Poppop

what is the best year for a 911 gt3 (manual), to answer the above question.

Marv

The newest one you can buy. Porsche keeps sneaking in more and more creature comforts as the model evolves.

For instance, later models added a front axel lift system option. For a time the 997 had a sunroof and newer models have PCM with nav.

That being said, my lowly 04 GT3 has 121,000 rain & shine daily driven and trip miles on the clock now, but what is comfortable for me might not be your cup of tea.

We even put it on the auto train (it just makes the low limit clearance) and drove it around the Northeast for a two week vacation. Plenty of room for two, even with our bags.

tgavem

tgavem

To be honest, a GTS or Turbo is more comfortable for daily driving and weekend trips.

996 is raw, 997.1 (2007-2009) has Traction control, 5 lugs (so lower cost for rims & tires, brakes ), sunroof. 997.2 (2010-11) has center lock wheels, axle lift, better infotainment unit and adds TC/SC.


Highly suggest you drive all kinds of Porsche's and see what fits your use and the price range you want to be in. Note, 2009/10 the infotainment unit had a big upgrade for all cars.

Crazy Canuck

996 GT3 is LOUD and drones on the highway. My ears ring. On a fun twisty road or the track it's great. DD or road trip not so much.

himself

The answers so far pretty much sum it up.

The only thing I would add is that the 996 might not have cruise control, AC and definitely has no sunroof. If it were me, I wouldn’t pick a gt3 for road trips. Daily driving is maybe doable. But it’s pretty abrasive.

-td

Marv

Cruise is probably standard on all GT3s, but I do know that there was an option to delete the A/C unit.

Probably not many did. Our A/C is ice cold.

I find the only thing about driving that is abrasive its the driving public in the USA, which thrives on a culture of roadway anarchy.

rodneyr

Not the 996 GT3. It is not a friendly daily driver. 997.1 is much better and feels like a Cadillac vs 996 GT3. As you move up in the generation 997.1, 997.2, 991.1, 991.2 you will get an overall better driving/performing car. However, the cost will continue to go up as you move up in generation.

himself

Mine doesn't have cruise. There have also been a few "retrofit" threads over the years, so I think a number of GT3's didn't have it.

AC delete was definitely an option.

-td

Crazy Canuck

No cruise on mine nor my buddy's.
Can be a bit dangerous with a spirited foot.

996FLT6

Terrible street car unless you got pool table smooth roads but it's an awesome track car. Mine had cruise control. My wife has been in car just twice in 9 or so years of ownership. My daughter hates it too. My gt3 was pretty much 90% track/10% street. Terrible ride in the streets of San Francisco. 997 and on are much better on the street. Mike

CME

Confirm the statement ^. 996 GT3 is for the track. I even avoid driving south from Westchester to NJMP in this car as the drive is horrendous. It goes to Lime Rock or the Glen as it is an ok ride. At the track the car is a thing of beauty. I have new GT4 and that is better dual purpose car and probably in similar price range.
Chet

black04

I need that cruise control retrofit.

I find that cruising on the Interstate at legal speed is difficult because the engine tone doesn't change from 60-85mph and the smallest pressure on the throttle, while I'm adjusting the radio for example, increases my speed from a legal 65 to a ticket-able 75 in just a few seconds.

rebrewer

On the 996 GT3 the stereo and a/c were no-cost options. It's rare to see one without a/c. Cruise was an inexpensive option and I'm glad I have it. It's saved me coming back from track days.

I'll echo what others have said about the 996 GT3. I bought my '05 because it was my dream car. I was thinking weekend car with occasional trips.

No.

After I spent some time with it the purpose was clear. Maybe not right away, but a track hound buddy suggested it and I might be happier on the track. He was right. It provides a very wonderful, visceral driving experience. No nannies but I'm on the ABS often at the track). The added semi-solid motor mounts only add to the higher sound level and with the RS lightweight flywheel and clutch the tranny sounds like it's going to... well, you just have to hear it. I can be disconcerting if you don't know that it's normal.

So, change of plan. Now it's driven to the track, exercised, and driven home. 60k on mine now.

I use Bose active noise-cancelling ear buds if I'm driving it more than 30 minutes. I trashed my ears in misspent youth and the GT3 has higher ambient sound level. I've turned on my stereo once to see if it worked. The sound of the Mezger engine at full song is intoxicating.

Drive one, then buy a GTS or Turbo as tgabem suggests for a DD.

yelcab

I got to drive mine more often !!!