997 or 996GT3

[gunner]

Given that second hand low mileage 996GT3's are now priced similarly to new high spec 997's/low spec 997 C2S's which do people feel is the better car?The car's use would mainly be on the road with the occasional track day thrown in.

[craig]

these cars appeal to 2 different sets of people

996GT3 is more of a track day car which you can drive on the road. It has a very stiff set up and less ground clearance so not so good for everyday use. I only use mine for weekends and would have it over a 997 any day.

997 is more of a road car which you can use for the odd track day - the better all rounder

[s3am]

I've just voted with my feet -996 GT3.
To me its just seemed more special, and it won't be my only car so usability issues will be less pertinent. For an everyday car, a 997 carrera S looks a smart buy.

Sam

[clubsport]

I would also take the Gt3....but if you are sure you will be using it more on the road and won't be tempted to run more trackdays go for the 997...a very refined if not slightly soul less Gt car....

[turboguru]

You could really consider a 996 TT, much better all round car for any driving conditions

[GreigM]

I agree with all of the above - the GT3 isn't an every-dayer, but then again should any porsche be - buy yourself a £500 banger to crawl through the traffic and make the Porsche the special experience it should be. The GT3 doesn't have to be a track car - it is very capable on-road and will deliver a very raw 911 experience which I find utterly addictive.

[gunner]

thank you all very much.I have to say I drove a 997 C2S over the weekend and was underwhelmed.Just didn't feel as communicative as I'd hoped and lacked the aggression I think Porsches should have.As to the 996TT i am fortunate to have owned one of these in the past and,wonderful though it was,I'd like something a bit rawer.Thanks again.GT3 here we come...

[jjr1]

If the 997 you drove had PASM I understand your point but if it had the 20mm dropped suspension I would find the decision a lot more difficult.

With the lowered suspension the car comes alive and although not as raw as a GT3, it feels a lot closer than the standard car. Take into account it is more practical for everyday use and I would rather have the 997S with 20mm drop. Oh no I have one already

The only 996 that I would rather have than my 997S is the GT2 which is just in a different ball game for raw thrills or a GT3RS which is even madder.

[cyrus1971]

997 S - easy choice - GT 3 is draining...

[singh911]

I voted with my feet (or cash so to speak) on this one 4 weeks ago.

GT3 in the garage.

Key issues for me were that I didn't need the rear seats and its not a daily driver.

I have to say that if i did need a daily driver/rear seats, I would have gone for 996 turbo instead of the 997 due to the RMS issues (alarming tales from my OPC tech on these already).

GT3 for me is pure Porsche, simple, focused and an out and out sportscar with technology (& engine) derived from the racetrack.

Just my 0.02.

Cheers

Ajit.

[mrattley]

I have owned several Porsche models from 1985 3.2CS, 1994 968CS, 1996 993C2S, 1996 993T4 and a 2000 GT3 Mk1 Comfort. I have recently driven a 997S but my budget won't stretch to £75K.

All are brilliant!!

I use my GT3 most days and love it to bits. Its only drawback is ground clearance in Town over speed humps. With a little care I can navigate most without grounding. I am investigating fitting adjustable suspension to overcome this issue. I'm sure that Windsor has more speed humps than any other Town in the UK.....

You have a problem most people dream of.....I would go for a standard Comfort model. It's still fantastic on the track but a real buzz to drive everyday (except in Windsor of course)

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Mark