996 GT3 to 981 GT4
Discussion
I know it’s been covered before however I’m thinking about selling my 996 GT3 and moving to a 981 GT4, am I completely silly to be considering such a switch?
I find myself thinking that I would use the GT4 more due to it being newer however I’m in not sure if I would miss the analogue experience of the 996. I find myself convinced both ways about it on a daily basis and would value some opinions please!!
I find myself thinking that I would use the GT4 more due to it being newer however I’m in not sure if I would miss the analogue experience of the 996. I find myself convinced both ways about it on a daily basis and would value some opinions please!!
Moderator edit: no advertising please
arcamalpha said:
What do you hope to get from the GT4? It’s quite a different driving experience. Have you driven one?
Re driving it more because it’s newer: is that because it’s less likely to need work? Or better weather proofed?
I haven’t driven one myself but have been a passenger in one quite a few times, I know that doesn’t really help! Re driving it more because it’s newer: is that because it’s less likely to need work? Or better weather proofed?
Re less likely to need work, mines pretty much had everything done to it so it’s not that, I guess I’m pretty fussy when I take it out, ie not in poor weather so that is a consideration.
My advice would be to drive a 981 GT4 before you change you will find the engine is nowhere near as potent and focused as your GT3. Basically just a strangled and detuned Carrera S engine with relatively poor economy.
That said the car is a decent package especially as a road car and is holding its value well and sounds good with decent spec 5year old plus bucketed cars still commanding over list ££.
That said the car is a decent package especially as a road car and is holding its value well and sounds good with decent spec 5year old plus bucketed cars still commanding over list ££.
Take an extended test drive first.
Some spout stuff about the 981 GT4 engine… and whilst it’s true that it is a detuned Carrera S engine and can be easily unlocked for a modest outlay, just a stage 1 with Plenum and GT3 TB wake it up.
What’s more this same engine has been good enough for use in racing from 981 Gen Clubsport and continues to live in the 718 Clubsport… so Porsche seem to be ok with it.
Likelyhood is that you’ll feel that performance from the 981 GT4 going to be greater than the MK1 996 GT3, standard vs standard. Although the top end GT3 sparkle might not be there out of the box as aforementioned.
The main thing for you will be that it’s a different platform and the MK1 996 GT3 was truly purely analogue. No systems, hydraulic PAS steering, no TC, cable throttle?!
It then boils down to whether or not you think your time with the GT3 has ended. Sometimes that’s just reason enough to move on and experience something else.
Some spout stuff about the 981 GT4 engine… and whilst it’s true that it is a detuned Carrera S engine and can be easily unlocked for a modest outlay, just a stage 1 with Plenum and GT3 TB wake it up.
What’s more this same engine has been good enough for use in racing from 981 Gen Clubsport and continues to live in the 718 Clubsport… so Porsche seem to be ok with it.
Likelyhood is that you’ll feel that performance from the 981 GT4 going to be greater than the MK1 996 GT3, standard vs standard. Although the top end GT3 sparkle might not be there out of the box as aforementioned.
The main thing for you will be that it’s a different platform and the MK1 996 GT3 was truly purely analogue. No systems, hydraulic PAS steering, no TC, cable throttle?!
It then boils down to whether or not you think your time with the GT3 has ended. Sometimes that’s just reason enough to move on and experience something else.
Edited by TDT on Saturday 6th March 20:18
Just read the thread on your GT3, excellent story and wish there was more like it
I went from 996.2 GT3 to 981GT4 but have difficulty advising you on choosing,
I found the GT4 a great car but not as great as GT3 and having progressed to 991.2GT3
If I were to return I would choose the 996 GT3
As mentioned fuel consumption is poor
Also think GT3 would hold its value better
Especially yours !
I went from 996.2 GT3 to 981GT4 but have difficulty advising you on choosing,
I found the GT4 a great car but not as great as GT3 and having progressed to 991.2GT3
If I were to return I would choose the 996 GT3
As mentioned fuel consumption is poor
Also think GT3 would hold its value better
Especially yours !
Definitely have a good drive in the GT4 and see if it’s for you. Doesn’t feel as special but is hugely competent so I think you will enjoy it more, more of the time. The 996 GT3 is great on track or on the right road, in the right conditions.
I’ve had both. Loved the 996 GT3 on track and in the Alps where the road surfaces were great and I was on it all the time. Everywhere else, I prefer the GT4.
I’ve had both. Loved the 996 GT3 on track and in the Alps where the road surfaces were great and I was on it all the time. Everywhere else, I prefer the GT4.
Edited by blackmamba on Monday 8th March 09:11
I think you will regret selling the gt3. They are on the rise again now and from what I am told they are brilliant. No doubt gt4 will handle better etc but does that really matter?
Appreciate the itchy feet thing and I get it, but to me this is a hold.
A friend has had both at the same time. Did 35k kms in his gt4 and recently sold it to buy a 997 rs, he loved it but there was no question that the 996 was going anywhere.
Appreciate the itchy feet thing and I get it, but to me this is a hold.
A friend has had both at the same time. Did 35k kms in his gt4 and recently sold it to buy a 997 rs, he loved it but there was no question that the 996 was going anywhere.
They are completely different cars dynamically. It’s much easier to rotate a mid engined car than a rear engined car but that doesn’t mean the mid engined car has a better chassis. However in a rear engined car the drivers input is a much bigger part of the equation.
That is the crux of the difference between them. It boils down to what you want in terms of involvement. Both very good cars. Personally, I much prefer the challenge and involvement of a 911 but it’s purely subjective.
That is the crux of the difference between them. It boils down to what you want in terms of involvement. Both very good cars. Personally, I much prefer the challenge and involvement of a 911 but it’s purely subjective.
av185 said:
Although it was interesting that he also said the cage slightly upset the cars balance.
Not that us lesser mortals and non driving gods would notice of course.
Not sure he said that about the cage, more he thought it was not needed. Not that us lesser mortals and non driving gods would notice of course.
Happy to be corrected if you can point the quote.
sometimes replacing a car doesnt have to be about the new car being "better". We are petrol heads (i assume?) and so why not experience a different car for the sake of it? If you look at this purely from an experience point of view, just make sure you wont lose your shirt on the car. A 981 gt4 does seem to hold value, so jumping in one for a bit wont cost a fortune. At least thats how I view my car journey... I want to experience different things, sometimes ignoring what is objectively "better". And funnily enough it has usually been those odd choices that provide the greatest memories.
[quote=cypriot]sometimes replacing a car doesnt have to be about the new car being "better". We are petrol heads (i assume?) and so why not experience a different car for the sake of it? If you look at this purely from an experience point of view, just make sure you wont lose your shirt on the car. A 981 gt4 does seem to hold value, so jumping in one for a bit wont cost a fortune. At least thats how I view my car journey... I want to experience different things, sometimes ignoring what is objectively "better". And funnily enough it has usually been those odd choices that provide the greatest memories.[/quote
Yep… I said this earlier. Sometimes your time is up with a car and you’re ready for a new experience or journey.
Not always possible to keep cars and just add so you have to give something up to have a new experience.
It’s life.
Yep… I said this earlier. Sometimes your time is up with a car and you’re ready for a new experience or journey.
Not always possible to keep cars and just add so you have to give something up to have a new experience.
It’s life.
I've had both, they are both great packages, although as pointed out, they have their differences.
How you drive will maybe be an influence - if you are a top driver, you may find the GT3 more rewarding. However, if you are not, you may find the GT4 a faster, more confidence inspiring package as ultimately, it is a lot more forgiving.
I went to a GT4 via a 997.1 GT3 and did not regret selling either of the GT3s for the GT4 - it just worked for me.
Having sold the GT4 for one of Porsche's show Carrera S' (with the most ridiculous spec list ever), I'm just waiting for my new GT4 in May and looking forward to the second variant.
How you drive will maybe be an influence - if you are a top driver, you may find the GT3 more rewarding. However, if you are not, you may find the GT4 a faster, more confidence inspiring package as ultimately, it is a lot more forgiving.
I went to a GT4 via a 997.1 GT3 and did not regret selling either of the GT3s for the GT4 - it just worked for me.
Having sold the GT4 for one of Porsche's show Carrera S' (with the most ridiculous spec list ever), I'm just waiting for my new GT4 in May and looking forward to the second variant.
Personally I'd enjoy the 996 GT3 for another year and see how you feel. Perhaps get some GT4 seat time, OPC will usually lend you one for a day.
The GT4 will get cheaper, the 996 GT3 won't as it's the original GT3. A far more analogue, tactile and rawer experience.
Finding a good 996 GT3 will be harder than finding a good 981 GT4.
Just get out and drive it.
The GT4 will get cheaper, the 996 GT3 won't as it's the original GT3. A far more analogue, tactile and rawer experience.
Finding a good 996 GT3 will be harder than finding a good 981 GT4.
Just get out and drive it.
Gassing Station | 911/Carrera GT | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff