Three generations of GT3 tested [Autocar]

[Fl0pp3r]

Not sure if this has already been posted, but as ever, a good read from Frankel in this week's Autocar:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/three-g...

Anyone disagree wildly with his conclusions?

I guess we already knew that with each generation of GT3 the next one is always faster, but slightly less 'involving' didn't we? But which would you rather have on your driveway (putting money to one side) and why? 996.2, 997.2 or 991.1 GT3?

[jackal]

996 RS, still the daddy

Although would take a 993 CS over the 996RS as well.

[Scooty100]

E

jackal said:

996 RS, still the daddy

Although would take a 993 CS over the 996RS as well.

Hmm not so sure . They were the last appreciated RS and behind the 964 RS for ages now they are valued above until the JZM 9k miler sold this week at 150k which has to be pretty much the best one out there . A 964 RS with 100k will make what 100k? So I think I see a correction coming

[jackal]

Yeah, putting money aside and all that ....


Or expressed another way, WTF are you on about old china ?

[Fl0pp3r]

Sorry chaps - non-RS only! :-)

I voted with my wallet and went 997.2 (after a gen1) as it represented noticeable incremental improvements in every area, and was the most recent I could afford - which is ultimately what it comes down to for most of us on a budget let's face it!

Would I therefore 'upgrade' to a 991.1 should they become affordable? Yes, probably - notwithstanding a thorough test of that gearbox!! ;-)

[g7jhp]

So of the GT3's not tested.

Does that make the 996.1 GT3 the ultimate weekend GT3?

And is the 997.1 GT3 better than the (997.2 GT3) as it's closer to the 996.2 GT3 but still usable?

[mollytherocker]

Fl0pp3r said:

Not sure if this has already been posted, but as ever, a good read from Frankel in this week's Autocar:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/three-g...

Anyone disagree wildly with his conclusions?

I guess we already knew that with each generation of GT3 the next one is always faster, but slightly less 'involving' didn't we? But which would you rather have on your driveway (putting money to one side) and why? 996.2, 997.2 or 991.1 GT3?

Its an OK piece but its hardly a revelation. Older cars are slower but have more feel? Who would've thunk it.

Still, any GT3 is a lovely thing. Except an auto one.

[Fl0pp3r]

g7jhp said:

So of the GT3's not tested.

Does that make the 996.1 GT3 the ultimate weekend GT3?

And is the 997.1 GT3 better than the (997.2 GT3) as it's closer to the 996.2 GT3 but still usable?

Personally I wouldn't go along with that rationale as imo both 997's are more similar to each other than to either of the 996's but we're probably splitting hairs here. My honest opinion is - to the 'enthusiast' they are all highly useable, and although with each generation the grip levels, power, and driver aids have all risen, I think the 996 & 997 gen GT3's all give the driver undiminished levels of feel and feedback. It's just its all happening at higher speeds with each new model!

I'm not sure we can say the same of the 991, but as I've not yet driven one I can't pass comment (refreshing I know!) :-)

Evo had a go at separating them not so long ago, as I'm sure you've read?
http://www.evo.co.uk/porsche/911/13309/porsche-911...

[DasChin]

I think any gt3 is a great thing and its just splitting hairs really. Everytime I drive mine it puts a huge grin on my face and I love seeing it parked up. Just classic really.

Some of it is down to personal choice but mostly budget on what u can get v want. If I could have had the cash for an rs I would of but got a mk2 996. Always loved the 996 shape but that's me.

If I could get a gen2 then I would.

Its great for the brand and the cars that these articles get done personally.

[PorscheGT4]

DasChin said:

and I love seeing it parked up. Just classic really.

best bit of ownership when I had mine :-)

[throt]

PorscheGT4 said:

DasChin said:

and I love seeing it parked up. Just classic really.

best bit of ownership when I had mine :-)

I parked my 991 GT3 amongst loads of 458's yesterday when I went toy see the 488. I looked back and thought it really is the better looking car and iconic. Nearly just got back in it straight away and just pulled away. The GT3's just have that X factor if you like.

[Fl0pp3r]

throt said:

I parked my 991 GT3 amongst loads of 458's yesterday when I went toy see the 488. I looked back and thought it really is the better looking car and iconic. Nearly just got back in it straight away and just pulled away. The GT3's just have that X factor if you like.

Very true. The styling of the 991 GT3 is just drop-dead gorge.

[V8KSN]

Fl0pp3r said:

throt said:

I parked my 991 GT3 amongst loads of 458's yesterday when I went toy see the 488. I looked back and thought it really is the better looking car and iconic. Nearly just got back in it straight away and just pulled away. The GT3's just have that X factor if you like.

Very true. The styling of the 991 GT3 is just drop-dead gorge.

Must admit, the 991 GT3 does look good!!

[red997]

Well, I've had a 996GT3 (mk1 CS) and now have a 991 GT3 CS

there are differences, and similarities;

first drive of the 991 my initial comment was they've managed to keep the character of the 996 where it matters.
It still feels like a road / race hybrid.

Beyond that the dynamic limits of the 991 are very very good.
I've not had the chance to use it on track yet (unlike my 996) so I'll reserve judgement on that part, but I don't doubt it will be good.

The main difference is that the 991 is just so much more useable - I remember the hours sat on the ring round round Brussels in the 996 not being particularly pleasant - I can imagine the 991 being far more civilised in this scenario.

And the noise from the 991 - reminds me of my 997 cup car on full bore gear changes !

[Fl0pp3r]

red997 said:

first drive of the 991 my initial comment was they've managed to keep the character of the 996 where it matters. It still feels like a road / race hybrid.

+1 good summary.

As you say - the thing about ALL three generations to date is there is more than enough 'race' and 'feel' to keep the GT3 DNA alive and us petrolheads happy, but the 991 is now so useable. In truth tho' the useability step change started with the 997's imo.

[Alpinestars]

red997 said:

Well, I've had a 996GT3 (mk1 CS) and now have a 991 GT3 CS

there are differences, and similarities;

first drive of the 991 my initial comment was they've managed to keep the character of the 996 where it matters.

The 991 has lost some steering feel, noise and a manual box. In short it has trader character for pace and ease of driving.

[terryb]

I currently have a 991 GT3 but previously had one of the most focused GT3s you could ever own - a 996.1 with full Manthey Racing K400 kit and suspension, brakes, aero, etc, etc... It was very analogue and amazing on track (not the best on the road unless you were going fast). As you can imagine it was a dream to drive at the Nurburgring, which is where I loved to take it.

I sold after 5.5 yrs and 30k miles and it really left a hole that needed to be filled, especially after a visit to the Ring earlier this year in a Mini JCW GP - it was fun but was no GT3.

I then got the opportunity to test drive a 991 GT3 and couldn't have been more wrong in my prior thoughts about this model and how I perceived it - I can honestly say that it rewards as much and probably more than my old K400 - in different ways of course - but I am not disappointed with the ownership experience so far. I can't wait to get it out on track and have booked the Ring at the end of Sept with DN - I have no doubt that it has the potential to be one of the very best track experiences - I'll let you all know when I've been - but I'm really excited about it

[red997]

Alpinestars said:

The 991 has lost some steering feel, noise and a manual box. In short it has trader character for pace and ease of driving.

I've not taken the 991 on track yet, so can't comment in detail, but from what I've felt on the road, all the feel thats needed is there.
the 996 was very, very lively on the road. Not that it stopped me racking up 30K miles in it !

noise ? no way - the 991 is streets ahead.
996 wasn't bad (mine was actually recorded for a Playstation game..) but the 991 is awesome IMHO

And I can't say I'm missing the manual box - which has really surprised me, as I was 100% manual all the way
must be getting old.. ;-)

[GT4RS]

Scooty100 said:

Hmm not so sure . They were the last appreciated RS and behind the 964 RS for ages now they are valued above until the JZM 9k miler sold this week at 150k which has to be pretty much the best one out there . A 964 RS with 100k will make what 100k? So I think I see a correction coming

That was sold for 20k less than the sticker price

[Scooty100]

GT4RS said:

That was sold for 20k less than the sticker price

Yes I'm agreeing with you read the threaf back . My view if the aircooled 964 RS holy grail is 115 then maybe the 6rs shouldn't be over it.
Maybe I'm wrong or maybe it's just in this instance based on the fact that car with 9k miles ?

I'd say a 6rs with say 40k if it's largely about mileage shouldn't be over the 964.

Just my own hunch