Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 / Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

The Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 makes 385 horsepower from a 3.8L flat-six. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 makes 414 horsepower from a 4.0L flat-six—29hp more. Yet across 84 shared tracks with 144 unique comparison scenarios, the 718 GT4 wins by 1.14 seconds overall, and when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the 718 wins 68.0% of battles with a 3.87-second average gap.

This is generational evolution within the same nameplate. Both are mid-engine, naturally aspirated, six-speed manual Porsches with GT3-derived suspension. The 981 (2015-2018) costs $94,000. The 718 (2020-2021) costs $125,000—a $31,000 premium (33% more) for 29hp more power, updated aerodynamics, and lessons learned from four years of GT4 development.

The 29-Horsepower Gap and 197-Pound Weight Penalty

The 981 GT4 weighs 3,050 lbs. The 718 GT4 weighs 3,247 lbs—197 pounds heavier (6.5% more mass). This should slow the 718 down. It doesn't. The 29hp advantage (385hp vs 414hp) creates better power-to-weight ratios: 981 at 7.92 lbs/hp, 718 at 7.84 lbs/hp. The 718 carries the extra weight but still maintains a slight advantage.

Torque tells a similar story: 981 makes 310 lb-ft at 4,750-6,000 rpm. 718 makes 310 lb-ft at 5,000-6,800 rpm—identical peak torque but over an 800 rpm wider powerband. Both engines pull strongly from 5,000 rpm to 8,000 rpm redline (981) and 8,000 rpm (718), but the 718's broader torque curve makes it more accessible in real-world track driving.

What the Filtered Data on This Page Reveals

The comparison tables break down performance by modification level and tire treadwear, showing consistent 718 dominance:

• Matched mod + matched tire (278 laps): 718 wins 68.0%, 981 wins 32.0%, 3.87s average gap. Relative speeds at -0.40 (981) and -0.22 (718) show both cars running faster than predicted, with the 981 driver extracting slightly more performance—yet still losing 68% of battles.
• Light/light, TW200/200 (52 laps): 718 wins 57.7% with 3.14s gap. On street tires with bolt-on mods, the 29hp advantage matters but doesn't overwhelm. The 981 wins 42.3% of these battles—the closest matched scenario.
• Light/light, TW40/40 (37 laps): 718 wins 70.3% with only 1.27s gap. On R-compound slicks, both cars extract maximum grip, and the gap shrinks to just 1.27 seconds—the power difference becomes less critical when tire grip is unlimited.
• Light/light, TW180/200 (31 laps): 718 wins 87.1% with 5.25s gap. A 20-point tire mismatch (within the "matched" threshold) creates a larger gap than expected, suggesting tire compound plays a bigger role than the 29hp power difference in this scenario.

Use the comparison filters on this page to see the pattern: when tire compound exactly matches and modifications are equal, the 718's advantage shrinks to 1-3 seconds. When tire mismatch exists (even within 20 points), gaps widen dramatically.

The $31,000 Price Gap: Generational Refinement

981 GT4: $94,000 purchase price for the first-generation Cayman GT4 (2015-2018). This is the car that proved Porsche could build a mid-engine track weapon below GT3 pricing. It introduced the formula: naturally aspirated 3.8L from Carrera S, manual transmission only, GT3-derived suspension, aggressive aero.

718 GT4: $125,000 purchase price for the second-generation (2020-2021). Porsche learned from four years of 981 GT4 feedback: the 4.0L engine (borrowed from GT3/Speedster) redlines at 8,000 rpm versus 981's 7,800 rpm. Aerodynamics improved through revised front splitter and rear diffuser. Suspension geometry updated based on racing data.

That $31,000 buys 29hp more, 200 rpm higher redline, improved aero, and the knowledge that this is Porsche's final naturally aspirated Cayman GT4 before electrification. The 718 GT4 is the swan song—making it more collectible despite being newer.

Identical Chassis Philosophy, Different Execution

Both cars share near-identical dimensions: 981 wheelbase 2,474mm, 718 wheelbase 2,484mm (10mm longer, effectively identical). Both mid-engine layouts with near-perfect weight distribution. Both GT3-derived suspension with inverted rear dampers and motorsport-style control arms.

The difference is evolution: the 718's steering is slightly quicker (15.9:1 ratio vs 981's 16.3:1). The 718's aerodynamics create 50% more downforce at speed. The 718's engine mounts are stiffer, reducing drivetrain slop during throttle transitions. These are refinements, not revolutions—but they add up to the 3.87-second gap in matched conditions.

Ownership Economics: $94,000 vs $125,000

981 GT4: $94,000 + $2,500 annual maintenance (Porsche parts/labor) = $106,500 over five years. The car appreciates 3-5% annually as a first-generation collectible, exiting at $107,000-115,000 in 2030. Net gain: $500-8,500.

718 GT4: $125,000 + $2,500 annual maintenance = $137,500 over five years. The car appreciates 5-8% annually as the final naturally aspirated GT4, exiting at $169,000-195,000 in 2030. Net gain: $31,500-57,500.

Both are appreciating assets. The 718's collectibility as the "last NA GT4" creates stronger appreciation potential. If you're buying as an investment, the 718's higher entry price ($31,000 more) is offset by stronger appreciation—potentially $20,000-50,000 more value over five years.

The Verdict

Choose the Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 if you want the first-generation legend that started the formula, save $31,000 upfront, and accept losing 68% of matched battles to the refined 718. The 981 delivers 95% of the 718's performance for 75% of the price. It's a Porsche GT4 for $94,000—peak mid-engine naturally aspirated driving at a $31,000 discount. You're accepting a 3.87-second lap time deficit for significant savings.

Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 if you want the final naturally aspirated GT4 with 29hp more power, refined aerodynamics, and stronger collectibility as Porsche's swan song before electrification. You're paying $31,000 more (33% premium) for a 68% win rate and potential $20,000-50,000 stronger appreciation over five years. The 718 is the choice for collectors who recognize this is the end of an era.

Use the comparison filters on this page to see that both cars are incredibly close: 3.87 seconds when matched, and gaps as small as 1.27 seconds on identical R-compound slicks. The 718's dominance isn't overwhelming—it's incremental refinement compounded over hundreds of engineering decisions. Both are peak naturally aspirated Porsche. The 718 is just 5% better in every measurable way, which translates to 68% win rate and 3.87 seconds per lap.

For the driver who wants peak GT4 experience at the best price, the 981 at $94,000 is 95% of the 718's performance. For the collector who wants the final NA GT4 and accepts paying $31,000 more for 29hp and stronger appreciation, the 718 represents the end of naturally aspirated mid-engine perfection before electrification rewrites Porsche's playbook.