While known for their sturdiness and power, Porsches have always been revered for things like feel and touch, which to many people are less important than numbers. But it’s because of these qualities and the depths to which they immerse the driver in the driving experience that make Porsches, especially their GT line, stand out not only as desirable objects, but as emotive, engaging sports cars.

Both the GT3 RS and the Cayman GT4 have received endless acclaim as stellar circuit warriors, but a comparison between the two should show just exactly where the newer, smaller addition to the GT family meets and falls behind the almighty RS. Now, there was never any question that the RS was the faster of the two. Plus — Porsche needs to keep their model hierarchy in place, even if the Cayman has fundamentally better layout.

The 3.8-liter six in the GT4 provides 380 horsepower and, to the purists’ delight, retains a crisp-shifting, six-speed manual. That is an incredible amount of grunt for such a petite sports car, but up against the GT3 RS’s 495 horsepower and PDK gearbox, it cannot compete down the straights — especially as the the big brother only weights a few pounds more. Though, it would be sacrilegious to not dissect the handling and braking systems, since these are ultimately what make the GT Porsche such a unique driving experience.

With wider fenders, huge intakes and purposeful stances, it’s easy to see the design ethos these two share.

If these two cars could be summed up in one word, it would have to be urgency. The rate at which a driver is given information, and the quality of information, is what sets these cars apart from machines which might be better in other regards. The agility of the GT3 RS benefits from rear wheel-steering, for one. Keeping it glued to the tarmac is an impressive aero package, complimenting the braking benefits of a rear-engined layout are carbon ceramic brakes and adding stiffness and safety is a rollcage. Crucially, the new electric steering system is full of feel, and the front end has done away with the understeer problem that used to plague 911s. In short, the RS has most of the qualities one expects from an actual racing car.

By comparison, the GT4 looks a little civilian. Without a cage or a GT wing that doubles as a drinks tray, the GT4 isn’t a race car at first sight, but the footwork throws a few hints for the clever observer. It borrows the front axle and suspension from the GT3 and gains a front track that’s 13 mm wider. Additionally, the modest ducktail spoiler generates 220 pounds of downforce in conjunction with the front splitter! Solid motor mounts transmit vibrations into the cabin and give the car so much presence and response that one can’t help but want to drive quickly.

To constantly flirt with the limit, a car needs a transparent relationship with its driver. These cars respond to the release of the brake pedal, the effort in the steering inputs, and the manipulation of the throttle in a multitude of different ways, so much so that they redefine the term “adjustability.” Again, while the GT4 isn’t as quick as the bewinged RS, it still shows that all of the qualities one loves best about the RS can be found, undiluted, in the baby Cayman. For the price, there aren’t many cars with that combination of response, poise, and manageability that wear license plates.