Three generations of GT3 tested [Autocar]

[Fl0pp3r]

Not sure if this has already been posted, but as ever, a good read from Frankel in this week's Autocar:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/three-g...

Anyone disagree wildly with his conclusions?

I guess we already knew that with each generation of GT3 the next one is always faster, but slightly less 'involving' didn't we? But which would you rather have on your driveway (putting money to one side) and why? 996.2, 997.2 or 991.1 GT3?

[Fl0pp3r]

Sorry chaps - non-RS only! :-)

I voted with my wallet and went 997.2 (after a gen1) as it represented noticeable incremental improvements in every area, and was the most recent I could afford - which is ultimately what it comes down to for most of us on a budget let's face it!

Would I therefore 'upgrade' to a 991.1 should they become affordable? Yes, probably - notwithstanding a thorough test of that gearbox!! ;-)

[Fl0pp3r]

g7jhp said:

So of the GT3's not tested.

Does that make the 996.1 GT3 the ultimate weekend GT3?

And is the 997.1 GT3 better than the (997.2 GT3) as it's closer to the 996.2 GT3 but still usable?

Personally I wouldn't go along with that rationale as imo both 997's are more similar to each other than to either of the 996's but we're probably splitting hairs here. My honest opinion is - to the 'enthusiast' they are all highly useable, and although with each generation the grip levels, power, and driver aids have all risen, I think the 996 & 997 gen GT3's all give the driver undiminished levels of feel and feedback. It's just its all happening at higher speeds with each new model!

I'm not sure we can say the same of the 991, but as I've not yet driven one I can't pass comment (refreshing I know!) :-)

Evo had a go at separating them not so long ago, as I'm sure you've read?
http://www.evo.co.uk/porsche/911/13309/porsche-911...

[Fl0pp3r]

throt said:

I parked my 991 GT3 amongst loads of 458's yesterday when I went toy see the 488. I looked back and thought it really is the better looking car and iconic. Nearly just got back in it straight away and just pulled away. The GT3's just have that X factor if you like.

Very true. The styling of the 991 GT3 is just drop-dead gorge.

[Fl0pp3r]

red997 said:

first drive of the 991 my initial comment was they've managed to keep the character of the 996 where it matters. It still feels like a road / race hybrid.

+1 good summary.

As you say - the thing about ALL three generations to date is there is more than enough 'race' and 'feel' to keep the GT3 DNA alive and us petrolheads happy, but the 991 is now so useable. In truth tho' the useability step change started with the 997's imo.

[Fl0pp3r]

[Fl0pp3r]

Scooty100 said:

Anyhow how did we get onto values !

[Fl0pp3r]

welcome squire!

JZM have a lovely looking 997.2 in meteor grey up at £99k if you've got cash burning a hole in your pocket! I think they've dropped it £3k in the last couple of weeks.

Otherwise you're right, it's fairly slim pickings on Gen2's out there at the minute. Plenty of 'ambitious' Gen1's as a result....

[Fl0pp3r]

I'm gonna flame the next person that talks money on this thread

996.2 GT3 vs 997.2 GT3 vs 991.1 GT3 - discuss!

[Fl0pp3r]

RSVP911 said:

How's this ?

I think I just had a crisis :-@

Stunning!

[Fl0pp3r]

terryb said:

Only 1 place for 911 graphics - http://www.highgatehouse.co.uk

They supplied the graphics for my old 996

Cheers for the recommendation China!

[Fl0pp3r]

hornbaek said:

Where do you go to get them fitted/applied. ?

I would ideally get a reputable detailer to do the job I reckon. Not sufficiently handy myself...

[Fl0pp3r]

iantr said:

Fl0pp3r said:

welcome squire!

JZM have a lovely looking 997.2 in meteor grey up at £99k if you've got cash burning a hole in your pocket! I think they've dropped it £3k in the last couple of weeks.

Otherwise you're right, it's fairly slim pickings on Gen2's out there at the minute. Plenty of 'ambitious' Gen1's as a result....

Interestingly they still have this car.

Yeah the comforts generally hang about a little longer I'd say...

[Fl0pp3r]

Sine Metu said:

While the 996 has a particularly unique, lets say individually iconic as opposed to 911 iconic, look to it, I think the 997 is better looking (albeit heavier looking) and the 991 better looking again. In fact the 991 really is a beautiful looking thing. But I can understand why people gravitate to the 996 shape. It just looks so lithe and svelte and 'classic sports car' in a timeless 1960's meets 70's concept car way. But then again a lot of people just don't like the 996 shape and so the 996 GT3 just will never stir their souls. In fact for a lot of 911 enthusiasts nothing past the 964 (and sometimes the 993) even counts as a 911 anyway. I love the 996 design but then I have one so I'm suffering from Stockholm Car Syndrome.

From a driving perspective, the mission brief of a GT3 is to be as fast around a circuit as possible while still being somewhat bearable on the road. Each generation meets that brief over and above the previous generation (or else all Porsche engineers should be sacked immediately). So it's a pointless debate brought about by journalists stuck for something new about 911's to discuss as each magazine issue comes around. The answer is simple. Money no object, one buys the 991

Don't disagree with your general line here, I do think aesthetically at least the GT3 lineage has just got better and better (with 991 GT3 making a case for itself on looks alone imo - phwooaaar!). I would just disagree with you a bit on the definition of what a GT3's brief is and specifically in relation to its RS sibling: a GT3 is a highly trackable road car (ie much more than somewhat bearable on the road, and the 991 goes farther than any previously in this regard), and an RS is a streetable track car.