GlennMc

I VERY comprehensive test between a C2S with powerkit, a 997 TT, 997 GT3 and a 997RS

a long list of accelleration tests, from zero, and in every gear etc, shows the RS to be 0.1 seconds faster than the GT3 in all cases, and the TT to be upto 2 seconds quicker than the RS in most cases.

Lap times of Bedford West circuit were :

C2S 1:06:09
GT3 1:04:02
TT 1:04:02
RS 1:03:40


The extra speed of the RS over the GT3 was out of the corners where they felt the extra traction of the rear end help on the RS, they tried the same speed (85mph) in one particular corner in a GT3 and it oversteered bigtime.

Bottom line, the editor would still take home a GT3 with PCCB, as he would rather save the extra £14k......i can appreciate that for such similar performance.


The best review i've read in this mag for a long time....


G.

iLLM3

Going to go pick this up, sounds like an awesome test indeed, thanks for sharing

340Elise

Unless you cannot get your hands on a regular GT3 for MSRP, then I think the C2S with powerkit is a big waste of money. Just with that alone doesn't it bring the S to about 93 or 96K? Then, if you added the sport exhaust and the aero kit you end of over 100K, or about the cost of a GT3. But you don't get the true dry sump, suspension, tranny, interior and numerous other goodies of the GT3; nor do you get the guarantee of a minimum of 415 hp that goes up to a minimum of 425 with the ram air affect.

I would like to see a dyno of a stock GT3, I would not be surprised that it puts out 425 to 430 hp without the ram air affect.

If I went with a 997, I would get a non S stripper and put one of the EVO (or whoever makes it) supercharger kits on it and some new dampers. I would leave the brakes and wheels and tires. I think you can do that on a lightly used one for about $80K.

Bluehinder

Agree totally. Not cost effective, will never make it a GT3. Best summary yet.

BrokenE

I agree, not cost effective in terms of performance, but I wonder if the extra money is worth it 15 years from now?

GlennMc

The powerkit includes a sports exhaust

mooty

personal observation, not saying one is better or not, and i know one is dry sump the other isn't, that said...

997X5 has some serious snot.
it took me a looooong straight to pull in front of an x51 on track.
i can easily outbrake him, i have more grip mid corner, but if he and i both nail it at or right before apex, i am not so sure i can get to front of him until i get to 7000+ rpm.

however, it it were me, i still choose 997gt3 over x51.

frayed

agree with mooty. the X51 package has a killer tq band through the midrange, better than our motors, but falls off up top. . . it takes rpms to catch an X51 car.

the real difference b/t the cars from a performance standpoint (notwithstanding dry v. wet sump) is in the chassis and brakes.

I loved the fat tq band on the 997S I owned.

Anyway, I find the article interesting that the RS was 0.3 seconds quicker on a 1 minute track, due to better rear end grip. While 0.3 seconds is inconsequential to a weekend warrior like me, I wonder if this all be due to the wider rear track? Most 1 minute tracks aren't high speed so I doubt it's the ricer wing.

I'd like to know about alignment on both cars, since that can account for the difference in lap times.

Alan Smithee

Comparing MSRP to MSRP of a GT3 and X51 Aerokit, I'd agree...but savvy buyers are getting up to 10% off of regular 997s, and the X51's biggest attraction to me is near-GT3 performance without the visual statement and with more practicality (usable torque, higher front lip, rear seats) for daily use. Add the cost to buy and insure a daily driver to the price of a GT3, and a minimally optioned and discounted X51 starts to look like a bargain...

frayed

not to beat a dead horse, but not when it comes to resale. the x51 option is big money and will not hold up well when it comes time to sell. . .

also, the rear seats are near useless in these cars, the front lip has proven to be quite managable actually (I'm surprised actually).

i do like the midrange grunt of the bigger 3.8L motor though

Bluehinder

I've had an X51, and now have a 997 GT3, they are worlds apart in overall feel and performance. Apples and oranges. Poor resale with X51 and great resale with GT3. Not worth it in my book.

You either dig the GT3 or you don't. If you don't, then X51 is a viable option, but it is no GT3.

datax

Where can I buy this magazine in US? Barns and Noble and Borders around my house don't carry them.

zellamsee

mag is available at www.ewacars.com

Benjamin Choi

Totally, not even a question for me for someone who would be interested in picking up a 997... it'll never be the 997S. It'll have to be the GTX car because that is the special car. It's rare. Its aerokit is unique even if the 997S has the option (rear bumper). Paramount, its internals are MUCH more special.

eclou

Great article, pretty much mirrors my impressions of the GT3 vs the TT. Some interesting points to mention -
1)the C2S powerkit is faster than the GT3/RS to 30mph and the same/faster to 60mph.
2)the RS is faster by 0.3 sec than the Gt3 to 100mph but slower by 0.1 sec to 150mph due to drag
3)the TT matched the GT3 lap times despite being on PS2's vs MPSC's, but had nowhere near the entry and exit speeds