997 Turbo /GT2 / (GT3) - Page 3 - 6SpeedOnline - Porsche Forum and Luxury Car Resource

Dec 22, 2012 | 02:09 AM

#31

Peskarik

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cannga

Hearing this I now almost want to tell you "don't do it."

Primarily because of the tires (and power) GT Porsche's most certainly will not tolerate sudden braking/steering input changes in these conditions. Wet, cold streets are totally off for them, where they are dangerous to drive, and perhaps you should consider alternatives like keeping Turbo and buy GT3 for the Swiss Alps adventures. GT class machines as you already know, are racing engines to be treated with attention 100% of the times that you are driving and are better left off street when weather is bad.

BTW, Bob/bbywu and 512bb touches on another point that's rarely discussed, the driving dynamics of AWD vs. RWD. AWD Turbo tends to understeer (increased front wheel slip angle), RWD GT2 tends to over-steer, which one is more advantageous depends on drivers, etc., but they do feel different. In addition, the front end of GT car to me anyway does feel eerily light in corners and Turbo feels safer and more sturdy here. *Not* faster, just feel "safer." (Boxster/Cayman is the best Porsche in corners btw; if they ever drop a turbo engine in here, these guys will kill all 911's.)

I would again emphasize the subjective sensation of the 2 cars, primarily suspension, but braking, steering, etc, as well. The RWD GT has "purer" steering sensation, mainly because there is no power going to the driving wheel. It is quicker and turn-in is faster. It also has much less power assist, much more to my liking as I think Turbo's steering is over-assisted. The steering sensation of GT2 is its highlight; it is perfect.
The clutch effort of GT is my one and only criticism of the car; clutching is not fun and I think the overly heavy clutch detracts from the driving experience.

In the end, the bottom line is Porsche is smart, each car has its purpose and its +/-. I wouldn't want to drive the stock Turbo but with suspension mod, I am in love ;-); if this doesn't satisfy, I could easily think of many combinations that are quite appetizing:
1. GT2 and Boxster
2. Turbo and GT3
3. Turbo and Boxster
Lucky are the ones among us who have had them all.

Thanks, cannga!

I did not show Turbo (with PSM off) enough respect and it decided to teach me a lesson, thankfully not the fully hard way. I´ve been more respectful from that point on.

Regarding Cayman/Boxter, I am sure they are nice, but for me Porsche starts and ends with rear-engined 911.

If I could support 2 cars, I would not even ask the questions here, I would most likely buy GT3 as a stable mate for the Turbo. This is not the case, unfortunately, can only keep one car and GT2 is the mixture of Turbo and GT3.

Turbo is a great car, I love the manual gearbox, but in the mountains it is not that fun, at least not for me, it is heavy and during the time I shift gears it loses quite some momentum, not very fluid to drive up the steep slopes.

Maybe I still should look at 997.2 GT3, should still be OK to drive downtown...

THANK YOU, EVERYONE, FOR YOUR COMMENTS! IF YOU HAVE MORE, KEEP THEM COMING!

Jan 1, 2013 | 06:45 AM

#32

cannga

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Peskarik

Turbo is a great car, I love the manual gearbox, but in the mountains it is not that fun, at least not for me, it is heavy and during the time I shift gears it loses quite some momentum, not very fluid to drive up the steep slopes.

Maybe I still should look at 997.2 GT3, should still be OK to drive downtown...

Sorry for the time off. My humble opinions regarding GT3 as the solution of the only car: were life that simple. I once thought about that myself (GT3=among world's best handling car, Porsche's best handling 911, pure, intoxicating, etc.), the one car to own?

That plan sounded good until I actually drove the 2010 GT3. Compared to the Turbo the GT3 has no power to speak off below 5000 rpm. In my GT3 vs. Turbo drive, even with a semi professional driver on board the GT3, in a straight line the Turbo would pass the GT3 as if it's standing still.

There are always exceptions but IMHO for most people the GT3 is really NOT a car to drive around town. To unleash the GT3 beast, it's above 5000 rpm, and imagine pulling into your work place at 5000 rpm

; just kidding but you get the picture. Believe me you'll be shocked at how little torque GT3 has at low rpm. My argument has always been that for a mostly street, occasional track, car, a Bilstein Turbo is actually more fun than the GT3 because of the tremendous power pull (chart below shows the difference). Lastly beware of GT3's RMS issue - for me, worth putting up with but only if you are a track junkie.
Bottom line: the cleverness of Porsche - each car has their purpose; sure go ahead and switch but test drive GT3 first. And in the mean time, enjoy your Turbo while you still have it - I still would think you haven't seen the *real* Turbo until you stiffen that suspension though.

Last edited by cannga; Jan 1, 2013 at 06:56 AM.

Jan 1, 2013 | 07:38 AM

#33

shtfrbrains

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I have a 996GT2, and a good friend of mine has a 997GT2RS, which I have driven. We both drive them often, and they are fine as daily drivers if you so desire. He takes his RS on trips, in the rain, everywhere. It does perfectly well, and they both have zero issues, other than being a bit low. Really, that is Porsche's greatest strength IMO, is their ability to build a supercar that is reliable enough to be a daily driver.