SleepRM3

I posted a similar thread in the 964 Forum.

https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...-2004-gt3.html

In this version of the thread, I'd like your thoughts on your GT3 ownership experience compared with having a chance to own an RS America or 2005 "competition" package, (ZCP) M3.

This would be a "third car" that's used for fun touring trips, and as an instructor car for PCA DEs. I'm not looking for a race-prepped 911 (no pull vehicle, and I don't have the coin to PCA club race), but am looking for a solid, reliable, driver's 911.

I'm not in a rush to pull the trigger, as used car depreciation works in my favor, except for the RS America--prices seem to have flattened for nice low-optioned, low-mileage examples (between $35K and $39K).

Thanks.

lowside67

I dont think there's anybody who would pick either the RS or the ZCP over an 04 GT3 if all were equal, but there is a significant cost delta that needs to be factored in. I was not aware ZCP was offered for 04, I thought only 05 and 06s could be equipped with that package. My favourite part of the package is the quicker steering rack and big brakes, though the cross-drilled rotors wear quickly.

I had a ZCP M3 along with a few standard M3s and have had a 996 cab but no GT3s. I can say that in stock form, both the M3 and the ZCP M3 are extremely underwhelming on track, but a few small modifications will massively transform the car. All the car needs to be a capable and fun track car is a set of camber plates for the front, a set of 18x10s, and a set of 285-30-18 tires of your choice. It will not lap like a GT3 but it will also be $20-$25k cheaper.

As a fun street car that makes some occasional trips to the track, the E46 M3 is a good bet - it is reasonable to own in terms of maintenance and consumables, well documented, and reasonably practical - huge trunk, 4 seats, etc. On the other hand, it is not a GT3 and will not look, smell, or feel like one.

-Mark

roberga

THE RS A IS A WONDERFUL CAR AND THE BEST OF IT'S DAY. THAT DAY WAS A LONG TIME AGO. IF I COULD OWN 3-4 PORSCHES THE 1993 RSA WOULD BE ONE OF THEM. IS JUST A WAY BETTER CAR THAN THE OTHERS.

LVDell

I picked the RSA over the my GT3 when I decided to go racing. Sure I ran that GT3 to the very edge but no way was I going wheel to wheel in it. With that said, I missed the 996 line and ended up selling it to build a spbox racecar.

tlarocque

GT3, hands down. It runs circles around those cars on the track (although the other two are probably a little better suited for weekend drives). I had a 2005 M3 ZCP.... nice car but too heavy, so-so brakes, not in same league as GT3. The RSA is a great car and with some mods/weight taken out they are pretty quick on the track. If I were going to go that route (in an effort to save a few bucks), I might just find a clean '93 or '94 964 and build it to my taste. No need to pay the premium for an RSA if you're building a track car.

tlarocque

Good decision. I think you could beat that guy up on the price of his GT3. Trust me, I just sold one.

elh0102

I bought an '05 GT3 a few months back, and previouslyl owned two E46 M3's, the latter with the ZCP package. Since you are interested in track use, I'll just say, there is no comparison. I replaced the suspension on the M3 with a TCK c/o setup, with front camber plates. But it was still not close to the 6 GT3 for fun on track. If you need a sedan, the M3 is a great car, and can be made very competent on track. If you don't need the rear seat and trunk, save your money for the GT3. Unless you are interested in racing, it needs nothing but routine brake prep to go to the track.

pplace993

I know this Gt3! Its a nice car, the interior is a little unique( something more at home in a turbo), but it looks better in person! You can probably get a nice deal on this!

DHinkle

I've been lucky enought to own three RSA's and two 996 GT3's along with several BMW's. The 996 GT3 is the best of the three choices but if you are new to DE's, I would suggest the BMW. If you are looking for a street car with occasional track use, the RSA is a sweet car. It's the best of old school/newer school and I love the lines. No loser among the three. Keep in mind, GT3 is wicked fast and things happen quickly on the track. It's much easier to manage speed in the BMW. Good luck.

Rceron

You wouldn't happen to be Manny from Indianapolis who used to track an RX-7?

P.J.S.

+1
what he said

MovingChicane

I thought '05 was the first year if tge ZCP too; I ordered mine that year at least. And sold it with about 5K miles for the GT3. No similarities at all.

I now know that the M3 is a great daily driver; it is not a "visceral" sports car like a Viper or GT3. The GT3, IMO, is not a great all-around daily driver like the M3.

If it's a weekend/toy car, the RS or GT3; if you will be driving it to the office, clients, wherever regularly, I wouldn't hesitate to get the M3.

I'd add that with a good Porsche mechanic and a selection of shops around, costs have not been radically different.

85Gold

No RSA but have had a 996GT3 and over the top modded E46M3. How much is your wallet willing to loose if you wipe it out on the track. I would go with the M3, Non ZCP as rotors are expensive and crack quickly. Add a brake cooling kit to the E46, race pads, camber plates run a square setup 9.5 or 10" with the the above mentioned 285's and have fun.

Reasonable upgrades are a set of shocks/springs I would try the AST non remote's and a set of adj sway bars. Very tossable car and guick.

Even though I have an over the top GT2 I just got a 95 E36M3 as a CDTC (Cheap Disposable Track Car)

Peter

///Mous3

CDTC? How about a Boxster Spyder? It priced nearly the same as when E46M3 with ZCP was brand new.
http://www.porsche.com/microsite/boxster-spyder

Comments by the fellows:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...er-spyder.html

mooty

peter, stop lying to yourself.
let see how long you will keep the CDTC.....
selling tomorrow?