I have had a 981 GTS (manual) for a little over two years and 40k miles. (After an R) I don’t track it, but use it for long journeys to fun roads around UK and mainland Europe, as well as general transport duties. It is very good at this! From the moment it fires up, to the point it is switched off - Yes! It performs well, has a bit of comfort, is smooth and sounds great.
Every car is a compromise and, of course, I am always looking at alternatives. I have had a 718 on loan and driven them at the PEC. Great cars and lots of performance, but for me the rough start up, idle and low speed operation is unacceptable in comparison to the 6 cylinder 981.
As for the GT4 and the new 6 cylinder GTS, I would have one in a heartbeat, but I would also be frustrated that I could not use the performance of the former, and be stressed out by mileage and stone chip phobia on all of them. This and the significant cost of change does not work for me at the moment.
In the bit of the real world that I inhabit, the 981 GTS is the best compromise for me, on performance, financial and emotional levels. I can’t think of another Porsche that would fit the bill so well.* I am based in Great Ayton and you are welcome if if you want a run out, or pm me if you would like to chat.
(*actually, the idea of taking a Panamera ST turbo to the south of France has incredible appeal, but it is too big to park in Sainbury’s.)