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Advice from current owners with 996/7 gt3 ownership experience
Hey there,
I wanted to reach out in hopes of getting insight from those of you with ownership experience in the 996 and 997 gt3.
I am hunting for a 996gt3 for a few reasons…understated, limited produced, connected/engaging, and cost effective in the GT world. However, finding cars with no stories, at what I consider reasonable prices, is no easy task. The 996gt3 is within sneezing distance of the 997 and 991.1 gt3’s. For this reason, I’m debating considering the 991gt3. I know the 991.1 faster, newer, much more likely to have lower miles and no paint work, but I wanted to know what those of you with extended seat time or prior ownership experience thoughts are?
I am leaning towards skipping the 997 gt3, and going to the 991.1 because I think if I’m going to go modern, it’s the better option. Pdk is fine with me, 991 looks better IMO, possibilities of warranty still exist, etc.
A little framework, I have a 1970 911 RS tribute/hot rod with a 2.8 twin plug mfi motor setup…no power steering, brakes, a/c, etc. so clearly I like getting beat up. I’m 36 years old, work from home, but want something a bit more friendly, with light daily duty potential, and also track day potential.
Thanks,
Richard
Last edited by Indiana Jones; 07-20-2021 at 01:34 AM.
While my 991.2 RS is a fantastic car it isn't the driver of my 996 GT3. Further solidifying my desire to never sell the 996 and get to the track with it as much as possible.
Owned them all. 996 GT3 is my favorite. Either it or my 993 C4S go down as my best Porsche street car experiences. It's got everything you need but nothing you don't. 991 is boring on the street but incredible on the track. Obviously PDK only in the 991.1 if you like (or hate) that. My advice - figure out as best as possible how you'll use the car (plus your budget) and then the decision probably becomes pretty simple.
Owned a 996 GT3. In todays world, you will not find anything like it. No stability control, RWD, NA engine. As a daily driver/commuting vehicle I found it unsatisfying. Stiff, darty and low torque. However, those same things made it very rewarding once pushed. I wish I still had it. It can be very fast when driven properly.
Went from a 996 GT3 to a 991.2 GT3. Both amazing cars. The 6GT3 is an amazing experience, just modern enough to be very usable on the street, but also old enough to retain a very manual/non computerized feel. I loved mine, but wanted something that had more tech, more modern features etc. which lead me to the .2 GT3.
To your point, finding a clean 6GT3 is not easy (took me over a year to find mine), and due to their limited production, I think they are on their way up in value (even outside of this crazy "covid" car market).
While my 991.2 RS is a fantastic car it isn't the driver of my 996 GT3. Further solidifying my desire to never sell the 996 and get to the track with it as much as possible.
Thanks for this, concise and like the other posts have said, confirmed my suspicions. I think I am on the right track.
Owned a 996 GT3. In todays world, you will not find anything like it. No stability control, RWD, NA engine. As a daily driver/commuting vehicle I found it unsatisfying. Stiff, darty and low torque. However, those same things made it very rewarding once pushed. I wish I still had it. It can be very fast when driven properly.
The low TQ is one of my main concerns re: street driving. Also, Mooty mentioned needing to be a skilled driver…another concern of mine haha.
The idea of low tq around town is a bit of a drag, but I think I can manage. I have an EV that scratches that itch, although getting in most cars afterwards tends to take some adjusting to.
To your point, finding a clean 6GT3 is not easy (took me over a year to find mine), and due to their limited production, I think they are on their way up in value (even outside of this crazy "covid" car market).
I would frankly put in a vote for the 997.2 GT3. I put headers and exhaust on it, and it really improved the torque range. I got caught up in the ego of owning an RS and sold mine for my current 991.1RS. The 997 was a great size. Comfortable inside dimensions and the road feel was wonderful in my opinion. Very involving car to drive with the 6 speed.
I have a 996.2 and 991.2 GT3. Other than the name plate, they are vastly different cars.
The 991.2 is faaasst and super refined for what it is. With a simple alignment, pads and high temp fluid you can enjoy days at the track and it will simply give you a pleasant ride home. It doesn't take much to extract some super laps times out of the 991 GT3. Any competent driver can have a blast. It is a fun car and the only car I would replace it with would be an RS.
The 996.2 is a different world. It is bridge between old and new school 911's. It is not luxurious inside even with the full leather interior. The radio sucks (why turn it on). It is loud (stock exhaust) and stiff (assuming you have upgraded the suspension over time - which I have) and takes a toll if you have a long drive to and from the track. That said it is an event and delivers rewards in the hands of a relatively experienced driver at the track. A properly setup car is as rewarding a driver as my 991 or anything else in my stable. The feedback is super high and it requires concentration to maximize the experience. No traction control or any driving aids except ABS. It is all mechanical grip as the aero is not as advanced as the newer cars.
Five years ago I was thinking about selling when I was cycling through some cars. Glad that thought never got too far as it is one my favorites and will stay with me.
Owned them all. 996 GT3 is my favorite. Either it or my 993 C4S go down as my best Porsche street car experiences. It's got everything you need but nothing you don't. 991 is boring on the street but incredible on the track. Obviously PDK only in the 991.1 if you like (or hate) that. My advice - figure out as best as possible how you'll use the car (plus your budget) and then the decision probably becomes pretty simple.
All GT3 cars (991.1 included ) were/are available with MT or PDK...only the 991 RS cars are restricted to PDK only.
07-20-2021, 01:32 AM
Advice from current owners with 996/7 gt3 ownership experience
