I am looking to get back into a P-car sometime next year and have it narrowed down to either a 997.1 turbo or a 997.2 GT3. I had a 997 C2S a few years back and loved the car, but it was nowhere near practical enough. I ended up trading it in for a new e92 M3 which has been spectacular in its combination of speed and also practicality. But times have changed. I no longer need the practicality of the M3 as we now have an SUV and a sedan in the family.

The car I will get will NOT be a daily driver, though it will probably be driven around 3-4 days a week mostly for pleasure. I absolutely LOVE the look of the GT3 along with the exhaust note and pureness of the vehicle. My main concern with the GT3 is the low end torque. Ever since moving to Tucson from Seattle, my M3 feels (and is) much slower due to an elevation of 2500 feet (vs sea-level) and the high temps (100+ here in the summer whereas Seattle is like 75). The M3 feels underpowered at the low end and I am concerned the GT3 may feel the same here. At the same time I am also someone that loves a good audio system in my car and I am thinking the system in the GT3 might not cut it.

I know the GT3 will blow the doors off of any car I have owned, but I must admit that I love the torque and power delivery of a car with forced induction. I am thinking that since I do not track the vehicle and given the elevation and heat of the desert, the TT makes more sense. Add to that the modability of the TT and it seems clear it is probably what I am looking for. But the sound and look of the GT3 moves me whereas the turbo looks dull in comparison. Any good looking esthetic mods (rear spoiler, bumpers, etc) that enhance the look of the TT without breaking the bank?

Finally, what is the concensus of perhaps getting a 2009 with the upgraded electronics? Is the nav system much better than the 2007-08 models? I personally think the black surrounds look MUCH better than the gray of the 07-08 models, but I am wondering about the functionality. As for color I have decided I would like to get silver or gray on terracota. But I am thinking this may be a difficult combo to find as most people get black or gray interiors. Thoughts on this? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I've driven both recently too as I'm thinking of switching out of the M3 to a Porsche.

The GT3 is marvelous and the motor sounds absolutely wicked! But the suspension was very stiff and putting around Los Angeles was actually quite uncomfortable. The 997 Turbo was soooo much easier to drive around town and was actually a very comfortable ride!

The Turbo is definitely NO slouch when it comes to power. I think for daily driving without any track duty - I would go with the Turbo.

Well I had an 08 M3 coupe and traded it for my 07tt and did consider the GT3. The GT3 is also very fast and raw but no back seat for my daughter. I was also tired of high horsepower and no low end torque. The turbo fixed that for me and it also very great on the track!

I have no problems with my nav and I have sirius and bluetooth in my 07. I guess if you do not have the new and improved the old works fine. Just add an exhaust and the turbo sounds better just not GT3 better. Good Luck.

I would add that insofar as the model year consideration, it is generally a good idea to buy the most recent model you are able to afford.
Having said that, and although PCM 3 is a major step up from previous iterations, but that in and of itself is not such a great incentive to stretch yourself financially in my opinion.

Go with the turbo especially if you like the feel of boost. You'll have a lot fun modding it too. Black on terracotta looks good as well.

I had exactly the same situation 3 years ago. I used to have a 996 cab and for family reasons I bought an M3 E92. The car is really really nice to drive. I have enjoyed it a lot. It is very practical and also very fast, BUT 997tt is in another league. Since may this year I have the turbo, and my friend.....what a diference....just try one....

Turbo all the way. Not too many cars car achieve 640hp and 690tq with just software and exhaust......

I still own my M3 and am figuring out what I want to do with it...

I do not think I will go back to a NA car for daily driving.

Torque = WIN.

Go with the Turbo, I also had that decision to make between the GT3 and Turbo and the Turbo just is so much fun. Once you have owned a Turbo you will never go back. By the way, you live in Tucson their is no need for nav.

I have been searching autotrader just to get a feel for what's out there and pricing. I do not see any of the 2007's with the optional rear differential lock. Was this not available in the 2007 models? More than likely I will end up getting a 2008 or maybe a 2009, but curious if the diff lock was an option on the 2007 models. Also, there are very few with terracota interiors. Zero with black and terracota 2-tone, which is by far my first preference...

I have it, so yes, it was available.

My 2007 has it.

OP

http://www.formanmotorsport.com/web/...sche-911-Turbo

It has the locking diff and lowered price of 79k

Very interesting thread. I have been flip-flopping between the TT and GT3 myself in my quest for another pcar (going slower than planned, but hey, the prices are coming down too, with the passage of time). The combination of power, dd comfort, AWD for the wet/slick roads, back seats, and mod-ability of the TT still gives it the edge. The primary downside still comes back to the tame exhaust note (but perhaps that's not a bad thing sometimes...). Just needs to have the right aftermarket exhaust to suit one's personal preferences and it would be the best all-rounder, IMO.