Hello everyone,

here is the situation:

I am coming from the BMW ///M side of things as having owned an E46 M3 and a E60 M5. Recently my wife purchased a Porsche Cayenne and the GT3 caught my eye while at the Porsche dealer.

During this time, I was already on planning on purchasing a GTR. But after dealing with both (the Gt3 and GTR) vehicles- I am now confused as to which vehicle I plan on purchasing.

I was planning on going with a preowned 2007 GT3 & Brand new on the GTR (either a low mile 2010 or a well priced 2011). pricing for both cars are about the same for the most part so that is not an issue.

A PRO I like about the GTR, believe it or not and as simple as it seems is that the GTR has 2 rear seats and a bigger trunk space than the GT3 as I know my wife and I will be having kids in the near future. HOWEVER- ***I know I don't plan to haul the baby in the GTR (if I go that route-which is most likely) BUT at least I have the option of doing so with the GTR as opposed to the GT3.

My DD is a convertible E46 M3. the GTR/GT3 would be a weekend/ partial DD car.

Now, here is I ask for GTR owner opinions: why the GTR over the GT3? besides the turbo/NA difference...I'd like to hear any Pro's the GTR has in terms of maintenance? reliability? maintenace costs?

are there any GT3 owners also on this forum who can comment?

BTW- I am leaning towards the GTR of course hence me asking this sub forum and finally speaking out.

Any and all comments and opinions are welcome...for a soon to be GTR owner.

 

if you wish to be completely engaged as a driver get the GT3..otherwise, you seem to have many more reasons to get the GTR, which will still be a fun drive just not as demanding of you as the GT3

 

As the (very fortunate) owner of both of these cars, I can say that about the only similarities are the first 2 letters of the names. The driving experiences are utterly different. Try to drive each before making a decision and consider what uses they will serve. Unless you are an extraordinary driver, you will be faster in almost all circumstanes in the GTR. If you wish to scare yourself, the GT3 is delfinately the car for that. Bottom line: they could not be more different.

 

GT3 is track car and GTR is GT car.

I have experience in the GTR, i would still choose over GT3 for daily driver, street racing and hauling family.

GT3 is superb for track.

If you're a track junkie GT3. everything else GTR.

 

Yes, you are right about the family hauling part. There is no kids as of now but my wife has already mentioned, "where's the rear seats?" for the GT3. LOL. It's true the GTR does have the more "economical" use with the bigger trunk and 2 rear seats (although small) but can be utilized as seats for adults on short trips and be used to put baby seats when needed. I know it's a nice option to have when needed at the time. It's b/c of this that I am leaning 55% to the GTR. Thx for everyone's input and comments.

 

The back seats helped me make a decision as well. I barely ever use them, but for the few times that I need to throw a friend or family member in the back, they are life savers. I'll never forget when my gf needed me to drive her and her friend somewhere so the both of them were in the passenger seat of my Z06. The friend had jeans with the buttons on it and wound up scraping some of the interior trim. Since then, I vowed to have back seats lol.

 

Then you should have demanded she take off the jeans before she got in the car. Duh

 

^^^ XD thats a good one.... i say gtr 100% seems like you have already made up your mind anyways

 

Given your parameters (partial dd, trunk space, kid on the horizon), the GT-R is probably a better fit. I'm in a similar situation, was coming from an 996 as my daily and came to that conclusion. Its remarkable how practical the car is.

Since you asked about it though, it is worth comparing the service sched and cost on the GT-R vs. the Porsche...the GT-R service sched is here. If I can find one clear downside to the car for me, its this. You will spend more time (and probably money ultimately) at the Nissan dealership unless you opt for non-OEM parts and get creative (and in some cases are comfortable exploring the grey area of your warranty).

Two other niggles in terms of the dd experience vs. the porsche -- interior rattles and diminished 3/4 visibility.

 

Hmm you do raise some good points. but if you do a little research then the service costs are less. Rattles, well hey the GTR is a bucket full of bolts.

Dont expect 911 turbo finish in a half priced car.

Good Luck!

 

Hey- this was a very informative heads up!! Thx alot. rep points.
Much appreciated

 

Great Post. I'm too in the same dilemma. But I'm looking for a track car that I can drive to the track. Have a Truck for a daily driver and do not want to trailer a car. I'm leaning towards the GT3. I know tire and brakes will be the big expense.

 

im in the same situation, but i think im going for the GT R . in my case 997tt or GT R

 

I went GTR route, it's half the cost of the new 997.2TT S and it's in a league of its own. Car handles exceptionally well, acceleration is brisk and with a little Cobb tune, cat-back exhaust, midpipe, DP and you're looking at a complete different beast. The 997.1 GT3 trails behind the GTR IMO but I dont know about the new 997.2 GT3.

 

The 997TT is nice too. The only flaw for me with the GTR is that I'm not crazy about the look. My top reason for either car is a trackable car that can be driven to the track too. I will only be driving it local 4K miles tops per year.