Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 / Porsche 981 Cayman GTS
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and the Porsche 981 Cayman GTS represent two distinct generations of Porsche’s celebrated mid-engine sports cars, each delivering a unique blend of performance, handling, and driver engagement. While both are rear-wheel drive and naturally aspirated flat-six powered, their specifications and lap times reveal clear differences in capability and character.
The 718 Cayman GT4, with its 4.0L DOHC 24-valve flat-six producing 414 horsepower and 429.79 lb-ft of torque, is a more potent and modern machine compared to the 981 Cayman GTS’s 3.8L flat-six delivering 335 horsepower and 379.63 lb-ft of torque. This power advantage, combined with a slightly heavier curb weight of 3247 lbs versus 2965 lbs for the 981, translates into a significantly quicker 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds compared to 4.3 seconds for the older model. The GT4’s top speed also edges higher at 189 mph versus 177 mph for the GTS.
When analyzing lap times across various tracks, the 718 Cayman GT4 consistently outperforms the 981 Cayman GTS, often by substantial margins. For example, at Laguna Seca, the GT4 records a best lap of 1:37.590 under light modifications, beating the GTS’s 1:39.380 by nearly 1.8 seconds despite both running similar tire compounds and modification levels. This trend holds true at other circuits such as New Jersey Motorsports Park (Thunderbolt), where the GT4’s 1:26.880 best lap surpasses the GTS’s 1:29.730 by almost 3 seconds, and at Spa-Francorchamps, where the GT4 clocks 2:41.600 compared to the GTS’s 2:56.340, a remarkable 15-second gap.
The GT4’s superior lap times can be attributed not only to its increased power but also to advancements in chassis dynamics, suspension tuning, and aerodynamics. Its 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK gearbox options provide flexibility and quicker shifts, enhancing its on-track performance. The GT4’s slightly longer wheelbase and refined weight distribution contribute to improved stability and cornering precision, which is evident in its faster pace on technical and high-speed circuits alike.
Conversely, the 981 Cayman GTS, while less powerful and slower in outright lap times, remains a highly capable and engaging sports car. Its lighter weight and classic 6-speed manual transmission appeal to purists seeking a rawer driving experience. The GTS performs admirably on tighter, more technical tracks but struggles to match the GT4’s pace on faster, more demanding circuits. Its lap times, such as 1:45.690 at Mid-Ohio and 1:50.000 at Sonoma Raceway, highlight a respectable but clearly second-tier performance relative to the GT4.
In summary, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 stands as the more advanced and faster track weapon, benefiting from increased power, modern engineering, and refined dynamics. It excels across a variety of circuits, delivering quicker lap times and a more composed driving experience. The 981 Cayman GTS, while still a formidable sports car, offers a more traditional and accessible approach to mid-engine Porsche performance, with lap times and specifications that reflect its position as the predecessor to the GT4’s more aggressive and track-focused persona. Enthusiasts choosing between these two will find the GT4 better suited for those prioritizing outright speed and track capability, while the GTS appeals to those valuing classic driving engagement and a lighter footprint.