I have been looking forward to joining the Porsche owner family for my entire adult life. Finally have kids college funds saved, and financially now able to feel good about the purchase. I have $62K saved and want advice about the GT3 vs. TT996. I love to appearance of both cars equally, but am on the fence about the overall performance of each. I have test driven an '03 TT that was amazing, and a '06 GT3 that was equally impressive. Are their advantages to one vs. the other in maintenence costs, long term mechanical issues, etc that you could share with me? I'm leaning towards the GT3 because I can afford a newer model that the TT, but would value some feedback from current owners and folks that know more about the amazing cars than do I.

Thanks in advance and I have really enjoyed hours of reading on this forum!

 

What is the main purpose of the purchase? thinking of tracking it? GT3 def for the track, TT if its a DD or street fun, or buy the GT3 now and save for a 997TT for later... Welcome to the six

 

Mostly intend to use it for a DD, but not always. Thanks for your feedback on the TT.

 

search for 997 TT is you want good street car. you may find one in upper 60 lower 70K budget and it will be much nicer than 996.

 

I had relatively the same decision. When it was time to get rid of the 996 tt, I was debating on a 997tt, 996 gt2 or a 997gt3. Best way I can explain it is that if it is primarily for track, hands down the gt3. If it is mostly a daily driver, go with the tt. If you want a blend of both, go with the gt2.

I decided I like the track much more than anything so I went with the 997gt3. I love it. But, I would not like to drive this car everyday.

 

Would you be afraid to purchase a slightly older GT2, like a 2001? I have seen a few in my price range. Or a newer 997 TT.

 

Are use sure about the 2006 GT3?

I understood the 996 GT3 was available in 2004 & 2005 for North America and the 997 GT3 started in 2007.

 

I would not get an older GT2 as your first Porsche. Do a search on "GT2 Widowmaker" and see what you find. 997TT is the safe bet.

 

for me, i have had both a 996tt and 997.1tt. once i got into my 997.2 gt3, the turbo just sat in the garage so i sold it. as for daily driver, no problem with the newer models, either .1 or .2 gt3. but it depends on what you want out of your car. for pure visceral experience, gt3. for slow response and comfort, tt.

and you do not have to be a track junkie to truly enjoy the gt3 experience. but it does give you the opportunity to also truly enjoy the occasional track day if that is your thing.

just my $00.02.

 

I guess one other point to consider are mods. My input was with you leaving it fairly stock.

If you feel like modding up a car, you can do sooo much to a TT to make is scream in a straight line. So, one other point to consider is, do you want straight line speed or track speed.

 

^^ yes I've heard surviving 996 GT2's should be checked for evidence of unintended impacts.



tt = 4 seats
gt-3 = 2 seats

If you will need to take small people in the back seat and if ride quality is an issue, and this is your only car IMHO opt for the TT.

Don't think you can easily put back seats in the GT3. It's a very involved process.

 

^^What he said. I've had 5-6 turbo's, a GT2, another coming, but the GT3 is the shiz. I've done the mods on the cars too. Watch all that money go down the drain. The GT3 needs none and it still is perfect. The TT is just DD speed. It's great, don't get me wrong, but the response of the 3 is better. Not everyone feels that way.

 

Gents
This is awesome feedback for me as I am trying to figure out which way to go. The GT3 seems like an amazing machine. I am leaning that way mostly because of the normally aspirated platform. Another question I would like feedback on is the PCCB option. I have two GT3's on my radar, one has ceramic and the other does not. I won't be tracking the car too often so brake fade is not a concern. I would love to hear some thoughts on that as well. Thanks guys!!!

 

I would save and get at least a 997. Go with GT3 for sure. More soul.

 

+1 Hold out for a 997. The prices are coming your way soon.

I'm partial, but a GT3 is the way to go IMHO..
Make sure you drive both. If you plan on tracking the car don't bother get GT3.