Back in 2003, the biggest rival facing the 996 RS was the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale. More powerful, more exotic and more expensive the Ferrari may have been, but the Porsche was more than a match for it on track.
Nods to 2.7 RS extended to the graphics package
A decade ago, there was a £40,000 price gap between the two cars, with the Ferrari costing £130,000. The difference is largely mirrored in used values too.
The common consensus on the 996 RS is that its simply too hardcore to consider as an everyday prospect. We're not talking Ariel Atom levels of sparseness, but the ride is hard, the rear seats are gone and isn't a hub of connectivity. As a track car, however, the RS represents great value as, unlike later road-biased 997s, it requires fewer modifications to really shine on a circuit.
As Jonas at JZM Porsche told us, the 996 RS is "a phenomenal car", and surely one that will be remembered as a great Porsche.
Buy if: You want uncompromising, unadultered track thrills in a Porsche that also happens to be road legal.
Don't buy if: You need a performance car for 365 days of the year. Our 911 Turbo guide should see to that...
We found:2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 28,000 miles, main dealer and specialist service history, two owners, recent wheel refurb - £58,500
Price Guide -
Poor: £50,000
Good: £60,000
A1: £70,000