GT3 all the way

 

I have yet to drive a 997 GT3 yet, but did have a chance to drive a friend of friend's 996 GT3. It was definitely quicker than both my m3 and cayman, but did not explore the handling, since it was not my car and a brief drive. I liked the rawness of the 6GT3, but doubt I would be able to take advantage of its greater abilities.

In reality, I rarely exceed 80 MPH 95% most of the time and attend track events only twice a year and backroads a few more times. My Cayman is primarily driven on weekends to run errands. The 997 GT3 is the car I lust after, but in the real world I probably will only use 60-70% of it's abilities. On the flip side, I would enjoy admiring it's beauty and purposefulness every time I look at it, but is that enough?

Seriously, how much better does a GT3 perform overall compared to an e90 M3 on the street and backroads?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

Great points! Rarely do we hear discussed "real world" utility.

Good question. Only you can answer that for yourself.

I don't know how to quantify this, but let's say from the start that the numbers don't matter at all. Those only matter on track, in competition. On the street and backroads, what matters is "fun factor", and qualitatively the GT3 will perform "much better". Even at backroad speeds, the much lighter weight, lower CofG and other performance-specific characteristics of the GT3 will destroy an E90 M3. Less so an E46, but still the GT3 is the better car.

Now, you didn't ask, but a Cayman ... that's a tough call IMHO. That depends on your abilities and willingness to wring the neck of the car.