I'm thinking hard about getting back into a GT3, and I had assumed it would be a 996. I have been hunting around recently and find that the price delta between equally clean 996 and 997.1 GT3's is in the $25K range. Firstly, do any of you believe this delta will shrink over time, and secondly at what point does the price difference between the two make it a no brainer to go with the 997.1 version?

I understand the differences between the two and have bought into the purity of the "no-nannies" aspect of the 04-05 vs. the more usable, yet less "single-minded" aspect of the newer car, although after spending time doing some research, I'm not so sure of my initial basis of opinion as I once was. The 2007 car is beginning to creep into the foreground of my daily imaginings.

Anyway, thanks for indulging my curiosity. Best to all.......

I'm posting this on both GT3 boards

Chris

 

dont beat around the bush...... go for a 997 ......

you can always sell it and get a 996 if you dont like it

 

Have you driven a 997.1 GT3, yet? I would expect a drive to quickly make it clear, one way or the other.

 

The 996 is an awesome car, but the 997 is a definite improvement.

 

+1

 

Chris, I have owned both. It depends on what you intend to do with the car. As a daily driver the 997 is superior. As a track car the 996 is the equal of the 997.1 in all regards. Note I refer to the 2007 GT3 here.

The 997 is to my eye prettier. Don't know if that counts. To make a 997 equal to a 996GT3 you need to change the rear sway bar to the one from the 997GT2 otherwise the car under steers. Out of the box, with only an alignment, a 996GT3 will show its heels to a stock 997 GT3.

The 997 on the other hand has better brake bias, rotors last longer providing you do not use Traction Control and add the 997 GT2 rear brake ducts. On the 996 the brake bias to too much to the front and it needs harder pads in the rear, RS-29 front and RS-14 rears plus add the Cup front brake ducts. Otherwise you will see 996 front rotors worn (heat cracks) every ten track days or so.

For daily driving the 997 wins. PASM makes the ride more comfortable in 'normal' mode and the car is a bit quieter. More powerful but PAG added weight - sound deadening mostly to balance that out. PASM may also help if you drive on bumpy tracks.

The interior of the 997 is more elegant if that matters.

Hope this helps!

Best,

 

Bob,

It is interesting that you mentioned the brake bias. I wonder if that's why the 996 PCCB setup has larger rear rotor (350mm vs. 330mm). But then, when you run the motorsport pads (Green), the front are P50 but rear are P40, then you are dialing the bias back to the front again.

 

The October 2009 issue of Excellence Magazine (#177) had a good comparison of 996 GT3 vs. 997.1 GT3. They had some interesting and surprising comments.

You can order a copy of it from them in this link. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Excellence-mag.com Back Issues

 

I also contemplated this before settling on a 997 GT3......both are great cars. My previous Porsche was a 996 C2. I decided the looks of a 997 blew a 996 out of the water, I got a low low mileage 997 vs a higher mileage 996 and with a CPO. I got all the options I wanted in a 997 and I have zero remorse. This car is by far the best Porsche I have ever owned! And it is one of the few cars that even if you never mod any of it, you will be happy.

 

Thank You all for your input. I plan to drive a 997 as soon as I can locate one here in LA.

Best to all !!! and Happy Sunday....

 

I suspect it had to do with the difficulty involved in making the ceramic metal matrix rotors. Too costly to make them in two sizes

 

So I'm giving Porsche too much credit?!

 

That's not what GT Porsche magazine found at Hockenheim in their January issue:
996 GT3 @ 1:13.97
997.1 GT3 @ 1:12.0

Also for reference, 997.2 GT3 @ 1:10.5

 

Christallon,

The video might help you to decide:



p.s.
Were you aware of the following?

997 crankcase made in Austria
Mk2 996 crankcase made in Spain
Mk1 996 crankcase made in Germany

I think the Austrian one leaked the most.


My dream is the 7 with the German-built crankcase. Oh well

 

^FYI- a few mk2 6 had German built motors. Difference between Spanish vs German cases is they removed certain lines since it started from an aircool motor ie I believe with the 964 case. I don't believe the case is the cause for leaks- if it was you're talking catastrophic failure.