Hello All,

My name is Jeff I am in socal and its my first post here...

I have been quietly reading through the threads and trying to absorb as much information as I can on my upcoming selection...

Currently I have 2006 M3 W/ Comp Package but the lease is about to be over in April...

I have had a blast in the M3 but it is time to move on...

I have gone back and forth looking for the edge that I had in the E46...

Z06 is an amazing car with amazing engine and handling characterstics but after years of nice quality interior I just cant accept the GM interior even with the upgraded interior package that GM recently came out with...

E92 M3 Just didnt have the same "edge" that the E46 had and the senses are just dulled down a lot....

Currently My choices are between a GT3 and GT3 RS I am torn between the two...

I love the exclusive feel of the RS but I am afraid it might be too raw...

I have talked to several guys who have made the move from M3 into P Cars but I am just stuck right now with the difference between the GT3 and GT3 RS...

I do understand the GT3 RS is bare neccesities but specs aside can I get some insight to driver feel? This choice will be strictly for weekend drives and occasional track events...

For example I know there is little to no sound deadening in the RS so does that mean that you will hear every little noise in the car? I dont mind an intoxicating exhaust tone but if I am to hear every creak in the car that might drive me nutz...

Any tips on the pros and cons of both and some major differences I might have missed would be appreciated...


Thank you all in advanced and looking forward to your replies...

Jef

 

No sunroof on the RS.
Single weight flywheel
44mm wider.

Aside from these major differences the powertrain is the same.

Either car would fill the bill for you

 

I don't think the noises associated with porsches are the same as those in BMW's and other brands. With the exception of 993's with squeaky windshields that were poorly installed (replaced), my own personal experience with Porsche has been one of high build quality (except for the 996 and 997 normal water-cooled Japanese variants which I have no experience with). I drove my friend's GT3 RS and it was tight and free of defects. I think either car will be great to have. The reason these cars are available is the same reason the 1973 RS and S were built to homologate race versions. Older classic 911's were always practical turnkey track cars that one can drive to and from the track in streetable form with comfort features like A/C nowadays. The new suspension tuning technologies that are available has been incorporated into the GT3 to have the best of both worlds (comfort and performance) without one having to compromise either in the same package. The RS is my choice if costs were not an issue. The dual mass flywheel in the normal GT3 makes reving and double clutching less sharp so it will feel subjectively softer. That's about the only minor difference which distinguishes the two choices.

 

My logic was this in getting a GT3 instead of a RS.....

GT3 cost less, My 08 GT3 came with a LWFW and only had 3700miles and CPO until 2014.. I really wanted a street car and it is so much better than my 996 C2.
The RS is a little wider and more expensive. I would have bought this if tracking it would have been the main interest.

Both are fantastic cars.....either way you won't be unhappy.

 

Thanks all for the fast replies...

I have done quite a lot of reading on PCCB and I am a bit torn...

I am definitely sold on the technology but I am concerned about the maintanence cost... Also I have read several thread in regards to some scary incidents so im a bit torn in between the PCCB and Normal Steel Brakes...

Thanks again....

 

Totally agree with YoopsRacing's comments... Also, I love my sun roof

The cars do squeak and buzz a little, but so did my Cayman S and BMWs. Remember the suspension is tight and you will really feel the bad CA roads at times. I have had two M3s in my view the GT3 is an everyday “super car”

 

Steel rotors all the way... WAY cheaper to maintain. Only downside is they throw alot of break dust.

 

Here we go again with the PCCB comments. I have owned two GT3's with PCCB's and I love them. My cars get tracked on a regular basis. If you plan on making the car a street car mainly the rotors will last a very very long time. They produce no dust and have amazing feel. Since you are buying a used car you're getting the brake upgrade for pennies on the dollar. This decision is easy, PCCB's all the way you'll thank me later.

 

Jef, I have both cars and love them for different reasons. No doubt the GT3 is a better driver since the engine is quite a lot smoother (dual mass FW = less vibration), there's more sound insulation and, as a result, the car doesn't fatigue you as much as the RS will on a longer drive. It's a pure joy on those weekend runs you're talking about.

On the other hand, for tracking or more sporty road work, the RS (to me) feels so much more planted in the rear, has a wonderful throttle response, and simply makes no apologies for being what it is, a road capable track car. With the lower production quantities and more aggressive styling, the RS just feels more "special".

It always surprises me how different the two cars are to drive, given that they share mostly the same drive train. I think you would love either one, as long as you can accept that neither will (I think) be as "comfy" as I your BMW was.

Best of luck with your decision!

 

Last time I looked one was entitled to an opinion

I agree ceramic brakes are great. HOWEVER, is the 4k price tag for just one rotor justified? This price tag would make me drive the car differently on the track vs my steel rotors , which BTW have many upgrade options.

Porsche Ceramics are way over priced compared to other manufactures and with aggressive track driving there is a real chance they may need to be replaced.

Quote - Because the standard brakes are very good, most experts will tell you that you will only truly benefit from PCCB on a race track. However, there have been reports of Porsche denying warranty claims pertaining to premature PCCB rotor wear on cars that have been tracked. There are also reports of rotor destruction in as little as one or two track events.
Replacement rotors can cost $5,000 - $6,000 per wheel......! That means that when your rotors do need replacement, as all rotors will, you may be looking at a very costly brake job or forced to convert back to cast iron rotors. Ceramic rotors are also more fragile and there is a chance of chipping one when changing wheels, which would require replacement - End Quote

So my real point is Porsche – get real on the PCCB price tag and you may sell more. Also buyer beware on a used PCCB GT3 - check the rotors for wear

 

All valid points thanks again and this will help me with my decision process....

 

PCJR is selling the car for you...

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-fs-w-cpo.html

 

Both in GT3 and GT3 RS the suspension is adjustable from camber, toe to even ride height... So you can set it to your liking in both.

As mentioned earlier, RS is visually more aggressive. It has wider rear track. And a Single Mass Fly Wheel

PCCB's are optional in both I believe...

 

With regards to PCCB's the 997 GT3 has version 2 which are improved from the first generation ceramic rotors. The trick to using them on the track and having them survive is to use the Green Motorsports pads from Porsche (don't know costs but probably pricey as usual with cutting edge technology) and proper bedding technique during initial break-in use. Also make sure the PSM and PTC is off when on track so the rear brakes are not being used so much when driving agressively. Frequently check rotors and pads for signs of wear and keep the holes on the rotors cleared. Total 911 or Porsche World had a series investigating the PCCB's longevity in 2009.

There is no question the PCCB's are better but the cost is prohibitive- your personal choice knowing their strengths and limitations as to whether they are worth the price.

The total production numbers are only about 30,000 sets per year? Porsche is trying to raise the number to 300,000 sets and then the price should come down. The wave of the future, fade free at any temperature, less unsprung weight (equates better handling).

 

With regards to RS being noisier you will hear the rattling of the gearbox since the noise insulating dual mass flywheel is not there to mask the noise. But one only hears it during idle at traffic light going into 1st and slowly taking off. The same noises were present in the earlier G50 gearboxes 1987-1989 Carrera 3.2 which customers were bothered by and complained about so the factory went to the DMF with the 964 onward 911's.