Porsche Cayman GTS vs GT4: Comparison Time
The beginning of 2020 was a great year for Porsche. They built on some classics and revitalized a lot of their style and flair that many people claimed they were starting to lose.
We saw the revitalization of Porsche Blue with Miami Blue and Shark Blue, which certainly grabbed a lot of consumer attention.
In terms of building on a classic, 2020 and 2021 (respectively) saw the Cayman GTS vs GT4 hit the streets and thus re-started the constant question that plagues our community. Which is better?
We’re going to give you an in-depth look at both the Porsche Cayman GTS vs GT4 as well as compare them on power, reliability, price, and value, all in an effort to determine, once and for all, which is the superior Cayman. Let’s dive in.
Highlights
- The Porsche Cayman GTS and Cayman GT4 were introduced in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
- The Cayman GTS is powered by a 4.0-liter aspirated engine producing 394 horsepower and has a top speed of 182 mph, with a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds.
- The Cayman GT4 features a similar 4.0-liter aspirated engine but generates 414 horsepower, has a top speed of 188 mph, and accelerates from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds.
- The GT4 is slightly more powerful and faster, but the differences are subtle.
- In terms of reliability, both cars are well-engineered, and maintenance plays a crucial role in their longevity.
- The GT4 is designed more for track use, while the GTS is primarily a road car.
- The GTS is generally less expensive, making it a better value for those who prioritize cost-efficiency.
- The GT4 offers a more exhilarating driving experience and is better suited for track enthusiasts.
- The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.
The Porsche Cayman GTS
The 2020 Porsche Cayman GTS is a sleek, beautiful addition to the Cayman family. It boasts a huge 4.0-liter aspirated engine that is capable of producing 394 brake horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The GTS is anything but slow, with a top speed of 182 miles per hour and a 0-60 of 4.3 seconds.
It puts most other Caymans through their paces, whether using the 6-speed manual transmission or the 7-speed PDK automatic.
The Porsche Cayman GT4
The 2021 Porsche Cayman GT4 is sexy, punchy, and a great successor to the Cayman family after the hugely successful GTS. Just like its cousin, the GTS, the GT4 boasts a 4.0-liter aspirated engine with the same flat-six-cylinder setup.
Unlike the GTS, however, the GT4 is capable of producing 414 brake horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 188 miles per hour and a 0-60 of 4.2 seconds, the GT4 is powerful, quick, and handles like a dream thanks to its multi-faceted stability management system.
The Porsche Cayman GT4 only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard with no option for any sort of automatic gearbox, PDK or not.
Porsche Cayman GTS vs GT4 – Which Is More Powerful?
While both cars boast very similar engines and gearbox setups, the GT4 is indisputably faster and more powerful. But, let’s be honest, the difference is very slim. So slim in fact, that you very likely will not notice if you were to drive one after the other back to back.
That being said, since the GTS offers an automatic transmission, you could argue that, in some conditions, that would slightly edge out the 6-speed manual of the GT4. But, in a fair comparison between the two, both using the manual transmission, the GT4 has to be crowned the king.
This is often the case when comparing two cars of different ages. Even if the difference is only slight, when it comes to actual stopping power, the GT4 will also edge out the GTS once again.
The GT4 has PCCB brakes (ceramics), which means they stop quickly, stop hard, and don’t overheat under almost all conditions. The GTS has no such ceramic brakes. But, given they cost about $10k for a full set, you might not mind all that much!
Porsche Cayman GTS vs GT4 – Which Is More Reliable?
Both the Porsche Cayman GTS and GT4 are well-engineered and highly reliable sports cars. It’s Porsche, you get what you pay for.
And they are both new enough, which means we can rule out any of the normal “older cars break down more often” arguments. A car built in 2020 is not going to wear down at an alarmingly faster rate than one built in 2021, is it?
Therefore, as with any high-performance vehicle, maintenance and upkeep are the most critical factors in ensuring the longevity and reliability of your Cayman.
If we had to differentiate the two, the GT4 has a slightly higher output than the GTS, producing 414 horsepower compared to the GTS’s 394 horsepower, meaning it might potentially degrade slightly faster. Slightly.
You then need to consider the kind of use each car will see. While they are both sporty cars and meant to be pushed to their limit, the GTS is really a road car, while the GT4 is a track car.
You can use each interchangeably, but those changes affect how they are manufactured and what kind of punishment they can endure before their parts need attention. A GT4 will last longer with constant track use than a GTS, for example.
Porsche Cayman GTS vs GT4 – Which Is Better Value For Money?
The Cayman GTS is generally less expensive than the GT4 since it’s a touch older and is intended to be used as a road car. Therefore, you could make a case for the GTS being the best value for money as it’s quite a lot cheaper and only marginally slower.
However, the GT4’s performance capabilities and driving experience make it a better value for those who prioritize track driving or who simply want the most exciting driving experience possible.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter the cost; you just want as much as you can get, and the GT4 certainly provides. At the end of the day, it depends on what you value most.
Porsche Cayman GTS vs GT4 – Which Is Best?
Objectively, you probably have to make the case for the Porsche Cayman GT4 being the better of the two Caymans. Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but you get a lot more. And not just power and speed, either.
It has better brakes, is better aerodynamically, and is tailor-made to track day experiences. If you want a car that you can push to its breaking point and then keep on pushing, the GT4 is the better car.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for an everyday driver that stands out from the crowd but doesn’t necessarily break the bank, the GTS is a real winner.
Both are great cars. Both provide great value. They just do so a little differently. Then again, maybe it all comes down to looks. Maybe you prefer the aesthetics of one car over the other?
There is no right or wrong answer. Thanks for reading, be sure to let us know in the comments which car you think should be crowned king of the Caymans!
