F430 or 997 GT3 ?

[boxerTen]

Used examples of both these cars are quickly approaching £70k which for me is affordable. What I'm after is a serious driving car not a daily drive or a touring car so I'm not interested in creature comforts - particularly as they add weight - in fact I'd much prefer a car like these but weighing less than a ton - but no one makes one .

Without wishing to start a flame war, are there any people here who have experience of both cars and can offer comparisons?

[jleroux]

the phrase "serious driving car" to me means no electronic gizmo's and a manual box.

therfore my money would be on a 355, 996 GT3 RS or a well specced elise and a whole load of beer & hookers.

Jonny
BaT

[jimmyb]

No experience but 430 would be my guess if dep is not an issue as gt3 may hold value better.

Edited by jimmyb on Saturday 1st November 21:14

[davidbht]

hi, i own a gt3 997,yes it is amazing most complete drivers car, you must havee carbon bucket seats pcm don't worry about sterro system upgrades or cruise control,only down side is uk roads.
£ for £ it's the best car power to weight peerless, grip,looks SOUND,handling,servicing 1st sevice 20k miles will do 29mpg on motorway
i could go on and on,the ferrari is great looking but high maaintenance and not as well built as a gt3

[Mike Rob]

GT3. The end

[diablo_pete]

Wanna buy my plate? A997 POR

[steadyrock]

I would want a Challenge Stradale before getting an F430, but I might right in thinking that the CS is good bit more expensive.

[Steve_M]

360CS can be found under £80k now

[guydw]

Anjum (well known on here) has been in a 97 GT3 RS for a little while and is raving about it - and he has had some VERY quick cars.

[Mike Rob]

guydw said:

Anjum (well known on here) has been in a 97 GT3 RS for a little while and is raving about it - and he has had some VERY quick cars.

And I went from a 360 CS to a 997 GT3 RS and have never looked back. The Porsche is just ............ better

[boxerTen]

jleroux said:

the phrase "serious driving car" to me means no electronic gizmo's and a manual box.

therfore my money would be on a 355, 996 GT3 RS or a well specced elise and a whole load of beer & hookers.

Exactly. No gizmo's. Manual box. Sliding perspex windows. The offspring of a spartan Exige crossed with the F430's V8 would fit the bill nicely. Wife would be cool with it too - though not the hookers I suspect .

[Anjum]

Mike Rob said:

guydw said:

Anjum (well known on here) has been in a 97 GT3 RS for a little while and is raving about it - and he has had some VERY quick cars.

And I went from a 360 CS to a 997 GT3 RS and have never looked back. The Porsche is just ............ better

Not sure if I'd use the word better - it's just different!

I've never rally been a 911 fan (I had a 996 Turbo and hated it - got rid of it within a week). I went for a 997 GT3RS, after my old boss took me for a spin around Spa in his - frankly it was rediculous and it didn't have the PCCB's! Mine does! I've yet to have the PASM interfere - I tend to turn it off around a track. The steering is telepathic - and the chassis control/suspension set-up is incredible. Strangely, it has a better rude that the 550 (although the 550 has the FHP).

I still have the 550 WSR. I've driven a 360CS which was awesome (but my ears and nostrils bled!) and I've only pootled around in a 430 Scud - so can't really comment what they're like aound a circuit. I do like the 550 because you can slide it around at will and actually look like you know what you're doing (as the car belies it size and wieght).

Bottom line is - it's your call - and whatever you do decide to get is going to put a proper grin on your face - so you can't lose!

Anjum

[Lancerlot]

Get the car with ceramic brakes (if they're in good order) or else look for the F1 paddle shift. The Ferrari is a better ride on public roads but the Porsche is a good track car and much cheaper to run.
Why not try both to see how you feel?
Regards.