Potential GT4/GT3 Purchase
Discussion
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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