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Firstly, thanks for being such a fantastic community. I have learned a ton from all of you.
I’m looking to buy my first Porsche in the next year. I caught the bug from my Dad (SC, 930, 987S, 981S) and can now do something about it. I’m looking for a car to drive on the weekend on long trips and spirited drives, and the very occasional DE day. I’d like to hold it for a good long while, ogle it etc. You guys get it.
But I am torn between moderate mile 993's with a few upgrades (wheels, suspension) and fairly stock 996 GT3's. The 993 appeals as a modern classic, reminds me of my Dad’s SC, and seems a good performance level for the street. The GT3 really caught my imagination when it came out (Mk 1 in South Africa)--I can still picture Evo magazine's first review of a speed yellow Mk1--and then had a passenger ride in one in parade a year or so later. I love the shape, the engine, what it represents etc.
I’ve put a few hundred miles on a 993 C4S (which was a bit ropey, to be fair). I have not piloted a GT3.
Is the GT3 too much for the street? Would it be an exercise in frustration to have to deal with other drivers and The Law?
Your collective wisdom and experience would be much appreciated here. Thanks.
If "New York area" means NYC, while a GT3 is an amazing vehicle, it's not your friend in this pothole infested jungle. Total boneshaker on city streets and area highways unless you're on a parkway.
Keep it on the track.
993 much better street ride, as you can imagine, but if you didn't dig the C4S might not be for you.
Plenty of SCs out there and prices are coming down...
Gt3 is fine for a daily driver here in Chicago area, but driving the local speed limit sucks. I drive the sc all summer as a daily, love it. Honestly looking for a 993 for a second daily, wife wants summer commuter.
Gt3 is the yellow school bus and hanging with my son, it's always awaiting DE days!
Jump on gt3 if it's for the long term! 993 if to enjoy tomorrow! Better yet get both!
964 : ). Gt3 is terrible on the road. Doesn't even sound good puttering at city speed like it's bored. Awesome track car though. Do like the 993 as far as looks go. Stock ratios on 993 is very long. The 964 has perfectly matched ratio for the power. Very agile and great feel. Mike
Firstly, thanks for being such a fantastic community. I have learned a ton from all of you.
I’m looking to buy my first Porsche in the next year. I caught the bug from my Dad (SC, 930, 987S, 981S) and can now do something about it. I’m looking for a car to drive on the weekend on long trips and spirited drives, and the very occasional DE day. I’d like to hold it for a good long while, ogle it etc. You guys get it.
But I am torn between moderate mile 993's with a few upgrades (wheels, suspension) and fairly stock 996 GT3's. The 993 appeals as a modern classic, reminds me of my Dad’s SC, and seems a good performance level for the street. The GT3 really caught my imagination when it came out (Mk 1 in South Africa)--I can still picture Evo magazine's first review of a speed yellow Mk1--and then had a passenger ride in one in parade a year or so later. I love the shape, the engine, what it represents etc.
I’ve put a few hundred miles on a 993 C4S (which was a bit ropey, to be fair). I have not piloted a GT3.
Is the GT3 too much for the street? Would it be an exercise in frustration to have to deal with other drivers and The Law?
Your collective wisdom and experience would be much appreciated here. Thanks.
Consider reading this ENTIRE thread.
I don't miss my 993 as compared to the GT3.
I've owned 2 993s and 1 6GT3. They are the best choices. The GT3 is a great track car, not so much for the street. The 993 is a good all around car, and makes great sounds. They are different enough so you should try to drive each before you decide. If I were looking for a driver, I'd favor the 993. If looking for a track car, the 6GT3 is hard to beat.
Enjoy the search!
If you really want a good daily why not look at a 996tt? I drove my first one everyday for a year before I sold it. Has the daily driver abilities and the performance.
I would save your pennies and maybe look to find a used GT4 that can be had without the huge markup. You might have accept one with higher mileage and sofa seats, but based on my short-term ownership of one and comparing to my 14 year old GT3, its a great car.
Chet
I’m looking for a car to drive on the weekend on long trips and spirited drives, and the very occasional DE day. I’d like to hold it for a good long while, ogle it etc. You guys get it.
Get the 6gt3 for your weekly dose of mechanical rawness, Mezger engine noises, and street-legal Cup-car harshness. Couple of days a week, 1hr/day on back-roads (no traffic, no lights). Plus the occasional track day. Take it like a single-malt scotch.
For anything more than that get something softer and more civilized, including a 993, boxster (base, S, spyder, etc. -- all excellent back-road carvers).
In terms of valuations, I estimate that the 6gt3 has the largest upside from here as the 964 and 993 have already moved up a lot. The 6gt3 has been the red-headed step-child of the GT3 world even though it's the closest to its race Cup car by far, but that may start changing as GT cars become too electronic, sterile and 'street-friendly', not to speak of turbo, hybrid, or electric going forward.
I own and LOVE both - they are actually quite different, and hence the appeal of 'one of each'.
As many have pointed out, the GT3 is really not much fun on the street. Crash boom bang on bad roads, and you simply can't open it up for more than a few seconds. The transmission is also balky by comparison (at least mine is). The 993 with a re-gear and rs shifter shifts like butter.
Also, the 996 has a pretty crappy interior and an overall build quality that is a far cry from the earlier cars. Don't get me wrong. it's stiff as hell, but the 993 and earlier cars are in another league in terms of the build and materials you can see and feel. I'd suggest the 996 GT3 is ALL DRIVETRAIN, in a cheap (stiff) shell. PERFECT for the track.
Before getting the GT3 I used to use my 993 on track, and for the occasional DE, it is more than a good time. I probably did 100 DE days in mine as a dual use car, and it was wonderful. But it really is a street car, and that's the configuration I am returning it to now. It really feels like a special car - very well balanced IMO in terms of power, handling, brakes, looks, etc.
The GT3 is a scalpel, a truly raw experience when on a track.
Based on what you intend as your use, I'd pick up a cherry 993 (or 964) and call it a day.
07-11-2017, 10:03 AM
Choosing 996 GT3 or 993
