cosmo

996 or 997 GT3 - is the 2007 a better better track monster and daily driver or should I save 25k and buy a 2004 low miles GT3?

Thanks,

Cosmo

frayed

I think you are asking whether the 997 GT3 is 25k better for its intended purpose, a combo street/track car. For me, yes, every bit of the delta. But it's a personal decision on whether the new car is worth the extra coin based on your financial picture and your personality, and where you fall on the track/street continuum.

mooty

i agree with frayed,
but the difference is actually more than 25k.
low miler GT3 = 75k or so
low option 7gt3, assuming you can find one at msrp = 108. and it's not easy to find one at 108.

cosmo

I'm looking at a 2004 gt3 1100miles $80k vs 2007 GT3 w/ PCCB for msrp, and a base 997 GT3 low miles regular brakes for msrp.It will be both track and street driven
Thanks guys
Cosmo

wbrownie

Currently owning both, my suggestion is pay up for the 997. The time on the street will be much more enjoyable.

stuka

Make sure that you can fit in the 997 GT3 with that nice mandatory hole with your helmet on in track driving position.

Hole robs clearance.

OldGuy

The only people I have heard complain recently about the sunroof is people without a 997 GT3. I am 5'10 and with my helmet it appears I could be 6'5" and be comfortable- It really is a non issue unless you are Patrick Long or another Porsche factory driver. Would have I liked it without a sunroof? yes. Does it really matter to the 98 percentile here? no. Remember the new seat is quite abit lower. Probably lower by the difference in the 997 with a sunroof and the 996 without it.
In fact with the new exhaust of the 997 I like to open it and listen to it burble on decel. while on the street. You voted with your wallet- let it go. the clearance lost is minimal to normal human beings

Racerron

No contest in my opinion....let Porsche keep the 997 and get a real track car a 996GT3. The 997 will find a better home with the gold chain set and the boulevard cruisers, just like the RS....There's sure to be someone out there willing to pimp up the 997 with all the go-slow stuff. Get the best all round car that Porsche has ever built for this side of the Atlantic...a 996GT3.

blake

I am in the same boat... I was able to play on the track with a very accomplished driver in his 997GT3 on Thursday, and he left me in the dust. He mentioned to me afterwards that he owned a 996 GT3, but prefers the 997 because is it more "compliant" and a "better performer". I passed on two deposits for a 997 GT3 as I didn't like the gaping hole in the roof or the traction control... Not to offend, but I am a purist... (It took me 6 years to finally buy shape skis and that is my #1 winter hobby!)

I am very interested in the headroom. I have stock seats in my 996 GT3, and my helmet rubs the ceiling as I am 6'3" with a long torso. I want to be sure that I will fit in the 997 GT3 when I move in that direction....

Thanks,
- B

blake

It just dawned on me to use this thread to ask a very serious question. Last summer, I was looking to buy a 997, 997S or a 996GT3. I had the priviliedge to test drive all three within the same day, and IMHO there was no comparison.... The 996 GT3 was so unlike the others - and was quite the throwback 911 with a ton of horsepower. I knew it would be the perfect 911 for the track based on my needs....

So here is the big question - As I have yet to drive a 997 GT3, how is the feel? Does it retain that raw/visceral connection with the road that the 996 GT3 captures? As it will be a track-only car, it is worth the upgrade?

Thanks,
-Blake

DreamCarrera

Wow, this should be entertaining!!!

drqiman

I love my 997 GT3. I haven't taken it to the track yet but i regularly do some serious mountain road driving and find this car simply amazing. I have driven the 996 GT3 before and for my level of skill, the new 997 GT3 feels better in every way and it also looks better.

I could have purchased a low miles 996 GT3 but decided to pay the premium and get the new car because I simply liked it better. I also had the option of purchasing a GT3 RS but I declined it and chose to go for the basic car just because it looked better to me. It all boils down to which car you think would give you more satisfaction.

frayed

As a track only car, get the 996 GT3. Cheaper and thus more disposable. Already nicely depreciated, underrated motor, and people have already sorted the chassis. Mod the crap out of it (monoballs, Motons, floating rotors, RS/Cup suspension bits, tires, wheels, brakes, etc) and have a ball. As a track only car, with all the go fast mods you get alot more NVH, harshness, etc, but one wouldn't care as a strict track machine.

As a combo car, which is what these cars are meant to be, the 997 GT3 is vastly superior. The 996 blows on the street, and modded up is worse.

But I have a dedicated track car, so the 996 GT3 has no place in my garage.

Let's try to put numbers on these cars (stock):

996: street 5/10 track 9/10
997: street 8/10 track 9.5/10

Racerron

996: Street 8/10 track 9.9/10
997: Street 9/10 track 4/10

frayed

ron you should sell that POS