All good guys. I understand the pros and cons of the platforms. I've seen this video a million times. I may hazard a guess that Sabine in the end may prefer the 997 just based on her familiarity with it. There is just something utilitarian about the 997's, the race heritage, the Mezger etc. In a weird way I also don't think I should skip the 997 and get a 991 later. Sort of experience the best of both. I also have never driven a PDK or flappy paddle of any kind. Every car has been a 6MT. I appreciate the feedback this is a good bunch of car guys...

 

Nice response. Great points. Even worse I just saw a 2015 Guards Red Carrera GTS with aero cup kit for 137K. Probably better in every way than a 997.2 GT3. New/warranty/updated/livable/faster etc. etc. But at the end of the day it's still not a GT3 and it's less than 10K from a '14 991 GT3. Porsche has absolutely marketed four cars within an inch of each other and it's irritating as hell.

 

Agreed. No 991 GT3'S in Minneapolis fly over country...

 

Tough decision - but one many of us have also considered. Couple of points that I found important - the 991 GT3 should be a much more friendly track car, just because of the paddles. I drove a F1 transmission for many years on the track until I bought a 997.2 GT3 which was set up by TPC. I thoroughly enjoyed this car at the track but as others have said, did not enjoy the drive around town - therefore, it was essentially a track car except for the long trips to the Glen or VIR. I haven't driven the 991 except for minimal local drives and am looking forward to getting it to the track in a few weeks.


As far as the GTS is concerned, there is no comparison between it (at least a 997) and either of the GT3's. I have a GTS cab, that I use sometimes as a DD and while it is a fantastic car, better than any "standard" 997, even with PDK, it is no comparison to a GT3. Perhaps the 991 GTS is much different, but I truly doubt it is even close to a GT3.


The answer for you is you really need to drive both cars; if a local dealer either doesn't have one or both available, there must be someone in your local PCA club that will take you for ride and if you beg enough, permit you to drive it on the street.


See below for my former white 997 and current black 991 GT3's. In fact, if you decide to buy a 997.2, take a look at the white one. It is at Porsche of Tysons Corner, they left the roll bar in and I have racing seats to fit it, if interested.

 

I don't think that anyone can fault either car. I own a 997.1 GT3 with FVD headers/exhaust and absolutely love it but my good friend got one of the first 991 GT3's in Northern California. I have been in it and driven it numerous times. It is a wonderful car! Faster, more comfortable, better interior and my wife loves the ride compared to the 997. But for me, the 991 GT3 is like the GTR, a technological marvel but something that I am a fan of rather than an owner. You can go so fast while drinking a latte and not thinking about driving. Yeah, yeah, I know that there are those who will say that this allows you to concentrate on driving but I think that is pure BS. Again, if this is a daily car then 991 all the way. If it is a weekend car that you take short trips with and track on occasionally, 997 GT3. BTW since getting a new motor from Germany months ago, my friend was recently infromed that he now needs a new PDK transmission! I guess I am a dying breed of driver that wants a manual transmission and plan on never selling my 997 but would entertain adding a 991 GT3. Hope this helps. Regards. Hiro

 

Thanks Rob...

More good feedback. It's funny, but I have been looking at your car already. Even spoke to them once (They never got back to me). It's definitely one of the white cars in the running. The other is the white 997 in Louisville. There are actually three cars all within 5K of each other in mileage and price now...

Thanks for the pics. First time I have seen both cars side by side.


May I PM you if I have any questions on your car?

Mj

 

Thank you Hiro! It does help. All feedback does. It always serves to solidify my thoughts on both cars. I'm definitely NOT a DD guy. I'm a 2 track day a year and a Sunday afternoon ride through the twisties along the Mississippi river on the Wisconsin side or maybe to the cabin. But I have DD work car.

Thanks again...

 

As I'm looking for the most versitile car (semi-DD, light track duty for a beginner) the comment above really hits home for me and why the 991 is a better value and fit for me.

I have a DD and an outragious weekender with a manual transmission so a serious but comfortable GT3 would be awesome.

 

As I mentioned before. Drive them both and you will never look at the 997 GT3 again. Everyone I know that's a previous owner of a 997 GT3 has said the same thing. The only area that's better about the 997 is steering feel. In every other category, the 991 is better. Spring and Summer are coming and once the significant portion of new owners start getting their 991's on the track, you'll hear this more and more. The 997's will be left in the dust by the 991 making more of the "purist" crowd convert.

 

Sure, send me a pm with any questions.


Rob

 

Agree wholeheartedly. The difference in chassis feel is evident. I love the size of the 997 (I have the turbo) which feels nimble. By comparison the size of the 991 feels almost GTish because the dimensions are so big (have a 991 GT3 as well). But then again the 991 chassis feels so much stiffer and better built and this equates to a better daily driver. I would say that if you plan on using the car daily get the 991 GT3, you will end up using the car more and getting more for your money.

 

You mentioned the Gt4 and then no one said anything. Unless you need the 911 might wanna wait for that. I am in the same boat. Do i sell my turbo and get a Gt3, or keep the turbo and get a gt4?

 

Here's another angle. If you want to park your money in a reasonably safe place, the 997.2 makes a lot more sense. They are building far too many 991 GT3s and the resale value won't be kind. You'll probably see 997.2 GT3s worth more than 991 GT3s in short order.

I'm not hating on the 991 GT3 btw, as I think they are fabulous cars and I'd love to also own one. I'm just trying to give you another point of consideration. Good luck with your decision, as I know it's hard to be a 'working stiff' and make these kind of decisions since I'm one myself.

 

There's not that many. 2014 production worldwide was 785. 2015 production worldwide around 2500.

 

Well, the production run of 991 GT3s isn't over yet either. I can tell you from one of our local Porsche dealers perspective that they are frantic to get more clean pre-owned 997s, and demand remains very strong for them. The 991 variant has already begun its natural depreciation curve.

I don't a crystal ball...so these are just thoughtful comments, not fearless predictions.