M12 GT0 vs 996 GT3

[AL001]

Hello, having a bit of difficulty deciding which of these to buy, to replace my Exige (which I still love but had for two years - itchy feet syndrome).

Does anyone have extensive experience of them both (particularly on track)? TBH, I'm leaning towards a Club Sport GT3 slightly as the depreciation on it is a known quantity. Not the best reason to choose one over the other so any thoughts peeps?

How do the Nobles stand up to trackdays? Any reliablity issues or brake/overheating/etc problems?

BTW, if anyone has a black GTO, could they mail me a couple of photos? Cheers. [e-mail]

[stuh]

I haven't personally driven a GT3 but they certainly look superb. However my experiences of my M12 around Silverstone were enough to convince me that there isn't much this side of a well driven single seater that could get past..............

Breaks never faded during the sessions and tyre wear was surprisingly good.

[guysh]

brakes will fade unless you do a good cool down lap. Also I would recomend cahnging the oil far more regularly - maybe after every track day. Racing cars are built like tanks compared to normal road cars which is why things do fall of road cars quite often if used extensivly on the track.

[martvr]

BTW, if anyone has a black GTO, could they mail me a couple of photos? Cheers. [e-mail]

Have a look here: www.stevecarter.com/brands/brands.htm photo gallery from last Mondays Brands Hatch trackday. Providing the owner doesn't object I'm sure Steve would send you copies if you asked him.

[IanVB]

I think steve probably photographed my car, thats no problem

Noble vs 996 GT3 - I have had both ( currently still have Noble)

The Noble is better on track, but more fragile IMHO
The GT3 is pretty bulletproof

If money was no object I'd be very hard pressed to decide, but with the noble 25-30k cheaper it was a no brainer

[jjr1]

what about a Gt3 v Noble at 10 grand difference, effectively a 55k Noble 3R and a cheap 65k GT3 with maybe 20,000 miles on it?

would that still go in the Nobles favour and for what reasons?

ps although the Noble may be slightly more fragile, god forbid you had to replace a GT3 engine/gearbox etc

[kurtl]

I had a GT3 new and had fun on track, but be warned of the costs associated with the GT3 and track work. The GT3 is no longer a lightweight car and does suffer from wear on suspension, namely shocks and joints. This is £1000 for a new pair of front shocks (including the realignment!) after about 12K miles. The rear shocks will also overheat, 3 laps of Donnigton is all you will get if you are going hard. I've just ordered a 3R which appears to be far better suited, handles much better (993 3.8RS will out handle the GT3 btw)and has a local factory to help you out (p.s. they also make a track biased version now...!)

[stuh]

Another Nobler to the fold

I would have thought you would have gone for the standard M12 for track use as it's lighter ?

[kurtl]

No still like to use the car for road use, but will be having harnesses etc. Must be getting old I guess!