 991.1. Even with a suspension controller and performance winter tires the 911 is way, way harsher than my BMW's (especially E90 M3 non-EDC) and I would reach for the Bimmers anytime I just want to relax.

No way I'd sell any daily driver BMW to just own a Porsche sports car as my only car but maybe I'm getting old. It has also been mentioned back seats and trunk space also being an advantage. When the roads get curvy though no question which car is better up to the task.

I went for a ride in the GT4 and having ridden in i_love_cars e92 on Ohlins and daily driving my e90 on ST XTA3+ I can honestly say I was shocked at how well the GT4 handled bumps. It feels extremely compliant and dare I say, comfortable. I did not expect the combination of bucket seat and GT car to be as good as it was. It was a very dynamic ride because the moment he asked it to hold the road it did exactly that without beating you up on the way.

Took my E92 with suspension mods on Big Willow and was keeping up with a 3.8 GT4. I had to work hard, don't get me wrong but on track for a 20 min session the cars were basically even.

Now I'm sure the GT4 is a blast to drive and has great feel but for $100k on the used market, you are not getting something that is vastly superior in terms of HPDE performance.

I recently drove my buddies 2022 718 Boxster Spyder and the front end of that car is truly unbelievable. It is a true engineering marvel, the whole car.


However, the motor in that car is not more special than my S65. It's good, but if I had one complaint it was the motor was not on the level with the rest of the car. The suspension was unlike anything I have ever felt and I will own a Porsche Gt car soon enough but for now me e92 is just fine.

Dont get me wrong I would love a modern GT car like a gt4 or Spyder or gt3, but there's a reason why I still have my e92 for now, the s65 is right there...

neilum wrote

I recently drove my buddies 2022 718 Boxster Spyder and the front end of that car is truly unbelievable. It is a true engineering marvel, the whole car.


However, the motor in that car is not more special than my S65. It's good, but if I had one complaint it was the motor was not on the level with the rest of the car. The suspension was unlike anything I have ever felt and I will own a Porsche Gt car soon enough but for now me e92 is just fine.

Dont get me wrong I would love a modern GT car like a gt4 or Spyder or gt3, but there's a reason why I still have my e92 for now, the s65 is right there...

Yeah, in my experience you need the GT3 engine to match (beat?) the fizz of the S65.

Been about 4 years since I got my GT4 and about 10 years into owning my e90M.

Engine sound-wise, GT4 has Dundon street headers and JCR muffler section. With this setup, it's pretty close to GT3 greatness (except limited to 8kRPM), which is every bit as awesome as my e90M with ARH, MPE, and 90A durometer mounts. For a less loud but still awesome sound, you can do a full Klein exhaust. The CAE in the M adds the awesomeness of cool transmission noises, so I'll give it the edge there. Stock vs stock, GT4 sounds depressing, M still sounds verygood.

Comparing the cars overall, they're two very different ways of going about driving fun, but both are great.

To level set, porch has a lot of mild track oriented mods. Spherical bearings, track alignment, upgraded tie and toe rods, 19" wheels running wider tires, AP brakes, etc. M has only a couple track oriented mods: square 275 35 18 and upgraded pads. Both typically run RE71RS, both are on forged APEX wheels.

Overall, I now really feel the weight and balance difference between the two cars. The M is just heavier and suspension a lot softer but has more travel. The difference between front and mid engine rear drive is apparent all the time, especially when driven hard (track). Porch rotates much faster, M is slower but super controllable. Porch can put down power much better. I like the balance of both, but they demand different driving when on the edge. For example porch needs very fast hands and no drop throttle with low speed on power oversteer. M is much more forgiving here and likes to be more drifty. Both can be oversteered or understeered and like being steered with the throttle when set into a corner. In this mode, both are pretty forgiving and intuitive.

Stock brakes for stock brakes, this is one place the M is really lacking compared with the Porch. I can pad fade DS2500 pads on the M in in a couple laps of track driving, though at my current experience level, I now call for 3.12 or PFC11 on any of my cars that see hard use.

With the CAE shifter, the 2008 flywheel, and the S65, the M is a pleasure to drive both slow and lazy and fast and hard. Makes all the right noises all the time. Rev matching is more fun than almost anything else near stock. Porch has PDK and is awesome most of the time but in a different way. One drawback for the Porch is the modded exhaust is very droney while the M has zero drone in any mode.

Steering feel of both is very decent IMO. For EPS, the Porch is excellent, though it got much better after track alignment & suspension mods. Stock for stock, M wins here.

At high speeds, the downforce of the GT4 and lack thereof in the M is very apparent. Porch gets the win here.

One place where there is no competition is the Porch buckets are the best sports car seats ever created.

After owning both for a while, plans for my M have become: current form + about 250 total weight savings from OEM (including the current ~90lb weight reduction). I have a path to that while keeping most of the stock interior, power windows, and AC. It'll get upgraded suspension arms and bushings, MCS 2 way, stoptech or AP BBK. After that, I plan to continue driving it until I die. Really nothing else that fills that slot in my fleet.

Porch will stay where it is mods-wise and will only get sold if I decide to go for a 991.1 GT3 or a 4RS, which I'll do near my (extended) warranty end, if it comes out that the solution to the Aluminum cam gears shearing under track use isn't installing steel cam bolts.

One Porch I may add to the fleet is a 996 GT3. A friend owns one and of the ~20 cars he owns, it's his favorite. That includes a 997 3RS.