997 GT3 v GT4

[Mashwort]

After a very enjoyable 3 years with a 996GT3, getting an inch to try something else from the Porsche stable. Have set a budget of approx. £80k. Have narrowed it down to a 997 GT3 (seem to be a few gen 1 cars around tis price point with sensible mileage / history / spec) or a GT4 (again a fair few around).

Would like to leverage the pistonheads collective to get some thoughts:
- I'm assuming both will be in a similar ball park re running costs to my '6GT3 (serviced at a good indy with jobs done that needed doing)?
- Whilst not buying as an investment, need to have one eye on future value. I'm thinking the '7GT3 wont depreciate too much if mileage kept low / well looked after but less sure on the GT4 - thoughts?
- driving experience - i'll get some test drives booked shortly but for a weekend toy and the odd track day what do people think is the better car?

Any other words of wisdom gratefully received
thanks

[TDT]

Tend to agree with most of what Jeremy posted.

But you’ll need to drive both, and it will be down to:

If you want a more modern experience in the GT4 vs the 997 GT3.… both will be a step from the 996… the GT4 interior modern and the drive is suitable for regular road use.

If you want to try mid-engine driving dynamics vs rear engine

If you prefer the GT3 engine over the GT4… GT3 will be more sparkly and exciting up top in comparison to the GT4 unit.

You thinking of a 997.1 GT3 vs the GT4, right?
Outright performance will be similar… just a question of delivery.

Edited by TDT on Tuesday 7th May 15:19

[BrotherMouzone]

Previous thread on 997 GT3 vs GT4 (and 996 GT3), the OP bought a 997 in the end.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[fergus]

Is your 996 GT3 not more "usable" more of the time than either of the more modern alternatives (longer geared, etc)?

I have a Caterham and although living in the Chilterns (good driving roads), the car has had very little use recently due to the number of random camera vans, dashcam brigade, etc.

What's driving the change? (genuine question)

[Paynewright]

Have you read the thread on GT4 front struts punching through the ally chassis?

If the 997 is steel rather than ally I’d go for that or stick with the 996.

Ian

[TDT]

Paynewright said:

Have you read the thread on GT4 front struts punching through the ally chassis?

If the 997 is steel rather than ally I’d go for that or stick with the 996.

Ian

This is not a reason not to buy one - and would then mean that no-one should buy any Porsche sports car that is newer than a 997 - as this affects 981, 991.1 and 991.2.

[Mashwort]

thanks cmoose, re depreciation I was thinking the 997 maybe the safe bet. Agree with your point on driving versus worrying about depreciation. Ive never not driven a car due to worring about mileage but cant completely ignore future value (the 'boss' certainly likes to remind me of the hits I have taken on other cars!!)

agree with you both cmoose and tdt, need to get behind the wheel and see which I feel more. Had a cayman s a few years back and really enjoyed it but suspect these two will be different league to that

fergus, see your point but i'm just after a change, never really held onto a car for 3 years and now feel like having a different experience. I'm lucky to have a Nomad as well, so if I want to have a 'pure' driving blast I can use that!

thanks again for the input

[boxsey]

I considered both. Always loved GT3s but my sensible head decided that a 10 year old car needed a £10K emergency fund so I chose the GT4 as the hassle free option. Have not been disappointed with my choice!

[hixster]

Nice choice to have. Bear in mind the new 718 GT4 is just around the corner, so 981 GT4 prices might take a hit in the next few months.
Totally unpredictable, but if no immediate pressure to buy, it may be worth waiting and seeing.

[tonto1]

Can't specifically comment on 997.1GT3 vs GT4.

But can on 996.2GT3 vs GT4. Speedwise I found almost nothing in it, both very comparable, however in the GT4 it was easier to achieve and the car more forgiving, but the GT3, whilst more challenging was ultimately more rewarding as a result. Would Imagine the 997.1 comparison would be fairly similar.

Sure I wrote something more detailed in previous post a year or two back after getting some decent mileage in with the GT4.

[LaSource]

tonto1 said:

Can't specifically comment on 997.1GT3 vs GT4.

But can on 996.2GT3 vs GT4. Speedwise I found almost nothing in it, both very comparable, however in the GT4 it was easier to achieve and the car more forgiving, but the GT3, whilst more challenging was ultimately more rewarding as a result. Would Imagine the 997.1 comparison would be fairly similar.

Sure I wrote something more detailed in previous post a year or two back after getting some decent mileage in with the GT4.

+1 I found the same in 996.2 GT3 vs 981 GT4

[CivicL]

It depends what you want to do with it, and what sort of driver you are.

If you just want to get in and have a thrash, then the GT4 is definitely the car. At the 'ring I could only dream of the amazing stability under braking and balance in high speed transitions, in terms of mechanical grip and a forgiving nature, the GT4 is not miles off the 991 GT3.

What you do get in the older car is a sense of achievement as you drive around the quirks, the understeer unless you really trail brake to the apex, the massive traction and stability once back on the throttle, but mainly the noises and intensity of the Mezger lump. To hear and feel it zing as you pass 5k rpm is worth choosing the 997 alone.

I had to make the same choice, and went 997.

[Steve Rance]

So great posts on this thread. I’d concur with the majority. My advice to the OP would be to drive then and then make the decision. The chassis are both pretty much the pinnacle of their engine layouts. If you prefer the driving characteristics a rear engine buy the GT3, if you prefer mid buy the Cayman.

Both brilliant cars