RS Conundrum
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,096
Likes: 313
You just won't find a whole lot of people on the 997 forum that favor the newer cars. For every person you find squarely in the 997 camp, there are 2-3 more that never come back to this forum.
I've been driving these since 997s were new. I've owned a 997.2 GT3 and a 997.2 GT3RS. I had a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.2 GT3RS. The 991's were great, but def preferred the 997's. The 991's came and went. They felt like bloated versions of the 997. I drove a 992.1 GT3 and felt sort of "meh" about it. Perhaps it was the car, perhaps it was my mindset at the time. I've since bought a 992.2 GT3 and it's been quite impressive. The ride is much improved over the 992.1 and the turn-in with the modern front suspension and rear wheel steering is impressive. It turns like a go-cart or an old 987 Cayman with a proper alignment. The shorter gearing makes the driving more engaging. The newer tech allows you the option of heel-toeing yourself or let the computer do it when you just want to tool around. You can also no-lift shift, which is fun. The engine is a masterpiece, though it doesn't sound nearly as good as a properly modded Mezger. At first I didn't like the lighter clutch, but I quickly adapted to it and going back to a 997 felt a bit clumsy. That said, i do really enjoy that the 997 must be "man handled." The 992 if properly spec'd isn't any heavier than the 997 RS, but it's clearly a bit larger in dimension. I don't like the all digital dash on the 992.2, but since you can select a display with the tach having 9k at 12PM and shift lights, it might be forgivable. At the end of the day, they are all great cars. 997s have exclusiveness and rarity. They are smaller and the car all very engaging because it gives you nothing. If you want to go fast, you have to extract it from the car. Steering feel is the best, but it's not a YUGE difference at this point. An angry Mezger is the best sound of them all and you get the old school analog gauges. The rarity of these 997s is relegating them to collectors status and finding proper insurance that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is getting to be more difficult. The cars are aging and finding parts is becoming slightly more difficult. The 992.2 can do everything the 997s and more, but lacks the exclusivity. I was out driving around the lake with my wife yesterday and an Oak Green Neo (overdone color) 992.2 GT3 rolls up right next to me. The driver was too cool to even look over and waive. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen a 997 GT car out in the wild in the last decade. Those folks always waived back.
I've been driving these since 997s were new. I've owned a 997.2 GT3 and a 997.2 GT3RS. I had a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.2 GT3RS. The 991's were great, but def preferred the 997's. The 991's came and went. They felt like bloated versions of the 997. I drove a 992.1 GT3 and felt sort of "meh" about it. Perhaps it was the car, perhaps it was my mindset at the time. I've since bought a 992.2 GT3 and it's been quite impressive. The ride is much improved over the 992.1 and the turn-in with the modern front suspension and rear wheel steering is impressive. It turns like a go-cart or an old 987 Cayman with a proper alignment. The shorter gearing makes the driving more engaging. The newer tech allows you the option of heel-toeing yourself or let the computer do it when you just want to tool around. You can also no-lift shift, which is fun. The engine is a masterpiece, though it doesn't sound nearly as good as a properly modded Mezger. At first I didn't like the lighter clutch, but I quickly adapted to it and going back to a 997 felt a bit clumsy. That said, i do really enjoy that the 997 must be "man handled." The 992 if properly spec'd isn't any heavier than the 997 RS, but it's clearly a bit larger in dimension. I don't like the all digital dash on the 992.2, but since you can select a display with the tach having 9k at 12PM and shift lights, it might be forgivable. At the end of the day, they are all great cars. 997s have exclusiveness and rarity. They are smaller and the car all very engaging because it gives you nothing. If you want to go fast, you have to extract it from the car. Steering feel is the best, but it's not a YUGE difference at this point. An angry Mezger is the best sound of them all and you get the old school analog gauges. The rarity of these 997s is relegating them to collectors status and finding proper insurance that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is getting to be more difficult. The cars are aging and finding parts is becoming slightly more difficult. The 992.2 can do everything the 997s and more, but lacks the exclusivity. I was out driving around the lake with my wife yesterday and an Oak Green Neo (overdone color) 992.2 GT3 rolls up right next to me. The driver was too cool to even look over and waive. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen a 997 GT car out in the wild in the last decade. Those folks always waived back.
Waving is half the fun. Engaging with others has become a lost art, sadly.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 555
Likes: 390
From: CT
Just went out for a two hour drive in the 997 and I came across this guy in a Subaru, he was waiving and clapping out his window, absolutely made his day, hahah! If you know you know!
Mine is just a lowly .2 non RS but my god, it's awesome to drive. Just had it serviced and a fresh alignment. It absolutely rips and is all the car I could even need!
Mine is just a lowly .2 non RS but my god, it's awesome to drive. Just had it serviced and a fresh alignment. It absolutely rips and is all the car I could even need!
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 561
Likes: 322
From: Central FL
You just won't find a whole lot of people on the 997 forum that favor the newer cars. For every person you find squarely in the 997 camp, there are 2-3 more that never come back to this forum.
I've been driving these since 997s were new. I've owned a 997.2 GT3 and a 997.2 GT3RS. I had a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.2 GT3RS. The 991's were great, but def preferred the 997's. The 991's came and went. They felt like bloated versions of the 997. I drove a 992.1 GT3 and felt sort of "meh" about it. Perhaps it was the car, perhaps it was my mindset at the time. I've since bought a 992.2 GT3 and it's been quite impressive. The ride is much improved over the 992.1 and the turn-in with the modern front suspension and rear wheel steering is impressive. It turns like a go-cart or an old 987 Cayman with a proper alignment. The shorter gearing makes the driving more engaging. The newer tech allows you the option of heel-toeing yourself or let the computer do it when you just want to tool around. You can also no-lift shift, which is fun. The engine is a masterpiece, though it doesn't sound nearly as good as a properly modded Mezger. At first I didn't like the lighter clutch, but I quickly adapted to it and going back to a 997 felt a bit clumsy. That said, i do really enjoy that the 997 must be "man handled." The 992 if properly spec'd isn't any heavier than the 997 RS, but it's clearly a bit larger in dimension. I don't like the all digital dash on the 992.2, but since you can select a display with the tach having 9k at 12PM and shift lights, it might be forgivable. At the end of the day, they are all great cars. 997s have exclusiveness and rarity. They are smaller and the car all very engaging because it gives you nothing. If you want to go fast, you have to extract it from the car. Steering feel is the best, but it's not a YUGE difference at this point. An angry Mezger is the best sound of them all and you get the old school analog gauges. The rarity of these 997s is relegating them to collectors status and finding proper insurance that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is getting to be more difficult. The cars are aging and finding parts is becoming slightly more difficult. The 992.2 can do everything the 997s and more, but lacks the exclusivity. I was out driving around the lake with my wife yesterday and an Oak Green Neo (overdone color) 992.2 GT3 rolls up right next to me. The driver was too cool to even look over and waive. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen a 997 GT car out in the wild in the last decade. Those folks always waived back.
I've been driving these since 997s were new. I've owned a 997.2 GT3 and a 997.2 GT3RS. I had a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.2 GT3RS. The 991's were great, but def preferred the 997's. The 991's came and went. They felt like bloated versions of the 997. I drove a 992.1 GT3 and felt sort of "meh" about it. Perhaps it was the car, perhaps it was my mindset at the time. I've since bought a 992.2 GT3 and it's been quite impressive. The ride is much improved over the 992.1 and the turn-in with the modern front suspension and rear wheel steering is impressive. It turns like a go-cart or an old 987 Cayman with a proper alignment. The shorter gearing makes the driving more engaging. The newer tech allows you the option of heel-toeing yourself or let the computer do it when you just want to tool around. You can also no-lift shift, which is fun. The engine is a masterpiece, though it doesn't sound nearly as good as a properly modded Mezger. At first I didn't like the lighter clutch, but I quickly adapted to it and going back to a 997 felt a bit clumsy. That said, i do really enjoy that the 997 must be "man handled." The 992 if properly spec'd isn't any heavier than the 997 RS, but it's clearly a bit larger in dimension. I don't like the all digital dash on the 992.2, but since you can select a display with the tach having 9k at 12PM and shift lights, it might be forgivable. At the end of the day, they are all great cars. 997s have exclusiveness and rarity. They are smaller and the car all very engaging because it gives you nothing. If you want to go fast, you have to extract it from the car. Steering feel is the best, but it's not a YUGE difference at this point. An angry Mezger is the best sound of them all and you get the old school analog gauges. The rarity of these 997s is relegating them to collectors status and finding proper insurance that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is getting to be more difficult. The cars are aging and finding parts is becoming slightly more difficult. The 992.2 can do everything the 997s and more, but lacks the exclusivity. I was out driving around the lake with my wife yesterday and an Oak Green Neo (overdone color) 992.2 GT3 rolls up right next to me. The driver was too cool to even look over and waive. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen a 997 GT car out in the wild in the last decade. Those folks always waived back.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 958
From: CA and Taipei
Yes the 7.2RS is special but it's not $700K special. If some idiot actually bids you that price and it's not fake, sell it. If someone bids you $300k, keep it as I think it's definitely the GOAT $300k or under.
I completely understand what people say about modern GT cars. However, fast is also fun. If you can use the capability of the modern GT cars, it will be SUPER fun. I have a 4RS and the faster I was able to extract the more I like (not love yet) the car. When I first bought the 4RS I was lukewarm, but again when you go faster and faster it gets more and more fun. Growing your own skills is always fun and satisfying. If you only use the car for Angel's Crest once a month then the older manual GT3's are better if well sorted.
I completely understand what people say about modern GT cars. However, fast is also fun. If you can use the capability of the modern GT cars, it will be SUPER fun. I have a 4RS and the faster I was able to extract the more I like (not love yet) the car. When I first bought the 4RS I was lukewarm, but again when you go faster and faster it gets more and more fun. Growing your own skills is always fun and satisfying. If you only use the car for Angel's Crest once a month then the older manual GT3's are better if well sorted.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 127
From: BC, Canada
I've had subaru folk waive at me too - and I always waive back; in fact, I usually try to waive or thumbs up most cool car I see out in the wild. Meeting other owners and engaging with car folk is one of the absolute best parts of the hobby for me.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 209
Likes: 50
From: California
Totally agree. When I get approached at a gas station while filling up my car, I always take time to answer any questions. It is refreshing to meet other car enthusiasts and strike up a conversation.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 555
Likes: 390
From: CT
Same, I always give the Miata guys a flash! They strike me as true driving types. Not in it for the admiration of others, just pure driving enjoyment
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 201
From: Fort Collins, CO
This for sure, younger guys always seem to wave as well no matter what they are driving.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 1,161
From: Santa Monica
You just won't find a whole lot of people on the 997 forum that favor the newer cars. For every person you find squarely in the 997 camp, there are 2-3 more that never come back to this forum.
I've been driving these since 997s were new. I've owned a 997.2 GT3 and a 997.2 GT3RS. I had a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.2 GT3RS. The 991's were great, but def preferred the 997's. The 991's came and went. They felt like bloated versions of the 997. I drove a 992.1 GT3 and felt sort of "meh" about it. Perhaps it was the car, perhaps it was my mindset at the time. I've since bought a 992.2 GT3 and it's been quite impressive. The ride is much improved over the 992.1 and the turn-in with the modern front suspension and rear wheel steering is impressive. It turns like a go-cart or an old 987 Cayman with a proper alignment. The shorter gearing makes the driving more engaging. The newer tech allows you the option of heel-toeing yourself or let the computer do it when you just want to tool around. You can also no-lift shift, which is fun. The engine is a masterpiece, though it doesn't sound nearly as good as a properly modded Mezger. At first I didn't like the lighter clutch, but I quickly adapted to it and going back to a 997 felt a bit clumsy. That said, i do really enjoy that the 997 must be "man handled." The 992 if properly spec'd isn't any heavier than the 997 RS, but it's clearly a bit larger in dimension. I don't like the all digital dash on the 992.2, but since you can select a display with the tach having 9k at 12PM and shift lights, it might be forgivable. At the end of the day, they are all great cars. 997s have exclusiveness and rarity. They are smaller and the car all very engaging because it gives you nothing. If you want to go fast, you have to extract it from the car. Steering feel is the best, but it's not a YUGE difference at this point. An angry Mezger is the best sound of them all and you get the old school analog gauges. The rarity of these 997s is relegating them to collectors status and finding proper insurance that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is getting to be more difficult. The cars are aging and finding parts is becoming slightly more difficult. The 992.2 can do everything the 997s and more, but lacks the exclusivity. I was out driving around the lake with my wife yesterday and an Oak Green Neo (overdone color) 992.2 GT3 rolls up right next to me. The driver was too cool to even look over and waive. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen a 997 GT car out in the wild in the last decade. Those folks always waived back.
I've been driving these since 997s were new. I've owned a 997.2 GT3 and a 997.2 GT3RS. I had a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.2 GT3RS. The 991's were great, but def preferred the 997's. The 991's came and went. They felt like bloated versions of the 997. I drove a 992.1 GT3 and felt sort of "meh" about it. Perhaps it was the car, perhaps it was my mindset at the time. I've since bought a 992.2 GT3 and it's been quite impressive. The ride is much improved over the 992.1 and the turn-in with the modern front suspension and rear wheel steering is impressive. It turns like a go-cart or an old 987 Cayman with a proper alignment. The shorter gearing makes the driving more engaging. The newer tech allows you the option of heel-toeing yourself or let the computer do it when you just want to tool around. You can also no-lift shift, which is fun. The engine is a masterpiece, though it doesn't sound nearly as good as a properly modded Mezger. At first I didn't like the lighter clutch, but I quickly adapted to it and going back to a 997 felt a bit clumsy. That said, i do really enjoy that the 997 must be "man handled." The 992 if properly spec'd isn't any heavier than the 997 RS, but it's clearly a bit larger in dimension. I don't like the all digital dash on the 992.2, but since you can select a display with the tach having 9k at 12PM and shift lights, it might be forgivable. At the end of the day, they are all great cars. 997s have exclusiveness and rarity. They are smaller and the car all very engaging because it gives you nothing. If you want to go fast, you have to extract it from the car. Steering feel is the best, but it's not a YUGE difference at this point. An angry Mezger is the best sound of them all and you get the old school analog gauges. The rarity of these 997s is relegating them to collectors status and finding proper insurance that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is getting to be more difficult. The cars are aging and finding parts is becoming slightly more difficult. The 992.2 can do everything the 997s and more, but lacks the exclusivity. I was out driving around the lake with my wife yesterday and an Oak Green Neo (overdone color) 992.2 GT3 rolls up right next to me. The driver was too cool to even look over and waive. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen a 997 GT car out in the wild in the last decade. Those folks always waived back.
for the price your suggesting, if you gave me a around a 700k budget, I just wouldn’t buy one Gt3rs that’s 15 years old now. There’s too many great options.
id probably own a
scenario 1:
997.2 gt3 200k
992.1 Gt3rs 375k
f430 manual 150k OR 718 GT4 135k
Scenario 2:
911 ST
and
718 gt4/f430 manual
Scenario 3: (probably the tops, covers all the brands and model range 911/cayman/F/L)
murcielago 200k
997.2 gt3 200k
f430 manual 150k
718 gt4 manual 135k or gt4rs stretch 180k
Scenario 4:
992.2 gt3 manual 300k
997.2 gt3 200k
Murceilago 200k
BUT….if I already owned the 997.2 Gt3rs I’d probably just keep it and tell
myself it was worth what I paid for it forever ago. (Like my scud)
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 2,879
From: California
This is spot on. I actually find myself as someone that prefers the 992 and 997 both over the 991 as well. I think the 991 car feels bloated on the 997 and unathletic after you drive a 992 GT. It’s a weird middle child that’s not good at analog nor athletic….But, the 997 is still awesome because of the size and tactileness it takes to drive, the steering feels almost ghetto in comparison to the razor sharp new steering racks of the 992 and 991.2 RS, but you get great feeling out of it AND the 997’s shifter is so much more mechanical that it really gives a much more racecar feeling, AND the car needs to be driven right, it is NOT tossable and idiot proof to drive like the 992, you really don’t want to upset the car (like a 993 at high speed) which adds to the fun. But the 992 is also incredibly fun because it’s so athletic and tossable, like a 718 gt4
for the price your suggesting, if you gave me a around a 700k budget, I just wouldn’t buy one Gt3rs that’s 15 years old now. There’s too many great options.
id probably own a
scenario 1:
997.2 gt3 200k
992.1 Gt3rs 375k
f430 manual 150k OR 718 GT4 135k
Scenario 2:
911 ST
and
718 gt4/f430 manual
Scenario 3: (probably the tops, covers all the brands and model range 911/cayman/F/L)
murcielago 200k
997.2 gt3 200k
f430 manual 150k
718 gt4 manual 135k or gt4rs stretch 180k
Scenario 4:
992.2 gt3 manual 300k
997.2 gt3 200k
Murceilago 200k
BUT….if I already owned the 997.2 Gt3rs I’d probably just keep it and tell
myself it was worth what I paid for it forever ago. (Like my scud)
for the price your suggesting, if you gave me a around a 700k budget, I just wouldn’t buy one Gt3rs that’s 15 years old now. There’s too many great options.
id probably own a
scenario 1:
997.2 gt3 200k
992.1 Gt3rs 375k
f430 manual 150k OR 718 GT4 135k
Scenario 2:
911 ST
and
718 gt4/f430 manual
Scenario 3: (probably the tops, covers all the brands and model range 911/cayman/F/L)
murcielago 200k
997.2 gt3 200k
f430 manual 150k
718 gt4 manual 135k or gt4rs stretch 180k
Scenario 4:
992.2 gt3 manual 300k
997.2 gt3 200k
Murceilago 200k
BUT….if I already owned the 997.2 Gt3rs I’d probably just keep it and tell
myself it was worth what I paid for it forever ago. (Like my scud)
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 1,161
From: Santa Monica
Its funny, every time I mention that a 991.2 GT3 feels sloppy to drive everyone looks at me like I'm crazy or says that's the fun part about it. But I drove a 991.2 GT3 back to back with my 991.2 3RS and 992.1 touring of which both made the 991.2 GT3 just feel sloppy and undesirable to me. I think if you want that old school feel its the 997 GT3/RS all day with only the 2RS or 3RS from the 991 generation being worth it.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 127
From: BC, Canada
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 561
Likes: 322
From: Central FL
This is spot on. I actually find myself as someone that prefers the 992 and 997 both over the 991 as well. I think the 991 car feels bloated on the 997 and unathletic after you drive a 992 GT. It’s a weird middle child that’s not good at analog nor athletic….But, the 997 is still awesome because of the size and tactileness it takes to drive, the steering feels almost ghetto in comparison to the razor sharp new steering racks of the 992 and 991.2 RS, but you get great feeling out of it AND the 997’s shifter is so much more mechanical that it really gives a much more racecar feeling, AND the car needs to be driven right, it is NOT tossable and idiot proof to drive like the 992, you really don’t want to upset the car (like a 993 at high speed) which adds to the fun. But the 992 is also incredibly fun because it’s so athletic and tossable, like a 718 gt4
for the price your suggesting, if you gave me a around a 700k budget, I just wouldn’t buy one Gt3rs that’s 15 years old now. There’s too many great options.
id probably own a
scenario 1:
997.2 gt3 200k
992.1 Gt3rs 375k
f430 manual 150k OR 718 GT4 135k
Scenario 2:
911 ST
and
718 gt4/f430 manual
Scenario 3: (probably the tops, covers all the brands and model range 911/cayman/F/L)
murcielago 200k
997.2 gt3 200k
f430 manual 150k
718 gt4 manual 135k or gt4rs stretch 180k
Scenario 4:
992.2 gt3 manual 300k
997.2 gt3 200k
Murceilago 200k
BUT….if I already owned the 997.2 Gt3rs I’d probably just keep it and tell
myself it was worth what I paid for it forever ago. (Like my scud)
for the price your suggesting, if you gave me a around a 700k budget, I just wouldn’t buy one Gt3rs that’s 15 years old now. There’s too many great options.
id probably own a
scenario 1:
997.2 gt3 200k
992.1 Gt3rs 375k
f430 manual 150k OR 718 GT4 135k
Scenario 2:
911 ST
and
718 gt4/f430 manual
Scenario 3: (probably the tops, covers all the brands and model range 911/cayman/F/L)
murcielago 200k
997.2 gt3 200k
f430 manual 150k
718 gt4 manual 135k or gt4rs stretch 180k
Scenario 4:
992.2 gt3 manual 300k
997.2 gt3 200k
Murceilago 200k
BUT….if I already owned the 997.2 Gt3rs I’d probably just keep it and tell
myself it was worth what I paid for it forever ago. (Like my scud)
1. Super clean 996 GT3, keep a Mezger in the fleet
2. 964RS in a little higher mileage to see if I like it.
3. 992.2 GT3 if I can spec it and not pay much ADM.
One of the things I’d really love to do is light some money on fire and send my 500e over to Renntech for a 6.0 conversion. Its a car I have a love hate relationship with, its so darned hard to manage, but its like a comfortable pair of shoes. But my better judgement keeps me from calling them.