Comparison: Challenge Stradale vs 996.1 GT3 vs 993
Discussion
After a protracted and at times difficult search I finally purchased a CS at the weekend. Only had just over 800km on the clock when I picked it up but have since added another 400km.
Back in 2001 I owned a 996.1 GT3 and currently still own a very low-mileage (but much more than 800km) 993 C2.
On Sunday morning I took the CS down some roads that I know well here in Switzerland and have driven many times in both the GT3 and the 993. Of course, memories of the GT3 are quite old now and I've had lots of other cars inbetween but hopefully still remember accurately enough to make a comparison.
In their own right, all three cars are brilliant. But very different.
The 993 is most likely a keeper. I have owner a number of 911s (covering models from 1970 to 2009) and gone back to a 993. It isn't the fastest nor the most thrilling but it is a real, air-cooled 911, has enough of the 911 quirks and characteristics whilst still being just about modern enough to use at any time. Taking it down a country lane is a delight. The steering is meaty, the feedback great and the car glides nicely over uneven surfaces. And there is that lovely burble from the motor out back. Around town and on the motorway it may not be as comfortable as my BMW estate but I wouldn't have a problem going long distance in it or using it every day (not that I intend to).
The GT3 was quite different. In my memory, it is still has the best steering feel from a PAS car I've tried. And the handling and noise of the engine when rung out were epic. I don't remember it being uncomfortable, although it didn't like badly-surfaced roads that much and I recall a bit of tramlining under braking.
The CS is of course in a different league is some respects. Firstly, there is the way the car looks (see link to pictures below). I really loved the GT3 (so much better-looking than a standard 996) but it seems quite plain compared to the CS. Secondly the CS is so much more of an event to drive. Around town and on the motorway it is not good. The engine noise sounds a bit like a hoover under 4000 revs and on the motorway it drones horribly at legal speeds. It is quite stiff too. And the single-clutch gearbox is a bit slow, especially when not in Race. However....when you get to drive it properly the car comes alive. I picked up the car with my daughter and we set off for a drive. After letting it warm up I found a dual-carriageway with a short tunnel. We had the windows down so I thought I would give it full throttle in second. Initially the sound built quite slowly but then suddenly exploded around us. I was expecting it and even I jumped out of my seat. Never experienced anything like that. My poor daughter wasn't expecting it of course and I think her shout of "DADDY" was louder than the CS!
Early Sunday morning I went for a drive by myself. To be frank: it was amazing. The steering on the CS is much lighter than I remember the GT3 to be and perhaps lacks in feel. But it is very accurate and the steering is so sharp it feels like you can place the car anywhere you want. I didn't push as hard as possible as still getting used to the car but the handling seemed very good and very throttle sensitive. And the noise! Don't think I'll ever tire of full-bore acceleration.
I am usually an advocate of manual cars but the automated clutch box on the CS seems to suit the car. Not as quick or slick as modern double clutch boxes but part of the raw appeal of the CS.
The GT3 was the best car I had owned. Has the CS displaced it? Too early to make a decision yet as I'm obviously besotted with the CS, having only owned it for a few days. Need more time in it. Also need to see how reliable it will be. I had zero problems with the GT3 (although because of circumstances beyond my control I only kept it for a year). Still, I am looking forward to finding out!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78576210@N04/
Back in 2001 I owned a 996.1 GT3 and currently still own a very low-mileage (but much more than 800km) 993 C2.
On Sunday morning I took the CS down some roads that I know well here in Switzerland and have driven many times in both the GT3 and the 993. Of course, memories of the GT3 are quite old now and I've had lots of other cars inbetween but hopefully still remember accurately enough to make a comparison.
In their own right, all three cars are brilliant. But very different.
The 993 is most likely a keeper. I have owner a number of 911s (covering models from 1970 to 2009) and gone back to a 993. It isn't the fastest nor the most thrilling but it is a real, air-cooled 911, has enough of the 911 quirks and characteristics whilst still being just about modern enough to use at any time. Taking it down a country lane is a delight. The steering is meaty, the feedback great and the car glides nicely over uneven surfaces. And there is that lovely burble from the motor out back. Around town and on the motorway it may not be as comfortable as my BMW estate but I wouldn't have a problem going long distance in it or using it every day (not that I intend to).
The GT3 was quite different. In my memory, it is still has the best steering feel from a PAS car I've tried. And the handling and noise of the engine when rung out were epic. I don't remember it being uncomfortable, although it didn't like badly-surfaced roads that much and I recall a bit of tramlining under braking.
The CS is of course in a different league is some respects. Firstly, there is the way the car looks (see link to pictures below). I really loved the GT3 (so much better-looking than a standard 996) but it seems quite plain compared to the CS. Secondly the CS is so much more of an event to drive. Around town and on the motorway it is not good. The engine noise sounds a bit like a hoover under 4000 revs and on the motorway it drones horribly at legal speeds. It is quite stiff too. And the single-clutch gearbox is a bit slow, especially when not in Race. However....when you get to drive it properly the car comes alive. I picked up the car with my daughter and we set off for a drive. After letting it warm up I found a dual-carriageway with a short tunnel. We had the windows down so I thought I would give it full throttle in second. Initially the sound built quite slowly but then suddenly exploded around us. I was expecting it and even I jumped out of my seat. Never experienced anything like that. My poor daughter wasn't expecting it of course and I think her shout of "DADDY" was louder than the CS!
Early Sunday morning I went for a drive by myself. To be frank: it was amazing. The steering on the CS is much lighter than I remember the GT3 to be and perhaps lacks in feel. But it is very accurate and the steering is so sharp it feels like you can place the car anywhere you want. I didn't push as hard as possible as still getting used to the car but the handling seemed very good and very throttle sensitive. And the noise! Don't think I'll ever tire of full-bore acceleration.
I am usually an advocate of manual cars but the automated clutch box on the CS seems to suit the car. Not as quick or slick as modern double clutch boxes but part of the raw appeal of the CS.
The GT3 was the best car I had owned. Has the CS displaced it? Too early to make a decision yet as I'm obviously besotted with the CS, having only owned it for a few days. Need more time in it. Also need to see how reliable it will be. I had zero problems with the GT3 (although because of circumstances beyond my control I only kept it for a year). Still, I am looking forward to finding out!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78576210@N04/
neil-f said:
Nice write up
I am lucky enough to own a CS and 996 Mk2 GT3 and I love them both, the CS is much more of an event to drive. GT3 takes more driver imput to pedal really fast.
That is a good solution! A good friend has a 996.2 GT3 and he is planning a trip to the Alps this summer so that we can do a direct comparison. Should be fun.I am lucky enough to own a CS and 996 Mk2 GT3 and I love them both, the CS is much more of an event to drive. GT3 takes more driver imput to pedal really fast.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Possibly but probably not. When I chose to get the CS it was a conscious decision to get something as different as possible from the 993 so deliberately went for a stripped out, paddle shift, modern Ferrari rather than a classic (246/365BB) or semi-classic (355) with a manual box. I still have the 993 for days when I fancy driving something where you have to put in more effort.Schnellmann said:
neil-f said:
Nice write up
I am lucky enough to own a CS and 996 Mk2 GT3 and I love them both, the CS is much more of an event to drive. GT3 takes more driver imput to pedal really fast.
That is a good solution! A good friend has a 996.2 GT3 and he is planning a trip to the Alps this summer so that we can do a direct comparison. Should be fun.I am lucky enough to own a CS and 996 Mk2 GT3 and I love them both, the CS is much more of an event to drive. GT3 takes more driver imput to pedal really fast.
Their conclusion was pretty much the same as yours. CS was faster, louder and more of an event but the GT3 was more rewarding when you got it right, albeit a tad slower but also a lot better value.
Davey S2 said:
Evo did a test of the CS and 996.2 GT3 on the Stelvio Pass a few years ago but I dont have that copy anymore.
Their conclusion was pretty much the same as yours. CS was faster, louder and more of an event but the GT3 was more rewarding when you got it right, albeit a tad slower but also a lot better value.
Link to the article is here:Their conclusion was pretty much the same as yours. CS was faster, louder and more of an event but the GT3 was more rewarding when you got it right, albeit a tad slower but also a lot better value.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/3912...
If my friend does get out here this summer we hope to recreate this article by going to the Stelvio Pass.
Schnellmann said:
Link to the article is here:
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/3912...
If my friend does get out here this summer we hope to recreate this article by going to the Stelvio Pass.
My mk1 GT3CS talks to me alot.. He and I much prefer the Furka-Pass for its flowing bends and high speed crests etc.. We get tired of the short Stelvio switchbacks very quickly and both think its overrated.. http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/3912...
If my friend does get out here this summer we hope to recreate this article by going to the Stelvio Pass.
I love your black 360 CS and would cherish a run through the Furka aboard it, i have been aboard a 360 but never a CS before.. We will be based in Interlaken this summer for a few days on our three week annual assault, before moving on to Italy, Austria, Slovenia and then onto the former Yugoslavian countries..
Ade
keep it lit said:
My mk1 GT3CS talks to me alot.. He and I much prefer the Furka-Pass for its flowing bends and high speed crests etc.. We get tired of the short Stelvio switchbacks very quickly and both think its overrated..
I love your black 360 CS and would cherish a run through the Furka aboard it, i have been aboard a 360 but never a CS before.. We will be based in Interlaken this summer for a few days on our three week annual assault, before moving on to Italy, Austria, Slovenia and then onto the former Yugoslavian countries..
Ade
I've not driven the Stelvio yet but short switchbacks doesn't sound too promising. I agree the Furka is great. Some years back I used to do a triangle of passes on Sunday mornings (I think from memory it was Furka-Susten-Grimsel). Roads were brilliant. Swiss police hiding behind rocks with speed cameras less so, ahem I love your black 360 CS and would cherish a run through the Furka aboard it, i have been aboard a 360 but never a CS before.. We will be based in Interlaken this summer for a few days on our three week annual assault, before moving on to Italy, Austria, Slovenia and then onto the former Yugoslavian countries..
Ade
Sounds like an epic trip. Will be you staying at the Victoria Jungfrau when in Interlaken? Great hotel and they have a decent, underground carpark.
Schnellmann said:
I've not driven the Stelvio yet but short switchbacks doesn't sound too promising. I agree the Furka is great. Some years back I used to do a triangle of passes on Sunday mornings (I think from memory it was Furka-Susten-Grimsel). Roads were brilliant. Swiss police hiding behind rocks with speed cameras less so, ahem
Sounds like an epic trip. Will be you staying at the Victoria Jungfrau when in Interlaken? Great hotel and they have a decent, underground carpark.
Can't afford under roof accomodation in Switzerland !! lol.. we always camp everynight on tour, and when in Interlaken we camp at the Jungfrau Campsite with Charlie and his well stocked bar!!Sounds like an epic trip. Will be you staying at the Victoria Jungfrau when in Interlaken? Great hotel and they have a decent, underground carpark.
Swiss Police... got busted for doing 140kms on a Motorway in 2010 and fined 2500 euros on the spot... but i care not a jot... lifes to short!
keep it lit said:
Can't afford under roof accomodation in Switzerland !! lol.. we always camp everynight on tour, and when in Interlaken we camp at the Jungfrau Campsite with Charlie and his well stocked bar!!
Swiss Police... got busted for doing 140kms on a Motorway in 2010 and fined 2500 euros on the spot... but i care not a jot... lifes to short!
Ouch. Sounds harsh. Were you caught in an 80/100 zone?Swiss Police... got busted for doing 140kms on a Motorway in 2010 and fined 2500 euros on the spot... but i care not a jot... lifes to short!
Prob for Swiss residents in being caught is income related fines, long bans and jail and or deportation. Although the Swiss being the Swiss the latter generally only happens if your name ends in "ic".
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