Currently have a 2003 C4S (which I absolutely adore) and I'm thinking of upgrading into the 400+HP bracket. There appear to be some decent deals out there on low mileage Turbos AND GT2's. I would probably be driving quite a bit (although not in snow) and average~10-12K Mi./Yr. Given that would it be worth it to go after a GT2 or should I just find a nice Turbo and settle down ?? Any comments appreciated.

 

Well, if you want something that feels similar to your C4S, but with more power, then the turbo is for you. The GT2 is another ball game entirely. Much more raw, much stiffer ride, etc. etc. The best advice is DRIVE BOTH. You will know which is right for you.

 

I am going from E46 M3 to the Turbo. If I could afford one, I would LOVE to get speed yellow GT2. RWD cars are more my speed, as I like to drive my M3 sideways with DSC off.

I wish GT2 was the cheaper one and regular turbo with AWD the more expensive one.

Say, is there a way to disable PSM and front drive axle?

Andy

 

I think it depends on how well you know the limits of your driving ability - which of course is different that how much you think you know. I know that, for me, a rear wheel drive GT2 has far too much power without the control factor of AWD. Occasionally I will take a turn just slightly too fast in the C2 and get a very quick reminder that this is a rear wheel drive/rear weight biased car. With the GT2 I would worry about the turbos breaking the rear end loose if they were to kick in at the wrong time. Although I'm already thinking about an upgrade when the next generation turbo is introduced, I'm relatively sure the car I get will be AWD.

In this month's issue of the Robb Report there was an article on the next generation of superars (Carrera GT included). One of the things that struck me about the article was a quote by Rick Roso, the motorsports marketing manager of the Skip Barber Racing School. He said of most people buying supercars "...they cruise around town thinking, 'Hey, this is easy.' From there, it's a short step to, 'OK, let's see what this baby can do.' The next thing you know, they're in deep trouble, without a clue of how to get themselves out. Bad things happen."

The advantage you have, of course, is that as someone here on the forum you are probably an enthusiast - and have also probably taken some performance DE courses. Even still, there have been a tremendously high ratio of GT2s crashed to GT2s built. That fact alone scares me enough to question my own abilities - and makes me want to know more about the abilities of those who couldn't handle the GT2.

 

Trust me, the GT2 ain't no E46 M3. The M3 is a relatively easy car to drive. It is also far less powerful and torquey.

The threshold of grip on the GT2 with its 315 rears is so high that once you break loose, it takes a LOT of attention and reflexes to catch. It's not that you can't do it. Rather, the learning curve for a GT2 is much higher than an M3.

Which is why the GT2 is in another performance league from the M3. It is the best stock Porsche you can buy, period.

 

Well put guys. I, too switched from the E46 M3 before the C4S and agree that while it may be a speed demon it can in no way be compared to the GT2. I was at a local Porsche dealership today with a salesman who had a recent hair raising experience on the track with a GT2. Seems the back end kept sliding out through high speed curves at 115-120 mph. This was with the instructor driving. Yikes!! If something like happens on your local expressway (which is certainly possible) it would be game over. I think the real world utility of the Turbo's AWD and PSM looks to be the safer (and saner) alternative for a daily driver. Now I've just got to sweet talk the wife for the next six months.

 

YES THERE IS!!!!!
I don't know exactly how, but I have been told by my shop that they disconnect the front wheel drive in under 20 mins. They will be doing this next week when they dyno my car... I have heard from other sources that it does no harm to leave it disconnected and drive like that...
Regards,
Evan

 

this topic has been dealt with many times over the last month. enough is enough. why don't you research the old threads?

 

if it was me, I'd buy a Turbo, chip it, and trick-out the suspension.
GT2's are wicked-fast, but they scare me! I'd rather have the Power of a GT2 and the
handling of a Turbo. Or you could get an X50 which has the power of a GT2 AND the Handling of the Turbo!

 

MFC996, 10-12K miles a year calls for a Turbo, no question about it. the GT2 rides stiff, no PSM, no backseat to transport little kids or people in emergencies.

Evan, they just disconnect the driveshaft leading to the front axle so it's RWD only.

 

Of course the GT3 is in the "400hp bracket" and it's every bit as quick as the GT2 and the Turbo with or without the X50 kit. If you're thinking of throwing money at the GT2, at least drive the GT3 and seriously consider the situations in your driving where the GT2 would be preferable to a GT3. I'd also consider resale value and practicality (where the GT3 might win soundly on resale, but no rear seating could be an impractical compromise from some.)

Adam

 

911 TURBO FEVER-haven't you seen this same discussion over and over again. this topic has been beaten into oblivion, and the threads are easily researchable. in addition, it is regarding two cars that have little, except wide bodies and differing turbos, that are similar. our discussions should evolve, not stagnate. that is why we don't ask watt every week why he sold his gt3. makes sense, huh?

 

Doc,

considering the paucity of posts on this board, I hardly think discouraging folks from posting is the way to go. Besides, not all are board "veterans" like yourself....maybe someone will learn something along the way...

cheers

 

ruf-good point-i stand corrected

 

Dr G: Worried about the turbos "kicking in at the wrong time and breaking the rear end loose"????? What the heck are you talking about? These lovely turbos don't have a mind of there own - but they do a great job of responding when you mash the throttle.

Do you have to be careful in rolling into the throttle with these cars - you betcha. But it's gobs of torque across the rpm range that can make the GT2 misbehave - not errant turbos.