339 vs 405. If the turbo lag has been eliminated (big if) the GTS will have much more urgency from a stand-still than the GT3. The manual GT3 is a bucket list thing for me, and led me to snap up a GT4 when announced. I loved the relatively high revving urgency of my GT4, which wasn't a real GT motor, and the firm ride.
The 6 speed, NA, pedigree, and decreased depreciation favor the GT3, but the torque could make the GTS more fun around town. In the GT3 the fun might start at 80-100 mph, whereas in the GTS the fun might be getting to 80-100.
Thoughts?

 

Hard to choose a car based solely on the fun of going from one speed to another as they are so different(the GT3 is a street legal track car where the GTS is a street car that's track capable). It's up the the individual to decide what their definition of 'fun' is. For me, I am a huge GT3 fan but would never buy one for street driving.

The Turbo models are faster, more comfortable and much easier to live with day to day. Even the new Carrera's & GTS models with a tune will be faster than a GT3-all in comfort(and without that ridiculous for the street 'look at me' rear wing). I know some really cool GT3 guys but also know a few who buy them for the simple fact that 'it's a GT3' and nothing else. My rant aside, I always tell people, buy what puts the biggest smile on your face.

 

I'd pick .2 GT3 over .2 GTS any day if buying new.

 

+1. N.A.

 

If only test drives were available........

 

Getting a .2 GT3 will be the big issue. Some dealers are asking $20-$50K over MSRP which is crazy.

 

Yeah, I'm about 5 deep on a list at MSRP, or slightly over. It's an odd situation, too, where spending more is probably the wiser financial decision, due to the likely decreased depreciation curve. Then again, taking care of such an expensive asset can be kind of a burden too. After a lady in a Subaru sideswiped me in my 997 GTS Cab, and it was never the same after repair, I said never again on another car that expensive. But that was before they announced the .2 3MT option.

 

They are.. for a fee. Go to a PEC center and do the GT3 vs Turbo comparison. You'll understand the allure of the GT3 after that !

 

This is another apples to oranges comparison. Intended use would be the deciding factor for most. For me, if I were considering the GTS, I'd get a 4S instead.

 

Overall, the two cars are very different. I would say all the other factors which rate higher than torque #'s would sway a decision.

 

I loved my GT4, and I'm loving my 981 Spyder, so I know I'd love the feel of the GT3 manual. The question is whether I'd get to enjoy it as a pretty weather toy or semi DD. I've already accepted that this car isn't likely to see a track, partly because they're too far away, and partly because for a few thousand bucks I can go someplace and beat on their car. When I had a car outfitted for track, it was a pristine 8 yr old E36 that I bought for about 25, put in another 8, and had a great toy without a huge amount at stake. I don't feel good about taking a new 3 to the track. Higher stakes than I care to accept. But we have some great mountain roads around here.......The problem is finding the time.......

 

Friends should not let friends pay over sticker!

Love, love, love the new GTS but would take the new GT3 over it without second thought. The 991.1 GT3 feels more connected to the road vs. my 991.1 GTS, and the .2 should be even better. Add the 6MT from 911R, and it's an overnight sensation. The GT3 provides a better all-around user experience (i.e., sound and road feel) if you're priority is connectedness with the car. If, however, you're willing to sacrifice some "feel" and soundtrack, the GTS may be the way to go because it provides many things the GT3 does not, like back seats, more torque, a little more comfort, etc. For me, the overwhelming deciding factor is the 991.2 GT3 engine and sound. Few things compare to rowing through the gears while winding engine to 9k RPMs.

 

OP: If it's torque you want, nothing (except electric/hybrid) beats turbo. For around town driving the GTS is surely wonderful. However it ain't a GT3.

 

Agree 911%
The large displacement, high-revving NA motor/6 speed combo are the big story about the GT3.
Will miss the rear seats of the GTS though, and can live without the laughable wing.

First world problems...

 

If it's pure torque you want, get the Z06. I much prefer to explore the rev band than just having infinite pull wherever you are.