Greetings

Long time lurker here. Time for me to step out of the shadows and join the Porsche Family

I'm currently in the process of selling my Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE. Outstanding car and fantastic performance but it just doesn't work for me as a city/performance car which I can also commute the 5 miles to work.

Other cars in the garage includes a BMW X5 (family hauler) and a 2012 Mercedes E AMG Performance package so the new (used) Porsche will be the 3rd car and needs to be performance focused.

I have my sights set on two cars roughly at the same price point.

2008 GT2 Guards Red w. 25K miles on the clock or
2008 Turbo Black w. 20K miles on the clock

I understand from reading up on several threads in this forum that the Turbo will be the more comfortable car whereas the GT2 will feel more light and precise performance orientated. From this description alone I would go GT2 but I'm a bit worried if I'm going to have leg cramps every time I end up in traffic and pee blood after I ride on poor quality asphalt.

Lastly I'd appreciate some feedback on performance mods. From browsing different tuner pages I understand they can achieve around 620 crank HP for both models with a simple tune and that I can pick up another 20-30 HP if I go with a full Europipe (or similar)

Will both the Turbo Tiptronic and GT2 Manual gearbox handles this power/torque? Or should I expect slip and therefore be forced to upgrade the gearbox?

Thanks in advance.

Ken

 

GT2 - much, much firmer ride (normal setting is like the Turbo with PASM on), more precise steering and feedback, lighter, more turbo lag, more aggressive in stock form, lower, more aggressive appearing, easily modified (both are), ceramic brakes, appears to be built tighter, no sun roof, and adjustable suspension. Mine is a DD and the clutch (stage 3) is fine with little effort in traffic (though it is no PDK). My car is making about 640hp crank with more than 700tq and it is very drivable.

Turbo - made to be softer and appear to a larger segment. My turbo had over 600hp and 600tq and was nearly impossible to get into trouble regarding getting out of control with its 4-wheel drive. Clutch is very soft. It was an '07 with a 6-speed.

You need to drive both of them, not just listen to what people have to say - it's very personal (I'm sure you know that). What I can't understand is how you found a GT2 and Turbo at nearly the same price. The GT2 should be getting between $120-130 depending on OEM options and the Turbo should get around $80-85 (IMO). If the GT2 is that low I'd get a PPI and thorough history. Just my 2 cents.

 

Ken

For DD Turbo for Track GT2

The stock pressure plate is the weak link in the OEM manual transmission and needs to be upgraded to handle power if modded.

Most people upgrade to sachs 764PP and clutch disk.

The OEM Auto gearbox is a little more mod friendly.

Tuner I would recommend is Todd K\Protomotive.

 

Instant feedback. I love this forum

I should mention that I'm in Europe so the prices are not directly comparable to US standards. Both cars are on sale from authorized Porsche dealers at roughly USD108K with warranty. Turbo pretty much on market conditions. GT2 priced to sell (they have had it for 10 months but a clean history).

Thanks for the input so far.

Ken

 

I'm not knowledgeable here having never driven a 997 at all, but since you already have a luxury SUV and luxury sedan, I say go all out and get the GT2, especially if they're the same price. I agree that you should drive both to get an idea of what you're getting in to, but in my view since you already have other cars for other purposes your sports car should be uncompromising in its mission to thrill.

 

if you can afford the gt2.. then get it

 

The GT2 hard clutch will get very tiresome in heavy traffic, but the suspension is hardly harsher than the turbo (both being in non-sport), so no blood in the urine. I prefer EVOMS ecu tune and you dont need a full exhuast, just get some 200 cell sport cats and that will give you the extra 30hp. My clutch did start to slip after the mods and so I got a stronger and ligther fly wheel which makes everything better.

I think if you drive them both you will chose the GT2 based on what you are wanting.

 

If you are use to a Ferrari 599 then go with the GT2 IMO as it will be similar but alot better!

If you would like something just for everyday then the Turbo is the one and you can always stick a bilstein kit on it which I have just done which has improved the drive dramatically!!!


BUT first drive them both and I'm sure you will find your answer.

 

Have you consider a 4S or a GTS for DD?

 

Price wise you're getting a bargain compared to US. Normally you pay 25-33% more for a GT2.

While I don't have specific GT2 experience, I did drive my father In law's07 GT3 with the adjustable suspension. Compared to the GT3 car my 996 turbo feels like an M3.

The ride is VERY stiff and when you press the PASM button it becomes rock hard gravely. It really does feel like a race car with all the amenities of a modern car. A/C, radio, heated seats, great regular seats BTW (much better than the "sport" seats in a 996. That said the car really follows the road and inputs to a "T". The normally aspirated engine needs revs but is very rewading amd will still dance unless you bog it.

I did a few straight line launches and given the linearity of the clutch and engine output, I am skeptical if a turbo driver could get such consistent results. us turbo guys know, too little and you bog and too much and you're spinning tires bouncing off the limiter... which kills the prospects of a solid shift to 2nd gear...

But all that said GT2 is much greater than a Turbo and in a better investment unless you simply can't handle the ride.

A little OT but we are getting very close to having cars that can transform from a comfortable sporty cruiser to an all out race burner. We're not that far away. We even have electronically stiffening engine mounts.

 

Add 2-way+ adjustable CO's and a Guards LSD differential you will find the GT2 is more comfortable than a TT. You can fine tune to your liking and with the LSD the ability to control the car is greatly enhanced. Finally, I added a triple carbon disc clutch from ERP (www.turboclutch.com) and the peddle pressure is very similar to a ZR1 (~ 55-60% of the original peddle pressure). ERP is a division of RPS Clutch, you will have to call for specs and pricing or call Champion (they sell ERP - ask for Louis, Tom, or Shiraaz).

 

Thanks guys!

I will of course test drive both cars but for me it's equally important to hear opinions from long term owners and especially experience with the aftermarket scene (like the above poster :-).

Much appreciated.

Ken

 

From a 599, I'd go for the GT2. Its a very comfortable drive and the clutch isn't too heavy. Our roads are generally horrible but its not a big deal driving the GT2 every day. My clutch starting slipping the first day I loaded the tune (Switzer) and I've had it upgraded since then. The tune itself added 32whp and that is my only performance mod.

The GT2 has much more of a presence on the road and is a great car, minus the ****ty stock clutch.

 

If you don't need rear seats and 4x4 get a GT2.

 

Not sure how the price differentials are in Europe, but the GT2 shouldn't be the same price. 25k miles on a car that can see the Autobahn or the Nurburgring can add a lot of wear. Easy to find a decent TT. That GT2 needs a thorough inspection.