996 GT2 vs 997 GT3

if you're going to daily drive it, 997 GT3. much more comfortable and refined car.

 

i'm conflicted. i love boosted cars and the gt2 is a fast one...i just do not like the looks of the 996.

the gt3 will be quick and fast enough for most. prettier than the 996 too...but not as all out rocket ship fast like a 996 gt2 (don't even bother talking about a typically modified gt2 as that will take fast to another level yet).

again...i am not much help as i like them both.

 

GT3

It has a balance of power, handling, ergonomics that the GT2 (cant turn on boost) does not have.

 

Tough decision. I think I'd have to take the GT2 (assuming its in good shape and the upgrades arent not of the nature that would hurt the cars value) for the exclusivity even though the GT3 is more my kind of car. Either way, you can't go wrong.


Mark

 

I would choose the GT2. I was gonna go after this one if I didn't have any luck with finding a 360
http://dcmotorcars.com/inventory/1-2l1337153830/Porsche_911_GT2_Black-[Black]_2003#request-info
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

GT3. The 996 GT2 is very tempting but 2 things put me off (Not that im in the market anymore..).

1- The 996 Interior is really subpar. (Although i see this black GT2 has carbon which helps a little).
2 - The Sound. The turbo cars will never sound as great as the NA. If you go muffler less on a GT3, it sounds amazing.

The GT2 is probably faster in good hands than a GT3 but i would assume only the very best week end racers would be able to feel comfortable enough with it to be faster than a GT3.

 

its been a while since I drove a 996 GT2, all I recall from it was that it was fast. the 997 GT3 was probably one of the most fun cars that I have ever driven, the car actually begs to be driven hard. that said, I am not really sure I would want one as a daily driver. for the same money I would be much more inclined to go with a 997 turbo.

 

A few points about the 996 GT2.

It has genuine low production #'s. In the neighborhood of 20%, have been wrecked. The advertised power #'s for the car, are too low.

The 996 GT2, is also the last car, without all the electronic driver aids. It is nicknamed the widowmaker .

 

Bottom line is that any 996 iteration looks ****e - sorry this is my personal opinion. Do you really need the boost? For the vast majority of us GT3 is more car than one can handle. Looks far nicer in the 997 guise and I know which I would choose.

 

Get the 997.

The 996 has a lousy interior and too many squeaks and rattles. The quality of the materials is just abysmal.

Also, I never warmed to the front end of the 996.

 

Mike J is that you from you know where?

 

As much as I respect Roy, I would kick in $25k and go for a 2008 997 GT2. Rare, and you can do whatever you want power-wise with this platform, which isn't true for a GT3.

 

Am I the only one who thinks 996 GT2 looks great? The front bumper helps so much over the basic Carrera bumper... The rear wing and wheels also compliment it very nicely.

My choice is 997 GT3. Instant power, better sound, better looking and nicer interior + higher rpm engine (more fun to me at least).

 

I love the looks of the GT2. Huge improvement over the standard 996 or even 996 Turbo.

Mark

 

Really? But can you insure it as a 4 seats? It was part of the reason why i kept my C4S instead of getting a GT3 Mk1. But i if i can install 2 seats and have it insured as a 4 seater, then it would be a great compromise.

 

I think they do the insurance off the VIN.

also I'd be leery of the install job done with rear seats on a GT3, I'm not sure all the holes and brackets and such are there from the factory. that's one of those "reputable shop only" situations.

 

So if it's by the Vin, insurance would still consider it a 2 seater?

 

that's my understanding.

 

Contrary to the opinions of some here, the 996 interior is a high mark in Porsche sports car interiors. The 993 interiors, while very appealing in their own right, are too dated and spartan. On the other hand, the 997 interior is too plush and Mercedes Benzish. And the headlight debate amongst Porsche enthusiast, round vs. not round(asymmetric), is just ridiculous(should Ferrari have clung to any of its variant designs? Of course NOT). That leaves the interior of the 996 platform; which is just right IMHO. It’s not too old school but at the same time not too plush. It’s just right!!!

Sure the quick revving NA GT3 engine is awesome but the pure power and thrust of the 996 GT2 more than makes up for its lack of audible excitement…the rarity and pure power/speed of the 996 GT2 win out IMHO.

 

996 high mark in what way? The quality of the material, the fit and finish was not good and it was not just an opinion of some of us. The press also complained about it. I remember when the 996 came out, i was living in France, and the mags were not kind about the quality. And i dont understand how the 997 is Mercedes Benzish when the layout is the same, but the quality and finish are a hundred times better (And IMO, it's still not perfect).

The good thing is that you can buy aftermarket parts to make the interior of the 996 look better if the original owner didnt spec the carbon bits.

 

Before I elaborate, let me ask. Have you owned a 996 or 997?

BTW, I have and I speak from experience.

 

I've owned both and the 996 interior is awful. barely above the interiors of Corvettes of the same time frame. the 997 interior is much better in layout and quality.