Sport Auto tested both around the Nurburgring. Both cars driven by the same guy; Horst Von Sauer. He ran 7:54 in a 996 GT3 on the OEM PS2s, and 7:48 in a 997 GT3 on the OEM PSCs. The PSCs are good for at least 5 seconds...probably more.

The only 1/4 mile time for the 997 GT3 I've seen is 12.1 @ 117.8

The best stock 1/4 mile times for a 996 GT3 I've seen are 12.1 @ 116 and 12.3 @ 118.

I have no doubt that the 997 is the superior car...but the performance differential between them seems negligible at best.

Thoughts?

 

Just goes to show just how much tires can affect performance.... I would not have thought those cars to be so similar in performance, but I 'll take the 997GT3 on looks alone. Kevin

 

I have yet to do a real world test with one against my car. Once I get somebody that is interested, Ill get some video and post it up.

 

I like the looks of the 997 better as well. But a 996 GT3 in the $70k-$80k range is a very tempting proposition. I may have to buy one to park next my TT next year.

 

Sure you will....You're a torque junkie thru and thru... Kevin

 

Have owned both. They are both incredible cars!!!!

 

Newer doesn't always mean better...porsche got it right with the 996 GT3, and the 997 GT3 is a great car as well...

 

For the price, you can't go wrong with the 996 GT3. It's shaping up to be a bargain with these prices.

 

Scott,
When you are ready to pull the trigger, let me know and Ill help you find something special.

 

Don't listen to the mags.
Walter Rorl got a 7:42 on the RS on a public day on a damp course, having to pass 5 cars in the process. On the same day, he timed himself in the Carrera GT at 7:39, his best time in a GT on a closed track is 7:32.

I'm not trying to tell you that these times should take precedence over any magazine times, but you should consider all information when making a decision.

Secondly, I have an RS and I can tell you the new car is better than the 996GT3. It is far stabler. Upon heavy acceleration and heavy braking, particularly in turns, the 996GT3 is no where near as stable.

What you have to keep in mind when you look at a 996GT3 is that it is based on a 996, a car that was under serious, serious budget contraints. Remember in the late 90's when this car was designed, Porsche was almost broke. The 996GT3 is a fantastic car, but it's based on a car that was a saviour car to Porsche. I loved my 996GT3, but the 997GT3/RS is the better car, hands down.

In the same breath you can't go wrong with a 996GT3. But anyone who says the 996GT3 is just as good - or better - hasn't driven both.

 

Sorry, but to correlate any sort of connection between Porsche's fiscal condition at the time of design to the quality level (in this case, performance specs) of the actual end product is a H U G E stretch.

In fact, it's a testament to the strength of the 996 design to show that around a vaunted road course like the 'Ring that the variance can be overlapped by tire choice.

 

If you've driven both you'd notice the 40% redution in torsional flex the 997 chassis has.
Whether you think this is a Stretch or not, the point is the 996 frame flexes like a noodle compared to the 997.

Why?, b/c to save money they based many of the components of the 996 on the boxster. The 997 is almost all new, the 996 wasn't.

 

The difference would've been more distinct if Porsche bumped the displacement up to 3.8 liters and made 450HP (and more torque). Assuming the character of the motor remained intact, I think it would've been a good move.

Removing weight from modern cars is becoming more difficult, so a few more ponies would've separated the 996 GT3 and 997 GT3 more clearly. If it's a matter of slow and steady marketing, they could save a Direct Injected 3.8 for the 998 GT3. Maybe they'll do a 3.6 DI for the 998 GT3 (if DI's even feasible on the 964 motor... I don't know).

 

Besides the track department, is it safe to say the 996GT3 vs. 996TT (stock for stock) The GT3 is faster in a straight line?

 

That would definately be a driver's race. I have yet to loose to a stock 996TT, but Mr.Blonde ran a faster 1/4 mile time with his 996TT than I did with my car.