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997 Gen II - Turbo or GT3...?

997GT3_KO

997GT3_KO

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Ok... its time for me to dip my toes into water-cooled 911s... I would like the knowledge-able owners of these fine steeds to offer their advice on the Pros and Cons between these two choices ... what are the main factors I need to consider when making the choice... its unlikely to be a daily driver if that helps as a starting point... and budget is not the primary concern... All advice, help, guidance, challenges gratefully received...

Anyone knows of any sources where these cars have been tested head-2-head?
 
Kenny, I found a turbo very sterile, but a very capable car that could be used daily on our wonderful traffic jammed road network. The GT3 is raw, has less thrills, but is not just a track toy and is more of driving experience. I love my GT3, but it's my weekend toy....It wouldn't be my choice for say a weekly commute into London.
 
I went to the regional meet in my car last Wednesday in the wet.. I had a great/superb drive on the way there and back [8D]
The guy in the GT3 did not...[;)]

However in the summers day the GT3 sounds amazing and is quicker and more nimble around the circuit ( although I catch them up on the straights [;)])
I'd suggest the GT3 would be more of the 993 feel to you.. and as said the Turbo 'may' feel a bit sterile in comparison..

The line said to me once was the Turbo was a fabulous road/GT that is great on the track, the GT3 is a fabulous track car that is great on the road.

I think there may well have been a few magazine comparisons on the 997 variants....

garyw
 
ORIGINAL: 993C4S_KO


Anyone knows of any sources where these cars have been tested head-2-head?
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No, but...........
It's probably another of those horses for courses discussions. I love my Gen 2 Turbo to bits - 600 miles in a day and a fresh as the proverbial. Very quick, particularly in a straight line(!) and effortless power delivery from 2000 rpm up, very sure footed for the ham-fisted among us (me included) and, for the purist, it probably is a bit "sterile"! That said after some geo tweeks at Centergravity it is now much better balanced.
I also had the great pleasure at Castle Combe recently of some passenger laps in a Gen 2 GT3, courtesy of Bob Fairchild. Absolutely wonderful. So much lighter and nimbler than the turbo and the turn in is a joy to behold. Doesn't have the out and out grunt of the turbo but the handling joy makes up for that. It also sounds a lot better if a proper sports car sound is to your taste.
However, you could read reports and opinions all day but nothing will substitute trying them both for yourself to see which one appeals the most. If I had the dosh I would have one of each - both stunning cars in their own way[8D]

 
I had a Gen 1 GT3 for three years and thought it was the best '911' ever (and I've had a few) in terms of quality, involvement, performance, noise, chassis dynamics, steering, every day usability.... Very clever package and totally addictive. The Gen 2 offered some improvements, but not that significant IMO.

Never been a fan of the Turbos, and found the 997 Turbo Gen 1 a bit disappointing. Tried the Gen 2 'S' (PDK and all the other clever toys). Initially disappointed, but grew to like it, now adore it. Not as engaging as the GT3, but hugely accomplished, supremely secure, yet surprisingly involving - more comfortable and 2+2.

Both great cars and there aresome days when the GT3 is the best, and other days when the Turbo is best. But for my circumstances there are more days when the new Turbo would be the better choice.
 
I agree with all of the above.

If I was buying an everyday 911 right now, I think it would have to be the GTS; is that in contention at all?

 
A Turbo sterile, I do laugh at some of these comments, after some 40,000 miles in a Turbo I have lots of words to describe the car, sterile is not in the top one hundred [;)]

Maybe if you drive it like a tart [:D]
 
ORIGINAL: marlin

A Turbo sterile, I do laugh at some of these comments, after some 40,000 miles in a Turbo I have lots of words to describe the car, sterile is not in the top one hundred [;)]

Maybe if you drive it like a tart [:D]
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Kenny, as you can see, this is an emotive comparison

The GT3 comes with either Michelin Pilot Sport Cups/ or Pirelli Corsas both of which have 5mm and 7mm of tread respectively. Neither are good for driving through standing water although I never had any issues with the Corsas. The manual recommends not driving with these tyres at 7C or below. I'm using Bridgestone 050As right now and I'm happy with them. They're also fine through torrential rain. I would suggest that if you want to use your new car all the year round, the GT3 may not be the right car unless you have an alternate car for those days when the GT3 is unsuitable (snow!).

The Turbo is an all round car but has left some people cold; I'm one of them and that's why I bought a 997.2 GT3. That said, the Turbo is exceptionally fast with the new Turbo S being ridiculously so and it's a remarkable piece of engineering.

It just depends on what your expectations are so the only way to decide is to drive them both. I would still look at the GTS however. I'm invited to a day at Silverstone to drive a GTS so, if you want to try one, maybe you can speak to your OPC about getting an invite.

Personally, to mirror Blaine54's comments on the GT3 forum, I love my GT3 [:)]
 
Folks,

Many thanks for the comments so far ......... and yes agreed, the plan is to drive both and see what suits........ on paper, just based on pure numbers and from a boy racer perspective, its the TURBO that wins hands down... I am sure that 'on-the-road' or 'on-the-track', they are different kettles of fish !

It wont be the daily driver as I have access to others that will do the job well... It will be a car bought solely for self-indulgence to have fun at weekends and fast continental journeys...and perhaps the odd track day...

I think I know what people mean by sterile - accomplished, ease of use, capable, comfort vs certain amount of rawness, driven with respect, each drive a learning experience with rewards etc...

 
ORIGINAL: marlin

Maybe if you drive it like a tart [:D]
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Nope!![:D] Not that then!! I meant by comparison to the GT3 not to other cars!!

porcc301010736.jpg


Best for "fast continental journeys"[8D]

 
ORIGINAL: tscaptain

ORIGINAL: marlin

Maybe if you drive it like a tart [:D]
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Nope!![:D] Not that then!! I meant by comparison to the GT3 not to other cars!!

porcc301010736.jpg


Best for "fast continental journeys"[8D]
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Ya ... it's hard to make a valid comment if you haven't driven both.

I take it that this is a picture of you driving to the local Tesco for your grocery shopping. It's a nice pic even if you are driving "like a tart" [:D]
 
I owned a Gen 1 Turbo for 3 years and I currently have a Gen 2 GT 3. If I was never going to go on track again I would have no hesitation in getting another Turbo. It is the better all round road car but it doesn't make much of a noise and is a bit heavy for serious track work. You can enjoy a GT 3 on the road but they come into their own on a track. The noise a GT 3 makes is addictive but it is not as comfortable or practical as a Turbo. The Turbo can leave a GT 3 standing in a straight line sprint. Both great cars you just have to decide what your personal priorities are. If you want lots of character and a rawness don't buy a Turbo. For me it was more track days so the GT 3 fits the bill but I think it is a real privilege to have owned both and my life is much richer for it even if I am a lot poorer as a result.
 
ORIGINAL: bobfair

I owned a Gen 1 Turbo for 3 years and I currently have a Gen 2 GT 3. If I was never going to go on track again I would have no hesitation in getting another Turbo. It is the better all round road car but it doesn't make much of a noise and is a bit heavy for serious track work. You can enjoy a GT 3 on the road but they come into their own on a track. The noise a GT 3 makes is addictive but it is not as comfortable or practical as a Turbo. The Turbo can leave a GT 3 standing in a straight line sprint. Both great cars you just have to decide what your personal priorities are. If you want lots of character and a rawness don't buy a Turbo. For me it was more track days so the GT 3 fits the bill but I think it is a real privilege to have owned both and my life is much richer for it even if I am a lot poorer as a result.
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Bob,

Have you ever been in politics? [:D]
 
ORIGINAL: bobfair

No but I have been beaten up many times by the forum police!!
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That makes me chuckle! [:D]

I'm working on a project right now where your obvious talent would be very helpful! [:)]
 
bobfair - thxs for your thoughts, coming from someone who has owned both... How "uncomfortable" is the GT3 for continental cruising ...?


 
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