While the 60 k difference seems like a lot for the difference (understandably when new) between 3.8 RS and 4.0RS if you were to look to get your 3.8 built out to 4.0 after market the cost is 40 k and you don't get a the 4.0 original Porsche race crankshaft. This alone would be reasonable justification. But along with it you get an exclusive car with only around 130 in US, unique and I feel cooler aesthetics, an exclusive "whorehouse" full leather interior, quite a bit better dialed in suspension. While the 3.8 is nothing but fabulous and certainly better "value", the engine and torque on the 4.0 is pretty damned amazing. It is a special car. Read the extensive EVO review from a couple months ago placing it first among 13 very desirable cars.

 

I got a 3.8 and cannot justify 60K or more for a 4.0.

I am no car collector. Car that can retain better value 10 to 20 years down the road means nothing to me.

If the 991 GT3 can perform better than 4.0 and will come in 6 speed manual, then there will be a lot of unhappy customers.

 

op states he has a gt3 so wouldnt a trade in for 4.0 be more like $100k. i can see that being worth it in maybe 2 situations. 1)hes a pro level driver on track and doesnt want to trailer a cup car. 2)just wants to keep it as garage queen and hope for collector status in future. other than that, i would save the $

 

I would say the limited availability of the RS4.0L makes it a hot commodity. If not for the increase in displacement or the limited supply, Id say the fact that it's the last of the 997's would be possibly worth something someday.

 

I'm trying to think about this at least a bit practically, so here is what I'd think with regard to several upgrade paths. Obviously, all of these scenarios assume you can make the switch without putting yourself into financial ruin.

996 GT3 -> RS 4.0 = Cannot make the switch quickly enough
997.1 GT3 -> RS 4.0 = HELL YES!
997.1 GT3 RS -> RS 4.0 = Yes please.
997.2 GT3 -> RS 4.0 = Let me think about it a bit first.
997.2 GT3 RS -> RS 4.0 = Hmmmmm...not so sure. Careful thought needed.

However, if you currently don't own any variant of GT3 and have the means, then the RS 4.0 would be the absolute one to have!

 

^Steve, I agree. Looks like you need one.

 

Hahaha! Thanks Tim. Unfortunately for me, please see point one about putting oneself into financial ruin!

I'll keep slumming in my Turbo and visiting you hardcore GT3 guys for now.

 

The delta for a clean, low-mile 997.2 RS over an RS 4.0 at MSRP was $85-$90k with trade when I was offered a slot last fall. Assume it will be even wider now especially for a straight GT3 and good luck finding one near MSRP. So realistically you're looking at $100k-$125k delta.

For that kind of money I'd ship my car along with a $60k-$70k check to Manthey and pocket the considerable savings. Oh, and the car they send back will eat RS 4.0's for breakfast without breaking a sweat.