While both are street-legal machines designed for track use, find out how the two have a few key fundamental differences that set them apart
In the world of Porsche, the "GT" badge has always signified a level of performance and focus beyond the ordinary. Take the 992.1 911 GT3 RS, a car barely disguising its racing roots. With its massive wing, aggressive aerodynamic bodywork, and a howling 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine churning out 518 horsepower, it’s the pinnacle of what a road-legal Porsche can be.
But what if you crave a different kind of intensity, a little dialed-down but equally fun on the road? That’s exactly what the 718 Cayman GT4 RS offers. It’s the most hardcore mid-engined Porsche you can buy brand new. It shares the GT3’s motorsport DNA (including a slightly detuned version of the 4.0-liter flat-six engine) but in a smaller, lighter package.
So, which of these track-focused Porsches reign supreme? Does the rear-engine layout and bonkers aerodynamics give the 911 GT3 RS an unbeatable edge, or does the mid-engine balance of the Cayman GT4 RS offer a more rewarding connection to the road? Let’s uncover the details and determine which delivers the ultimate driving thrill.
From the design perspective, both the 911 GT3 RS and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS scream performance and could be a little more flashy in the eyes of many. Take, for example, the rear adjustable carbon fiber wing on the GT3 RS, which is the biggest wing Porsche has ever fitted to a road car. It’s not that the Cayman GT4 RS’s spoiler is unnoticeable. However, the latter’s rear wing looks more compliant and slightly less intimidating when compared with the 911.
While there are many similarities between the 911 GT3 RS and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, there are some noticeable differences as well. For starters, the GT3 RS features LED headlights, which are far better than the bi-xenon units used in the GT4 RS. Secondly, the GT3 RS packs some added features that are missing from the Cayman GT4 RS, such as rear-axle steering, carbon fiber wheel arch vents, more downforce (1,895 lbs at 177 mph), a proper race-car-like DRS (Drag Reduction System), a fully customizable traction control system, a fully adjustable suspension system, you get it.
Additionally, on the interior, the 911 GT3 RS looks more modern and upmarket than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, thanks to a cleaner-looking center console and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Not that the GT4 RS’s cabin is built poorly. It appears dated, especially with the dinky seven-inch touchscreen display running an operating system of the bygone era. However, if you want to carry around stuff, this uprated Cayman, with its slightly better 9.2 cubic feet frunk, is a no-brainer. You could fit up to three carry-on suitcases without any hassle!
Starting at $241,300 before options and taxes, the 911 GT3 RS is a whopping $80,600 more expensive than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS’s starting MSRP of $164,200 bone stock. This means you can consider the GT4 RS for your track days and save enough money to buy another Porsche, a Macan, for your everyday driving shenanigans, and still, somehow, you can save almost $18,000! Factor in the any options, or the Weissach package and any dealer markups, considering they’re limited-run models and you could be looking at an even higher figure for both cars.
The GT3 RS starts at $241,300. The Cayman GT4 RS, while still expensive at $164,200, represents significant savings of 77 grand.
Before we jump onto the performance differences between the 911 GT3 RS and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, let’s just admire the shared heart of the matter: the motorsport-derived 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. In the 911 GT3 RS, the engine is placed behind the rear axle, producing a whopping 518 horses and 342 pound-feet of torque. Obviously, being $80,000 cheaper than the GT3 RS, the Cayman GT4 RS puts down a total of 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. However, the same 4.0-liter engine sits behind the seats, making it a mid-engined sports car. Both the cars here come with a seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox by default, that sends power to the rear wheels.
Talking about acceleration, the 911 GT3 RS is quicker than the less potent Cayman GT4 RS, clocking 60 mph in three seconds, according to Porsche. However, independent tests have recorded a whopping 2.7-second 0-60 mph time. However, the tables are turned in favor of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS in terms of the top speed. It can go as fast as 196 mph, 12 more than the GT3 RS. While the Cayman may be faster in a straight line when it comes to outright speed, show these two cars a racetrack and the 911 GT3 RS should come out on top with its far superior downforce and aerodynamics.