GT3 vs. Turbo - Part II

Gentleman -

I posted about a year ago asking opinions about the Porsche Turbo and the GT3. I had zero experience with either, but was thinking one of them would be my next car.

In any case, I'm getting more serious and had the chance to drive a 996 Turbo and a 997.2 GT3 within the last two weeks.

My last sports car was a 2001 Viper RT/10. I use the car to run back and forth to my lake home, which is about 90 miles from where I live. Roads could be highway or two lane country roads, depending what I want to do. I sold it because I didn't like the "roof was either on or off concept" among other reasons.

Anyway, I loved the 996 Turbo. I'm sure the 997 Turbo is even better. Very comfortable car. Fast as hell.

The problem is, I loved the GT3 too. More raw. That motor just wailed with the 8500 RPM redline. I'll admit though, not as comfortable. And louder inside at cruising speeds.

My dilemma now is I'm not sure what to go after. The GT3 is a wicked car, but common sense says the Turbo might make more sense for what I want to do.

My goal is to have either a 997.1 Turbo or GT3 within the next six months. The question is what do I buy? Any thoughts?

Mike

 

The 997.2 GT3 is a fantastic car. Much more memorable to drive than any Turbo car. It's also double the price of a 997 Turbo (unless you buy a very recent 997.2 Turbo). You can get very nice 997.1 Turbo for $70k and they will keep getting cheaper.

997.2 GT3s (and GT3 in general) will not drop anymore. If you dont need the backseats and the AWD (Snow), then go for the GT3.

 

Why not a used R8 V10? You get the high revving engine, manual, AWD with more comfort than a GT3 911. That's what I would chose.

 

I think only you can answer this. Do you want comfy or raw?

I know which one I want... hence why I have GT3 in the garage. I love every minute of it. However, other people are annoyed with how loud it is, how stiff the ride is, all the odd noises it makes. So thus, the turbo is more appropriate for them.

Be ready to spend some money on a GT3 though.

 

"Comfy or Raw" - that is the question, isn't it.....

MDS

 

I was looking to trade my 40k mile 991C2S DD for a 2011 GT3 RS to use as my DD. However, after a short test drive, I went with a 2012 997 Turbo-S instead. The GT3 was just too low and rough riding to use as a DD.

 

996 tt is cheap. 997 tt is a much better car. I had 5 examples of each and could never get used to the clutch in the 996.

 

GT2 is the perfect answer but then again I am biased.

 

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow

 

GT2 has to be an absolute blast. I think the GT2RS is one of the best bargains out there at the moment. Low production numbers, great power, MT, RWD. I see their value increasing over the years.

 

The GT3 is a magnificent car. It is truly a race car that is street legal. To appreciate it, you really have to drive it. Then the sharp steering, incredible brakes and "stick like glue" cornering are appreciated.

But for your use, a trip up the highway (or 2 lane) to the lake house, the 997tt is the better ride IMHO. It is "soft' in comparison to the GT3, but it is not a soft car. The 997tt can have power added easily and AWD is not a bad thing at these power levels.

Yeah, a GT2RS is a very cool car. Twin turbo power, but "only" RWD. It is more street car than the GT3, but will acquit itself well on the track. However, limited production, and while it may appreciate in value (adding miles usually decreases value except with rare cars), you will pay a big premium over a 997tt.

Fun choices to make!!!

Regards,
Jerry

 

I am pretty impressed with how well even 996 GT3s have held their value.

 

The effortless power and more comfy approach of the Turbo will make it a great daily driver, but a 997.1 GT3 would be far more appealing to me. If you care about this sort of thing, the GT3 will hold it's value and will go up in the coming years whereas the turbo will just drop and drop and drop....

The noise alone should be more than reason enough to take the GT3 .

 

Whatever you do, don't get the 996 Turbo heh. Personally I think the 997 interiors are ugly, so I'd rather have the GT3. A meh interior is more acceptable to me if it's in a car that's supposed to be down on luxury in the first place.

 

I have an offer in on a GT3. Will keep everyone posted. Thanks for all the replies. Wish me luck.

MDS

 

Hopefully it works out. I think you made the right choice!

 

It's mine.....

Thanks for the help.

MDS

 

Congrats! Post some pictures up when you get a chance. I drove mine into work today, despite the rain. I couldn't resist!

 

Well done

 

Great choice. Congrats.

 

Celebrating in Chicago by chance - Gene & Georgetti's later