Any 3.2 Carrera owners tested a GT3?
Discussion
I run a wonderful l/m 1989 3.2 Carrera SC as a daily driver. I'm not automotively naive, but marvel every day on the honed excellence of it's design. One of the greatest benefits, I really feel, is the compact, narrow body that effectively gives you a wider public road - exactly what you need in a performance car.
My mates all have wide arsed 996 C4S or 993 C2S's and I think they all look down on me as a misguided, ecentric, masochist. However, to me their cars feel too'fat' and generally overblown.
Consequently I had intended to get a harder 964RS as an additional car. However with 964RS prices rising and GT3's falling it seems you could get either for around £35K.
So without wanting to open up the old 964RS vs. 996GT3 debate, have any 3.2 drivers tried a GT3 and what were your impressions?
Money aside, was it monumentally better than your old old 3.2, or would you go for the narrower RS? What is so great in comparison?
BTW, will be at Bedford Autodrome, 8th Dec.
My mates all have wide arsed 996 C4S or 993 C2S's and I think they all look down on me as a misguided, ecentric, masochist. However, to me their cars feel too'fat' and generally overblown.
Consequently I had intended to get a harder 964RS as an additional car. However with 964RS prices rising and GT3's falling it seems you could get either for around £35K.
So without wanting to open up the old 964RS vs. 996GT3 debate, have any 3.2 drivers tried a GT3 and what were your impressions?
Money aside, was it monumentally better than your old old 3.2, or would you go for the narrower RS? What is so great in comparison?
BTW, will be at Bedford Autodrome, 8th Dec.
Edited by crbox on Friday 17th November 15:37
I have not got any experiance of older style 911's.
My first pork was a boxster and i thought that was hooked up very well.
When graduating to a 996 C2 I initially thought it a little wayward in handling but as my knowledge of its capabilities grew i began to realise how monumental the car was from a handling and feedback perspective.
I had always aspired to get a turbo but i really dont think i would like the feel of 4wd (and yes i have driven them)
so there I was thinking i had a great car and truely there wasnt anything that could be miles better than mine.
and then i met a chap on here who was kind enough to let me drive his Mk1 GT3 clubsport. I still cannot to this day describe how bloody good the car is. its handling and grip just makes you laugh. go round any corner and i defy anyone to find another car that could do it appreciably quicker.
Basically, the car is like a grown up go cart with the longest 2nd gear i have ever used and a front end so pointy a sneeze can invoke instant lane change.
this is not a sales pitch but the car is now for sale. yes if i had the cash i would buy it. it is, without doubt the best car i have ever driven and if you are looking for a trackday car then you will really struggle to find something better or a car with a better provenence.
its in the classifieds
My first pork was a boxster and i thought that was hooked up very well.
When graduating to a 996 C2 I initially thought it a little wayward in handling but as my knowledge of its capabilities grew i began to realise how monumental the car was from a handling and feedback perspective.
I had always aspired to get a turbo but i really dont think i would like the feel of 4wd (and yes i have driven them)
so there I was thinking i had a great car and truely there wasnt anything that could be miles better than mine.
and then i met a chap on here who was kind enough to let me drive his Mk1 GT3 clubsport. I still cannot to this day describe how bloody good the car is. its handling and grip just makes you laugh. go round any corner and i defy anyone to find another car that could do it appreciably quicker.
Basically, the car is like a grown up go cart with the longest 2nd gear i have ever used and a front end so pointy a sneeze can invoke instant lane change.
this is not a sales pitch but the car is now for sale. yes if i had the cash i would buy it. it is, without doubt the best car i have ever driven and if you are looking for a trackday car then you will really struggle to find something better or a car with a better provenence.
its in the classifieds
From my experience:
3.2 Carrera: as involving a road car as you'll find
Mk1 GT3: as capable a circuit car as you'll find
Just don't expect too much from the 3.2 on a circuit (technology has moved on), or from the GT3 on the road (road conditions, the application of the law and the prevailing attitude to quick road driving have all regressed).
WilliBetz
PS. Hope to be at Bedford. Leave you to guess which car...
3.2 Carrera: as involving a road car as you'll find
Mk1 GT3: as capable a circuit car as you'll find
Just don't expect too much from the 3.2 on a circuit (technology has moved on), or from the GT3 on the road (road conditions, the application of the law and the prevailing attitude to quick road driving have all regressed).
WilliBetz
PS. Hope to be at Bedford. Leave you to guess which car...
Edited by willibetz on Friday 17th November 15:36
I had a 3.2 for 10 years and loved it. It was the old 915 box( lighter than the G50 car you have).
I only parted with it because of the tin worm and the desire for a 964RS.
I have driven a GT3Mk1 for an extended period and while I was sorry to hand back the keys I had forgotten it after a day at Spa in the 964RS.
I would strongly recommend driving both cars.
My bet is you will feel right at home in the G50 964RS. You will notice how much development Porsche did from the 3.2. The brakes and accelaration being the main ones. Suspension too was greatly improved.
The GT3 Mk1 in comparison will feel fast and heavier with a luxury cabin and effortless travel over large distances. The power assited steering gives that extra level of detachment that you will notice right away after the 3.2.
Try and decide as either will make you happy. One however you will not be able to part with!
I only parted with it because of the tin worm and the desire for a 964RS.
I have driven a GT3Mk1 for an extended period and while I was sorry to hand back the keys I had forgotten it after a day at Spa in the 964RS.
I would strongly recommend driving both cars.
My bet is you will feel right at home in the G50 964RS. You will notice how much development Porsche did from the 3.2. The brakes and accelaration being the main ones. Suspension too was greatly improved.
The GT3 Mk1 in comparison will feel fast and heavier with a luxury cabin and effortless travel over large distances. The power assited steering gives that extra level of detachment that you will notice right away after the 3.2.
Try and decide as either will make you happy. One however you will not be able to part with!
I have not driven a GT3 for any length of time, but managed to drive a few miles in one last year. it was a completly different driving experience from my 3.2 supersport. Lots of driver aids where as I'm not used to power steering or abs in Tara. Saying that I'm not convinced it was that different to the 997 C2S I was driving last weekend. But only did about 10 miles in the GT3 where as I covered nearly 400 in the 997.
I can't compare with a regular 3.2, but I had a 3.2 Club Sport - loved it.
Sold it to buy a GT3 - love that too, but i do miss the CS.
As far as comparisons go, whilst they are both full of character, fast & great fun they are chalk & cheese to drive in most respects. The GT3 has much more power through the entire rev range, better brakes with the backstop of (very unobtrusive) ABS, beautifully weighted power steering, more grip, less pitch, dive & roll.
It's much trickier on the limit and gives you less notice of its intentions. When it does let go you are (usually) going pretty fast. Both my CS & GT3 were set up for track work, but the CS coped much better with poorly surfaced roads - the GT3 is so stiff & low it crashes & thumps quite hard unless the surface is good - without power steering you'd really be fighting it at times. With a road set up the GT3 is much easier to live with and a/c is a real bonus especially on hot (track) days.
Once the brakes were upgraded my CS was one of those cars where every aspect of performance was beautifully aligned with the others, there was no dominant trait; it was very "harmonious" With the GT3, although the handling & stopping are great, the engine dominates – it really is awesome.
From an ownership perspective the CS was better to look at, easier to work on, better built, more reliable, way less expensive on track day consumables such as pads. I was much more emotionally attached to my CS, it was SPECIAL. The GT3 is fantastic and a far better track weapon. It’s very involving to drive, just not quite so special.
I know that dynamically a regular 3.2 is not far behind a Club Sport, but they are not as special.
Bottom line - try a GT3 & a 964RS - see what you prefer.
Sold it to buy a GT3 - love that too, but i do miss the CS.
As far as comparisons go, whilst they are both full of character, fast & great fun they are chalk & cheese to drive in most respects. The GT3 has much more power through the entire rev range, better brakes with the backstop of (very unobtrusive) ABS, beautifully weighted power steering, more grip, less pitch, dive & roll.
It's much trickier on the limit and gives you less notice of its intentions. When it does let go you are (usually) going pretty fast. Both my CS & GT3 were set up for track work, but the CS coped much better with poorly surfaced roads - the GT3 is so stiff & low it crashes & thumps quite hard unless the surface is good - without power steering you'd really be fighting it at times. With a road set up the GT3 is much easier to live with and a/c is a real bonus especially on hot (track) days.
Once the brakes were upgraded my CS was one of those cars where every aspect of performance was beautifully aligned with the others, there was no dominant trait; it was very "harmonious" With the GT3, although the handling & stopping are great, the engine dominates – it really is awesome.
From an ownership perspective the CS was better to look at, easier to work on, better built, more reliable, way less expensive on track day consumables such as pads. I was much more emotionally attached to my CS, it was SPECIAL. The GT3 is fantastic and a far better track weapon. It’s very involving to drive, just not quite so special.
I know that dynamically a regular 3.2 is not far behind a Club Sport, but they are not as special.
Bottom line - try a GT3 & a 964RS - see what you prefer.
Thanks guys + gal even for the replies so far.
In actual fact I did drive a 964RS at 9M, just before buying the 3,2.
Though I loved the idea of an exotic, rare 911 - I thought the ride was, even for enthusiasts, pointless for eveyday and might hop on a bumpy back road. Also, the accleration,(unmodified motor) didn't seem that disimilar to the 3.2. I guess the constantly reported, sensational balance and braking of the 964, can only be experienced on track.
I had my first 3.2 when they were a new car, kept it six years, and logged it as one of the all time greats. When I found and drove my current 3.2, rare in that it had been stored from new, I found that time had not diminished its abilities. It's a great road machine.
I work near 911 Virgin. Maybe I'll pop in and see Tom and convince him that he should let me out in one of their GT3's.
Some how methinks if it's any, it'll be back to the 964 - not the intercontinetal express.
In actual fact I did drive a 964RS at 9M, just before buying the 3,2.
Though I loved the idea of an exotic, rare 911 - I thought the ride was, even for enthusiasts, pointless for eveyday and might hop on a bumpy back road. Also, the accleration,(unmodified motor) didn't seem that disimilar to the 3.2. I guess the constantly reported, sensational balance and braking of the 964, can only be experienced on track.
I had my first 3.2 when they were a new car, kept it six years, and logged it as one of the all time greats. When I found and drove my current 3.2, rare in that it had been stored from new, I found that time had not diminished its abilities. It's a great road machine.
I work near 911 Virgin. Maybe I'll pop in and see Tom and convince him that he should let me out in one of their GT3's.
Some how methinks if it's any, it'll be back to the 964 - not the intercontinetal express.
you really should try mine, i dont think youll find its as flawed or compromised as others have suggested.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
nervous said:
you really should try mine, i dont think youll find its as flawed or compromised as others have suggested.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
nice arty photos Mr B
nervous said:
you really should try mine, i dont think youll find its as flawed or compromised as others have suggested.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
Best road car I have EVER driven. Wish I had the money.
willibetz said:
From my experience:
3.2 Carrera: as involving a road car as you'll find
Mk1 GT3: as capable a circuit car as you'll find
Just don't expect too much from the 3.2 on a circuit (technology has moved on), or from the GT3 on the road (road conditions, the application of the law and the prevailing attitude to quick road driving have all regressed).
WilliBetz
PS. Hope to be at Bedford. Leave you to guess which car...
3.2 Carrera: as involving a road car as you'll find
Mk1 GT3: as capable a circuit car as you'll find
Just don't expect too much from the 3.2 on a circuit (technology has moved on), or from the GT3 on the road (road conditions, the application of the law and the prevailing attitude to quick road driving have all regressed).
WilliBetz
PS. Hope to be at Bedford. Leave you to guess which car...
That's a fair assessment. A really good 3.2 (IMO, G50 Coupe)is still a great little road car, and the 996 GT3 is probably the best value modern 911 for road and regular track use.
Of course the new 997 GT3 takes things to another level. But, for that money you could have a really nice 911 'Club Sport' AND a mint 996 GT3
Tricky one.
I've owned a 3.2 in the past and now own both a 964RS and GT3 Mk1.
Both are set up for track, both are just as hard on the roads.
Personally I think they are like chalk and cheese. I could spend all day listing the differences and little nuances.
You need to try and spend a good amount of time in both to find out what you want.
I'll agree with Mr Tims on one point for sure though - my 64RS is pure emotion and even thinking of parting company with it is painful...not sure the GT3 will ever make me feel that same way...in fact I'm certain it won't. It's a strange feeling and until you've had one probably one no one else ever understands.....
I've owned a 3.2 in the past and now own both a 964RS and GT3 Mk1.
Both are set up for track, both are just as hard on the roads.
Personally I think they are like chalk and cheese. I could spend all day listing the differences and little nuances.
You need to try and spend a good amount of time in both to find out what you want.
I'll agree with Mr Tims on one point for sure though - my 64RS is pure emotion and even thinking of parting company with it is painful...not sure the GT3 will ever make me feel that same way...in fact I'm certain it won't. It's a strange feeling and until you've had one probably one no one else ever understands.....
nervous said:
you really should try mine, i dont think youll find its as flawed or compromised as others have suggested.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/113532.htm
Looking good Nervy. God I want that car!
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