I did check the archives and found a bit of information here and there to this effect, but not enough to prevent me from flat-out asking:

Why did you choose GT3 or GT2 over one or the other, and also over the turbo? What car(s) did you have previously, and how would you compare? Have you driven any or all of them (GT3, GT2, TT) and what are your thoughts?

Details, please!

I'm looking to replace my Boxster S sometime in the near future and it is a 'fun driver' for me - I'd say weekend but I drive it during the week as well, but rarely on the freeway as the E500 is far more adept at freeway cruising. I'd like to get into more track events (working on figuring out how to get to more SoCal track events other than what PCA sponsors, so any tips in this regard would be appreciated as well, as I seem to be traveling for each of the very FEW PCA track events) and would definitely miss the open top, but many whom I've spoken to who have switched from Boxster to coupe (of any kind) say that the power and fun factor makes them forget completely about the drop top.

 

Never driven a GT2 but for $50-100k extra I don't think it would be worth it to me. I also prefer the look of the narrow body to the wide body. Plus the RWD on the GT3 can be TOO much fun.

I like the power of the Turbo but the GT3 is just more nimble. The Turbo is way easier to upgrade as there are so many more of them and tons of options out there already, so if you want something you can juice the hell out of, go Turbo. I havent driven a Turbo enough to notice but some also say there is noticable Turbo lag, especially on the track where instantaneous power is necessary.

My GT3 arrives next week, so till then I'm basing this on very limited driving.

p.s. The GT3 is also a much more limited production car, so if you like having something more unique, it's the way to go.

 

have driven a few turbos, they're a bit too tame for my liking. the car removes the driver too much from the experience. I also simply do not like the dynamics of AWD.

I have driven a GT3 for about 5 minutes. The high revving N/A engine is fun to wind out but not nearly as fun as having your head thrown back into the seats by a couple turbos. The car returns the feel to the driver though and brings you back into the experience. It handles precisely and is much more fun to toss around.

The GT2 has the neck breaking acceleration of the Turbo with the raw feel and sharp handling of the GT3. For the life of me i cannot figure out why anyone thinks the GT3 feels more raw or handles better. I think it is all in their heads. From my experience the cars feel very similar, other than the very different powerbands. The only time the GT3 has a bit of an advantage is that one can more confidently power out of tight turns without risking serious snap oversteer. Once you get used to the GT2's throttle response and power this is no longer an issue.

Basically, if you like RWD cars and prefer a racier, rawer feel then you want a GT2/3. Then it really just comes down to which powerband you prefer. There definitely is something to be said for the fun i have winding my S2000 out to 9000rpm but for me it cannot compare with breaking the tires loose at will.

-Steve