datax you have pm

 

I actually really liked my 997 alot. It had nice torque down low, a bit better build quality compared to what I see on my GT3 even. Interior too was a bit nicer although I don't miss that big screen tv for a center console on the 997

The 997 was my first Porsche and after a couple months of ownership I felt the car was a bit on the soft side suspension wise. Not to mention the car sat too high. Lowered it with springs which looked better, but for some reason felt lacking ride wise. It wasn't that there was anything wrong, but proper coilovers was the right way to lower the car and I knew that.

I also had a problem with the 18" Carrera III's that came with the car. Not wide enough! Being 'old school' (read: 19's are too blingy for me) I bought a set of Carrera III's off a 997C4 which solved the width issue, but when you look at the car from the side you can tell that 997's really look better with 19's.

Other things that I wanted to do with the car were exhaust for better sound, rollbar/harness/fire extinguisher so I can attend D.E.'s.

Lastly I wanted to do something with the looks. The base Carrera is not aggressive enough. It's almost feminine up front if you ask me. I love the 997 GT3 aerokit. How much is that, something like 6k right? By the time I do all the stuff I wanted to do, it got me thinking, "shouldn't I be doing this stuff to a Carrera S instead of a base Carrera?

So during the course of one day I tried out two 996 Turbo's and a GT3. The TT was impressive with it's power (of course), and had potential for greater power for reasonable cost, yet the handling was not as crisp as I had hoped for. An hour later I was fortunate to take a brief test with Tony's (996GT3) and realized immediately that was what I was looking for!

GT3 is noticebly lighter; I could feel the power, nimbleness, improved change of direction, and braking (PCCB's....Although I can't afford them, get them if you can!) The seating position and support with the racing seats are just awesome!

Basically I realized I needed a track oriented street car. I could've done it with the 997 Base Carrera but I would've spent more money than I spent for the GT3 and it wouldn't have been as good a performer anyway. Plus the GT3's look/stance leaves room for no complaints in my eyes.

My god I'm rambling. Sorry guys....

GT3 = pure chewing satisfaction. 'nuff said!

 

Great review.

From what i have heard the 997's' is just like the 996 GT3, so i am thinking about testdriving it now...

 

Night and day difference my friend.

 

Sorry, I should have elaborated - I meant in terms of power and power only.

Josh.

 

997S is 355hp
996GT3 is 381hp (underrated btw)

When my car was stock, I used to spank my buddies 997S with headers, full exhaust, intake and ECU flash.

 

Anyone know the weight difference between a 997S and 996 GT3 offhand?

 

Mika -

Excellent recap. Thanks for the feedback. Since I'm considering the 997S as my daily I think it would suit my needs pretty well.

996 GT3 is much more of an animal IMO. Feels much more aggressive. The 997S seemed very civilized indeed. Just about as comfy as my S4 w/ coilovers actually. Almost more of a GT than a sports car.

Love the GT3 in white!

 

After owning my 996GT3 for 3.5 yrs, I test drove the 997s and came back feeling greatful to still have my 996GT3. 997s definitely a better daily driver, but the GT3 is so much more fun to drive. just my 2 cents.

 

Great write up. I've got to get a GT-3 one of these days!

 

About 400# lighter for the GT3.

 

Wow that explains alot as to why I could really feel a difference between the two cars. Thx Surg!

 

Great choice! I am looking for something similar.
PM sent..

 

Looks great. Looks like white is a very popular color on GT3s.

 

Amazing, and it has all the goodies on it. Well done, and wise choice.