996 GT3 vs. 2.7 rs
 

Looking back at old reviews for the 6-3, I frequently see comments that the 996 GT3 driving experience is very similar in spirit to the air-cooled RS models (e.g., 2.7 rs, 964 RS, 993 RS).

Unfortunately, the price of the air-cooled RS's means I probably will never get a chance to own one in my lifetime, but I'm curious to see if some of you guys have driven them and if so, what are they like to drive? And what are the major similarities and differences with the 996 GT3 in terms of driving experience? One day I hope to get a ride in one.

I've been lucky enough to drive both a 2.7RS and a 964RS and I own a 996 GT3.

The march of progress is undeniable - the GT3 is an infinitely more capable car, especially on track, but also far easier to drive and more refined, comfortable, safe and reliable. In objective terms, there is no comparison between the three - the GT3 is far superior by any measure and it's nearly impossible (for me) to compare the driving experience to the earlier cars.

That said, there is a "je ne sais quoi" about air-cooled 911s that makes them incredibly enjoyable and this is most apparent in the RS models. The 2.7RS in particular is sublime, and remains the greatest drive of my life.

-Scott

I agree 100% with Scott. For 15 years, I had a 1970 911E with 2.4S motor built to 2.7RS specs with correct MFI. I sold that car, and now have a 6-GT3. I guess the 6-GT3 is closest in spirit to the early RS cars, but the GT3 is so much more in EVERY way. Bigger/heavier, yes, but faster, tighter better chassis....etc...

I would say that the 6-GT3 is more like a lighter, faster "modern" car as opposed to being similar to an early RS car. But, my buddies who drive "modern" 911s think my GT3 is "old school", LOL!

JA

A general rule is the further you go back in time the more "raw" the car is. The older cars (2.7RS) don't have any of the modern items such as power steering or any modern electronics. Also, they tend to be lighter and more responsive. The 6GT3 is a luxury car compared to the 2.7RS. The same can be said with a newer GT3 such as the 7.1RS. It feels like driving a cadillac compared to the 6GT3. The 991 cars are even in a different league.

Thanks for humoring my question guys and very interesting perspectives. Driving a 2.7 or 964RS is on my bucket list. In the meantime, sounds like the 6-GT3 is not a bad alternative haha.

I had the opportunity/bucket list check to drive a 2.7RS last year. I've driven other early 911's but you can really tell that the RS was built differently with true Motorsport lineage.

It's very hard to compare to a 996 GT3 except in the way that the 2.7RS is significantly better than the base 911's as the GT3 is over the base 996. I don't think that the 996 GT3 will ever be as desired as the 2.7RS (or 964, 993RS) is now.
I'm sure the 996 GT3RS will go down as one of the most under appreciated RS's though.

About 10 years ago, I was on I-92 coming off the San Mateo bridge and I was behind an RS. The thing shifted gear, floored the gas, and there was fire coming out the tail pipes. it gave me goose bumps.

A 996GT3 is a more capable car, and it sates my desires just fine, but it does not spit fire.

i have had the pleasure to drive 73RS, 92RS, 95RS, 964RS, 993RS and all the watercooled RS
they really all drive different.
to say 996gt3 is similar to 73 is like saying xerox machine is same as leica and same as miro orignial. they all show the same image but really not all that similar.

996gt3 is a great car, but very very different than the earlier stuff and very different than 991

I have a 6RS and 3RS. If one must draw similarities these two cars are somewhat similar in chassis characteristics. They're equally flawed and needs one to have that 911 "finesse" to get to 8/10ths and beyond. (Admittedly it is exactly that flaw which makes our cars interesting)

The 4RS is relatively underpowered for its weight. While it may feel similar to a 993 on a slow canyon drive, you will absolutely feel the difference. The high point for me is the engine sound, which was a bit lost with the varioram in the 3 and became pretty bland in the kettle 6. The 4 also happens to be the one RS I won't be bothered to own, even at half price.

Lastly the 2.7 is a completely different thing. The latter cars just do not have that feeling of lightness. It's got an agility, and with that, a sense of fragility, that others don't. Chalk and cheese, and you won't doubt which one's the cheese :)

^ this

Mohicans. As in, "last of".