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Think 4.0. Then think 90% or more. If you don't like the 997.2 4.0 then you won't like the 3.8 Everybody's different.
I took your statement - "I used to turn back and look at it (.2 3.8 RS) every time I drove it and wonder how could it be that good?" to be the #3 you mentioned (behind R and 4.0L) - and that's entirely subjective. Many would take a .1 3.6L over a .2 3.8
I couldn't imagine anyone trying to argue any 997 variant being superior vs a 4.0L. that's a fools argument, one not supported by me. My only time being a fool was not buying a PTS one offered to me at $305K!
Last edited by pissedpuppy; 01-13-2021 at 02:42 PM.
Correct, the 997.2 3.8RS is number 3 for me. It's a spectacular car. The 4.0 is just better, faster, by some margin. The R is totally different but equally great. The 997.1 RS is a wonderful 911. But to me, not equal to the .2. And wasn't that the original question? Maybe the .1 is a better street car. And possibly better looking. It's been a while since I've driven one but I don't recall ever missing it. I miss my 3.8RS, but it had no A/C, lightest in US and someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Advice? But buy one with A/C.
Correct, the 997.2 3.8RS is number 3 for me. It's a spectacular car. The 4.0 is just better, faster, by some margin. The R is totally different but equally great. The 997.1 RS is a wonderful 911. But to me, not equal to the .2. And wasn't that the original question? Maybe the .1 is a better street car. And possibly better looking. It's been a while since I've driven one but I don't recall ever missing it. I miss my 3.8RS, but it had no A/C, lightest in US and someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Advice? But buy one with A/C.
no argument - R and 4L are legendary and will be the collectables, simply fantastic machines.
Personally I've only owned .1s, but I've read plenty and watched a number of videos that the .2 RS wasn't worth the additional $$$ for me, or my budget!
I cannot really tell a huge difference in looks, and I doubt the performance is demonstrably better (could I out-perform some folks driving a 4L vs a 3.6L? No, LOL!)
I'd never slag anyone off for owning either, and frankly I might add the 996 GT3 into that too. End of the day, for those driving GT3s, 996, 997, 991 - we're all pretty fortunate!
no argument - R and 4L are legendary and will be the collectables, simply fantastic machines.
Personally I've only owned .1s, but I've read plenty and watched a number of videos that the .2 RS wasn't worth the additional $$$ for me, or my budget!
I cannot really tell a huge difference in looks, and I doubt the performance is demonstrably better (could I out-perform some folks driving a 4L vs a 3.6L? No, LOL!)
I'd never slag anyone off for owning either, and frankly I might add the 996 GT3 into that too. End of the day, for those driving GT3s, 996, 997, 991 - we're all pretty fortunate!
Thought this might be fun. I remember this day well. A fine original example of a Porsche legend. The '74 3.0 RS. This is an unbelievably fast, light, street legal race car. But when you get over the money, the "I have it and you don't" crap; from the driver's seat, the 997.2 3.8 RS was/is better in every way. That's how much I believe in the 3.8.RS. For me, there is probably no better 911, or even sports car under $200k than this car. And, BTW, the 997.2 3.8 GT3 is not the same as the RS.
Thought this might be fun. I remember this day well. A fine original example of a Porsche legend. The '74 3.0 RS. This is an unbelievably fast, light, street legal race car. But when you get over the money, the "I have it and you don't" crap; from the driver's seat, the 997.2 3.8 RS was/is better in every way. That's how much I believe in the 3.8.RS. For me, there is probably no better 911, or even sports car under $200k than this car. And, BTW, the 997.2 3.8 GT3 is not the same as the RS.
As greater men than I have famously said before: "RS is RS"
Great thread and lots of really insightful comments.
My feeling is unless you are driving them back-to-back or in reasonably close succession, many of the differences will be largely irrelevant because they are at the margins and either car will look, feel and sound fantastic! There is no wrong answer here, so unless you are partial to one or the other (for whatever reason) simply buy the best example (either .1 or .2) you can find and afford.
Now that said.. the things that make me partial (other than aesthetics of course) include:
Gear ratios (one thing you will definitely feel - some like revs for longer others the urgency of tight ratios)
CL wheels (look the part, but can be a pita if you track the car)
Sunroof (if you are tall it compromises headroom)
Lap times (if you are chasing times, the .2 is definitely faster in stock form with significantly improved aero/10% more power/etc)
405 mentioned the sound of the 3.6 with the 4.0lwfw, here is a clip of that sound:
I just moved to SF. I'd enjoy meeting up with you for a drive some time. Very nice .1 you have there. Look forward to mtg you.
Mine has the 4.0 Ltwt kit as well, and I totally agree with the building revs and sound. Simply sublime. How often do you go to TH? I'd love to check this track out some time. Looks like a high speed funfest.
Best,
Chris
Last edited by christallon; 01-15-2021 at 02:08 PM.
So I've been watching the 997 GT3RS market for about 2 years. As of late (last 6 weeks) it seems more .1's have hit the market than .2's, and when I say more it's single digits. As I scour the interweb the same usual suspects have been for sale on the big 3 car sale websites for about as long as i've been looking. I'm shocked that as prices continue to rise they haven't sold, I would think the dealers would want to freshen up inventory and clear the books. Getting back on track, I love the look of both the .1 and .2, but admittedly have never driven a .1. I realize this is very subjective, but can I get some input as to which 997 RS is best to purchase and why? I'm not looking for a 4.0. I'm also not looking for this to be a garage queen. I plan on driving it a few times a week. My expectations are for a raw, visceral, and engaging driving experience. One that shakes me to the core and has my ears ringing with NA envy after a day in the canyons. I want to work for it and feel at the end of the day that i've earned my stiff forearms, sore back, and buzzing ears. Conversely, I also don't want to be plagued with maintenance problems after getting the car initially sorted out. I do realize the car is a decade old and inevitably I'm gonna have issues and that parts wear out. I just don't want to spend more time wrenching than smiling behind the wheel. I find myself drawn to the grey/black .2, but a .1 pumpkin or signal always brings a smile to my face. Thanks in advance for your time.
The best RS or any GT car is the one in your garage.
Agree with Cubsfan1. Any choice will leave you in awe. Maintenance wise, it's really basic stuff, beyond the coolant lines pinned, suspension work, tires, ltwt clutch kit etc that is more or less a one time thing. The Metzger motor is a work of art, dependable, powerful, high revving, simply incredible.
If you truly want to work hard for your grins, I'd urge you to also consider the 996 GT3. That car is a wild child that will leave you exhausted, and smiling, after a long day on track or in the canyons. I had 3 before finally deciding on the RS. I simply love the lines of the .1RS, the simplicity, the size, the fir and finish, and yes, the Pumpkins color. Incredibly satisfying, cohesive and aesthetic experience.
Enjoy the hunt, and the learning curve. A very rewarding endeavor...
Last edited by christallon; 01-15-2021 at 02:20 PM.
Perfect combo. A 996gt3 as a track beater. The 4.0 only does very special track days. More than once I’ve been tempted to do a heart transplant! The 4.0l engine and throttle response would be awesome in the 996.
Thought this might be fun. I remember this day well. A fine original example of a Porsche legend. The '74 3.0 RS. This is an unbelievably fast, light, street legal race car. But when you get over the money, the "I have it and you don't" crap; from the driver's seat, the 997.2 3.8 RS was/is better in every way. That's how much I believe in the 3.8.RS. For me, there is probably no better 911, or even sports car under $200k than this car. And, BTW, the 997.2 3.8 GT3 is not the same as the RS.
That’s an awesome experience to have first hand. I’ve been fortunate enough to be behind the wheel of some amazing Porsche, but 74rs, 993-gt2 and 959 are 3 I’ve never had the pleasure to drive that I wish I had. And I’m pretty sure you have owned at least 2/3.
01-13-2021, 02:40 PM
