Nordscleife: 7:48

0-100 km/h in 4.3 secs.
0-120 km/h in 5.6 secs.
0-140 km/h in 7.5 secs.
0-160 km/h in 9.2 secs.
0-180 km/h in 11.1 secs.
0-200 km/h in 14.0 secs.

verdict:
the RS doesn´t outperform the GT3 but what else did you expect?
Both come with the same engine, except of the fly wheel, even though Porsche made some efforts to close the gap between a super sports car and a street-legal race car, it takes an experienced driver to discover the slight difference between these two. The driving dynamic of the GT3 RS is unbeatable with 77 pts it scores the hishest points in the sport auto Supertest ever, same as the GT3

 

Nurburgring:
7:32 mins. - Porsche Carrera GT
7.33 mins. - Pagani Zonda F
7.34 mins. - Koenigsegg CCR
7:43 mins. - TechArt Porsche GT Street
7.44 mins. - Pagani Zonda S
7:46 mins. - Porsche 996 GT2
7:47 mins. - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
7:47 mins. - Porsche 996 GT3 RS*
7:48 mins. - Porsche 997 GT3*
7:48 mins. - Porsche 996 GT3 RS*

Hockenheimring:
1:08.6 mins. - Porsche Carrera GT
1:09.8 mins. - Koenigsegg CCR
1:10.8 mins. - Pagani Zonda F
1:11.1 mins. - Porsche 997 GT3 RS*
1:11.7 mins. - Porsche 997 GT3*
1:11.8 mins. - Lamborghini Gallardo SE
1:11.8 mins. - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640*
1:11.8 mins. - Pagani Zonda S
1.11.8 mins. - Porsche 996 GT3 RS*
1.12.0 mins. - Lamborghini Murielago

36m slalom:
141 km/h - Porsche 997 GT3 RS*
141 km/h - Porsche 997 GT3*
138 km/h - koenigsegg CCR
137 km/h - AC Schnitzer Topster*
137 km/h - Pagani Zonda F
136 km/h - Alpina Roadster S*
136 km/h - Mercedes CLK DTM AMG*
136 km/h - Porsche 996 Carrera S
135 km/h - Audi RS4*
135 km/h - BMW M3 CSL*
135 km/h - Porsche Carrera GT

110m evasion test:
159 km/h - Pagani Zonda F
158 km/h - Koenisgegg CCX
158 km/h - Porsche 997 GT3 RS*
158 km/h - Porsche 997 GT3*
157 km/h - BMW M3 CSL*
157 km/h - Porsche Carrera GT
155 km/h - Alpina Roadster S
154 km/h - Porsche 996 GT2
153 km/h - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640*
153 km/h - Porsche 997 Carrera S

Best over all:
77 pts. - Porsche 997 GT3 RS
77 pts. - Porsche 997 GT3
76 pts. - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
75 pts. - Pagano Zonda F
74 pts. - Koenigsegg CCR
71 pts. - Porsche 996 Carrera S

* indcates semi-slicks


Source: sportauto

 

There are two 996 GT3 RS in the ring time list - I bet the 2nd one is supposed to say 997? Either way, interesting how the new one really isn't faster at what it's "supposed to do".

 

oh my!!!

 

If it's got the 300 lb weight advantage cited in another thread (maybe Rennlist?), I would have expected better.

Gary

 

The RS is only better on a short racetrack like the Hockenheimring otherwise it scores the same points as the GT3. The RS is even 0,2 of a second slower on a wet handling course. It makes the price increase over the GT3 unjustifiable to me.

 

I think it is too early to say that, because it will depend on the resale value of the GT3 vs. GT3 RS. But if you can't find the money in the first place, there's no reason to save up for the RS.

However, I think the times are proof that Porsche did not do their homework and instead of "polishing" their product (GT3 RS) they released it before it was ready.
I mean I hardly read about the GT3 before the RS was released, the cars are too similar. (I have driven neither, so theory and looking at data sheets here, but the sport auto test gives my theory credit.)

Money to share holders before performance for owners, a very dangerous path IMO. I hope they will learn by their mistakes.

At least the GT2 takes some time. A good sign, I hope it is perfect when it arrives.

 

It looks so far like Porsche used the RS for this reason, otherwise it would be significantly better than the GT3. The difference between the 996 GT3 and RS was 7 seconds on the ring, so the price increase was justifiable IMO.

Oh and I can't wait for the GT2

 

Interesting!!!

 

These figures are surprising given all the media feedback and inputs from new owners. Sounds like the 996GT3 are an even bigger bargain than many think. I knew I should have kept mine, dammit.

 

Thank you Erik!
Very nice article...

 

Thanks Erik! (Erik is my second name btw. )


Sport Auto Supertests are great, same editor of the mag has done all the times so you can compare them a bit.


I have to agree, the new RS model came too soon. The 996 GT3 came in '99 and the RS many years later ('03?) after development. The lap times show that the 996 GT3 RS is still a beast and it can be made faster quite easily with some upgrades!


Btw. is it true that the 996 GT3 RS has a lot of more CF than the 997 RS ? Underbody etc ?
Anyway that car's a beauty inside and out


I think I have to tell some 996 GT3 RS owners not to hurry with a model "upgrade"...and I think they already know it

 

996GT3RS has more CF (hood/winglets) 997 has more Al....

 

So basically you are paying extra money for a slightly more track ready car? Hmmmmm, that's dissapointing to me. Does it have PSM too??? That really sucks if it does, they could have shaved some weight and been faster at the same time.

 

Nice info Erik! Funny how there has been little to no information leaking out about the 997 GT2, and pictures of the Panamera are everywhere. Hopefully we’ll see it unveiled at Geneva?

You’re right, they are taking their time at it, lets hope it will exceed all expectations. Now about those ROW models available for the US market…