Thoughts on replacing a 997 turbo with a 991 GT3

[gd]

All opinions very welcome.

I've had a manual gen 1.5 997 turbo for nearly seven years now, it's my weekend car and although I love it (and it is brutally quick), I am getting less of a sense of event from driving it as time goes by. I've also got a 981 Boxster S as a station car, and I dare say that it is often a bit more fun to chuck about than the 997 (I realise I am going to upset many with this... sorry!).

So, I've been looking at 991 GT3s... I love the GT3RS but it is a bit too hardcore for me and a bit beyond what I want to pay, so I am wondering if a 991.1 GT3 would be a good swap for the 997?

I don't mind PDK, and I know some have had engine issues, but I am really interested in your opinions about whether this would be a good idea or not. Also, if any of you have made this move, what were your experiences? A good "trade up" or a regretted sale?

Many thanks in advance
Gary

[jakesmith]

gd said:

All opinions very welcome.

I've had a manual gen 1.5 997 turbo for nearly seven years now, it's my weekend car and although I love it (and it is brutally quick), I am getting less of a sense of event from driving it as time goes by. I've also got a 981 Boxster S as a station car, and I dare say that it is often a bit more fun to chuck about than the 997 (I realise I am going to upset many with this... sorry!).

So, I've been looking at 991 GT3s... I love the GT3RS but it is a bit too hardcore for me and a bit beyond what I want to pay, so I am wondering if a 991.1 GT3 would be a good swap for the 997?

I don't mind PDK, and I know some have had engine issues, but I am really interested in your opinions about whether this would be a good idea or not. Also, if any of you have made this move, what were your experiences? A good "trade up" or a regretted sale?

Many thanks in advance
Gary

Not driven either but I'd imagine the GT3 is a better weekend car than the Turbo even if the 991 is a bit bigger than the 997
997 Turbo is more of a mega daily car isn't it.
Are you a real Porsche aficionado? If you've got a nice naturally aspirated Boxster already though why not try something completely different.
12Cs are good value, will give you even more of the power you love from the Turbo, and are quite a bit more exotic and rare than a 911. I wouldn't have 2 sports cars from the same brand no matter how different they are there's just too much else out there to try
You can't go wrong with a GT3 though when did you last hear someone say they didn't like theirs
Maybe a test drive would be in order but I would definitely look at some left field alternatives at that budget

[Huskyman]

If you want out of your 997 turbo as it no longer gives you that rush of a weekend car, try a 991 GT3 and if you like it negotiate a warranty on it and enjoy.
If not hang onto the 997 turbo. Simples. Both ways you have a wonderful car.

Edited by Huskyman on Sunday 6th January 00:01

Edited by Huskyman on Sunday 6th January 00:04

[pete]

Not quite the same move but I went from a manual 996 Turbo S to a 991.1GT3 just over a month ago. No regrets so far - the GT3 is much more of an event at any speed and feels a lot more involving, even with PDK box. I had a 997 GT3 many years ago and missed the lightning fast throttle response and noise from the NA engine, while the 4wd Turbo was just a bit too good at everything to be fun on the road. Although the GT3 has a lot less torque, with 475bhp it isn’t exactly slow, especially with full throttle PDK upshifts; I can’t wait for some warmer weather!

I seriously contemplated a McLaren 12C or 570, but in the end I decided I was just too much of a Porsche fan not to have a 911 in the garage. The cost of ownership with a McLaren was also a much bigger gamble than with the GT3, so for once I made a decision that satisfied both heart and head. Mine has had two engine swaps, the most recent in 2017, so it’s on the very latest 3.8 engine revision, which added an extra layer of reassurance.

If you like both your 981 and the 997, take a GT3 for a test drive. I suspect you won’t be able to resist after that...

[IMI A]

Take GT3 out and see what you think. I suspect your 981 might be more fun than both a 997 turbo and a PDK GT3.

Its a good trade though with 997 prices relatively high especially for a gen 1.5 and 991.1 GT3 starting to fall.

At your budget I'd also maybe be looking at an early 458 Italia or 650s Coupe (both with warranty) as a weekend car instead of the GT3 which is maybe too similar to 981 IMO and as you've mentioned there seems to be an issue with engines.

The other left field alternative is to have your 997 tweaked. Theres so much hidden power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwqx9DcekWw

[g7jhp]

Why not replace the 997 turbo with a manual 997 GT3.

Or

Replace the 981 Boxster S with a 981 Spyder and get a different station car.

[cayman-black]

I would be too worried about the 991.1GT3 , engine so for that reason i would say no or go for the 991.2.

Just my opinion i know others won't agree!

[Taffy66]

I've just bought a 458 Italia to run alongside my 991.2 GT3 and 981 Spyder..I chose the 458 as i much prefer a high revving ultra responsive NASP to any Turbo..The 458 is mechanically very robust with a bombproof engine and what i'd buy if i was in your shoes..It is quite simply a glorious car and another likely long term keeper for me..The ride quality on rough roads with 'bumpy road' mode is astonishing and better than any Porsche i've owned..
Mine has all the Carbon inside and out with C/F race seats and makes all my Porsches look normal in comparison..Having said all that i'm still a Porsche guy and have no intention of selling any of mine for a while yet.

[franki68]

Taffy66 said:

I've just bought a 458 Italia to run alongside my 991.2 GT3 and 981 Spyder..I chose the 458 as i much prefer a high revving ultra responsive NASP to any Turbo..The 458 is mechanically very robust with a bombproof engine and what i'd buy if i was in your shoes..It is quite simply a glorious car and another likely long term keeper for me..The ride quality on rough roads with 'bumpy road' mode is astonishing and better than any Porsche i've owned..
Mine has all the Carbon inside and out with C/F race seats and makes all my Porsches look normal in comparison..Having said all that i'm still a Porsche guy and have no intention of selling any of mine for a while yet.

That’s a bit of a price jump though .
To the op,I had a 997 turbo when they came out ,and currently have a gen 2 gt3.The gt3 is a more fun car but ask yourself where you do your driving .You will notice the relative lack of torque in the gt3 and unless you get to drive on quiet roads there is limited opportunity to actually extend the gt3 gen 1 engine.

[Chubbyross]

franki68 said:

Taffy66 said:

I've just bought a 458 Italia to run alongside my 991.2 GT3 and 981 Spyder..I chose the 458 as i much prefer a high revving ultra responsive NASP to any Turbo..The 458 is mechanically very robust with a bombproof engine and what i'd buy if i was in your shoes..It is quite simply a glorious car and another likely long term keeper for me..The ride quality on rough roads with 'bumpy road' mode is astonishing and better than any Porsche i've owned..
Mine has all the Carbon inside and out with C/F race seats and makes all my Porsches look normal in comparison..Having said all that i'm still a Porsche guy and have no intention of selling any of mine for a while yet.

That’s a bit of a price jump though .
To the op,I had a 997 turbo when they came out ,and currently have a gen 2 gt3.The gt3 is a more fun car but ask yourself where you do your driving .You will notice the relative lack of torque in the gt3 and unless you get to drive on quiet roads there is limited opportunity to actually extend the gt3 gen 1 engine.

That’s interesting to read. Like the OP I keep toying with the idea of going for a GT3 in a couple of years but have wondered if I’d miss the torque of my 997.2 turbo. I think you’ve answered my question. It’s such a great all rounder that I suspect I’d miss it enormously.

[IMI A]

g7jhp said:

Why not replace the 997 turbo with a manual 997 GT3.

I think that OP's station car would still easily be as good (dynamically) as his weekend car with that swap. His station car a bit too good

[g7jhp]

IMI A said:

g7jhp said:

Why not replace the 997 turbo with a manual 997 GT3.

I think that OP's station car would still easily be as good (dynamically) as his weekend car with that swap. His station car a bit too good

Perhaps

I wouldn't use a Boxster as a station car. The idea of idiots denting it or having the roof vandalised would make me go for something more small and nimble.

[IMI A]

g7jhp said:

IMI A said:

g7jhp said:

Why not replace the 997 turbo with a manual 997 GT3.

I think that OP's station car would still easily be as good (dynamically) as his weekend car with that swap. His station car a bit too good

Perhaps

I wouldn't use a Boxster as a station car. The idea of idiots denting it or having the roof vandalised would make me go for something more small and nimble.

Yep I'd have an old Clio type car etc for station duties and sell the 981 and 997 in order to have something a bit more special for weekend use. Lots of choice in current market with 720s already sub 180k and soon to be £150k I reckon. I can't understand why they're so relatively cheap already. The difficult choice with a higher budget is between 991.2 GT3 and 991.1 GT3 RS. Selling both certainly opens up more choices although 991.1 GT3 a super shout if OP wants to keep 981. I'd find it very difficult with a slightly higher budget to choose between say 458, 991.1 GT3 RS and 991.2 GT3. I think I'd go 458 but other days I'd take the RS then I think what about the manual .2 GT3

[cayman-black]

LOL , today i would go 991.1GT3RS.

[franki68]

Chubbyross said:

franki68 said:

Taffy66 said:

I've just bought a 458 Italia to run alongside my 991.2 GT3 and 981 Spyder..I chose the 458 as i much prefer a high revving ultra responsive NASP to any Turbo..The 458 is mechanically very robust with a bombproof engine and what i'd buy if i was in your shoes..It is quite simply a glorious car and another likely long term keeper for me..The ride quality on rough roads with 'bumpy road' mode is astonishing and better than any Porsche i've owned..
Mine has all the Carbon inside and out with C/F race seats and makes all my Porsches look normal in comparison..Having said all that i'm still a Porsche guy and have no intention of selling any of mine for a while yet.

That’s a bit of a price jump though .
To the op,I had a 997 turbo when they came out ,and currently have a gen 2 gt3.The gt3 is a more fun car but ask yourself where you do your driving .You will notice the relative lack of torque in the gt3 and unless you get to drive on quiet roads there is limited opportunity to actually extend the gt3 gen 1 engine.

That’s interesting to read. Like the OP I keep toying with the idea of going for a GT3 in a couple of years but have wondered if I’d miss the torque of my 997.2 turbo. I think you’ve answered my question. It’s such a great all rounder that I suspect I’d miss it enormously.

You would need to drive a gt3 to truly answer your question .

[jakesmith]

I used a 987S as a station car for a while. In reality it was a pain as despite it being smaller than my main car (A Masserati GT, epic) I still found myself being very careful where I parked it, one time it was subject to some minor damage and As it was a mint condition Porsche I felt I had to get it properly repaired costing a load of cash

If I was buying a station car now I’d buy a scabby £2k Lupo GTi, tiny, fun, and park anywhere, wouldn’t care if it got some damage, cheap to run.

Then put the cash into something more exotic as a main car.

[Ben Clark]

Hello to all.

First Post but have been lerking for a few years.

991.1 GT3 is a great choice and a worthy replacement for the 997.

Porsche now have relented and given the 991.1 engine a 10 year warranty so a first release Gen 1 will be covered until 2023.

i've owned a 991.1 GT3 for 2 years now. Fabulous place to be even with PDK.

A very engaging drive and reasonably priced these days.(relative to the Gen 2)

[gd]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the replies.

I am going to go and test drive a GT3 soon, as a few have said it's the only way to really tell if I am going to enjoy the change. Looking forward to this.

I have thought about a 997 GT3, but to be honest I am not sure it feels like enough of a step up. I sat in one a few weeks ago and it felt very much like my existing car.

As for the GT3RS, yes I would love to own one and admire it every day... but I am not such a great driver that I will get any real value from the step up over the base GT3, and I'm also not convinced it would be a good investment over the next few years (although I am trying to avoid the price debate, my local OPC had one up for £200k last year and the same car is now £160k, and others are coming down back towards list too). And I am trying not to let the budget run away :-)

I will have a look at a few other cars, I love McLarens but fear that I will need very deep pockets to keep one on the road, and the same goes for a Ferrari. More research needed on these I think. One of the things I love about Porsche is that I can keep them warrantied for peace of mind and the service costs are pretty reasonable for supercars.

As for the station car... I appreciate the feedback but the 981S is absolutely staying! As well as station duties it is great when the sun is out and I can rip the roof off, plus I love the look of the car and how great it is to drive. I'd also rather have the choice of two. It is a fantastic car, which is part of the problem. I've looked at Spyders and they are great, but the roof is a bit of a faff and I don't think they are worth £40k more than mine, I'd rather spend that on changing the 997 turbo to a GT3 if that turns out to be a worthwhile step up.

Thanks again everyone, really appreciate all the comments

Gary

[Juno]

I had a 996 Turbo and have had plenty of drives in 997 and 991 Turbos. I now have a 991.2GT3 and just prior to that 991.1 GT3.

Although the Turbos are more powerful the GT3’s IMO are just more fun all of the time!

To my mind the PDK’s are the best box for the modern 991’s as you can instantly flick between gears going up and down the box,short shifting etc,sometimes unessecarily so but that’s part of the fun. To my mind you just have to wind the 6 speed manual up too much to explore the engine note and predominantly on a country lane drive you would only use 2nd and third gears in the main.

I find with the PDK you can even over a short distance flick through 2/3/4/5 then back 5/4/3/2 and even 1 on a tight corner whilst still keeping the car moving and the revs singing,it’s just not possible on the manual.

It’s really funny for years at the race track nearly everyone was trying to turn there manual car into a sequential quick shifting race car using all sorts of trick boxes. Now we have PDK that works as well as sequential boxes like Hewland etc and we suddenly think manual is best. I’ve got lots of manual cars but given the choice I’d have a PDK in all of them if it were possible for a more exciting fun and rewarding drive!!!

Edited by Juno on Monday 7th January 10:14

Edited by Juno on Monday 7th January 10:16

[Juno]

[quote=Juno]I had a 996 Turbo and have had plenty of drives in 997 and 991 Turbos. I now have a 991.2GT3 and just prior to that 991.1 GT3.

Although the Turbos are more powerful the GT3’s IMO are just more fun all of the time!

To my mind the PDK’s are the best box for the modern 991’s as you can instantly flick between gears going up and down the box,short shifting etc,sometimes unessecarily so but that’s part of the fun. To my mind you just have to wind the 6 speed manual up too much to explore the engine note and predominantly on a country lane drive you would only use 2nd and third gears in the main.

I find with the PDK you can even over a short distance flick through 2/3/4/5 then back 5/4/3/2 and even 1 on a tight corner whilst still keeping the car moving and the revs singing,it’s just not possible on the manual.

It’s really funny for years at the race track nearly everyone was trying to turn there manual car into a sequential quick shifting race car using all sorts of trick boxes. Now we have PDK that works as well as sequential boxes like Hewland etc and we suddenly think manual is best. I’ve got lots of manual cars but given the choice I’d have a PDK in all of them if it were possible for a more exciting fun and rewarding drive!!!