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With both models equipped with optional light-weight packages, find out if the EV can beat the gas-powered sports car around the famed F1 circuit
by Amrit Balraj on July 11, 2024, 07:30Believe it or not, the all-electric Taycan Turbo GT holds the prodigious title of the "most powerful road-going Porsche ever". This 4-door road missile combines a 1019 horsepower powertrain with sharp handling, giving it an edge over its EV competition. When optioned with the Weissach package, the Taycan Turbo GT can hit 0-60 MPH in 2.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 190 MPH. All that power from the Taycan’s dual motors is channeled through a 2-speed direct-drive transmission to all four wheels. The GT4 RS is a track fiend with the same engine that powers the 911 GT3, albeit detuned a little to make 493 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of Torque. Interestingly the same engine produces 502 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of Torque in the 911 GT3. This flat-six engine sits in the middle of the car and directs all its power through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
Sport Auto, the German automobile magazine recently decided that they would take both of these spectacular Porsche’s to the Hockenheimring Grand Prix Track in Germany, to see which model could complete a hot lap quickest, and here’s what they found.
- The GT4 RS used for this test comes with the optional Manthey Kit from Manthey Performance
- The Taycan Turbo GT offers a maximum of 1019 HP when launch control is active, which tapers down to around 777 HP during normal driving.
- The Hockenheimring GP hosted the German Grand Prix in 2019 and covered a distance of 2.79 Miles.
Porsche Performance In Two Very Distinctive Flavors
The video showcases the exciting POV from within the cockpit of these wonderful machines as Sport Auto test driver Christian Gebhardt pushes both to their limits around the acclaimed 4.2 mile F1 circuit. You’ll get to experience the exhilarating straight-line blast, the gut-wrenching hard braking, and the razor-sharp handling through corners. In the end, it was the gas-powered GT4 RS that came out on top, by the thinnest of margins.
| Porsche Cayman GT4 RS | Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (Weissach Package) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | NA 4.0-Liter Flat-Six | Dual AC Motors |
| Horsepower | 493 HP | 1019 HP |
| Torque | 331 lb-ft | 988 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual Clutch Auto | 2-Speed Direct Drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.2 Seconds | 2.1 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 196 MPH | 190 MPH |
| Weight | 3,284 lbs | 4,850 Pounds |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R | Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS |
| Price | $164,200 | $230,000 |
| Track Time | 1.46.2 min | 1.46.3 min |
Well, there you have it, despite the vastly different performance numbers, both of these cars achieve nearly similar times on the track. While the Taycan has beefier numbers, it’s held back by its hefty weight. It is worth noting that the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach pack is 157 pounds lighter than a Turbo S, thanks to several weight-saving measures. This includes reduced sound-deadening materials, lighter glass, and the replacement of the rear seats with a carbon fiber storage compartment. It also includes aero bits which bring the downforce up to 485 pounds.
The Manthey Kit is a $53,946 performance package that outfits the GT4 RS to make it more formidable on track:
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A high-performance coilover kit with 4-way adjustable shocks with aluminum bodies for the front and rear wheels.
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Upgraded brake pad set paired with stainless steel braided brake lines for track use
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Carbon-fiber aero disc wheel covers
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Reinforced carbon-fiber rear wing with larger end plates for increased downforce
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Several carbon fiber aero bits for guiding air
Despite the nearly identical lap times achieved by both cars around the track, folks in the comment section of the video were divided. People were unhappy that the results of the test were concluded after one short lap, with the majority believing that the Taycan’s electric motors would not sustain this performance, if the test had been longer. The argument favors the GT4 RS to keep making good time, even if the test had five or six more laps. But you can’t dismiss the Taycan Turbo GT as it has set some impressive records at the Nürburgring and Laguna Seca. Will Sport Auto consider their suggestions and carry out a longer test soon? That needs to be seen, but until then, we will always have this video to drool over.
Amrit Balraj
When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio
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