£80k challenge, 718 GT4 or 991.2 GTS?
Both the 718 GT4 and 991.2 GTS are a blast to drive. They both have rear-wheel drive, 400+ bhp, six cylinders and flat-six engines, albeit the GT4 is naturally aspirated and the GTS turbocharged. So, why are we making this comparison? Both models are currently available in the £70,000 – £80,000 price range, and despite looking fairly similar on paper, they each offer very unique propositions.
The 991 GTS, being a 911, sticks with Porsche’s classic setup of having the engine over the rear axle, something they’ve been developing since the 60s. In the 991.2 GTS, you get a turbocharged flat six that puts out just over 400 lb-ft of torque, which means it’s seriously quick, doing 0 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds compared to 4.4 in the GT4. Since it’s part of the Carrera range, the GTS comes with four seats and a choice of body styles like coupe, cabriolet and the iconic Targa. That flexibility makes it a car you can happily use every day as well as something special for the weekend.
The 718 GT4 is a stunning mid-engine configuration with a significantly smaller body than the 911, resulting in a more balanced car, which many claim to be the best handling Porsche ever made. The GT4 doesn’t have turbos and the resulting mass of low-down torque; however, being a naturally aspirated boxer engine, the noise it provides, along with the relatively high revving engine, is remarkable. Performance stats don’t tell the whole story, but a 4.4-second 0-60 and a lower torque figure of 309 lb-ft still provide the driver with more performance than can really be used on the road.
The 718 platform is strictly a two-seater due to its mid-engine design, so its day-to-day practicality is lower compared to that of a 911; however, what it lacks in convenience, it more than makes up for in driving dynamics and overall feel. The GT4 is a Porsche GT car after all, and as such, it is designed to be used on track; it’s taut and, due to having adjustable suspension, can be tuned to drivers’ requirements. It has generally stiffer suspension than the GTS, meaning it rides a little harder but stays flatter in the sharper corners.
One of the major differences between the two from a buying perspective comes down to age. The 991.2, having been made between 2017 – 2019 and the 718 GT4 from 2019 – 2023, although both can still be had with full Porsche warranty, which can be extended until the car is 15 years old. Ultimately, the two Porsches are catered towards different audiences, albeit with slight crossovers. The GTS is more comfortable, able to house four people and faster, whilst the GT4 is more dynamic, smaller, and some would argue more thrilling to drive. Our preference, we can’t choose! Both are amazing places to spend your time for very different reasons. Neither tends to hang around for long in our showroom!
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If you’d like to explore the 718 GT4 and 991.2 GTS range, please call 01296 663 824 or contact us via the form below.
