Went by the dealer today and drove a new C2 997 and really enjoyed it. When we got back the salesman asked what I thought and I said close to what I want. He than suggested we drive the S and I liked it better. I than asked him about a GT3 that was sitting there and he said lets go drive it...wow it was fast.
My dilemma....do I buy the GT3 or order the S with the amenities on it I like and can’t get on the GT3. I realize I'm lucky to have this decision to make but that doesn’t make it any easer.

 

I know it’s difficult. But can you describe how much faster is GT3 to 997S to 997.

Thanks

 

Can you live with the GT3, if you can then go for it. It'll hold its value and its close to the price of a new 997S with options. But its a rough riding, loud, in your face pure sports car, with no rear seats.

 

I would opt for GT3 unless you really need the backseats. What option are you thinking of getting on 997S?

 

Rather than compare the cars too much I think you have to think about your lifestyle, how much you will use it, is it a second or third car? The only car? If its going to be your only car, go for the C2S, if its a weekend toy - you can't beat the GT3!

 

I have 3,100 miles on mine over the last 7 weeks and drive about 550 miles per week. My GT3 is my Daily Driver. The GT3 has better brakes, suspension, engine, transmission. The 997 has better interior, body shell, and electronics. It is all about what you want. I would rather listen to the engine than a radio. But Porsche caters to the clients that want Navigation, Cupholders, Park Assist, etc.

Cheers/John

 

My GT3 is my daily driver. Whether I am off to work or a weekend jaunt, it's always an "event" to enter the car and start the engine.

 

The 997S is slightly faster than the 997. The ones I drove both had the active suspension. The GT3 is considerably faster than the 997S and has quite a different personality, in your face style.

 

Returning today to drive a turbo. I will probably drive the GT3 after the turbo and maybe the 997S again. I can’t remember the last time I had this fun trying to make a decision. Let me add that the salesman seams to be a straight up person.

 

Are all these cars new?

 

Knowing what I know now about what I want from my 911, and if I were in the "starting from scratch" position that you seem to be in, I would go with the GT3 without a second thought. The GT3 will be a awesome experience to drive today and 15 years from today.

But, having purchased a C2S already, I am not going to trade it in for a 996 GT3 ( though there are several nice ones for sale near me... see this - http://porsche.niello.com/cgi/details/2005031515433952 ).

Instead, I'm waiting for the 997 GT3.

 

If you're over 30 and going to use the car as a daily driver I'd get the 997S. That stiff harsh ride of the GT3 might become a huge PITA mistake unless you're in top physical condition.

 

In my view the 997S is within 95% of the GT3 in performance, that 5% difference you'll hardly ever use on the street. So unless you're a track rat, the GT3 is wasted as a daily driver, for me anyway.

 

I looked at all three of those 04 GT3's at Niello last week and they are pretty proud of all three of them.

The red one has very low miles, heavily optioned, with an asking price of $114,000 marked down from $124,000.

The SY one has low miles also and is marked at $104,000.

The Seal Gray one has very high miles(20k), and many of those miles are very hard miles. Asking $99,000.

I did some preliminary negoitations on trading in my 05 GT3 to Niello for a C2s or I might wait for the 997 GT3 to arrive. Not sure what I will do.

Good hunting.

 

Only the 997