Hey guys I have a couple questions I was hoping that some of you could maybe help me with.

I am selling my 05 M3 ZCP and had always planned on buying a 997.1 GT3/RS. I have been researching GT3s forever and they have been a dream car of mine for a long time.

Latley, I have been hearing about how amazing the 996 GT3 is and how much fun they are to drive. That being said, which is the funner car to drive a 7gt3 or a 6gt3? Is there a noticable upgrade in performance between an E46 M3 and a 6gt3? Also, this being my first Porsche, would you guys recommend jumping into a 6gt3 before a 7gt3? I am an experienced track driver but having never driven either gt3 I don't want to feel the same disappointment as I did with my M3. The M3, although a great car, I found it to be too much of a compromise between civility and the raw driver involvement I desire.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time,
Chad

 

Having owned an M3 and now a 996 GT3, I think the best choice might be a 997 for you. It's a little more balanced between raw sports car and a daily driver. If you want a more direct connection to the road and raw feel the 996 GT3 is amazing.

The performance difference between the cars is very small for most drivers. Go drive both, then you'll know. My bet is you might like the 997.

 

I have had the some of the same car experience, and I truly love the 6 GT3. I also had a 997S, which is a great car too, but I much prefer the GT3. You mentioned the desire for a more driver-oriented car, and the 6 GT3 is that, in spades! My only reservation would be as a daily driver, and I don't believe you mentioned if it would be serving as such. If so, you need to spend some time in one. Personally, I would not enjoy it as a daily driver, but others feel differently. For instance, it is difficult to listen to music, or carry on a conversation with a soft-spoken passenger. But, I drive mine almost exclusively alone, and never turn on the sound system; couldn't even tell you if the CD player works. If you spend a little time in one, I believe your decision will be easy. You might like it, or not, but it's a car for which anyone will have an opinion very quickly.

 

I previously owned a '05 ZCP (great car) and have driven a 6GT3. The GT3 is significantly faster in a straight line, and is much more raw than the M was. I think the 7GT3 is a better car overall than the 6, but for pure raw N/A performance, the 6GT3 is probably the best choice. They are also quite affordable these days.

Good luck!

 

Great info guys, I really appreciate it. This car won't be my daily driver so I am ok with noise and harshness, I actually prefer it that way.

It is interesting to me that the 6gt3 is considered so much more raw then the 7gt3.

 

I've driven both the 997gt3 and 996gt3. the 7 has a more roomy feel. I'm 6'5" and the 6gt3 was real tight. Good luck either way.

I wish you were local. I'm looking a for 04-06 M3.

 

I made a similar transition way back in 2004, going from an 02 E46M3 to a MKII 996GT3.

Having driven the 997GT3, the 997GT3 is the superior car between the two, better front end suspension geometry on the 997GT3, the engine is a bit more responsive on the 997GT3 as well.

 

No doubt. They rarely redesign an inferior one. Assuming one can afford it, the question becomes, is it worth the difference in cost? I could not in good conscience spend the extra money on a toy, so it wasn't a decision for me to make. But the 7 GT3 is the better car by most measures, and if someone had plunked an extra $60K in my checking account, I would own one.

 

Awesome info guys, I was wondering myself if it was worth the price difference between a 6 and a 7. I don't believe money will be an issue but no one likes to spend more then they have to to get what they want.

The thought did come to mind about the aftermarket. I have always played with aftermarket parts on my vehicles and it seems to me like there is less available for the 6. Maybe I am just looking in the wrong places but it seems there is less options?

 

having had e30m3/e36m3/e36/8 and every variant of GT3 sold in USA, 7 is the better dual purpose car while 6 is the bargain.

as far as aftermkt parts, porsche are a BIG change from BMW. 99% of non oem part you can hang on the GTx cars are junk, plain junk. they will only make the car worse. but if you must mod the car, 6 has a lot more parts to mod than 7.