M. Ryan Humphris

I am in the mid stages of deciding which path I want to go down for my first gt car.

I have finalized my decision down to a 997 gt3 and a 981 gt4

both can be had for roughly the same money at this point since I’m not looking at an RS

the gt4 is a bit small for my stature, although I could make it work.

the gt3 is still a dream car for me and I absolutely need/want a manual

for those that have owned or driven both, especially in autocross I’d love your input.

pissedpuppy

GT3 and (to me) it's not close - I've owned both, and even both at the same time

sold GT4 shortly after purchase (40 miles) - was not a fan of all the technology (loved the rev matching tho).

GT4 steering felt numb, brakes were great (PCCBs, but on GT3 they are equally as good), it was a capable car but felt slower and more quiet. also, same overall size (not smaller)

tq.3z

They're different cars - just go try them. Comparing them is possible but when you spend time with/own for any length of time you quickly understand how silly of a consideration this is.

Though the short answer is if one is a dream and has been for a while why are you not just doing that? You're thinking too much and are going to get bad advice from some biased random internet person.

tq.3z

40 miles in one car does not qualify you to have an opinion on said car. You went on a test drive, basically.

irish guitar

GT3

Viv

pissedpuppy

well, that's your opinion, on my opinion...so NO better than anyone else's really. you know what they say about opinions...

what you didn't address was the years of GT3 ownership (going on year 10, and my 3rd) that has qualified me enough to rule out the GT4 (40 miles, 400 miles, or 4 miles)

I'm just confident (again, for me) that the 997 platform is the end of the road for me as well - beyond that, too much tech and a crappy numb feeling

Belinko

Cayman GT4 is easier to drive, more forgiving and just as quick as 997 gt3 on track. Obviously, driver dependent, but in generalities a modern GT4 is about equivalent to a 13yo GT3.

I was deciding between both. I wanted to learn how to drive a 911 and mezger engine. The 981 had some teething issues on track, transmission, suspension towers. I think the 997 is a better built track car stock for stock. On the other hand caymans have warranties, perhaps a better daily driver etc.

ngng

both good cars. both easy to drive at "7/10s". mid engine more balanced. rear engine cars need more driver skill. on the street gt4 is leaps and bounds better. get what u like

Spyerx

owned both, 997RS still in the garage.

on a 'typical' track they are similar pace with identical tires
gt4 is maybe easier to drive at limit, more forgiving
981 is much better on the street for 'daily' type use
the 997 engine, its special, has an urgency that the spec sheets just don't describe given similar HP ratings, it wants to pull and will just bounce the redline and want to pull more. the gt4 runs out of gas
in competitive ax, in a tighter track, the gt4 may have an edge on handling, but i suspect the gt3 will edge it with gearing
the steering and chassis feel on the 997 is among the best

noro78

GT4 is more of an auto-x car than a gt3. The lower speeds and rapid direction changes are more suited for a mid engine car.
HOWEVER
I too was in the same boat that you are.. 0 regrets with the choice I made (GT3). I know 2 people personally with a GT4 that wish they went with a GT3.

I autocross the gt3 all the time, and even though I could post a tad bit faster times with the gt4.. at the end of the day .. I have a 911 and you can't say that with a GT4.

-eztrader-

GT3 much better, not close IMO.

GT4 and Spyder need "GT engines" . . .then it would be a fair matchup

M. Ryan Humphris

thanks for the comments, these are currently what I’m thinking.

Robocop305

Get the GT3. Don't settle for less. If you always wanted a GT3, then get it. If not, you will always want to have one.

BryanCO

I bought a new GT4 back in 2016 and kept it three years. Just passed the two year mark with my 997.1 GT3. While I loved the GT4, I would certainly chose the GT3 for a weekend type car. The reasons are noted above....

bweSteve

OP, can you please post the link to your 982 GT4 subforum thread? (I want to read all their justifications for the GT4 over the 997 GT3)

to contribute: swapped rides with a buddy a year ago. His GT4 & my 997.2 GT3. Reminded me of the 30 minute test drive I did prior to buying the GT3. Across the board (AX, Street, & yes even Track because we're talking Manual Trans here), the choice is clear here,... GT3 all-day every-day, ... but its just my own opinion