I had the chance to drive a GT3 this week and I was somewhat impressed but also a little disappointed. It seemed to lack torque and seemed especially flat on acceleration. It was subjectively much slower than my TT. If I didn't have a TT I would probably have been more impressed with it. My son has a prior model BMW M3 and it didn't feel any quicker than the Beemer.
The handling was excellent as was the sound. I could see where the lack of turbo lag gave a certain amount of confidence when accelerating through corners but there is no comparison to the seat of the pants acceleration of the TT coming out of a corner.

 

Drove a Ferrari F430 and my impression is similar: the torque is completely missing in action. I used to think the F430 is a must have once in a lifetime; that's no longer true. Beautiful and fantastic car but it wouldn't replace my Turbo.

Once you get used to the stupendous power of the Turbo, I don't think anything but a V10 would do.

 

I felt the same after driving a 430. I did a world class driving event and also drove a McClaren Mercedes and it sucked. The Gallardo was a very nice car. Similar to the TT but not as comfortable. I also drove a Callaway Vette and was unimpressed. Very loose and cheap feeling. The Audi R8 was nice but underpowered and felt more like an M5 in the sense that it was a sedan size.

It was nice to know that after driving all of the above, the TT was the best.

 

If you're strictly talking about power, then the V8 in the Z06 should do the trick.

 

coming from a turbo that should not surprise u. pros & cons obviously but the beauty of GT3 starts to shine about 5k rpm & up. yes it's pretty much no fun on normal street but a race track.

 

if your more of a torque guy, the gt3 isnt for you. you just have to appreciate the n/a power and shifting at 8k+ rpms.

 

You can have both. And I agree that in a momentum event on the track (most times), whereas the non-modified TT is problematic because of weight and suspension, the GT3 shines. The problem in a race is that sometimes you need torque coming out of corners when you lose momentum because of other cars.

-Gerry
07 GT3RS, 07 997 TT (AWE tweaked)
12 previous 911s

 

GT3 is at home driven at 10/10ths on the track, outside of that the TT will serve you better. I was all for a GT3 but settled for the Turbo when I could not secure one.

 

If you're used to the TT, and you're a street driver, than little else will replace the thrust you've grown to love. But if you're on a track, where finite balance and infinitesimal input is the best to carry speed over the long term, the GT3 is your answer. The turbo is a magnificently brutal, with exhilarating sprints between corners and traffic, while the GT3 is the lean, purposely built for long distance marathons under varying conditions.
So it's easy to see why you like the TT over the GT3.
Here in Jersey ... traffic and tight exit/entrance ramps make the TT is right choice.

 

Take a stage 2 TT and sort out the suspension, you'll never think twice about a GT3 on the track.

 

I traded a Viper for my GT3RS and with my driving skills, I have No doubt about it, that I would spank my Viper on the track. I'm sure a better driver it would be different. The GT3 is focused on what it does best, track. The Viper is a snake and it will bite you in a nano second. Scared the S___ out of me numerous times. Funnest car I ever drove. The reason I sold it my wife thinks is because once when I was out giving a friend a rideand she was behind me (and closing) in my X50. I lost it at about 100mph. Luckly only hurt my ego. If you want to show off get a Viper. If you want to track, get a GT3. If you want classy ride that does both great get the Turbo.

 

I agree with Chris. With the right suspension (e.g., Bilstein, different rear sway bar, rear toe links, etc) and even more power, lighter seats and wheels, the heavy TT can be a great track car.

-Gerry

07 GT3RS, 07 997 TT (AWE tweaked)
12 previous 911s

 

I loved driving my Gt3 in Europe thru the Alps and southern France. On Houston roads, it sucked. I felt like I was always on gravel roads and the car was gutless under 5500 rpms. The GT3 has a much narrower comfort zone than the TT, which is why I kept my TT.

 

The GT3 isn't for everyone, it was designed to be the 911 for the hardcore track enthusiast that can also drive to and from the track. The TT has a lot more creature comforts that have a place in a daily driver but it can also be a lot of fun on the track with the right mods. GT3 screaming high rpms and on the track is where it shines; TT seemingly endless amounts of low end torque and on highway drives is where it really excels. In a perfect world I would have one of each! The decision revolves around what each particular driver enjoys and their respective driving style.

 

hmmmm
something to think about