Reedy26

I'm really struggling with this. Just sold my 997 C4S and starting to research my next P car. I am considering a 997.1 (or .2) GT3 or a 997.2 Turbo with PDK. I really like the more aggressive look of the GT3, not to mention the sweet sweet sound. However, I know it cant really match the potential straight line/stop light performance of a Turbo, especially one with a tune. I would use the car mostly on the street with a couple of track days per year along with a road rally here and there. My other concern is depreciation. It seems that the GT cars hold value very well. Any insight to either? Issues or things to look out for?

cwheeler

Easy. More rare, more special, more raw, more track performance, more sounds, more Porsche -> -> -> GT3. Every. Single. Day.

My opinion anyway.

Cw.

MexicoBlueTurboS

A lot of people will argue for the NA GT3 vs a T or TS but one has to question if this really was an issue then why are so many cars with turbos in auto racing doing quite well?

A thread on the subject.

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...turbo-lag.html

Skwerl

Counterpoint: 6-speed Turbo coupes are also holding value very well, particularly if you get an interesting color. Go for an 09-13 for even better value retention and rarity.

Some strategic mods can make it pretty "raw" as well: exhaust, stiffer engine and trans mounts, aggressive alignment/tires, upgraded shifter cables, maybe a lightweight flywheel, and you have a car that's much more explosive on the street than a GT3 that feels kind of slow unless you're ringing its neck.

Fined

Between the two.. GT3 with no consideration for the turbo at all.

Hella-Buggin'

You need to drive both. The GT3 is awesome but not for everyone.

jkoravos

Depends what you want it for. To drive for a few years, probably neither will lose much value in that time then it comes down to which one you like driving better. To keep as a long term collector/investment, the GT3 is the obvious choice.

MexicoBlueTurboS

Every "investment" Porsche should have this standard disclaimer on the first page of the manual. "Past performance is no guarantee of future results"

https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...81474979909896

Drive both and buy the one you like.

Mike Murphy

Agree with the others: drive both.

If you want the best feel on the track, get the GT3. Not that you cannot change the way a turbo drives, you can, but why mod a car to make it like another that’s already done...

If you want the best street performance, go with the turbo.

If you want both street and track performance, a car that can do everything, the turbo might have a slight edge over the GT3 with some adjustment and a light mods.

But again, drive both a see what you like.

jkoravos

Yeah, I think it's silly to buy these cars as an investment but people do it regardless of what you or I think.

TheBruce

GT3, no doubt.

Reedy26

Thanks for the input. I think part of the appeal of the GT3 for me is how raw it is, but if I can achieve that in a turbo with some minor upgrades, then maybe that is the way to go for me. I'll have to drive both.

Skwerl

To my Turbo recommendation I'd add that the .1 (2007-2009) has a more of that "raw" character than the .2 because of its Mezger engine. Same basic plant as the GT3, nice and rattly and racy. The .2 Turbo has the smoother DFI street-oriented engine.

Bxstr

Turbo for acceleration. GT3 for sound. I went GT3, have driven both.

For problems, 997.2 Turbo main issue is going to be if you had a PDK failure. 997.1 GT3 is going to have coolant line issues, 997.2 GT3 is going to have coolant line issues and cam bolt issues. Coolant lines you just pin or weld.

Depreciation on either is as minimal as you are going to find when it comes to Porsche's, outside of something limited production, like a Carrera GT, RS4.0 or 911R.

No wrong answer. A couple of my friends have had Turbos, or have Turbos. I always enjoy them. They are great. I bet if I didn't have as much time driving them as I did, I would have considered one. But knowing I can get a ride in one at any time made me go GT3.

jamesinger

For what you say, and without reading any other posts, for your intended use + if there is no chance this car will be a daily—GT3 100%.
I have gotten to ride in some Turbos, and I have driven a 993 (Arena Red) Turbo. I feel like they are so awesome for driving, even in traffic. People might not agree but the turbos I have driven have always felt like excellent Grand Touring cars. Riding in them has always been so cush in my experience. A Turbo was my dream car all through high school and for years after as well while I was in college.
GT3s are not great Grand Touring cars until the PDK 991, which I have only ridden shotgun in over longer distances of over 100 miles or so. The 996-997 GT3s are not very daily friendly in my experience. I have driven and ridden in 996 GT3s, which feel insanely raw just as so many people have claimed. 997.1 seems more refined (maybe because of the chill seats) but even with PASM is harsh. Interestingly, the 997.2 I have driven and ridden in feels a lot like the 996s IMO because of the RSS roll bar, the GMG center bypass with the big oval tip, and the LWB.
The second the GT3 came out, I swapped my view from the super cush autobahn crusher turbos to the nürburgring record ruiner GT3 but I see them as different cars with different purposes.
Last, I specifically got a C2S to move away from AWD. will you miss AWD? That is worth considering as an ex-C4S owner.