Notices
997 GT2/GT3 Forum 2005-2012
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Porsche North Houston

Which 997 3RS do you prefer .1 or .2?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-05-2021, 11:17 PM
  #1  
fijibubba
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
fijibubba's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Orange County CA
Posts: 1,041
Received 629 Likes on 333 Posts
Default 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
Jrtaylor9
Rennlist Member
 
Jrtaylor9's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: East Hampton / NYC
Posts: 3,818
Received 1,097 Likes on 544 Posts
Default

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.
Old 01-06-2021, 12:22 AM
  #2  
Robocop305
Rennlist Member
 
Robocop305's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Miami
Posts: 2,097
Received 462 Likes on 271 Posts
Default

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.
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 12:23 AM
  #3  
RAudi Driver
Rennlist Member
 
RAudi Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: West Coast
Posts: 9,132
Received 2,927 Likes on 1,733 Posts
Default

I'd like to have a .2 in a .1 body.
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 01:16 AM
  #4  
-eztrader-
Rennlist Member
 
-eztrader-'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,942
Received 252 Likes on 137 Posts
Default

Prefer .2 here. Cant go wrong
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 01:38 AM
  #5  
bsquare
Instructor
 
bsquare's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Aotearoa/PNW
Posts: 131
Received 62 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

There’s no wrong answer, but I prefer the looks and experience of the .1. As others have said, it is the more raw of the pair.
The following 2 users liked this post by bsquare:
jackb911 (01-06-2021), Robocop305 (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 02:59 AM
  #6  
Waxer
Nordschleife Master
 
Waxer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Central New Jersey
Posts: 5,435
Received 816 Likes on 429 Posts
Default

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.

Attached Files
File Type: mov
IMG_0715.mov (4.08 MB, 122 views)
File Type: mov
IMG_0716.mov (4.76 MB, 50 views)

Last edited by Waxer; 01-06-2021 at 03:12 AM.
The following 2 users liked this post by Waxer:
halo777 (01-08-2021), Robocop305 (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 08:42 AM
  #7  
Finlander
Rennlist Member
 
Finlander's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 1,083
Received 383 Likes on 144 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by fijibubba
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.


The following 5 users liked this post by Finlander:
bonehead (01-07-2021), EMpunker (01-06-2021), halo777 (01-08-2021), Robocop305 (01-06-2021), WantA997 (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 09:02 AM
  #8  
JG 996T
Rennlist Member
 
JG 996T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 3,186
Received 531 Likes on 289 Posts
Default

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
The following 5 users liked this post by JG 996T:
908/3fan (01-08-2021), E-Man (01-09-2021), EMpunker (01-06-2021), fijibubba (01-06-2021), Robocop305 (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 11:40 AM
  #9  
Burren
Burning Brakes
 
Burren's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 819
Received 547 Likes on 258 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by JG 996T
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
Holy crap. That's downtown Montpelier Vermont! I grew up in Burlington, a really long time ago, lol. Never knew anyone in VT had a car like that.
Old 01-06-2021, 11:51 AM
  #10  
8Lug
Rennlist Member
 
8Lug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Northeast
Posts: 1,207
Received 861 Likes on 408 Posts
Default

I prefer the looks and torquier motor of the .2
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 12:04 PM
  #11  
JG 996T
Rennlist Member
 
JG 996T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 3,186
Received 531 Likes on 289 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Burren
Holy crap. That's downtown Montpelier Vermont! I grew up in Burlington, a really long time ago, lol. Never knew anyone in VT had a car like that.
Ha - good eye ! Montpelier right after I registered it at DMV. A passerby offered a similar comment to yours... here's a much better pic - I do miss that car

pro photo
The following 6 users liked this post by JG 996T:
908/3fan (01-08-2021), EMpunker (01-06-2021), fijibubba (01-06-2021), Finlander (01-06-2021), rrichmondd (01-06-2021), Yc911Kid (01-07-2021) and 1 others liked this post. (Show less...)
Old 01-06-2021, 12:08 PM
  #12  
delta3
Advanced
 
delta3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 69
Received 34 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

i prefer .2 and the .2 looks. i think .1 f&r bumpers are too busy with more holes and scoops. i haven't driven a .1, but curious to know why it's more "raw"....
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 12:24 PM
  #13  
RapidGT
Rennlist Member
 
RapidGT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Massachusetts and California
Posts: 3,515
Received 2,398 Likes on 1,307 Posts
Default

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.

Last edited by RapidGT; 01-06-2021 at 12:31 PM.
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 03:10 PM
  #14  
christallon
Rennlist Member
 
christallon's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 0
Received 204 Likes on 136 Posts
Default

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.

Last edited by christallon; 01-06-2021 at 03:11 PM.
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)
Old 01-06-2021, 03:11 PM
  #15  
EMpunker
Rennlist Member
 
EMpunker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Posts: 637
Received 254 Likes on 155 Posts
Default

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.
The following users liked this post:
fijibubba (01-06-2021)


Quick Reply: Which 997 3RS do you prefer .1 or .2?



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 05:11 AM.