About to join the GT4 club - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi I'm about to swap my GTS 4.0 for a GT4 and I was looking for some second opinions on spec. (spec. lock is in a few weeks time). In particular, it would be good to hear from people who have made the jump from GTS to GT4 (or from anyone who has both!) - any regrets in making the change? Also, if you had your time again, are there any options you would or would not choose? The car would mainly be a Sunday and special occasions car, with the odd UK and hopefully Euro road trip each year. It would most likely not see a track (sorry!). The big decisions were/are gearbox and colour. I haven't really got on with the manual in the GTS, so, after much um-ing and ah-ing, I have decided on PDK (for now!). As for colour, I'm thinking GR (the detailer has said this will need a two stage polish though!), GT Silver (classic and looks good, if a bit boring) or possibly GB (quite dark and I'm worried it might show up the swirls after a while even if it is protected with something like GTechniq). Budget doesn't allow for PTS. Other random thoughts: - will go for LED PDSL, but why is there no PDSL+? Is that because you could never get them on the GT4 or because you just can't get them now because of supply issues? Will be a shame to lose the extra feature (I have the + on my GTS). - what is all the hype with the Clubsport pack? Surely it only makes sense if you are tracking the car? - I am tempted by the buckets, but the standard seats in the GTS are absolutely fine (in terms of support and comfort) and do I really want to spend the best part of £4k on something that might be less comfortable (I've never sat in them, let alone driven in them)? - PCCBs - I would like them, but not sure the budget allows for them. Are the standard brakes fine for fast road use? - Bose - probably not going to bother. I have it in the GTS and it is ok, but not amazing. How bad is the standard stereo? So, at the moment, I'm probably going for silver, silver wheels, PDK, chrono, LED PDSL, the upgraded interior (like the GTS interior pack), dual zone, standard seats, standard brakes and a few other more minor bits and bobs. Thanks in advance for any comments.

Horses for courses. I looked at the GT4 but decided like you that as i would also not be tracking the car and would also be travelling into Europe and using regularly that a GTS would suit me better. Had to be PDK. I therefore found one with the right spec of 18 way seats, other interior/technology upgrades, PCCBs and Burmester etc. . It arrives at the end of the month CS package is for track so you don't need it. Colour is personal. Seats are whatever suits your body. Again as not tracking you don't need the buckets. It does beg the question why change other than the manual v PDK? Edited by CarbonV12V on Thursday 23 March 21:08

CarbonV12V said: Horses for courses. I looked at the GT4 but decided like you that as i would also not be tracking the car and would also be travelling into Europe and using regularly that a GTS would suit me better. Had to be PDK. I therefore found one with the right spec of 18 way seats, other interior/technology upgrades, PCCBs and Burmester etc. . It arrives at the end of the month CS package is for track so you don't need it. Colour is personal. Seats are whatever suits your body. Again as not tracking you don't need the buckets. It does beg the question why change other than the manual v PDK? Edited by CarbonV12V on Thursday 23 March 21:08 Thanks for your comments. To answer your (very reasonable) question at the end of your post, I like the GTS, but having owned it for a while now, I don't find it quite as engaging or as special as I was expecting. When coupled with the manual 'box factor, I haven't really jelled with the car. In fact, I started toying with the idea of selling it quite soon after getting it, which I suppose tells you everything. I had a very quick go in a GT4 last year and straight away if felt more like what I was after. Don't get me wrong, if I kept the GTS, that would be fine as it is a brilliant car. But, the current GT4 is the only GT car I'm ever going to be able to buy, so with production ending in the summer, it's now or never for a new one. The GTS hardly gets used, so when I do want to use my "special" car, I want it to be very special. I may regret it, but then my wife would say I shouldn't be wasting money on toy cars at all and would prefer it if I just sold the GTS! Hope you enjoy your GTS when it comes!

Can’t compare from GTS but had our GT4 since last summer, came from 991.1 C2S with 18 way adjustable seats, like you wasn’t sure on buckets, wife & I fast approaching 60 & not super skinny. Have to say tried buckets & love them, think more comfortable seats than our 991, wouldn’t want them on a daily, not the easiest to get in & out of but you do get used to it,, feel they add to the occasion in the GT4. Sure you won’t regret your decision either way

If you've no plans to track the car and are mainly using it for weekends and Euro tours, why not spec another GTS but with PDK and in the colour you want? That's what I would do but I think you'll struggle to get an allocation for a new one. The GTS/GT4 engine and gearbox are the same, albeit a slight power reduction and the suspension is firmer in the GT4.

To answer a couple of your other questions: PDLS+ is no longer available (as is Speed Sign Indicator) due to parts shortage of the camera units that go in the windscreen for the + (and speed sign recognition). They introduced the LED PDLS as a replacement to the + at the end of last year. The standard brakes are MORE than capable for road AND Track. The GT4 has always been over braked. If your only concern is repeatable stopping power, then the standard brakes are perfect. It’s quite noisy in a GT4. I’m not sure I could have one without BOSE. It’s not a great system by any means. But has more umph than the standard one, which is needed, in my mind, if you actually listen to music or podcasts in the car. Clubsport is not needed unless you really want to use harnesses on Trackdays. Definitely not needed for road, and does actually introduce a lot of clunking noises going over potholes in the road. If you are only using the car in road, I wouldn’t spec it. Seats is totally personal. Some people (like me) actually find the bucket more comfortable. But they are obviously harder to get in and out of. But some people find them uncomfortable. You really need to try them. Other options: dual climate is a must for me. You have it specced. FYI The standard platinum wheels actually go really well with GT Metallic. I had that combo on my 981 GT4 and loved it. Everything else is frippery. Enjoy the new car! Jack

On some of your questions: I'd go buckets, especially when it's a special occasion car. Sounds like you are looking for strong connection with the car. Buckets offer more of this than the regular seats. That's where I personally wouldn't compromise - also because for my frame buckets are much more comfortable than sports seats PCCB primarily improves ride quality and the car react a bit sharper to steering inputs due to lower unsprung mass. In terms of performance you will not be short changed by going with steels. If you tracked the car you'd anyway go for steels as disks are a consumable

It's a GT car. Get buckets

Get the bucket seats. They add to the appearance and sense of occasion. The difficulty in getting out of them add to the sense of occasion too😁 This would differentiate the experience further from your GTS

PDLS+, PCCB and Bose are all unavailable so that should make the decision easier. I’ve just locked my April/May build.

Not to contradict the forum but, if you have any issues with your back, I suggest trying the buckets before you buy. My back hated them, so I bought a GT4 with the 18 ways and have no regrets.

I read an owner update story the other week about the buckets feeling epic for short durations like the initial test drive, but not as comfortable once you started daily driving the car for 30mins or more. Everyone has a different shape and weight though. Some people can get uncomfortable in a club class airline seat.

I've done long journeys of plenty of hours in buckets and they're super comfortable for me. They hold you in a great position and it might take your body a little while to adjust to them, a quick run down the road won't give a full picture. I appreciate they're expensive to essentially take a punt on though.

Buckets were too upright for my taste but a 50 quid recliner bracket soon made it absolutely perfect even for long journeys. It's a GT car and for me it needs all the kit for a weekend toy. Mines a better car all round now it's on N rated PS4 tyres rather than the rubbish in cold /wet cup2 tyres it came on.

Twinfan said: It's a GT car. Get buckets Yessssssss..one item not to compromise on, and they really comfy, honestly

On the same journey, I developed hip pain on an 18 way seat and felt much more comfortable on the return journey on a bucket seat (one way journey was about 90 minutes).

OP - yesterday I took mine out yesterday for an agenda-less back-road blast. I covered around 80 miles for no reason other than to put a smile on my face. Mine's a 3rd car used for weekend fun and occasions, and like you I was also pondering buckets v sofas when I was speccing. I was also pondering if I should go manual v PDK. My dealer arranged for me to drive back to back of both, and within minutes I knew I HAD too have the buckets, and then after a few miles I know I had to have the PDK, the PDK IMO brings the engine alive when on the road. Like I've said before though, there's no right answer when it comes to the box, it's a very personal thing for what you want and your driving ability. The buckets however, really do make the car feel special, and an event when you are in them. They inspire confidence to push on and hold like no other bucket I've ever had. Not to mention they look amazing! They may seem expensive, but IMO they are worth ever single penny, and you'll easily see that money back come resale. As soon as you try the buckets, I will wager you'll want them. They certainly aren't uncomfortable, so only reason I can think of for not speccing buckets is if you have a medical back condition. You've ticked the extended leather/race-tex/stitch option, which is IMO an absolute must. Without it there's acres of nasty cheep looking/feeling plastic. There used to 3 headlight options, standard Xenon, options Xenon PDLS, and optional LED PDLS+. Since the parts shortages Porsche stopped the PDLS+ and replaced them with the LED PDLS, which means no camera at the top of the window for matrix etc, but the unit is exactly the same aesthetically as the old LED PDLS+. I specced PSLS+ simply for aesthetics. The standard Xenon has too much chrome (especially if you go for a bright colour & black wheel contrast paint combo), the Xenon PDLS has a smoked/tinted lens which for me is something i detest, so PDLS+ was a no brainer. CS pack, yes if you intend to go on track significantly more than you drive on the road. Otherwise, IMO, not needed. PCCB's, if you have the money then yes, but the steels are excellent and there are probably more arguments not to go for the PCCB's than to go for them. Colour - subjective. BOSE - unless you plan to do long journeys, then I wouldn't waste your money. The BOSE isn't that much of a step up due to the cabin noise, and most of the time you'll be wanting to hear that glorious engine anyway. Other things on the car are very personal, go for what you need. I remember submitting my original spec, and my dealer telling he how he expected me to go away and spend months in the configurator umming & ahhhing over things, but said he was confident I would lock spec very close to my original choices apart from a few tiny items. You know what, he was right! Go with your gut, because as a weekend car you want it to feel special, and IMO if you're coming from a GTS you'll really regret not getting buckets

Thanks for all of your comments. However, I think they have made me even more undecided now! A few responses / further thoughts from me: Buckets - I agree that they would make the car feel even more special. I have had cars with buckets before and do think they add a lot to a car. However, some of them have been uncomfortable on long drives. Another issue is the lack of isofix sockets. I would like to have the ability to take my young children out in the car (not at the same time obviously). One is getting to the age where we can probably get away with one of those booster style kids seats (as opposed to a proper clip-in one). Is the base of the bucket seat wide enough to fit a booster style kids seat? It only just about fits into the base of the standard seats in the GTS, so, with the steeper side bolsters of the buckets, I am guessing it probably won't fit in a bucket seat? Appreciate it is hard to tell because you have no idea what kids seat I have. I think I will ring up the dealer and see if he has any cars with buckets in and go and sit in them. And take the booster seat to see if it fits. However, I think cost might ultimately be the determining factor here as I have a pretty rigid budget. I would have to drop quite a few other things to get buckets like the fancy interior and the LEDs, which I'm not sure I am prepared to do. First world problems and all that! Bose - I do listen to the radio in my GTS (Bose), but only on longer motorway drives. For those who have the standard stereo, what's it like at 70 mph on the motorway when the car is just cruising? If I somehow twist the man maths even more and get buckets, I will definitely have to drop Bose. If I stick with the standard seats, I might keep it, unless I can find something else on the options list to excite me. Shame they have taken down the configurator. I assume if I go into the dealer, they will still be able to access things and show me all the options? As the above poster said, I think I will probably end up with my original spec. by the time decision day comes! Thanks again for your comments.

It’s entirely your choice, of course. My experience after 2 981 GT4sand this is my opinion (they do vary!): Buckets - incredible seats but this was primary reason I had to sell my second car. With a lower back issue, the car spent more time in the garage as I simply couldn’t cope with the pain. I’m now in a 911 GTS with 18 ways. PCCB - incredible brakes, but not required on road and actually less durable if you’re tracking a lot (which I understand you’re not). CS - never seen the point. Colour - your choice Biggest issue for me that often comes up is getting rid of the Cup 2 tyres. I wrote off my first GT4 and was lucky to escape injury after aquaplaning on the motorway. It was horrible and the first thing I did with my replacement was to put N rated PS4S. They’re not as good on track, but crikey they’re better all year round tyres.

Bincenzo said: CS - never seen the point. Roll cage for general safety and harnesses for track work. Or overall just for sense of occasion.

Twinfan said: Bincenzo said: CS - never seen the point. Roll cage for general safety and harnesses for track work. Or overall just for sense of occasion. OP not doing track work and of all of my cars, over 40 years, I’ve never had a rollcage. And I’ve survived. If you think clanks and clunks and strapping oneself in to a five point harness adds to the sense of occasion, then CS is clearly for you. Otherwise, probably not.

Bincenzo said: OP not doing track work and of all of my cars, over 40 years, I’ve never had a rollcage. And I’ve survived. If you think clanks and clunks and strapping oneself in to a five point harness adds to the sense of occasion, then CS is clearly for you. Otherwise, probably not. Each to their own, other opinions to yours are available. People can spec what they like for a variety of reasons. I'm personally happy with a cage and harnesses in the car for track use.

Twinfan said: Bincenzo said: OP not doing track work and of all of my cars, over 40 years, I’ve never had a rollcage. And I’ve survived. If you think clanks and clunks and strapping oneself in to a five point harness adds to the sense of occasion, then CS is clearly for you. Otherwise, probably not. Each to their own, other opinions to yours are available. People can spec what they like for a variety of reasons. I'm personally happy with a cage and harnesses in the car for track use. I’m glad. If you took the time to read my original post, I’d stated clearly that point. Lots of opinions around. I’d merely posted mine. As requested by the OP.

I go back to my original response and my own thought process when buying my GTS. I have had several track focussed road cars (and still have a couple) but decided for this one I wanted a daily road car and the comfort factor for longer trips to Europe etc which it sounds like you would want the same although maybe not a daily. If it was for track then it would have to be GT4 + buckets + CS. No compromises. I previously had a manual AMV12V which I never got on with so I definitely wanted the PDK and then that would be my ideal weekend toy/track car (apart from the GT4RS plus a long list of others). If you are using for long distance trips to Europe (plus partner) then the buckets for me (and my partner) will not be as comfortable or adjustable for such long trips - even though they may be comfortable to start with the fact you can't alter them for long journeys is an issue hence the adjustable sport seats were a must. I am sure you could find the 18 ways in a GT4 so not an issue. You don't need the CS if not on track and probably not great for just a road car so avoid (they will also carry a premium as a desired track option). Also whilst the PCCB's are fine for road use if not a little overkill I am sure the regular brakes are fine - I have the PCCBs on mine but only because they were included in the car that was available. I would not have specified them otherwise. Bose I am sure is an upgrade if still available. We have just downgraded from Harman Kardon to standard in a BMW and didn't notice. The lighting package depends on when you are going to be driving the car. Doesn't really matter what car it is. I would go for the best lighting package for visibility at night. What I don't have a view on is the GT4 v GTS in just regular road comfort and handling - whilst I am sure that the GT4 would be superior on track I am less convinced it would be more fun for road use and hence I decided on the GTS. This seem to accord with most reviews. I managed to secure a GTS with the right upgrades so happy with my decision. You need to make your own .

My GT4 with Cs pack and buckets is ultra comfortable. You do need to recline the seat angle IMHO, then it's perfect. No nasty clunk's or clonks from the cage, I just love the overall package. For a special road/occasional trackday car it's the perfect drivers car package for me.

200Plus Club said: My GT4 with Cs pack and buckets is ultra comfortable. You do need to recline the seat angle IMHO, then it's perfect. No nasty clunk's or clonks from the cage, I just love the overall package. For a special road/occasional trackday car it's the perfect drivers car package for me. Not sure the CS pack adds anything for comfort - probably detracts and when you have spent 2 days in the car travelling across Europe with your better half in the buckets please report back on the comfort factor. Agreed for track - I would have the GT4 + CS+ PDK + PCCB.

CarbonV12V said: Not sure the CS pack adds anything for comfort - probably detracts and when you have spent 2 days in the car travelling across Europe with your better half in the buckets please report back on the comfort factor. Agreed for track - I would have the GT4 + CS+ PDK + PCCB. My wife being small loves the seats. Plenty of room in front and rear for bags. Not done Europe yet but I wouldn't envisage major issues.

Agreed, buckets super comfortable for both myself and Mrs Twinfan. We've done full days in the car with no issues. Like colours, seats are very personal though.

Ideal spec for the 982 GT4: - Black car with gold wheels and red calipers, because these are the crest colours! - Cage and buckets, even if it’s never tracked, because it’s a cool track car! - Bose, because the standard stereo is crappy - Extended leather inside, otherwise too much plastic - PDLS plus or whatever equivalent they offer these days - Gear box is personal preference, I prefer manual for the road, but PDK on the track works really well By the way, my wife hates the buckets but they are actually really comfortable and make a big difference in helping you feel connected to the car… comfy padded armchairs not ideal for a sports car 😂 CS cars command a premium but they also retain said premium