Exige 350 / 380 / 390 / 410

[Mr R]

Hi All,

911 GT3 owner here considering making the move in to an S3 Exige but it's difficult to get a real understanding of the different variants and the relative price points so just looking for advice or feedback.

Having done some reading of various articles it seems the 390 could be the sweet spot for what I would be looking for - social weekend car with maybe one or two track days per year.

One question I do have is regarding GPFs - do the later models have these fitted and therefore less of the raucous noise? If so which models are best to avoid this, presumably a 410 from around 2017 - 2018?

Thanks in advance for any input!

[Mr R]

Thanks for all of the very helpful and informative replies everyone, especially clarifying that the main difference between the 350/390 and 410/20/30 lies in the Nitron vs Bilstein dampers.

Noise is certainly one of the main factors for me so it sounds like the 350 is out of the equation.

My original thinking preference for a 390 was based on the £7-8k price difference to a 410 seeming quite steep for 20bhp but it sounds like there is much more to it, and also that the 410 may be more desirable for future buyers because of the dampers. Presumably the gearbox in all variants is the same in terms of ratios and feel (excluding the earlier 350 as would be lookong at a 2020 onwards)?

Thanks again for all of the info, I have a road trip in the GT3 planned for Sept so once this is done I'll have to start having a look at a few cars.

[Mr R]

Thanks again for taking the time to reply so comprehensively. A sub £50k 350 does look good value - is the power difference in a 380 / 90 significantly noticeable vs the 350 for those that have driven both?

Given the GT3's appetite for revs I want something similar that pulls strongly right at the top of the range, even if the redline is somewhat lower.

What's the view on wear and tear for tyres and brakes on track days - is it realistic to get a few days in during a year without significant expense for replacements?

Thanks again!

[Mr R]

Thanks for all of the info everyone.

Paul - that's great to hear that you can make a set of tyres last across multiple track days as I would like to do more in the coming years. Also thanks for sharing the video, certainly looks like good fun!

Rick - thanks for the info on potential upgrades, I think my preference would be to go for one of the higher power factory setups but it's worth knowing that there's options.

Keo - that's very kind of you to offer, unfortunately I'm in the South East near the Berkshire / Surrey borders.

Think I need a trip to Bell & Colvill in the next few weeks to do some further research.

Thanks again everyone!

[Mr R]

Hi Everyone,

OP here. Thanks for the reminder to update this thread.

I ended up in a 718 Spyder, mainly because I managed to get a favourable part-ex price on my GT3 having not had any luck trying to sell it privately or via CarWow / Motorway, and I was very conscious about coming to the end of the 10yr engine warranty period so it was almost a no-brainer.

Unfortunately I am not really gelling with the Spyder. It looks awesome and by all objective measures it is an incredible car, it just doesn't excite the same way as the GT3, mainly because it feels too civilised. I had a 981 Spyder before which surprisingly had more character.

So I'm still keeping an eye on the classifieds pretty much daily with a view to changing again in March / April once the Spring market starts to pick up. An Exige is definitely on the short-list and the Autumn Gold 410 currently for sale is very tempting...

I'm also tempted to go back in to a 991.1 GT3 if I can find one with a replacement engine as I really miss the sensation of ringing out to 9000rpm. I really want a 991.2 GT3 but the price jump is just too big.

The wildcard is an Alpine A110 which could free up some cash whilst still providing lightweight thrills. I do worry that I'll find the engine and drive train rather normal though.

I did test drive an Emira which was ok. Loved the looks and the interior is lovely but I didn't find it very exciting and strangely it didn't feel that quick. I say strangely as I have previously driven an Evora 410GT which felt proper rapid by comparison.

I think the next step is to go and have a proper look at some Exiges and try and get a test drive as it definitely feels like an itch that needs scratching at some stage!

I'll keep the thread updated with any further progress in the coming months