Hey there -

I'm new to the forum and glad to be here. I've had my b7 RS4 for about 5 years now, and I'm getting the itch for a P-car. I'm posting because quite frankly I'm a newb to Porsche in general, and not totally sure which model would be best for me.

Has anyone made a similar switch? I'm torn between a GT3 or Turbo. Obviously, the N/A motor in the GT3 is intriguing to me since I'm in a high revving N/A Audi, but I've never owned a Turbo car and the HP is hard to ignore. Also, I'm just not up to speed on the differences and changes in the model years within the specific range (997.1 vs. 997.2 etc.) This will not be a daily driver fwiw.

I've got a buddy with a RUF 997 Turbo and it's absolutely filthy. I blame him for this sudden 'itch'..

Thanks for any info/feedback, and a pic of my current car so this thread isn't completely worthless (I know wrong brand, but same family right? ):

 

Drive both. They're awesome in their own particular ways.

 

Beautiful RS4. I have driven the RS4 (stock) several times and came from a ISF (intake, header, exhaust). I'll give you some input.

You need to figure out what your majority use of the new porsche will be. Track car, weekend canyon runs, just daily duties around town etc.

GT3 and TT are very different cars. For me the turbo is addicting. The turbo feels great for daily use (my majority use) and will hold it's own in the canyons (my once a week escape)

The GT3 is a beast on the track (from what I have read and heard from owners) I only have seat time for this car on public roads.

Have you driven any porsche cars yet? Don't shop these cars purely off specs. You need to drive them to see what you like best. Start with a base 911 and work your way up. I drive a Carrera s and loved it, then curiosity took me to a turbo and fell in love. Tried the GT3 after the turbo and as much as I loved the GT3 I loved the turbo feel and driving experience.

This site is full of great people who helped me with questions. The search function is also extremely helpful as most of us were in your shoes and participated in a similar thread at one point or another

Lastly. I really miss the sound of my ISF. Your RS4 is similar. Amazing V8 tone. The porsche sounds like a porsche. There are some good exhaust out there to help improve the sound but you may miss the sound of your sweet V8 every once in a while. If this happens wind out toe gears in your new porsche and it should make it all better

 

I'll start this by stating that my last car was an 09 Audi S5. Prior to getting the Audi I had the luxury of driving my brothers RS4 when I wanted so I have a great idea of what the car is like as far as acceleration, handling, comfort, etc. The make it short...make the jump to either the TT or the GT3...I promise you that you'll never look back.

When I first drove the RS4 about 4-5 yrs ago...I really didn't appreciate what the car was at the time. I came from driving a jeep grand cherokee so the RS4 wasn't something I could compare anything to. Having said that...dropping the car into 3rd year and leaving cars in the dust was a feeling that NEVER got old. So when I first drove my S5...I missed some of the power the RS4 had...but I think the S5 was a great handling car, had some good kick to it...and was overall a very CONVENIENT car. Just as in the RS4..it's easy to get in and out of. The seats fold down for anything you needed. It has a real trunk. The RS4 is essentially one of the best cars you can get for it's purpose and price. It's fast yet not blazing...it's comfortable but you still feel like you're in a sports car...it's the ultimate blend of car in my opinion.

When I bought my TT (a 2010 997.2 TT - black on black with PDK)...to say I was in love is a HUGE understatement. It makes driving the RS4/S5 a bore! In regular mode the car is a beast...drop it to sport or sport plus mode and if you aren't a guy who's been on the track before...the car is scary fast. The only way I can describe it would be to imagine yourself in a rocket ship that's about to explode. The handling is on point in EVERY SINGLE turn...the power is always there when you want it...and rest assured that almost any car that pulls up next to you either at a light or on the highway...you can dust while drinking a coke at the same time (like chris harris showed in a video a while back).

With all the good though does come a trade-off. The car is not a sedan or a regular coupe like the S5 was. It has a trunk that's very impractical. you really can't fit people in the back seat. you are no charged with the task of driving on the same roads you drove on with your RS4...except now you have to take entrances into driveways and parking lots much slower so you don't bottom out. It's nowhere near as comfortable to get in and out of (although the seats once you're in them are extremely comfortable).

I (as it sounds you may be doing as well) got an SUV. And i got mine only a few weeks after I got the TT out of pure necessity for winters, dogs, trips, things like that. Which really only makes me appreciate the TT when I get in it anyway.

My opinion...make the jump. get the porsche. for someone who has had an RS4 for the past 5 years...you will think the porsche is worth EVERY SINGLE CENT i guarantee you. If for some reason you don't make the jump...you've got a great beast on your hands already...but for the price...the TT is a substantial upgrade as is the GT3.

Good Luck!

 

This decision tree may help...

 

I was in the similar situation I had a b7 rs4 that u put a sc on and was highly disappointed, from that vehicle I went to another na c63 amg that was putting down just over 500whp and I thought I could never own a turbo car after having the c63. Well I now drive a 997.1 turbo and have to say out of all my cars it is a blast to drive and the power is great. I was also torn between gt3 and turbo and it ultimately came down to comfort and drivability on the street, to me the turbo is an all around great car.

 

Sweet RS4! Don't see many of those around, even here in car-crazy LA. Coming from a B5 S4 (2.7T), and already having a high-revving NA track car, the 997 Turbo was a natural for me. The feeling of solidity and the torque of the 997 are in a different league than the Audi. As many others have suggested, take your time to do homework and drive various cars. Personally I would lean strongly towards a GT3 for a track-only or dual-purpose car but the Turbo is my choice as a street car. Cayman S was my second choice, but that turbo torque is addicting!

 

Gatiman, I really love this decision making guide, lol. Thanks

 

Had Sprint Blue RS4 for 3 years. Loved that car, the transmission, engine, exhaust, interior, wide flares...now I have a C63 507 and 997.2 TTS. Drive the TTS about 3 times a week, but can totally see it as a daily driver if needed. For one person, it does the job in terms of space, errands, groceries, golf clubs.

I also wanted a GT3, but in the end, I am not a track guy so brute torque is what I preferred. Especially after having the C63 for about a year. High reving engines are fun, but torque is so more visceral and easy to use in normal spirited driving.

 

Completely agree with the comparison of a GT3 to a TT. For a spirited drive on the remote twisty's to the track it's the GT3 hands down. For a more normal mix of street driving the torque of the turbo is so useful and addictive. Don't get me wrong, the TT is still great on the track (I suspect) and is certainly a blast on a good drivers road. I considered and drove both extensively but opted for the turbo given how I use the car.

 

Thank you very much for the replies, and who would have thought there were that many guys who've come from an RS!? Great to hear your thoughts and perspective. It sounds like a TT is the way to go for me. Now, the question is, 997.1 or 997.2? Is the new gen worth the money? What're the main differences with the new model?