oct 09 issue 135

 

I guess I will keep my SY 996 GT3. People used to look at me kinda weird when I said I liked it better than my 997 RS in Green (other than the color). I think the right words are: "delightfully crude."

 

^Would like to hear your impressions between the 996 GT3 and the 997 GT3RS on the track.
I plan on keeping my SY 996 GT3 as long as possible. The economic tsunami is hitting hard for me but will fight to keep the car.

 

I wish I could oblige, but I don't track them. Hang in there and keep your 996 GT3.

 

Thanks anyways. I will do my best to hang in and keep her.

 

dertub... Do you mind if I ask why you won't try the GT3s out on the track? I understand if you chose not to answer.
I have a 996 GT3. Haven't taken it to the track yet, but I do take my 99 996. Every time I drive my GT3 on the street I feel like I'm short changed in the experience. Not that I don't enjoy.

We have a great PCA DE program in the DC/MD area if you ever decided to take advantage of the cars capabilities.

-KJ

 

4porsh,

See my earlier post. The GT3 RS is more powerful, sounds better, brakes better and has a nicer cabin. It is more refined and easier to go fast. It is not as demanding or engaging. It depends on what gets your heart rate up...going faster, or driving better to achieve what the car is capable of, even if the times are a little longer.
For a track only car, I've picked the 6GT3. For a DD as well, I'd go with the 7GT3 RS

 

I appreciate the info. I'ts just not why I bought them. I might spring for a new RS also if I can get one at MSRP and they open up color choices... probably not.

Thanks.

 

Thank you.

 

that was my car! alas i sold it not long after.

the mk1 is still a very special car...yes later gt3's have gotten quicker, but they don't feel the same.

 

Been sayin' it for years, ever since spending 2,500 miles in the first 997 GT3 to hit the U.S.

There's just something about the 996. And, yes, if the keys to either were offered to me, I'd take the 6 every time. If I were buying, and the two cost the same (and I was going to keep it), I'd take the 6. I may like the look, sound, interior, and any other one element of the 7 better, but the 6 has something magical in the driving that the 7 doesn't. For me, at least. But I keep seeing other informed drivers who can get past looks, interior quality, and noise arrive at the same conclusion.

But, as always, to each their own! It's not like the 7.1 isn't a GREAT car...

pete

 

Thanks for your comments Pete.
Just got back from a few days at Button Willow in my "LVdell speed yellow special" Dells old 996 GT3. One hundred plus degrees and the car was just outstanding, I could not find an issue with the way it handled and performed on track. Now on the way home my girl friend was trying to sleep and would get woken up once in a while when the car would launch in the air do to an over pass seam. That and the cup clutch is not to street friendly, but I can live with that for what the car does on the track. I love her, the car and the girlfriend.
Joe

 

Joe,
Your car looks great. Love the black rims on a SY GT3.
And the yellow tint over the lens... nice.

So it sounds like a 6gt3 is all a guy needs for max. track fun.
I won't try and argue that with anyone. After all, I've never driven either.


Phil

 

Phil,

You could always bring a helmet and sign a waiver, show up at a BMW CCA event were some of the instructors have 996 GT3s and 997 GT3s and get rides in both to feel the difference. October 31 - November 1, 2009 Infineon.
Maybe try other clubs as well, but I know the BMW instructors are encouraged to give rides.
Thanks for the kind words,
Joe

 

For what it's worth, the 6GT3 in the article is a pre-facelift model.