Alright guys, I'm really starting to eye up the 997's now, but am still really trying to figure out which car to hone in the search on. Wifey's giving the green light (not that it COMPLETELY matters, but it does to me), so I'm more serious now. I'm in no immediate rush (it's nice not having a car payment, but plan to make the next purchase an outright buy as well anyway). Seems like the 7TT's and 7GT3's are around the same price range right now, so that's why the comparo. I'm going to give some details as to what I'm really looking to get out of these rides, but wanted to share some thoughts in my head, and see if everyone can provide their input on pros and cons of each, b/c there are some pros and cons to these cars and while mildly similar, can also be very different.

Here's my thought, while I may not go to the track very often (b/c of time constraints with work and family commitments), I'm looking for a car that I not only can enjoy on the road, but also for a few events a year possibly on the track. I like the aspect of AWD on the car for overall traction purposes, but could also be used in slick/snowy conditions if need be, there are times where I just feel like a GT3 gives me that RAWNESS that I feel right now with my Twin Turbo'd C4S. I'd like to start driving my son as well in the car, but to be honest, I'm scared to put him in such a small car even if there are Porsche OEM booster seats, etc for safety reasons. Not due to my driving, but complete A-Holes around me being aggressive and/or not paying attention to the road. As for Mods, we all know we get the itch, so I'm thinking modding a GT3 (suspension, exhaust, intake, etc etc etc) is somewhat cheaper then a twin turbo. How about maintenance costs, are the TT's more expensive to maintain vs the GT3's, and if so, are there any known problems with the 2007's vs 2008's, etc. By way of my very good friend, I'm planning on picking one of these cars up at Auction perhaps, which will be serviced and set before I take it home, so want to make sure there are no known issues to date on them. Resale value, while important, I know these cars lose value, but what will lose value more. I don't know why but I feel like the resale on the GT3's might be holding stronger vs the TT's from what their initial purchase price was, even after some GT3's have track use. If I was to go TT, I would possibly consider it being my DD, but am I being crazy if I do that? So, the household, I'd plan to have the PCar and an SUV for family stuff and baby duty. I think the only way I can get away with that is if I get the Auto/PDK with the TT so my wife can drive it as well. What do you guys think? Love the 6speed and all, but feel like with all this traffic in the NoVA area, it might make sense to go automatic for a DD of this.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling, but let's talk through Pro's and Con's of a 997GT3 vs a 997TT.

Thanks guys! I hope a few other folks find this thread informative.

 

I'm sure others have more experience so can comment more...although for me, I'm more of a high-powered speed kind of guy, so Turbo for me.

I would love to get a 6sp, but hear the PDK is also very good.

 

You'd be bored to death with an automatic. Automatics are okay if you're doing quick runs to the store or need a designated driver. I've never felt that my manual transmission got in the way of or made worse driving in traffic...ever.

 

I think you better of with 997tt Berk GT3 is pure track car..... More power on twin turbo
and easy to drive on street and i think it will be cheaper to mode. and safe for the Son. Wife will love to drive to.
(Baba ben senin yerinde olsam tt alirim *** daha rahat araba). Good lock.

 

Turbo all the way. Once you hit that quickness, you will never go back. You WILL regret it if you do. As for auto or not, I am mixed. Have both and enjoy both for various and obvious reasons. I do love the tip for the track as it automatically shifts when you hit the limit so you can concentrate on the driving and wheel handling as opposed to the footwork on a clutch. The tip also helps compensate for the turbo lag in the stick situation on the track, especially when it counts most coming out of turns. Not necessary on the road. You really should get yours to the track. You will really get a whole new appreciation for it. If you are just bored and ready to move on, the track will either make you work your current car harder, or make you switch right away.

While the search is on, there are instructors that will let you ride along in there cars so you can get a feel for how you are really supposed to drive. I find that I am less aggressive with the instructor on board compared to running on my own. You'll push a little harder and feel your limits expand. Good stuff.

 

I would consider PDK, although I'd miss mashing through gears. It's a much quicker shift. I wonder how problematic they are? The M5 I had with SMG they were a problem and super expensive to repair if they broke. One of the things that kept pulling me back to a Porsche was the simplicity of it all. Those days are probably gone forever, as will the manual transmission before too long.

If I were you I'd go with the TT. GT3's are at home on the track and not the street, although the 7GT3 is probably easier than the 6GT3. There are plenty of people who use a TT as an occasional track car.

 

I have driven my friends TTS cab and plan on getting a TTS coupe when my lease is up on my 911. But I see a few brand new GT3RS's on the roads around my home and I feel a lot of LUST for them. I have never driven nor rode in one but they do something to my soul just by seeing them drive by that the TT does not do. I have all the same concerns and will probably have the same dilemma (grateful to have though) in a year from now.

 

Well I've always been an NA guy so the GT3 was what I always dreamed of. Something about being able to rev up to 8.5 just really does something to me on the insides You being a turbo guy now Berk I can imagine the decision is that much harder to make. I'll do my best to explain the things about the 3 that might affect your decision on buying. Keep in mind these are only things I've come to realize on a mk.2 so I don't know exactly if the mk.1 has the same behaviors, but I assume they're pretty damn close.

The gearbox is VERY notchy and stiff compared to any of my past cars. (e46 M3, RS4, C2S) Its the worst when the car is warming up and getting up to operating tempature, but that should be expected with most cars. The only time the gearbox really comes to be annoying is if your in traffic which I really dont hit a lot of in the 3 so I can't say it bothers me to much, but if you're looking for this to a be DD it could get annoying.

The 3 makes much more noise then any other car I've ever been in. Its just mechanical noise, but sometimes it sounds like things are bouncing around, suspension travel, much more engine noise as well, the brakes make more noise as well. I've had PCCB's on both my P-cars and for some reason these on the 3 squeak more. Things that you just don't normally hear in other cars. Again, not something that bothers me, but to some it may.

Since the GT3 is lower you can expect to be replacing the front chin spoiler every other month or so. I had the .1 cup spoiler on my C2S which also fits on the .1 3's and that thing scraped everywhere. The lip on the mk.2 doesn't scrape as much as my cup spoiler did and I have yet to replace it in about 4k miles. I can't speak for maintenece cost, because I have only had my car in the shop once to have to center lugs retorqued. I haven't had a single problem in 7k miles.

Yes the suspension is harsh, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It does bounce quite a bit, and I can see where it would get old especially in the wifes eye, but I've read in reviews that the mk.2 is suppose to be more refined, and "softer" then the mk.1 The chasis is very stiff as well so going through potholes, and over sewers is where you really feel it bounce. Although this is the only car I've ever driven with coilovers so I can't compare the ride to any of my previous cars because none had a simliar suspension.

Again, these are the things that I can see being the biggest factors in decision making, and although I guess this is my "con list" these are still things I absolutely love about the GT3. I love the rough suspension, I love the engine and mechanical noise. This is just about the closest you can get to a race car from Porsche and that's why I appreciate everything about the GT3. Besides, its hard to beat that sound of the engine! Especially with my Sharwerks track exhaust. Hope this helps Berk, if you want I can write another short story about all the things I love about the car hahaha.

 

Sense your the HIGHEST of HIGH rollers in this area Berk. Just get both of them. I have never driven the GT3, but I can tell you that the turbo won't disappoint. I probably land 5 to 8 phone numbers a weekend when I take the TT out. I mean cops pull me over just to get a ride its insaneeeeee haha. Or you can do a GT3 and put a turbo into it. I can put out a nation wide search and find Vans old turbo for you.

 

The 997 GT3 is a phenomenal car...and it has a good deal of power with a few mods tune etc...the turbo is faster but at an expense and the GT3 on track is a better car, except for on the straights. I've driven both and had students with both.

 

Are you looking at GT3's or GT3 RS'?

 

Its all about what you use it for. Since you spend more time on the road (road trips, fun runs etc..) I think the 997T is going to be the ticket. If you were going to spend a lot more time on the track, you cant beat the GT3.

My personal opinion which differs from some was that the power of my old 996TT was awesome but, after a while lost its initial excitement. Once I got my lowly sub 300hp 993 and started to learn how to really drive it (still learning), it never gets old!

Both great cars cant go wrong!

 

This is EXACTLY what I am talking about...the TT is a highway car and top speed cruiser but the gt3 will teach you a whole lot, it's a drivers car moreso than the TT, and on the track and through the switchbacks it really shines...I would wish I could have both if I were you but I think if you want all around pure fun (not just gobs of power) then the GT3 is the better car, after having laps in both and students in both of varying skill levels, I can make a sound recommendation on this

 

I agree with Sunir...I have had the TT as you know and just drove a 10 GT3 and I have to be honest...it is a dead easy decision! GT3 or GT3 RS no doubt. I have "grown" up on sports suspension for most of my driving life and found that the GT3 was quite comfortable for me with the suspension set in regular and even in sport it was awesome. The engine tone is INCREDIBLE over the TT!!! I LOVE the way the TT is designed, its creature comforts but compared to the GT3 is too soft and to mod it to get it to the same level as the GT3 will cost quite a lot. The GT3 needs NO MODS...yes, I said it, NO MODS!! I can be modded but really in reality for what you are going to use it for would be a mute point and throw away money. When I get mine all I am doing is aesthetic mods such as light tint, the clear sides, bypass exhaust (doesn't mess around with the backpressure/torque values of the car - just lets more music out!) and possible some wheels that are lighter than stock. I am sticking it out and getting the 2010 so see you in a few years!!! Either way you can't lose on the decision it is all down to how you are really going to drive it...figure that out and the answer is easy.

M

 

WOW - Thanks for the great points guys. A lot to consider. The good thing is I have time and am in no rush, but if the right one comes along, may jump on it. VAN's 7TT was my DREAM CAR!!! I think it just sold though, so if it comes back up, may jump on it again. I think now it's out of state though.

I just need to figure out what the most important factors are really. My son is still young, so thinking to lean towards the TT because it will have more of a daily application, then in the future, as he gets older, can start to really enjoy it with him on the track, therefore, will move over to a GT3 perhaps.

Great feedback from everyone, and THANK YOU!!!!