996TT to 997GT3?
Discussion
I am in the same boat as you, I will be moving out of my 996t from about March/April next year and a 997 GT3 Mk1 is high on my list. I want a daily driver that I can take to the track every few months, and I am willing to forgo the comfort. I completed a Porsche driver training day this week which saw me drive a 997 GT3 MKII in clubsport trim from the training centre via highway to the race track, about a 45 minute drive. I was shocked at how compliant the GT3 was to drive, it was very smooth not harsh at all, but it did bottom out once on the highway at 60mph in a dip.
The worst aspect was that the clutch was very heavy and the short shift kit (which I presume to be standard) was very short and notchy to change. Outside of that though, it was very very tractable. My preference though would be for a touring version as an everyday driver.
The worst aspect was that the clutch was very heavy and the short shift kit (which I presume to be standard) was very short and notchy to change. Outside of that though, it was very very tractable. My preference though would be for a touring version as an everyday driver.
Went from 966tt manual to GT3 last year. Covered 18k in the turbo and 13k in the GT3.
I was amazed just how different the two are. The turbo is a sledgehammer of a car and superb and making devasting progress anywhere and in any weather, but in the end I looked for something that was a bit more 'exciting'.
The GT3 was definitely that!
Yet, whilst it can make the hairs stand on end, it can be a forgiving partner if used on long journeys. Everything about the car for me was 'just right' once up and running. I say this as the box is notchy when cold. One welcomes addition is the noise. Oh the noise! It's epic! And it's huge apatite for revs, something the turbo never had. Handling is pin sharp with huge levels of grip. Don't worry about loosing your awd, drive the GT3 properly/smootly and it's absolutely planted.
After 13k glorious miles, I've decided to put it up for sale to be more sensible for a few years. It's advertised on here.
Whichever one you buy, you won't regret it.
Hope this helps!
I was amazed just how different the two are. The turbo is a sledgehammer of a car and superb and making devasting progress anywhere and in any weather, but in the end I looked for something that was a bit more 'exciting'.
The GT3 was definitely that!
Yet, whilst it can make the hairs stand on end, it can be a forgiving partner if used on long journeys. Everything about the car for me was 'just right' once up and running. I say this as the box is notchy when cold. One welcomes addition is the noise. Oh the noise! It's epic! And it's huge apatite for revs, something the turbo never had. Handling is pin sharp with huge levels of grip. Don't worry about loosing your awd, drive the GT3 properly/smootly and it's absolutely planted.
After 13k glorious miles, I've decided to put it up for sale to be more sensible for a few years. It's advertised on here.
Whichever one you buy, you won't regret it.
Hope this helps!
I was going to say, as a previous SLR+R500 owner I would advise a 996RS if you are coming to it all from the caterham fraternity. The 97GT3 is a fab machine but the 96RS is closer to the Cat in terms of immediacy and that feeling of being unobstructively hardwired into the chassis and the controls.
Edited by jackal on Sunday 19th August 22:51
You said it, it's just a mad moment 
If you want my personal view I think the gt3 is great and was on my 'wishlist' but I found it a bit compromised for a daily drive in certain situations and didn't spike the pulse in the same way that the Caterham does. So for me I think you have the perfect line-up already but if you fancy a change...
The only thing for it is to go and drive a 997 gt3 and then you can make up your own mind.
If you want my personal view I think the gt3 is great and was on my 'wishlist' but I found it a bit compromised for a daily drive in certain situations and didn't spike the pulse in the same way that the Caterham does. So for me I think you have the perfect line-up already but if you fancy a change...
The only thing for it is to go and drive a 997 gt3 and then you can make up your own mind.
how about the new Exige V6 ?
A mate of mine just drove one all the way up to scotland for the TG test and it was perfrectly comfortable for the 7+ hour trip .... its going to be a mighty quick car on the cct too with that chassis/wheelbase. Better steering than the caterham as well, if not quite as vivid an experience overall.
A mate of mine just drove one all the way up to scotland for the TG test and it was perfrectly comfortable for the 7+ hour trip .... its going to be a mighty quick car on the cct too with that chassis/wheelbase. Better steering than the caterham as well, if not quite as vivid an experience overall.
jackal said:
how about the new Exige V6 ?
A mate of mine just drove one all the way up to scotland for the TG test and it was perfrectly comfortable for the 7+ hour trip .... its going to be a mighty quick car on the cct too with that chassis/wheelbase. Better steering than the caterham as well, if not quite as vivid an experience overall.
Hate heavily depreciating cars - so afraid a new Exige wouldnt feature on my radar. Instead if going Lotus I think I would probably go for an older Exige S or Elise SC instead of the R300. A mate of mine just drove one all the way up to scotland for the TG test and it was perfrectly comfortable for the 7+ hour trip .... its going to be a mighty quick car on the cct too with that chassis/wheelbase. Better steering than the caterham as well, if not quite as vivid an experience overall.
Anyway, back on topic, drove my pals 997GT3RS tonight for the first time. Given its not too far from a GT3 in CS trim I think its actually too hard core to be my only car - loved the very close box and fab compliance in the suspension but surprised myself as I didnt actually find the seats all that comfortable. While its quick it didnt feel as grunty as my TT does. Great driving car but ultimately I would rather have my TT and R300 and cash in the Bank instead of a 997GT3!
willmac said:
I think you have a good balance there with your Turbo and the R300 to be honest.
The R300 will not really lose any money either. On a value for money front they are second to none.
It's a good combo for sure. The lack of a challenge would bother me though. I loved caterhams when I tracked them but last year I had a day at Coombe in one and it was all so easy and not nearly technical enough. The 96TT is also totally foolproof come rain or shine.The R300 will not really lose any money either. On a value for money front they are second to none.
A nice 996Gt3 with some monster poundage springs + aggressive geo designed to try and kill you is where it's at
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff