That pretty much says it all fellas. That 997S isn't half bad either. It's got some software, an intake, light weight wheels etc... You nailed it. I can't think of a car I've had more fun driving every single time either. If you love the 911 nothing else comes close. Both my high powered turbos were great fun in so many ways, the track 996 C was brilliant too as is the 997.2 but the one I always want to drive is the RS. The GT3 motor is truly a gem. The feel or the shifter/transmission, steering and suspension etc... doesn't get any better.

 

I cannot say enough good things about the 997 GT3. My 2008 model has been stripped of some serious weight (around 350 lbs), it has 996 GT3 seats, it is fairly loud (but not over-bearing) and I LOVE to drive it both on the track and the street. To me, a stock 997 GT3 is a very comfortable car, and I see no reason why you can't enjoy it as a daily driver or for the type of use you describe. It sounds like you have done your homework, and you know exactly the differences between the GT3 and turbo. The same things that you do not like about the turbo, are what I too do not like about it. I have driven my broken in 997 GT3 and a broken in 997 turbo back to back over quite a distance. When I got into the turbo, I could not believe how soft and whimpy everything felt (clutch, shifter, steering), but more importantly how boring and uninspiring it felt compared to my GT3 (this was when my GT3 was still stock, btw). As for power, the turbo has it and plenty of it; but the comparitively soft suspension was bobbing up from hard acceleration and nose diving under hard braking. It did not feel linear at all, and definetely had some turbo lag. It also redlines much lower and does not make very exciting exhaust sounds (I did have the SharkWerks center delete at the time).

If I could not get my hands on a GT3 due to availabilty, then I would consider the turbo, but I would immediately send it to GMG and SharkWerks for an extreme makeover (mostly suspension) before anything. But even then, I would rather go with a new C2S with 385 hp and no options other than the GT2 seats. I would also send that over to GMG and SharkWerks and get it GT3-ized. It would be an NA engine and rear-wheel drive and less weight than the turbo; and with the money saved over the turbo I could build an unbelieveable 911!

If you simply love to drive, and you are pationate; whether it be on the back roads or on a track, then the clear choice for you is the GT3.

You also mentioned your quest for the perfect car; let me tell you my friend, you may just decide that you found it once you take delivery of your new GT3!

I think you know what you need to do; the choice is clear!

Good luck!!!

 

Wow...thanks guys.
The feedback is so useful.
D

 

Everything said here is true. But what matters is how you feel when driving it. Go test drive a GT3 and a Turbo. That is the only way you will really know.

 

Well said Brian. I promise not to sit in your car again in the next track day.