So I am moving on from my long-term track-prepped 996 beast (which in turn was a mellowing after years of spec RX-7 racing) to, how shall we term it, something more GT/sports that works well as DD but can man-up to track day a couple of times a summer. The F-Type R and 997 GTS seem hit that criteria and have a somewhat similar price point in the CPO market. However pretty different cars in a LOT of ways.

F-Type R pros: just superb visual and aural distinctiveness, hp and torque out the ying yang, 2 yr newer model for the $; Cons: 300+lbs heavier, needs another 1-2 years of refinement in the ride department; no stick option.

GTS pros: 80% of a 7.2GT3 (esp w/ aerokit) for 55% of the cost (and believe me I have watch and waited on 7GT3 prices since intro, so ouch) and beats GT3 for DD and road trip-abilty, much better track day experience than the F-Type, 6-speed!; Cons: everyday stoplight to stoplight and even parked just doesn't match that F-Type.

I dunno, maybe years of 911 ownership leave me exposed to a novelty factor..

Wait... deflector shields down and... views/thoughts please.

(oh yeah, now this dang timing of the Cayman GT4 is gonna make me question my track vs GT-street religion all over but that's a separate discussion!)

 

F type is cool but at the end of the day it's not a 911. Don't get me wrong I drove my buddy's type-r and the howl and noises the thing makes are fantastic. The car drives nice enough but it's just not the same. The GTS can take a track beating. It's been proven over the years, are you that comfortable that a relatively new Jaguar platform can handle consistent track days and the punishment associated with it?
Will the novelty of the Jag wear off relatively quickly? Clearly it hasn't in 50 years of 911's.

 

Jaguar is now offering a manual transmission in the F-Type.

 

If it was street car only then maybe lean towards the F-type - but for track days I would choose the GTS over the F-Type.

 

You will take a huge hit on depreciation with the Jag.

 

Yeah but only in the V6S. The R actually gets worse in 2016, with mandatory AWD and thus yet 200lbs more. Thats why I'm only interested in a 2015 R (some still on lots actually).

Honestly, not if the track was going to be frequent. I think one cloud the F-Type needs to clear, and it can only happen with time, is that its not a British Corvette --where the dash effectively falls in your lap after a few years.

 

I have read the V6S is the one to get on the F-Type...probably the best sounding V6 i've ever heard.

 

I see F-Types quite often (relatively speaking) around NYC. Still feels like a bit of a contrived car to me. Something about it that I can't put my finger on... I just have no "want" to get the car... I'd rather buy a used Aston V8 Vantage and deal with its shortcomings than to get this car.

 

i love the f-type, but one thing i hate is that the interior feels a tad too cramped.... almost cayman like.

i would definitely test drive both cars and see how everything feels from a casual comfort DD perspective.

 

Get the GTS.

F-type is like a fashion watch. Looks good now but not timeless.

GTS is like a Rolex.

 

Sat in them at the auto show, as mentioned….very cramped inside if you are above 6 feet tall. At 6'4" soon as I sat in in and adjusted the seat, still no room for the legs and no way could I put on a helmet for the track on due to the roof. The 911 C4S has lots of leg and headroom for me. Even more than my CTS-V sedan.

 

101% GTS. You will not look back.

 

When in doubt about cars just ask yourself what would Steve McQueen do....

McQueen would undoubtedly get the 911. Not so sure about the Jag.

 

Ted Varrick would go with the GTS for sure.

 

GTS for the win