It's no secret Porsche's on a roll. The company has seen radical progression in their lineup on both the EV and ICE (internal combustion engine) front, and unveiled the newest member in the RS family last year at the LA Auto Show: the mid-engined GT4 RS. Given a heart transplant from the seemingly tame 992 GT3 (albeit with a few changes to the intake, and a 180-degree rotation) the 4-liter flach-6 is only 13 horsepower down from its big brother. But how do the two compare? Well, numbers don't lie. The benchmark lap times set by the GT4 RS is nearly 9 seconds off the pace of the GT3...

At the Nurburgring, 6 minutes and 55 seconds to 7 minutes 5, is barely a blink of the eye in relativity.

But in the wise words of The Grand Tour's long-haired presenter James May, "sending a car around the Nurburgring just spoils it". There are many factors to take into consideration when making a decision between the two, from (dare I say it) drivability to price tag. The cars aren't aimed at the same customer, as Porsche wouldn't make THAT mistake again (remember the 914/6?). Both are masterpieces in their own right, and both make very convincing arguments.

Related: Why We Love The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 R

In Typical Porsche Fashion

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Rear Spoiler

Both cars are pockmarked with exposed carbon fiber bits and pieces, from drag-friendly swan neck rear wing mounting systems to vents on the fenders to draw turbulent air from the wheel wells. Canards and ducts in all the right places, and massive air scoops big enough to fit one's head into suck delicious atmospheric air straight into the engine without any forced induction witchcraft.

As previously mentioned, the GT3 is still ever so slightly quicker around a circuit than the GT4 RS thanks to its 17 additional horsepower and a stricter diet: one could easily mistake the GT4 RS for weighing less than its big brother GT3, but this is not the case. Somewhat surprisingly, the GT3 tips the scales at 3127 pounds, 100 pounds fewer than the GT4 RS.

That sets the tally to GT3 1, GT4 RS 0 on power to weight.

German lesson of the day: RS in context of most things Porsche stands for RennSport, or racing translated to English. Racing is usually synonymous with discomfort, as creature comforts are thrown out during development to make room for lightness.

Considering both the GT3 and GT4 RS retain their AC systems and most basic amenities, we'll call this round an even draw.

GT3 2, GT4 RS 1.

None Of These Porsches Are Cheap

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Rear Dynamic
via: Porsche

Finally, the price. Starting at $141,000, the GT4 RS is $22,000 less than the GT3. That is a considerable margin for only a 9-second difference around the 'Ring.

Let's break that $22,000 down: firstly, the 718 is not a 911. Second, the 911 is not a 718.

Put bluntly, the GT4 RS will be a fantastic track toy but can't escape the 718 stigma. It's the girl you don't bring by the parents'. Fun on a night out, but that's all.

Not to say the 911 can't get down and party every once in a while, with 510 rampaging horses pushing from the back it can do more than just get from A to B.

But the numbers have spoken, and $22,000 is quite a sizable number. This round goes to the GT4 RS.

GT3 2, GT4 RS 2.

Related: Bring A Trailer: This Porsche 914-6 Race Car Is Another Porsche To Pine For

718 Vs 911: Apples and Oranges

Porsche 992 GT3.1

Last month, Porsche brought the GT4 RS and the GT4 RS Clubsport (an even more bonkers track-only version) to the GP Ice Race event at Zell am See to showcase the model after their premiere at the LA Auto Show. The kicker? Both were powered by renewable synthetic fuel under development at Porsche.

The mid-engine layout of the GT4 RS flexed its handling capabilities even on the frozen lake, Porsche's PDK system the GT4 RS utilizes effortlessly harnessing all 493 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Too bad there wasn't a GT3 present to pit it against.

All in all, comparing a GT3 to the GT4 RS model barely seems fair. It's even in the name; GT3 refers to the class of racing for which this variant of the 911 was designed, and it still retains the essence of its genteel 992 siblings. We can expect the track-focused stripped down version of the GT3, the GT3 RS, late 2022.

Porsche 992 GT3

Until the RS model, the 718 line has never posed a threat against the 911 consumer base: now, the $22,000 difference in price alone might be enough to dissuade buyers from the GT3. Understandably so, considering the barely noticeable disparity in performance.

It's no secret Porsche's putting their 911 eggs in the GT3 RS basket, and has allowed the 992 GT3 to be caught up by its little mid-engined brother.

Source: Car and Driver, Porsche