What are the pro's and cons of buying one of these cars over another. I am getting ready to jump into the Porsche pond and am leaning towards the GT3 right now but with their prices over inflated IMHO I figured it can't hurt to look at the Turbo's also. That and the fact that I am a speed freak and coming from 652 hp Callaway and do enjoy the acceleration. It would probably be a 997.1 since I am partial to the mezger engine. I would love to hear your advice and pros and cons on both of these cars. I will also do a search for past post. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

I've never driven a GT3 so i can't really comment on that in order to compare, however here's a list of my pros/cons:

Pros:

Turbo engine - lots of power and if you want more, it is pretty easily accomplished with a few bolt ons/tune and maybe bigger turbos if you want to go that route.

AWD - not sure where you live and if this would be your only car, but that is a nice feature of the turbo for practicality purposes. Also, for performance as well the AWD is very nice!

Back Seats - the turbo has them, the GT3 doesn't - not like you can really put anyone back there, but it is nice to atleast have the option IMO.

Cons:
Exhaust/Engine sound - coming from your previous car, you are likely going to complain about how quiet the Turbo is - you can always add an exhaust, but even then, I think most would agree that the GT3 has a much better exhaust note and can rev to the moon and back!!

Both are awesome machines! I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, just really depends on what you hope to use it for honestly. Hopefully you will get an opportunity to drive both and see which one makes your pants tightest

Good luck in your decision!

 

I should probably have mentioned it will not see the track. It will mostly be for spirited back road cruises and events such as C&C etc.

I should also mention resale in also one of my concerns which goes to the GT3 side. Or is the Turbo a better value right now when looking down the road?

 

If it's for the street and your not crazy about doing like 800-1000 hp, just get the GT3. It's more fun.

Turbo is like for a DD, or to drive in the winter. Or if you want crazy monster 800-1000hp.

Honestly though instead of a 997 GT3 which you will most likely lose money on since they are pretty much at the top, go buy a GT4.

 

A GT3 will be very stiff and not the best for a street driver. It will have a rough ride and very low ground clearance. Don't get me wrong - they are awesome cars. Ride quality may not be an issue for you if you aren't going to drive it every day.

I just drove a GT3 on the race track (it was a 991, not a 997) and it was an absolute beast. It was very fun and the engine note above 8,000 rpm was intoxicating.

 

So the GT3 and Turbo are both great for your intended purpose

The GT3 will hold it's value better just because there are less of them produced but you will pay considerably more for them.

combined total for 2007 + 2008 = there were 916 GT3s and 413 RSs sold in the USA according to the information in this thread: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...n-numbers.html

 

As always, I suggest you drive both and decide for yourself. It may be easier to find and test drive a TT/S (you may not need/want a TTS and be OK with the TT-search for the difference) than finding a GT3. If you like how the the Turbo handles corners and you don't plan to track the car, then you will probably be very happy with the Turbo.

 

I agree. I've own both. If plan tracking regularly, its the GT3. If want more creature comforts, the Turbo is the way to go. To me, its a bit more of a GT car, and GT3 is more of a sports car. But, you really need to drive both, more than once, and then decide. Both are great choices.

 

I was all set to buy a GT3RS as my DD until I took it for a test drive around the Atlanta dealer. It road way too rough for my 50 mile RT commute, so I went with a 997.2 TT-S and after 18k miles since last June, have enjoyed every mile.

 

Big difference in the 997 and 991 GT3s I would never recommend a Gt3 for fun runs and the occasional canyon drive. Especially a 997 GT3. Not to mention they are setup for the track of the track, read smooth even surfaces. Not a road with dips on one side of the pavement vs the other, potholes, etc etc etc.

 

Do you need a manual transmission, or would you entertain an "automatic" (PDK). If it's not a deal breaker for you, I suggest test driving a 997.2 turbo with the PDK. Acceleration is insane stock. Add a tune and watch out! I ran a 10.6 with tune only.

 

Yes, I agree.

 

Im glad he is getting some good advice from you earlier. I cant believe someone would recommend a 997 GT3 as a daily driver, never on the track, occasional canyon run car. Unless he is looking for a good deal 2 months after purchase

 

A 997 GT3 can't really be a DD (well it could depending on your tolerance) but it doesn't have to be track only. He wants to have it as a weekend toy and it's fine for that. A GT3 RS is fine for that.

There is a guy in my area who drives a 996 GT3 every day. There is another who drives his 997.2 RS every chance he gets.

Again for a toy, the turbo should only be looked at it, if you are like a drag racers who wants insane power. It's a drag car practically. My 997.2 TTS practically kills all enjoyment for me. That is why I have to put an exhaust, tune, suspension changes to get it as close as possible to a GT3 car. It's so quiet. It's like a tesla.

But again I need it as a DD and to drive in snow. And a 991 GT3 can very easily be driven every day now that they made it smoother and PDK.

 

Its a tough DD, even for a weekend toy its not in its element. Now the 991.... different story and it will be my next porsche.