Discussion
Anyone gone from a 1M BMW to a 991.2 GT3.
I know many people will say the GT3 is in a different league,,,,,,and they are probably right, I've never driven one. Its a huge commitment, unattainable at current prices, I'm saving and waiting for the prices to drop......if they ever will..... I just don't want to be deflated if I bought one (sure I wouldn't), Would it be as much FUN as the 1M on our UK roads, do you need to be going at ballistic speeds to enjoy. I've owned 1M for 6 years and love every drive. To me if driving it is fun, then its a great car.
I know many people will say the GT3 is in a different league,,,,,,and they are probably right, I've never driven one. Its a huge commitment, unattainable at current prices, I'm saving and waiting for the prices to drop......if they ever will..... I just don't want to be deflated if I bought one (sure I wouldn't), Would it be as much FUN as the 1M on our UK roads, do you need to be going at ballistic speeds to enjoy. I've owned 1M for 6 years and love every drive. To me if driving it is fun, then its a great car.
Why not try a more plain vanilla 911 first or try the PEC cars?
They’re dynamically different to a front engined car, some people just don’t like them for some reason, also unless the next gen is turbocharged, please, please no, then the power deliver will also be different to your turbo charged M.
That would at least give you a flavour of the beast, before you shell out out big, big bucks.
They’re dynamically different to a front engined car, some people just don’t like them for some reason, also unless the next gen is turbocharged, please, please no, then the power deliver will also be different to your turbo charged M.
That would at least give you a flavour of the beast, before you shell out out big, big bucks.
Yil said:
Anyone gone from a 1M BMW to a 991.2 GT3.
I know many people will say the GT3 is in a different league,,,,,,and they are probably right, I've never driven one. Its a huge commitment, unattainable at current prices, I'm saving and waiting for the prices to drop......if they ever will..... I just don't want to be deflated if I bought one (sure I wouldn't), Would it be as much FUN as the 1M on our UK roads, do you need to be going at ballistic speeds to enjoy. I've owned 1M for 6 years and love every drive. To me if driving it is fun, then its a great car.
I had both a BMW M2 and a 991.2 GT3 until recently. Admittedly, not a 1M, but reasonably similar.I know many people will say the GT3 is in a different league,,,,,,and they are probably right, I've never driven one. Its a huge commitment, unattainable at current prices, I'm saving and waiting for the prices to drop......if they ever will..... I just don't want to be deflated if I bought one (sure I wouldn't), Would it be as much FUN as the 1M on our UK roads, do you need to be going at ballistic speeds to enjoy. I've owned 1M for 6 years and love every drive. To me if driving it is fun, then its a great car.
I really liked the M2, great powertrain, and I loved the wide aggressive stance, but you could quickly reach its limits. If I wanted to be critical, the engine sounded a bit 'normal', and the seats and interior was much like a 118d.
The GT3 feels special at any speed, the noises it makes even at idle are great. It's so capable, that even at modest speeds it feels incredible. Turn into a 4th gear corner at irresponsible speeds, and it grips and soaks up every minor road imperfection, and makes you think it could have gone even faster. Try the same corner at the same speed in the M2, and you'd be through the hedge...!
The 991.1 GT3 is very nearly as good as the gen 2 car. The 991.2 has slightly better composure in its damping, and the engine has a bit more torque in the mid range, but looking at current used prices, the gen 1 car does look fantastic value.
Hope you find one you like...
Had most recent Porsches GTs and imo the 991.2 GT3 is the sweetspot and easily worth the premium over the 991.1 GT3.
And if you must have the much rarer 'manuel' this is only an option on the gen 2 making the car much more involving also with a mech diff not e diff although the heavier PDK S is a great gearbox too.
Gen 2 4.0 engine is much better than the gen 1 with far better torque and induction noises across the rev range lacking on the gen 1.
Very usable car and a great package even at premium money nothing else really comes close at the price.
Like all Porsches GTs they are very spec and mileage sensitive and as ever the best cars command the best money.
And if you must have the much rarer 'manuel' this is only an option on the gen 2 making the car much more involving also with a mech diff not e diff although the heavier PDK S is a great gearbox too.
Gen 2 4.0 engine is much better than the gen 1 with far better torque and induction noises across the rev range lacking on the gen 1.
Very usable car and a great package even at premium money nothing else really comes close at the price.
Like all Porsches GTs they are very spec and mileage sensitive and as ever the best cars command the best money.
The short version is that you will not be disappointed by a GT3. It will reward you in ways that the 1M can't.
The longer version (which echoes other comments) is from some notes I took about each car - HTH:
Steering
GT3: Consistent, well weighted and precise steering and in the dry you can feel the contours of the road surface to a certain degree. Less so in the wet/cold where you are wondering sometimes whether it has gripped yet. Even with RWS you still have to manage the front end into some corners. Steering wheel is perfect size/thickness for me.
1M: Steering is heavy at slow speeds. Turn-in is good and the car has a very strong front-end that gives you a lot of confidence going into a corner. Having said this the steering is generally quite remote. Steering wheel a bit fat for my liking too.
Engine/transmission
GT3: 9k revs and associated sounds, immediate throttle response, PDK is excellent especially in Sport mode on track. Having said that I use PDK in manual mode when enjoying the car.
1M: Plenty of torque/turbo thump, turbo lag unless on boost, throttle easy to balance around a corner, but pickup out of a corner a bit lumpy (probably me), engine/exhaust a bit muted and latter can drone at motorway speeds. But pickup at 4k revs in 3rd is impressive. Gearshift on 1M is okay, but when you try something like a GT4 you will realise they can be much better.
Brakes
GT3: Brakes do not grab like most other cars, they are very strong and can be modulated. You can do many laps around track without any fade etc. I had steel brakes.
1M: Brakes are a bit grabby at low speed around town. At faster speeds they weren't too bad and slowed the car down quickly. Never tracked the 1M, but I don't think they would have stood up as well as the GT3's brakes over many laps.
Chassis
GT3: Well damped in normal mode, although jostled on a bumpy B-road. Corners very flat with little roll. Immense traction out of corners. As above you have to manage the front end into some corners. Car settles into a corner nicely and absorbs changes in the road surface/camber well. With RWS, the rear feels like it 'cuts the corner' at some speeds - not sure I like that feeling. Clearly all the weight is at the back and this feeling is initially pronounced when you switch between cars.
I'd also add that I - perhaps foolishly - drove the GT3 through the winter on Cup tyres. In very wet weather I was very conscious of aquaplaning. The colder temperatures did not give me the confidence to bring out the best in the car either. Now it is a bit warmer the increased grip means that the car feels much more alive.
1M: I think the front-end is very good, but the rear is less controlled (compliance, roll etc.). But being traction limited is what makes the 1M such an entertaining car. Probably having PSS and KW would help in this regard.
Interior
GT3: Nice low seating position and bucket seats. Quality of switchgear is good apart from door mirror control. However everything on my old Cayman 987 felt a bit more 'solid'.
1M: You sit higher and the pedals seem a bit offset as I have to rotate slightly in the seat. Quality of switchgears compared to say an E46 is quite apparent, but I guess the 1 series is entry level.
Other
1M: Looks and character - spit you off the road personality.
The longer version (which echoes other comments) is from some notes I took about each car - HTH:
Steering
GT3: Consistent, well weighted and precise steering and in the dry you can feel the contours of the road surface to a certain degree. Less so in the wet/cold where you are wondering sometimes whether it has gripped yet. Even with RWS you still have to manage the front end into some corners. Steering wheel is perfect size/thickness for me.
1M: Steering is heavy at slow speeds. Turn-in is good and the car has a very strong front-end that gives you a lot of confidence going into a corner. Having said this the steering is generally quite remote. Steering wheel a bit fat for my liking too.
Engine/transmission
GT3: 9k revs and associated sounds, immediate throttle response, PDK is excellent especially in Sport mode on track. Having said that I use PDK in manual mode when enjoying the car.
1M: Plenty of torque/turbo thump, turbo lag unless on boost, throttle easy to balance around a corner, but pickup out of a corner a bit lumpy (probably me), engine/exhaust a bit muted and latter can drone at motorway speeds. But pickup at 4k revs in 3rd is impressive. Gearshift on 1M is okay, but when you try something like a GT4 you will realise they can be much better.
Brakes
GT3: Brakes do not grab like most other cars, they are very strong and can be modulated. You can do many laps around track without any fade etc. I had steel brakes.
1M: Brakes are a bit grabby at low speed around town. At faster speeds they weren't too bad and slowed the car down quickly. Never tracked the 1M, but I don't think they would have stood up as well as the GT3's brakes over many laps.
Chassis
GT3: Well damped in normal mode, although jostled on a bumpy B-road. Corners very flat with little roll. Immense traction out of corners. As above you have to manage the front end into some corners. Car settles into a corner nicely and absorbs changes in the road surface/camber well. With RWS, the rear feels like it 'cuts the corner' at some speeds - not sure I like that feeling. Clearly all the weight is at the back and this feeling is initially pronounced when you switch between cars.
I'd also add that I - perhaps foolishly - drove the GT3 through the winter on Cup tyres. In very wet weather I was very conscious of aquaplaning. The colder temperatures did not give me the confidence to bring out the best in the car either. Now it is a bit warmer the increased grip means that the car feels much more alive.
1M: I think the front-end is very good, but the rear is less controlled (compliance, roll etc.). But being traction limited is what makes the 1M such an entertaining car. Probably having PSS and KW would help in this regard.
Interior
GT3: Nice low seating position and bucket seats. Quality of switchgear is good apart from door mirror control. However everything on my old Cayman 987 felt a bit more 'solid'.
1M: You sit higher and the pedals seem a bit offset as I have to rotate slightly in the seat. Quality of switchgears compared to say an E46 is quite apparent, but I guess the 1 series is entry level.
Other
1M: Looks and character - spit you off the road personality.
Edited by nw942 on Tuesday 30th April 10:29
Hi All, and Thanks, confirmed what i thought.
Don't want a 'normal' 911, don't want the turbo engines and I don't really think they are special enough. I've never been a fan of the Cayman although I know they are great drivers cars, i like the GT4 but It would only be a stepping stone to the GT3. Dont like 996 looks, like 997 but never really considered. Have an e30 M3 owned 20yrs, being restored (which will also be sold to fund), so wanted a modern car. I should point out that the GT3 would be a weekend, good weather car just for driving, i wouldn't be too bothered about tracking but would definitely try it on a 'non idiot' day . Its all about that NA engine, the response and the noise, its not straight line speed and there are faster cars. I also want the manual gearbox.
Don't want a 'normal' 911, don't want the turbo engines and I don't really think they are special enough. I've never been a fan of the Cayman although I know they are great drivers cars, i like the GT4 but It would only be a stepping stone to the GT3. Dont like 996 looks, like 997 but never really considered. Have an e30 M3 owned 20yrs, being restored (which will also be sold to fund), so wanted a modern car. I should point out that the GT3 would be a weekend, good weather car just for driving, i wouldn't be too bothered about tracking but would definitely try it on a 'non idiot' day . Its all about that NA engine, the response and the noise, its not straight line speed and there are faster cars. I also want the manual gearbox.
lots less money, https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general/porsche-9...
perhaps the better occasional car.
perhaps the better occasional car.
Yep, for a weekend driver, I'd put my money in a 997. The best value would be a 996 but if you prefer the later looks then the 997 offers almost the same tactility for a higher price.
I've driven most GT3 incarnations - mainly on the race track. Also driven a 1M and have an M2 as a daily. The M cars are very nice, quirky cars. Approachable and exploitable - even in the clumbsiest of hands. The GT3 is a very different animal (although the 991 less so). They require a good understanding of vehicle dynamics, a very specific driving style and a reasonably decent driving skill set to get the better end of thier perfomance window out of them - but they will engage and reward on an entirely different level. The downside is that they are a merciless mistress and will bite you if you make a mistake like your 1M wont.
If you are happy with that and unless you are specifically looking for the practicality of a 991, i'd save a chunk of money and look at a 997. I'd also revisit the 996GT3. When compared to other GT cars, it is the most engaging and by far the best value
I've driven most GT3 incarnations - mainly on the race track. Also driven a 1M and have an M2 as a daily. The M cars are very nice, quirky cars. Approachable and exploitable - even in the clumbsiest of hands. The GT3 is a very different animal (although the 991 less so). They require a good understanding of vehicle dynamics, a very specific driving style and a reasonably decent driving skill set to get the better end of thier perfomance window out of them - but they will engage and reward on an entirely different level. The downside is that they are a merciless mistress and will bite you if you make a mistake like your 1M wont.
If you are happy with that and unless you are specifically looking for the practicality of a 991, i'd save a chunk of money and look at a 997. I'd also revisit the 996GT3. When compared to other GT cars, it is the most engaging and by far the best value
Steve Rance said:
Yep, for a weekend driver, I'd put my money in a 997. The best value would be a 996 but if you prefer the later looks then the 997 offers almost the same tactility for a higher price.
I've driven most GT3 incarnations - mainly on the race track. Also driven a 1M and have an M2 as a daily. The M cars are very nice, quirky cars. Approachable and exploitable - even in the clumbsiest of hands. The GT3 is a very different animal (although the 991 less so). They require a good understanding of vehicle dynamics, a very specific driving style and a reasonably decent driving skill set to get the better end of thier perfomance window out of them - but they will engage and reward on an entirely different level. The downside is that they are a merciless mistress and will bite you if you make a mistake like your 1M wont.
If you are happy with that and unless you are specifically looking for the practicality of a 991, i'd save a chunk of money and look at a 997. I'd also revisit the 996GT3. When compared to other GT cars, it is the most engaging and by far the best value
Couldn't have put it better myself..!I've driven most GT3 incarnations - mainly on the race track. Also driven a 1M and have an M2 as a daily. The M cars are very nice, quirky cars. Approachable and exploitable - even in the clumbsiest of hands. The GT3 is a very different animal (although the 991 less so). They require a good understanding of vehicle dynamics, a very specific driving style and a reasonably decent driving skill set to get the better end of thier perfomance window out of them - but they will engage and reward on an entirely different level. The downside is that they are a merciless mistress and will bite you if you make a mistake like your 1M wont.
If you are happy with that and unless you are specifically looking for the practicality of a 991, i'd save a chunk of money and look at a 997. I'd also revisit the 996GT3. When compared to other GT cars, it is the most engaging and by far the best value
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