Potential GT4/GT3 Purchase

[JCH88]

Hi PHers

Not sure on the best section for this. Looking for some advice on a potential purchase, keen to see if anyone has made a similar step.

I currently have a really nicely restored, track biased e46 M3 with all the right upgrade (intrax dampers, AP brakes all round, carbon airbox, etc etc.), which was always a dream car.

I am reluctant to sell the thing, but have a proper first world conundrum. I have suddenly come into the position where I can consider the purchase on a 981 GT4 in addition to the M3 (which I would use mainly for track days)...or I could sell up and get myself into a gen 1 997 GT3.

Any opinions on the best move here, alternative suggestions? Anyone made a similar move?

Thanks in advance

[maz8062]

GT3

[keo]

I had a 981 GT4 unpopular opinion but I didn’t like it. I wish I’d of gone 997 GT3 now.

[arcamalpha]

What would you use it for? Track? Road? Sunny days?

Do you want a characterful traditional engine? Might take you to a 997 gt3. Or do you want the growl, pops and bangs. That would mean 982 gt4. Does age matter? There are still some low mileage 981s about but fewer 997s. The 997, at least by modern standards, drives like an older 911. The front bobs, it takes a bit more effort to get the front end to bite. The steering is slower. The drivetrain has that heft and oily feel. I think that's lovely but some might find it a bit old fashioned. The 981 feels a fair bit more modern. The interior is basically the same as a 718. And you can get the lovely 918 bucket seats.

[ChrisW.]

I think that the 981 GT4 (all manual) is a real sweet spot.

It has been proven to be extremely reliable (gearbox issue excepted / replaced under warranty), easy to live with, exciting to drive (beat the 991.1 GT3RS in the EVO-COTY) ... and there is a reasonable choice out there. It's also a manageable cost should the worst happen ...

There is at the moment no collector value ... so a car that can really be used ... and for the odd trackday

[bosshog]

I’ve absolutely loved 981 GT. One of the greats. Not the fastest but just a great overall package

[cseven]

I have a 981 gt4 and looked at 997.1's at the time and basically both great however liked the newer 981 and lots of low mileage choice. I was tempted by the 997.2 but these are another step on in price so VFM the Gt4 right now is really good.

Another consideration is as these cars get older they do need more maintenance however both have lots of after Market options re suspension etc although never cheap.

The 981 gt4 has the Carrera s engine in it and it is quite reassuring there are lots that can rebuild these (inc of Hartech etc) which in the long term mikes life a lot easier and lower cost compared to the gt3.

That being said if you have never had a 911 then try and get a test drive and the low number of gt3's made in 997 will always support great resale.

[AlasdairB10]

I've only track driven a modified E36 M3 so not a direct comparison to your situation but my 997 GT3 is a different level driving wise (and the E36 is one of my favorite ever cars). I'd go for a GT3. Get onto 911UK and look for a nice one and there's plenty of people who will give you good buying advice. Higher miles don't hurt them if they've been looked after. Mines got 78k miles and it enjoys eating Cup2s regularly.

[BillyB]

keo said:

I had a 981 GT4 unpopular opinion but I didn t like it. I wish I d of gone 997 GT3 now.

Me too, to both.

A 981 GT4 will be easier and cheaper to live with but I found the 981 GT4 (relatively) dull.

(I replaced it with a Lotus Exige 430 Cup which I found much more exciting despsite being the objectively 'worse' car by most measures. I'd look at an Exige 410 as well, if I were you. Cheaper than the 981 GT4, similar pace on track, more exciting to drive)

Having sold both the GT4 and Exige now, a 997 GT3 keeps calling out to me...

[keo]

BillyB said:

Me too, to both.

A 981 GT4 will be easier and cheaper to live with but I found the 981 GT4 (relatively) dull.

(I replaced it with a Lotus Exige 430 Cup which I found much more exciting despsite being the objectively 'worse' car by most measures. I'd look at an Exige 410 as well, if I were you. Cheaper than the 981 GT4, similar pace on track, more exciting to drive)

Having sold both the GT4 and Exige now, a 997 GT3 keeps calling out to me...

Funnily enoui am exactly the same. Found my gt4 boring. Then had an Exige 410! Feel like I have “done” lotus now so that is why I fancy a 997 gt3 as well.

[Wayno]

I had a 981 GT4 and used it daily. As a car to enjoy and put miles on it’s a great option. Now have a 997.2GT3CS. The engine is on another level completely. If you want something to make your spine tingle then go for the GT3.