GTS vs GT3

[mrh1275]

I was planning on purchasing a 997.1 GT3 but now thinking a 997 GTS maybe a better option..
what concerns me about the GT3 is my car parking space is underground, and I am worried
about the front splitter. The car will NOT be a daily driver.
Anyone gone from a GT3 to a GTS ?

[james S]

If its just for fun then GT3 every time. It will be more of an occasion and will cost you far less over say 3 years, assuming you run a warranty on both cars.

The splitters are simply a consumable - budget for one every 1-2 years.

If you planning driving 10k a year in it in all weathers then perhaps the GTS might be a better bet, but you will never get THAT engine, and the lovely steering feel of the GT3

Edited by james S on Thursday 5th December 15:35

[av185]

mrh1275 said:

I was planning on purchasing a 997.1 GT3 but now thinking a 997 GTS maybe a better option..
what concerns me about the GT3 is my car parking space is underground, and I am worried
about the front splitter. The car will NOT be a daily driver.
Anyone gone from a GT3 to a GTS ?

Most owners consider lift essential on the GT3 however there have been unreliability problems much discussed on forums. Warranty is obviously fairly essential....

Again the GTS has been very favourably discussed on forums and many people and owners like myself (2years) consider them to be a near perfect 911with just the right balance of old school charm, practicality and driver involvement which has been considered lost in several newer 911 variants.

Both the GTS and to a lesser extent the 997 GT3 should maintain strong residuals.

You should have no issues with ground clearance on the GTS despite it having a different suspension set up to the C2S and sitting slightly lower.......

[james S]

Are you saying the GTS will hold its value better than the GT3?

The two car currently at 911 Virgin would seem to strongly suggest the opposite.

[TheDeadPrussian]

av185 said:

Both the GTS and to a lesser extent the 997 GT3 should maintain strong residuals.

I would reverse the statement above - the GT3 will always retain more value than the GTS in my opinion.

[av185]

TheDeadPrussian said:

av185 said:

Both the GTS and to a lesser extent the 997 GT3 should maintain strong residuals.

I would reverse the statement above - the GT3 will always retain more value than the GTS in my opinion.

997 GT3 residuals are interesting because of the affect of the radically different and PDK 991 GT3.

Already much discussed, there are lots of 997 old school die hards who prefer the analogue and "manuel" box set up to the digital and PDK of the 991 and this should help residuals. BUT, at the same time, the 991 is such a quantum leap for many people (me included) over the 997 and it can now be used on a daily basis. This will simultaneously put pressure on 997 GT3 residuals. I would never have considered a 997 GT3 but the "increased bandwidth" broader appeal of the 991convinced me to order one.

The two cars at 911 Virgin have both depreciated by the same...28 percent. Assumes Gt3 was £100k and GTS £78k. BUT, the GTS is a lowly spec, does not have Sport Chrono and has the placcy dashboard both no nos which would bring the car to £60k if fitted......so residually better....

[shavenhaven]

I have had both - a 7.2GT3 and a manual GTS. Both very different cars. The GT3 is the best 911 you could have in your garage for a weekend toy / occasional use. The GTS is a bit the opposite - not really special enough (imo) as a wk/end toy - but great as an everyday cruiser. I quickly got bored of the GTS - but that was only because i had tasted the GT3 and regretted selling it. Had i not owned a GT3 prior to the GTS then i'm sure the GTS would of been kept longer. Another car i'd strongly consider if seriously thinking of the GTS (PDK), is the 991 C2S - better looker, faster, nicer cabin, and all round better car, again imo.

[james S]

av 185 - I'm really not sure your numbers bear close examination

The list price of the two cars was closer 80 vs 90k, extras aside, and the GTS is about 30 months old with 13k on the clock whilst the GT3 is 7 months older with more than twice the millage, so the relevance of the 28% is questionable to say the least.

History also teaches us that the GT3 will hold its value better. It will always be a GT3 whilst the GTS will be a very well appointed and hugely desirable 997, but no more. I am a fan and sometimes wondered whether a GTS would have been better suited to me needs than my GT3, but that is a different question altogether.

997.1 GT3s have without doubt risen in value over the last year. I bought and sold mine using the same well known dealer in the last year so can take an objective view.

Depreciation probably isn't the priority, but I think yours would be a minority view.

[rob.kellock]

Absolutely.

[av185]

james S said:

av 185 - I'm really not sure your numbers bear close examination

The list price of the two cars was closer 80 vs 90k, extras aside, and the GTS is about 30 months old with 13k on the clock whilst the GT3 is 7 months older with more than twice the millage, so the relevance of the 28% is questionable to say the least.

History also teaches us that the GT3 will hold its value better. It will always be a GT3 whilst the GTS will be a very well appointed and hugely desirable 997, but no more. I am a fan and sometimes wondered whether a GTS would have been better suited to me needs than my GT3, but that is a different question altogether.

997.1 GT3s have without doubt risen in value over the last year. I bought and sold mine using the same well known dealer in the last year so can take an objective view.

Depreciation probably isn't the priority, but I think yours would be a minority view.

Interesting post.

I see your point regarding depreciation on the two cars and suppose a definitive answer is impossible unless the spec age and mileage are identical and the final sale price is known.

You say the 997 GT3s have risen in value this year but this is also the case with the GTS and I consider residuals will harden once more into next spring after the usual seasonal dip. There are a restricted number of proper spec cars available and in some ways it can be seen as a one off albeit run out 997 benefiting from the wider body, power upgrade engine with flatter torque curve and beautifully balanced neutrality to the now defunct hydraulic steering (2wd).

Whichever of these cars the OP decides on will doubtless provide him with a truly outstanding car........

[csmith319]

There is no way the GTS will compare with the GT3 in terms of residuals long terms, GTS is a lovely car but whilst it's popular it doesn't have the uniqueness of the GT3. It's popular as a very special runout model, and similarly to the 996 4S it will hold better value than a standard Carrera but long term not a chance of it keeping the value of a GT3.

[Paza3]

Have to agree with the above point , GT3 has all the heritage and long term prove a better "deprecation protected Purchase" only have to look at the 996 prices .. the GTS is a cracker of a car but is it not just a dressed up C4S with power upgrade kit (x51)much like the 997.1 x51's have a 10/15% premium over non x51 models ? I think it will be a better purchase over a a non gts model but your pay more to start so kinda horse for course. All fantastic cars but my heart would always with the GT3

[av185]

csmith319 said:

There is no way the GTS will compare with the GT3 in terms of residuals long terms, GTS is a lovely car but whilst it's popular it doesn't have the uniqueness of the GT3. It's popular as a very special runout model, and similarly to the 996 4S it will hold better value than a standard Carrera but long term not a chance of it keeping the value of a GT3.

But the gap has widened considerably between the 997 and 991 GT3 which will, IMO, put pressure on 997 residuals. Yes, there will always be those GT3 buyers who want the more analogue manual car compared to the digital and PDK S 991....

In contrast, the GTS has not been replaced, and buyers only really have the option of the C2S 991, which although is a great car, is nevertheless considered to be a touch synthetic and more sports GT than the driver focused sports GTS.

I think the other aspect the OP needs to be aware of is the unquestionably higher running cost of the GT3 over the GTS......

[mrh1275]

Thanks for the advice guys, regarding running costs ..is there a big difference ?
I will probably only cover 3000-5000 miles per year.
Are there any GT3 owners here with underground car parking ? is it a major issue ?
or will the front splitter just scrape and I will have to think of the splitter as a consumable item ? and no big deal !

[DT398]

av185 said:

Both the GTS and to a lesser extent the 997 GT3 should maintain strong residuals.

Top comedy.

Edited to add: I mean, in all seriousness, please let us know how much the value of your GTS has "gone up" when you come to trade it in for your GT3 next year, assuming that's the plan.

Edited by DT398 on Friday 6th December 12:32

Edited by DT398 on Friday 6th December 12:32

[DT398]

mrh1275 said:

Thanks for the advice guys, regarding running costs ..is there a big difference ?
I will probably only cover 3000-5000 miles per year.
Are there any GT3 owners here with underground car parking ? is it a major issue ?
or will the front splitter just scrape and I will have to think of the splitter as a consumable item ? and no big deal !

I had a 997 turbo that used to scrape on the way in and out of one particular car park so you might have a problem with the GT3. Can you get a test drive in a GTS and take it into the car park you actually use? If that scrapes, then you know you will have a problem with a GT3

[SFO]

av185 said:

In contrast, the GTS has not been replaced

yet .. although the 911-50 is GTS like.

[C2'S'man]

mrh1275 said:

Thanks for the advice guys, regarding running costs ..is there a big difference ?
I will probably only cover 3000-5000 miles per year.
Are there any GT3 owners here with underground car parking ? is it a major issue ?
or will the front splitter just scrape and I will have to think of the splitter as a consumable item ? and no big deal !

My old gen 1 GT3 went thru 2 splitters in three years so not really a deal breaker. General servicing costs aren't that much more than a GTS say, but if you use it on track your costs will rise!!!

With regard to GT3 v GTS, one word....Mezger

g

[pete.g]

I'd love either car, though I'm a bit wary of cars with the centre lock wheels.

My acquaintance who traded his 997.2 GT3 for a 991 C2S with the power pack (he spent £118K on the 991!), finds the 991 a much more usable car. His wife hated the GT3 and loves the 991. which could be either an advantage or a disadvantage!

[pete]

I still miss my old 997.1 GT3 - it was by far the best car I've ever owned. I sold it two years ago for the same price they are selling for today, but now 2 years older and with higher mileage, so I would say there's truth in the statement about GT3 residuals firming up.

Regarding the splitter, if you have a ramp into your garage you will regularly scuff it. Mine used to scrape on the camber of the road leaving the private road to my garage, and that wasn't very steep at all. However they are consumable; I just kept a pristine painted splitter in the loft ready to be supplied with my car when I sold it. If you are really worried, you can replace the standard road splitter with the £100 cup version from Porsche Motorsport. It's deeper, but also flexible rubber rather than plastic, so doesn't get as battered every time you ground it.

Pete
(now with back seats)