Hello to everyone, I'm currently deciding between 2 porsches, a 997 GT3 or a cayman s. Heres my problem the GT3 is my favorite looking porsche but at $90k is it that much better then a $35k cayman s? I'm not going to track either one (maybe couple times) and i don't care how harsh the ride is, also a test drive of a GT3 is not likely because how rare they are and if I find one at the dealer good luck trying to convince them on giving you the keys. I plan on keeping this car for a LONG time 10-20 years so I don't want to settle just for anything. Does anyone has or had both and is the GT3 all that? I drove a cayman s like 10 times and I love the feel, the steering especially. By the way I also driven a carrera, an s, and a 4s and i wasn't impressed, the cayman s was a funner drive. Thanks guys

 

I moved into a 997 GT3 from a Cayman S. Objectively speaking, the Cayman is a much more practical street car. It doesn't have the low front-end clearance issues of the GT3 and has a much more comfortable ride over rough roads, particularly if it has PASM. Overall, the Cayman is a more refined vehicle, but it lacks the "raw" feel of the GT3, which many of us (including me) have become addicted to. Subjectively I find the GT3 more fun to drive.

There is an obvious difference in power, so there is no need to belabor that point. The GT3 is in a different league here.

In terms of handling, both are excellent, but very different in feel (mid-engine vs rear-engine). The Cayman is more forgiving. The GT3 has a sharper feel to it, sort of like a scalpel. As good as the steering is on the Cayman, the GT3 is even better. The GT3 has quicker reflexes, but you must drive it smoothly when you start to push it, or it can bite you.

The 997 GT3 can definitely be used as a daily driver, but you must be motivated to deal with some of its limitations (stiff ride, low clearance, noise) on the street.

Both are great cars but have different missions. Is the GT3 worth that much more in $$? Only you can answer that. If at all possible, you should get a test drive in a GT3 so you can decide.

 

i'm sure you can find someone or a dealer selling a pre-owned gt3 to let you test drive it, if you're a serious buyer. i test drove several 996 gt3's before i got mine.

both cars are very different... different price points, different performance, different speeds, different feel, different purposes... depends on what your priorities are... whether you believe the price difference is justified, i'd say you have to drive a gt3 to find out.

imho, the price difference is justified. plus, if you plan to keep for a long time, the gt3 is a no-brainer from a rarity perspective. and the gt3 will feel different from the stock non-gt3 911's that you've driven. on the other hand, the cayman S, for its price point, is a d@mn good car with very strong, well-balanced (mid engine) performance... probably the best car in its class/price point.

 

Thats what I'm afraid of if I get the cayman s and then still want the GT3 UGH!!!! By the way this car will be driven like a couple times a week i have a s550 for the family cruiser. And I really don't care how low or harsh either one is. The thing about the GT3 is it's considered pretty much the top. And every time I see one my heart stops, obviously the cayman won't have that effect. I guess I should ask if the GT3 feels anything close to a 911 s or 4s, not power wise but the feel of the car if that makes sence

 

Tried that, the dealer here had 2 used 997 GT3's didn't even come close. Had to pretty much buy it before I could drive it.

 

Russian...

Based on your comments, I think you will kick yourself a couple of years down the road, and you will always wish you would have gotten the car you truly wanted! I would offer that if your family won't starve (you can afford it) get the GT3. You will likely smile on year 20 as you do an day 1. Just my $.02.

I had a similar issue once and got what I wanted, and I had the car for a long time and never regretted getting what I wanted, over settling for what seemed more practical..

Good luck!

DC

 

Can I ask was it worth it for you to switch? Are you that much happier with it ? I feel like I'm trying to convince myself here lol

 

Damnit I think your right, I guess thats how I gotta look at it. this is gonna be my first true sports car I'd hate to regret not getting the right one

 

Yes, to me it was definitely worth it. There is nothing else out there that would make me want to trade up from the GT3. Besides, it's a buyer's market out there. There are some seriously good deals available out there for pre-owned GT3's.

 

That part thats stopping me is if the GT3 feels as good as a cayman s then why get the GT3

 

brand new 2010 gt3, i can understand... but there seems to be enough pre-owned 7-gt3's out there that you can find one willing to let you sample the car... so maybe go to another dealer or find a private seller...

you won't know what you're missing until you drive one!

 

I know i've seen a couple for $79K!!!

 

Theres only 2 dealers in this area , and I trust you on that about the drive, That would totally shut me up lol

 

Every time you get behind the wheel of the GT3, you feel the race breeding of this machine, even if you're not driving it hard. It's a special feeling that you don't get from any other car that I'm familiar with.

 

Thats what I wanna hear