Which 997 3RS do you prefer .1 or .2?
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Which 997 3RS do you prefer .1 or .2?
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.
Popular Reply
01-09-2021, 01:41 PM
Rennlist Member
The 7.2rs is the materially better performing car to all other 7’s. I never had any of the vibration issues in 3.6/3.8/4.0, dmfw or lwfw. I never knew anyone personally that did. I’ve never used a mechanic that has seen the issue first hand but were all aware of it. That being said, there are plenty of examples on RL of it happening. I’ve never seen any conclusive evidence/opinion WHAT causes one vs the other to have issues, but plenty of theories about why 3.8/4.0/3.6/lwfw are more/less prone. Outside of the opinion that the 3.8 lwfw is most prone to vibration issues backing out fasteners (although some would say the 4.0 is and others say it’s less......so who knows), by almost every objective measure of how the machine reacts/performs, the 7.2rs is a meaningful step above the other 7’s. And then they just took that a step further on the 2rs and 4.0.
If you want confidence inspiring performance machine that still makes you work for it 7.2rs is the peak. All that being said, all these machines become less about performance and more about “feel” as they age. People don’t own a 73rs for how it performs; they own it for how it feels. I think I almost tend to like the feel of the 7.1rs out of them all, for almost completely subjective reasons. My one big knock on the 3.6 7’s is the suspension really gets flustered with any meaningful undulation.....like you just totally lose tire contact and it gets really unsettled. A lot of people mention gearing but meh, I can go either way. The long gearing with a little less torque and that sweet 3.6 makes for one of the most intoxicating, drawn out crescendos to redline I’ve ever experienced. The 4.0 and lower gearing got to RL so much faster sometimes it felt over before it started. That being said, you were almost always in the right gear/rpm with that car.......hence, subjective fun vs objective performance can be at odds at times. I could go through other little quirky things about the 3.6 that make it the charmer for me; none of them make it the better performing car but most of them causing it to be easier to access fun at reasonable speeds on street. For the track, hands down the 3.8rs is just head and shoulders better out of the box.
my analysis isn’t unique to 3.6 vs 3.8 rs. Each refresh/model pushes the performance envelope and gives me an initial RUSH of fun due to that performance envelope being extended. I admire that a similar feeling machine has taken yet another step in every performance category but somehow still feels connected to its prior gen/version. But that is the history of the entire 911 lineup. You can feel similarities in a 901 and a 992. The similarities get less and less and the performance gap wider but the lineage is still there. The real “fun” analysis for me starts to unfold over time as several better performing models get released and the RUSH of that 3.8 or 4.0 starts to fade as being “one of the best performing cars you’ve ever driven before”. THEN, for me I start to be able to really understand, “hmmm, which one FEELS the best, most fun, most comfortable, most accessible fun at sane speeds, most fun at all rpm’s/speeds, etc, etc”. EVERYONE has a different inflection point where the trade-off between performance and some other characteristic goes too far. For some, that is 356/901; 993/996 aircooled; 991/992 analogue gauges (that one makes me giggle ); 964/993 upright headlights; 73/74 impact bumpers; Hydraulic/electric steering; on and on. For some it is specifically at the 7.1rs vs 7.2rs where that trade-off gets out of whack for what they like.
they will ALL be clunky, slow and pains in the asses eventually. If you can, try to own them all at different times and figure out what you really like. Don’t worry about what some other RL yahoo says or the weighted avg collected opinion of the RL enthusiast mob says, because their criteria are likely going to be different than yours.
so, my earlier response was a LOT more concise: You really can’t go wrong with any of them and I still appreciate things I like better or worse on all of them.
If you want confidence inspiring performance machine that still makes you work for it 7.2rs is the peak. All that being said, all these machines become less about performance and more about “feel” as they age. People don’t own a 73rs for how it performs; they own it for how it feels. I think I almost tend to like the feel of the 7.1rs out of them all, for almost completely subjective reasons. My one big knock on the 3.6 7’s is the suspension really gets flustered with any meaningful undulation.....like you just totally lose tire contact and it gets really unsettled. A lot of people mention gearing but meh, I can go either way. The long gearing with a little less torque and that sweet 3.6 makes for one of the most intoxicating, drawn out crescendos to redline I’ve ever experienced. The 4.0 and lower gearing got to RL so much faster sometimes it felt over before it started. That being said, you were almost always in the right gear/rpm with that car.......hence, subjective fun vs objective performance can be at odds at times. I could go through other little quirky things about the 3.6 that make it the charmer for me; none of them make it the better performing car but most of them causing it to be easier to access fun at reasonable speeds on street. For the track, hands down the 3.8rs is just head and shoulders better out of the box.
my analysis isn’t unique to 3.6 vs 3.8 rs. Each refresh/model pushes the performance envelope and gives me an initial RUSH of fun due to that performance envelope being extended. I admire that a similar feeling machine has taken yet another step in every performance category but somehow still feels connected to its prior gen/version. But that is the history of the entire 911 lineup. You can feel similarities in a 901 and a 992. The similarities get less and less and the performance gap wider but the lineage is still there. The real “fun” analysis for me starts to unfold over time as several better performing models get released and the RUSH of that 3.8 or 4.0 starts to fade as being “one of the best performing cars you’ve ever driven before”. THEN, for me I start to be able to really understand, “hmmm, which one FEELS the best, most fun, most comfortable, most accessible fun at sane speeds, most fun at all rpm’s/speeds, etc, etc”. EVERYONE has a different inflection point where the trade-off between performance and some other characteristic goes too far. For some, that is 356/901; 993/996 aircooled; 991/992 analogue gauges (that one makes me giggle ); 964/993 upright headlights; 73/74 impact bumpers; Hydraulic/electric steering; on and on. For some it is specifically at the 7.1rs vs 7.2rs where that trade-off gets out of whack for what they like.
they will ALL be clunky, slow and pains in the asses eventually. If you can, try to own them all at different times and figure out what you really like. Don’t worry about what some other RL yahoo says or the weighted avg collected opinion of the RL enthusiast mob says, because their criteria are likely going to be different than yours.
so, my earlier response was a LOT more concise: You really can’t go wrong with any of them and I still appreciate things I like better or worse on all of them.
#2
Rennlist Member
Based on your description I would get a .1. I think the .1 is a little more raw and less refined than the .2 but you won't be disappointed with either one. Good luck.
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#3
Rennlist Member
I'd like to have a .2 in a .1 body.
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#6
Nordschleife Master
I can’t say which is more raw or “better” since I have never driven either. However, sentiment seems equally split. Many like the looks of the .1 more while they prefer the performance of the .2
I can tell you I got off the RS tread mill chasing the latest and greatest. Realized I was one of many Manchurian candidates programmed to “want” the next faster model that in reality could in no way deliver it’s designed performance on the street or any where near it without me flirting with jail or worse.
I realized the models I enjoyed the most were my 997’s especially my GTS. I still regret selling it to this day. I realized the way forward was going back.
From my reading the 997RS is the last of the true raw tactile driver’s car RS with its true rear engined Porsche design, last of the Mezger engined, hydraulic steering Porsche with three peddles, SM flywheel and produced in true limited numbers. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
Buy the one that you prefer. Here’s mine. Expect delivery this weekend.
I can tell you I got off the RS tread mill chasing the latest and greatest. Realized I was one of many Manchurian candidates programmed to “want” the next faster model that in reality could in no way deliver it’s designed performance on the street or any where near it without me flirting with jail or worse.
I realized the models I enjoyed the most were my 997’s especially my GTS. I still regret selling it to this day. I realized the way forward was going back.
From my reading the 997RS is the last of the true raw tactile driver’s car RS with its true rear engined Porsche design, last of the Mezger engined, hydraulic steering Porsche with three peddles, SM flywheel and produced in true limited numbers. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
Buy the one that you prefer. Here’s mine. Expect delivery this weekend.
Last edited by Waxer; 01-06-2021 at 03:12 AM.
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#7
Rennlist Member
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.
I've never driven a .2 but I absolutely love my .1 ...its the best car I've ever driven/owned. Its the perfect size, looks fantastic and gives me all of the emotional feedback I'm looking for in an analog type car. As someone else said, I've been told by others who have driven both, that the .1 feels a little more raw.
I've had mine for almost 7 years now, at around 1,000 miles per year, and has only needed regular maintenance. My friend has a .1 also and he has almost 50k miles with basically nothing more than regular maintenance as well.
The green color is RS Green, color code 2D8.
Good luck in your search.
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#8
Rennlist Member
I’ve own3d both. Still own grey black 3.8.
both are great.
I personally prefer the look of the 3.6 - mine was arctic / orange (rarest combo).
I have owned a few 911 turbos, and compared to a turbo car, it felt a little under powered.
the suspension was also twitchy at speed, which was alarming. It sounded GREAT - somet8mes I think it sounded better then the 3.8.
the 3.8 is a better sports car overall. The bump In horsepower and torque adds what was missing.
The downforce really helps with lateral acceleration- you can really move in this car.
”two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
and sorry I could not travel both...”
You will not regret either choice....
3.8
3.6
both are great.
I personally prefer the look of the 3.6 - mine was arctic / orange (rarest combo).
I have owned a few 911 turbos, and compared to a turbo car, it felt a little under powered.
the suspension was also twitchy at speed, which was alarming. It sounded GREAT - somet8mes I think it sounded better then the 3.8.
the 3.8 is a better sports car overall. The bump In horsepower and torque adds what was missing.
The downforce really helps with lateral acceleration- you can really move in this car.
”two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
and sorry I could not travel both...”
You will not regret either choice....
3.8
3.6
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#9
I’ve own3d both. Still own grey black 3.8.
both are great.
I personally prefer the look of the 3.6 - mine was arctic / orange (rarest combo).
I have owned a few 911 turbos, and compared to a turbo car, it felt a little under powered.
the suspension was also twitchy at speed, which was alarming. It sounded GREAT - somet8mes I think it sounded better then the 3.8.
the 3.8 is a better sports car overall. The bump In horsepower and torque adds what was missing.
The downforce really helps with lateral acceleration- you can really move in this car.
”two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
and sorry I could not travel both...”
You will not regret either choice....
3.8
3.6
both are great.
I personally prefer the look of the 3.6 - mine was arctic / orange (rarest combo).
I have owned a few 911 turbos, and compared to a turbo car, it felt a little under powered.
the suspension was also twitchy at speed, which was alarming. It sounded GREAT - somet8mes I think it sounded better then the 3.8.
the 3.8 is a better sports car overall. The bump In horsepower and torque adds what was missing.
The downforce really helps with lateral acceleration- you can really move in this car.
”two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
and sorry I could not travel both...”
You will not regret either choice....
3.8
3.6
#10
Rennlist Member
I prefer the looks and torquier motor of the .2
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#11
Rennlist Member
pro photo
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#13
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Have driven both, but about 10 years apart. So can’t really comment on the driving. But the gear ratios in the .2 RS are noticeably shorter than the ones in the .2 GT3 (I believe the gear ratios are the same between .2 GT3, .1 GT3, and .1 RS). Car picks up better in all gears than the .2 GT3.
I was in the same boat as you debating between .1 RS and .2 RS. I liked the colors better on the .1 RS (green and orange) and I think the look is overall more iconic. But, I remember when I drove one that it didn’t feel drastically different over a .1 GT3 which costs $50k less. In the 997.1 generation, the RS had the same horsepower as the GT3 (415 vs 415) and it was 44 lbs (20 kg) lighter. Plus a few others changes such a single-mass flywheel, C4S wide body, and unique colors with decals. Not as big of a change from GT3 to GT3 RS as we saw in the 997.2 generation and not nearly as much as we see today in the 991.
Plus, I thought going from a .2 GT3 to a .1 RS might have been a step backwards. With this in mind, I decided to go with the .2 RS. Just my two cents, but I wish you luck with your search.
I was in the same boat as you debating between .1 RS and .2 RS. I liked the colors better on the .1 RS (green and orange) and I think the look is overall more iconic. But, I remember when I drove one that it didn’t feel drastically different over a .1 GT3 which costs $50k less. In the 997.1 generation, the RS had the same horsepower as the GT3 (415 vs 415) and it was 44 lbs (20 kg) lighter. Plus a few others changes such a single-mass flywheel, C4S wide body, and unique colors with decals. Not as big of a change from GT3 to GT3 RS as we saw in the 997.2 generation and not nearly as much as we see today in the 991.
Plus, I thought going from a .2 GT3 to a .1 RS might have been a step backwards. With this in mind, I decided to go with the .2 RS. Just my two cents, but I wish you luck with your search.
Last edited by RapidGT; 01-06-2021 at 12:31 PM.
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#14
I just picked up my Pumpkin in May of 2020. Very very happy with it. The .2 was on my radar for a while, but ultimately, I preferred the wing on the .1, and the overall aesthetic of the car. Mine is set up aggressively with uprated suspension, 4.0 clutch flywheel, etc... It drives so well, and the fit and finish is just so right. It feels more like a vintage car, which I prefer. I came from a 996 GT3, which was quite a different animal. That car made you work for everything. Talk about feeling it after a long drive. Fantastic car, but honestly the RS is more my flavor now. I've not driven a .2 RS, so can't comment on the driving experience. I found the high wing, the center lock wheels, a little too much for me. IMHO, the 997.1 RS will go down as the last of it's breed. 997.1 RS for me, all the way, and yes the Orange is sublime. They nailed the color on this car, it's perfect, to my eye. Values are climbing very nicely too, at least currently.
Enjoy he hunt, whatever you choose will be great.
Enjoy he hunt, whatever you choose will be great.
Last edited by christallon; 01-06-2021 at 03:11 PM.
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#15
Rennlist Member
As stated above the .2 RS seems to have more upgrades over it's contemporary GT3. I prefer the looks of the .2 RS but you really can't go wrong with either one!
Last edited by EMpunker; 01-06-2021 at 03:13 PM.
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