long time turbo owner--pulled trigger on 996 gt3
#1
09-16-2013, 12:16 AM
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Age: 48
Posts: 653
Rep Power: 68 
long time turbo owner--pulled trigger on 996 gt3
Well, I feel a bit sheepish as I've publicly proclaimed on this forum on multiple occassions how much I prefer my turbo to every gt3 I've driven. However, the itch wouldn't go away, and each time I drove one I liked it a little bit more. So a couple weeks ago I stumbled upon a local car that just really spoke to me and I pulled the trigger. 2004, black/natural brown interior, pccb's, 38k miles (and no type 2 overrevs!).
Am I going to miss the power of the turbo? Nope, because after spending some back to back time in both cars, I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep them both. They are very, very different, but compliment each other very well.
The turbo is much faster, and pulls hard from almost anywhere in the rpm range. I also prefer the way it looks over the gt3. It is also really easy to drive fast and cuase g.i. distress in unsuspecting passengers.
The gt3 is way more "nimble" and responsive, sounds better (i.e., it doesn't sound like a vacuum cleaner on steroids), and is actually not that slow as long as you keep it in the meat of the power band. Punch it in 2nd from 2.5k rpms and its going to feel like a 2.7 liter boxster. Do that in the turbo and your committing a felony in no time. On the other hand, punch the gt3 in first gear from a dig, shift into second at 7,500 rpm (nice chirp), run second up to 8 grand before shifting to third, and there is nothing slow about the experience. And, unlike other cars I've owned, the car does not feel like its straining at all when you drive like this. At this point, and after getting some seat time solo in a gt3, I'm convinced my prior disappointment with the power/speed of the gt3 was because I was trying to drive it like a turbo (which just doesn't work...you have to shift this car and can't be lazy if you want it to reward you!). I also much prefer the taller gearing in the gt3 (1st in the turbo is useless), and the quicker and more precise shifts. Comparing the stopping power is not even fair...the pccb-equipped gt3 stops WAY faster than my turbo.
Anyway, I feel fortunate that I'll be able to keep both. It would pain me to have to sell the turbo anway. After all, its set up EXACTLY how I want it (after much blood, sweat, and money...I'm on my fourth exhaust!), and its in absolutely great condition and looks downright awesome with the techart wing, fvd pss9's, and gt2 front bumper. And, it wouldn't exactly fetch a premium if I were to sell it, given its high mileage (105k).
Anyway, just thought I'd share my initial thoughts. Below are a few crappy pics of the new addition.
Am I going to miss the power of the turbo? Nope, because after spending some back to back time in both cars, I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep them both. They are very, very different, but compliment each other very well.
The turbo is much faster, and pulls hard from almost anywhere in the rpm range. I also prefer the way it looks over the gt3. It is also really easy to drive fast and cuase g.i. distress in unsuspecting passengers.
The gt3 is way more "nimble" and responsive, sounds better (i.e., it doesn't sound like a vacuum cleaner on steroids), and is actually not that slow as long as you keep it in the meat of the power band. Punch it in 2nd from 2.5k rpms and its going to feel like a 2.7 liter boxster. Do that in the turbo and your committing a felony in no time. On the other hand, punch the gt3 in first gear from a dig, shift into second at 7,500 rpm (nice chirp), run second up to 8 grand before shifting to third, and there is nothing slow about the experience. And, unlike other cars I've owned, the car does not feel like its straining at all when you drive like this. At this point, and after getting some seat time solo in a gt3, I'm convinced my prior disappointment with the power/speed of the gt3 was because I was trying to drive it like a turbo (which just doesn't work...you have to shift this car and can't be lazy if you want it to reward you!). I also much prefer the taller gearing in the gt3 (1st in the turbo is useless), and the quicker and more precise shifts. Comparing the stopping power is not even fair...the pccb-equipped gt3 stops WAY faster than my turbo.
Anyway, I feel fortunate that I'll be able to keep both. It would pain me to have to sell the turbo anway. After all, its set up EXACTLY how I want it (after much blood, sweat, and money...I'm on my fourth exhaust!), and its in absolutely great condition and looks downright awesome with the techart wing, fvd pss9's, and gt2 front bumper. And, it wouldn't exactly fetch a premium if I were to sell it, given its high mileage (105k).
Anyway, just thought I'd share my initial thoughts. Below are a few crappy pics of the new addition.
#4
09-16-2013, 11:40 AM
Scott, we still need to get together, damn it! LOL
The GT3 is a true Porsche, they sound so beautiful.
The turbo is much more entertaining for daily driving, but the GT3 is way more fun on a track.
Take it out to AMP for the PCA Event coming up
You won't regret it!
The GT3 is a true Porsche, they sound so beautiful.
The turbo is much more entertaining for daily driving, but the GT3 is way more fun on a track.
Take it out to AMP for the PCA Event coming up
You won't regret it!
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