lfish

My 2004 GT3 is a wonderful machine but I am thinking of "upgrading" to a 2011 or 2012 GTS primarily for the additional creature comforts which may make it more pleasurable as a daily driver. Has anyone made this change and are there any serious cases of buyer's remorse? Last weekend I drove a new 991 S and found that I was missing the raw, visceral qualities of the GT3 which make it a joy as a track car but compromise its daily utility. Would the GTS provide an acceptable compromise? The closest examples are 100 and 200 miles away and I wanted some Rennlister's opinions before undertaking the search in person. Thanks for any insight!

mazadi

I have a 2011 GTS. I've never driven the GT3 but I can give a little insight into how it compares to the .2 S. Before buying my current GTS I test drove a number of used S versions and was very close to pulling the trigger on a C4S before I stumbled across the GTS. I can tell you that the 24 HP increase in the GTS is definitely noticeable. It's a world different from a regular Carrera and a noticeable difference from the S. Plus, you get the big fat wide hips in the GTS. The other add-on goodies in the GTS are also quite nice. For example, I didn't think I'd care about, or really want the Alcantara, but I have to say that I really like it now. The only thing I could do without is the centerlock wheels.

sclemmons

I have the X51 C4S which is like a Gen 1 GTS.

I have lusted after the GTS but would not buy the centerlocks. There is nobody in Little Rock who could fix a flat!

I love the widebody 2WD however. The powerkit is a great option, particularly at GTS (or second hand) prices. I bet it is a pretty good trade vs the 996 GT3.

NYC_Z06

My understanding is that the GTS bridges the gap. Given that their prices have fallen to mid-80's, that's what I'm leaning towards when I finally sell my C2S. GL.

CodeRed

I had an '04 GT3 and now have a GTS. The GTS is a fine car and a much better DD, but I would be reluctant to make that change. The 996 body is not nearly attractive, but your GT3 has a true dry sump Mezger engine. It really just depends on what you want out of it...when finances permit I plan on a 997 GT3 as a keeper. GL

Precision Auto

What about a 997.1 or .2 GT3....more refined than the 996 version but still a beast! High revving 430hp in the .2! I have an 08 997.1 GT3 and LOVE it!

KBS911

I think you would love the GTS. I went from a 10 GT3 to a 12 GTS. The car is very civilized, bluetooth and cd can be actualy listened to well, unlike the GT3, but still powerful with the 408hp and predictable on the track. Very smooth, and yes, IMHO much more engaging than the 991. The wide hips look great, try to find 5 lug versus centerlock, mine was 5 lug. My wife loved the GTS. I track more and more so recently traded for a cherry 11 GT3 RS. Talk about raw in comparson. In any event I don't think you'd be disappointed with a GTS. Good bargains to be had right now too. Good luck!

lfish

Thanks all for the opinions...seems to be a bit of a division as to whether to proceed. Weather permitting, I will be checking out a couple GTS models next week. It may come down to the cash delta, thinking my car is worth mid 50s (low miles, full leather, CPO for a few more months), and the GTS dealers asking 80s to 100K. In that context it doesn't seem like a very good move unless the driving experience is compelling.

Tcc1999

The GTS is a decent compromise. It's fairly quick on the track and quite civilized on the road. But it is a compromise. As noted above, the GT3RS is a beast. Was recently at the track and it took a lot to keep up with one in my run group. The driver was a bit on the timid side It had nothing to do with the HP but the fact that the RS had more low end grunt, better brakes and has a better suspension. I'd say the GTS is about 7-8/10th's of the GT3RS (and those 2 tenths make a difference!).

If track time isn't your raison d'etre for owning a 911, the GTS is a lovely car.

Dr. Strange

Keep in mind...I think you get more revs with the GT3. I drove my brothers 2010 GT3 the other day...unreal, and that 8200 rpm redline made a huge difference. In my S, I am always having to pay very close attention to the tachometer to avoid the rev limiter. Isn't the GTS also 7200rpm redline?? I tried getting close to the redline on the GT3, until my brother said, "Uhhh...you might want to slow down". I was going 145...oops.

chandrew

I drove a GTS , 991S and got a TT .. After trying a GT3 last week.. i am looking to change to a GT3 or GT3RS.

In marching order from the back : GTS, 991S , TT , Gt3 , i never drove a GT3RS

CTK

I bought a new/old stock 2011 GTS last November from my local Porsche dealer. I really wanted a 997.2 GT3, but my local dealer essentially asked me to make an offer on their remaining GTS as they wanted it off their showroom floor in order to make room for incoming 991s. So, i picked up the GTS and I know that there are still a few new/old stock GTS's in CA, just cars.com.

Also, there are no new/old stock GT3/GT3RS models at Porsche dealers. So if you want a GT3/GT3RS you will have to settle for a pre-owned and run a DME over rev report in order to get some assurance that the engine wont immediately grenade from the prior owner's abuse. In addition, GT3 prices are rock solid right now since Porsche didn't produce any 2012 GT3s, but i expect that prices will dip when the 2013/2014 GT3/GT3RS comes out; just like what happened to the 997.2 Carrera and the 987.2 Cayman when their successors hit the market.

I've driven a GT3 and for a DD, between the GT3 and the GTS, the GTS is my first choice.

Patangatan

I have a '12 GTS with: SPASM; PCCB; Fabspeed x-pipe; Fabspeed intake, GT3 LCA's; GMG GT3/RS Swaybars. Without the upgrades the car performs great on the street; with the upgrades it's also very competent on the track; enough to pass many GT3/RS drivers. Note that the swaybars make the street experience somewhat rougher, but it's still more fun to drive as it corners like it's on rails! Very happy with the car.

alexb76

Pretty simple really... if you want a track car and are serious about that, nothing beats GT3, if you want it mostly for street, with some very casual tracking as secondary, then GTS or even a nicer C2S would do (PSE is a must on 997.2 with its muted exhaust)!