Long story short... I had never driven or even been inside a Porsche until a week ago when I stopped by my local dealership and test drove a 2014 regular 911. Although it was 'only' 350 hp i must say I was impressed with the overall quality and comfort of the car.

A little about me: Coming from a 650 hp Turbo Integra Type R (Awesome track car), 1000 hp+ Supra, GTR, and now Gallardo. I'm looking for something a little different. My intentions are to keep the car for a long time. Power isn't everything to me... I'm just looking for a solid all around good car I can have fun with, drive on the weekends and maybe track once a year.

My options are:

- 2014 911 S w/ 400 hp
- 2007+ GT3 RS
- 2007+ GT3
- 2007+ GT2

There is something to be said about a new car. A 911S starts at $99k and nicely loaded can be had for 110-120k. The car will be close in power to the GT3. Ofcourse it will always be looked at as a entry level porsche, and from what I have seen they don't seem to hold their value too well.

So what would you do? Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

If all you care about is HP, buy a turbo. if you are going to drive it mostly on the street, get the 991 or 997 turbo. If you want a track weapon get the GT3. The gt3 is not all about power, its about the balance, feel, and calibration that you will get in no other porsche. Cannot explain until you drive one. The entire suspension, gearbox, engine are different than non-gt cars. I drove one, bought one and sold my carrera.

 

I came from a big power 996tt to an 07 gt3. my gt3 has 350hp less than my 996tt, but there is something very unique about these gt3's. you can exactly describe it with words. all I can say is they are very special cars and you know it as soon as you are in the presence of one.
it seems like your instinct is telling you to buy one and you should always trust your instincts...you will not regret it. you cant go wrong with any year. I chose to buy a gt3 instead of an rs because I felt that I would be too concerned about the collectability of an rs, due to the extremely low production numbers. I wanted a car that I can get in and track it or load up with miles without concern.
im sure the new 991 gt3 will be great, but time will tell if it has the true raw feel of the 997 gt3. that being said, I don't think you can get hurt financially if you buy a 997 gt3 and you want to sell it. it does look like there is upward pressure on the current 996 and 997 gt3 prices.
good luck with your decision.

 

Definitely get any GT2, GT3 or RS now.
There will be plenty of time to get any 991 variants at a much lower price in less than a few years, while your GT3/RS will maintain the same or higher price.

 

With your automotive background, recommend a 2008 GT2......afraid the others will feel too slow to you.

 

Choice #1: GT2
Choice #2: GT3 RS
Choice #3: Start with Choice #1

 

I agree.. I had numerous high horsepower cars. I also had a beasty 996tt which I loved. My 997 turbo feels like a lazy boy .. There is something about the feel of a GT3.. Sure it doesn't have the power that all my other cars had but It is bar none my favorite car to date.. I would drive your other possible picks first then drive and gt3. Then you will see what us gt3 owners are talking about..

 

I think you would really grow to like the RS.

Curious, as I'm always on the prowl, how do you like the Gallardo? Likes and dislikes?

 

Bingo

 

Picked up a 2007 RS a month ago and love it. Definitely a keeper.

 

The Gallardo is a great car. I consider it an affordable exotic. Never any major problems, and parts are reasonable if you know to look for the alternate volkswagon or audi part. The only thing you can't dodge is a clutch which will run you about 4-6k with parts and labor out the door. The latest revision clutch will last you 30K miles (EGear) and 30K+ with manual.

The car is very raw, almost borderline uncomfortable. After an 1-2 hours I have had enough (at 30 years old that should be a sign). I haven't been on the track with it so I can't comment on its true abilities. It handles well, but I find it somewhat slow under full acceleration. I would say about 25% slower than a stock GTR (2009-2011). However I do have a full fabspeed exhaust, with bypass, filters etc, and the sound is amazing and super loud. The car is showing its age compared to the latest and greatest out now, but the car was designed 10+ years ago. As we all know the aftermarket capabilities of this car cannot be beat.

Here is the reasoning to wanting a porsche. The gallardo just draws too much attention and I hate it. My car is orange but I wanted silver to 'lay low' if thats even possible in a lamborghini. The only reason I went with orange is because a silver lamborghini would be very tough to sell. I have never been inside a GT3 RS, but if its as raw as my Gallardo, I may consider a regular GT3 or GT2 or even 911 Turbo S. My fiance hates the Gallardo for the simple reason its not comfortable, with no luxeries as simple as a cup holder.

If I had the extra funds to blow on a car, I'd buy a Mclaren 12C. Right now I'm debating between a GT3 RS or GT3, GT2 and GTR Black Edition. I live in New Jersey, and have been looking non stop everywhere. I'd prefer to find one locally to avoid the whole flying out, and needing the car shipped. I did find a white 2007 GT3 with 39k miles in white which I'm going to call about. I could scoop it up for about 67-68k. What do you guys think, pending it checks out with no stories? Anything to look for at that mileage? When and if I pick one up i'll send it to Fabspeed motorsports (local to me) to their exhaust, header performance package and maybe a tune.

My Gallardo:





GTR:



Supra:

 

If its a weekend car stay away from the 991s. They will after all be a "regular" Porsche and not worthy of the weekend only title IMO. You seem very knowledgeable so owning a car without warranty isnt essential as you can get the parts else where and not get raped with the dealer prices. With that said I would go for a GT2 or GT3RS. GT2 if your looking for some power. GT3 if you want a more balanced car similar to your gallardo feel (high revving, balanced, etc). Find a car that has low miles and was babied. 39k miles is far too much IMO

 

Ya maybe I should look for a GT3 RS or GT2 but none have popped up for sale locally.

I almost pulled the trigger on the red 2008 GT2 thats on ebay and bentley gold coast in chicago.

Check out this thread to see how that turned out:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...t-chicago.html

 

I vote gt3rs for reasons already mentioned in this thread.

Also, Having been a DC2 owner myself (one of the many cars I have owned, but this one i thoroughly enjoyed), I found it hard to try to replace it with something since it was such a fun, raw, free revving car. Not many people will understand what all the fuss is about until they have actually owned the car and learned to appreciate the ingenuity and R&D that went into something like that, that sold for under 26k new. To this day, I still miss how well my Honda's transmission shifted.

With that said, I am in a similar position and am looking into a gt3 RS also. I have test driven the car, and it looks, feels, and has all the recipe needed to fulfill a car guys passion.

High revving N/A motor
Track ready suspension
Daily drivable (IMO)
Track able in stock form (Would not be stock for me anyways)
Retains value
Looks good (Arguable to some)

 

I really appreciate the feedback on the Gallardo. There are a host of concerns I have about the change, most you commented on:

-the overwhelming attention whenever parked. Can you trust it won't be bothered when parked while shopping, dinner, etc.?
-I'm absolutely addicted to the turbo power/rush that comes with the 997 turbo. Does the style and sound of G trump what would likely be missing?
-rock solid power train on the 997 turbo, the maintenance is reasonable and car solid. What's the ave annual maintenance on an 07 G
-I'm not looking for a daily driver but would be interested to get started in DEs. Wonder how the G fares in that arena
-fit and finish, IMO the 997 turbo interior is very well done. I have the adaptive sport seats, full leather, etc that still smell new. How do the Gs wear and compare?