I'm a bit curious to hear the Porsche guys side here. I've seen plenty of threads on the Lotus forums regarding the change to a Cayman and occasionally a GT3 where guys regretted selling the Lotus etc...

Regardless, I'm in a position to make a childhood dream come true and potentially pickup a GT3. I've had the Lotus a year, I love it, the Mrs loves it, but not sure it's the best vehicle for the longer term. Let alone the safest. It is addicting to drive though and incredibly fun to row through the gears and feel what is essentially a go-kart for the road. So I'm not putting it down by any means. I'd be foolish to do so.

I had considered the 996 since they look to be bottoming out in terms of depreciation (997's are also getting cheaper but not tanking from what I can see), but this next purchase for me has to be for the longer haul in terms of ownership. I'd like to it be around for many years and keep me happy as both myself and most importantly my family grows into other things in life (no kids yet, nor plans for them for a looong time) therefore I suspect only a 997 will do. Plus the 997 hips are quintessentially Porsche to me.

That being said, what cars did you guys come from? Any previous Lotus owners? Thoughts/comparisons between the two?

I understand I'll be giving a bit up in terms of responsiveness in regards to steering, but also know I'll be gaining power and grip in return. I understand in many regards the GT3 is a compromise (as weird as it is to say that), but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

It's a strong consideration for this upcoming season and I'd love to hear what everyone thinks.

Before it gets questioned, I maybe do a few track days a year, 1-2. Mostly street/back roads fun driving. I also commute to work on the train so no need to use it for daily hauling if I don't want to.

 

i would recommend you drive one before making the leap. unfortunately, once driven, nothing comes close in the overall experience. it is just nasty. i own both a 997.2 gt3 and a 997.1 turbo. if given the choice, i would only drive the gt3. a true drivers experience.

good luck with your decision.

 

+1

Don't know about the Lotus but I have an LP640, LP 560 Spyder, ML63 and 997.2 GT3. If I had to choose just 1 - GT3 every time...

NB. 997GT3 drivetrain is the best in the world IMHO, absolute engineering excellence in the flat 6, gearbox etc. Tell me I'm wrong but the Lotus must be a huge compromise, s**t Toyota (fail) engine, Avensis gearbox made up for in part by the chassis.

 

Damn it's that good huh!

Theres a 2010 GT3 at a local dealer that I might go take a look at and drive once the weather clears up around here. If it passes the drive test I'm screwed.

 

The '10 GT3 is truely that good... you wont regret it and you'll never look back.

 

I couldn't swing a 2010, but I could potentially swing an 07. I'm looking around and not sure if I should go all out for the 997 or sit comfortably on a 996 since it's well within my budget.

 

I think you'll be quite happy with an '07, we've built many and they are fantastic cars. The 997.1 GT3 is really a great car and I've seen them priced decently on the used market both private party and at Porsche dealerships - if you can get a nice deal, I say go for it.

The 996 GT3 is also very nice. Our old 996 GT3 with some RSS and Cargraphic upgrades is one quick puppy.... either way I think you cant go wrong switching from the Lotus. It will be a different driving experience but one I think you will love...

Let me know if you need any assistance.

Our 996GT3 and our 2010GT3 side by side on track:

 

I had an 05 elise for a couple years, enjoyed it, but it wasnt an all around car.

Ive had cars in between, and now own a 997 gt3 which after a year of ownership, as everyone else has said, is the greatest car Ive owned.

Sound, feel, performance, there isnt anothercar that is so complete imho.

Get a 997.1 -great buys, you wont look back.

And mine is primarily driven on my rural backroads...

I would caution you not to drive if you arent ready to buy...you will have serious withdrawal.

 

Thank you, the perfect thoughts I was looking for. You are right about the Elise, it's not an all around car despite how friggin good it is and how good it feels to drive it. I love it for everything it is, but long term the quirks might not make me love it wholeheartedly.

The gist I get from everything I read about the GT3 is that it's a spot on reliable complete car in every way. The 997 is on the upper level of my price limit ($80k is my max), but long term probably be the one I keep due to what it can do.

What really struck me the last time I was in a 997 (C4S about 2.5yrs ago) was how much I felt like a 9yr old kid in it. Smile ear to ear. I suspect the GT3 would do the same but on a whole other level.

 

Just do it! Like others have said, you won't look back.
I will get other cars but have zero intention of ever getting rid my GT3RS.
Best of luck.

Ranger

 

yeah, once you experience a gt3 you wont be able to settle for less...Im going to buy a gt3rs)

 

Damnit I still can't find one to drive Hearing you guys talk about it makes me more impatient UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

A buddy of mine settled for an earlier year GT3 (08 I think) over a CLK Black and a few others which says alot. He loves it and drives it almost daily too!

A few mods and the exhaust sounds incredible.

I'm interested to hear also how the driving experience better in the GT3 over a TT model...?

 

Yup just a few light mods would be a must for me. Aka wheels and exhaust.

 

Hey BealeAss, here you go. This is my GT3RS with FVD tweeking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZoNI_BIVuk

Best of luck with decisions.

Ranger