mikesufka

Porsche Experts -

I would love to hear your opinions. I'm thinking about my next sports car after owning a 2001 Viper RT/10. I sold it because it just wasn't comfortable to drive the 100 miles or so to my cabin.

I keep reading about Porsche and I think for my next car, I want a 911. I thought I'd go for the Turbo, but after reading about the GT3, am starting to question my decision.

I want a fast car. Also comfortable. Good looks, etc... Track day is not a priority. Back curvy roads in Minnesota and some highway/interstate use would be. Reliable.

996 compared to 997? Years to stay away from? Thoughts?

Thanks.

MDS

GT3DE

turbo

TTurbine

Since your coming from a Viper , why not put a GT2 in consideration?

tcsracing1

997 is more comfortable on the road than 996. Also looks prettier

Coming from a Viper id say a 997 Turbo would give you the power you expect. Any 997 Turbo or even turbo S would suffice.

A GT3 is worth a drive however. Even though the GT3 likes to live in high rpm and has ****ty low end torque, it is the cat's pajamas to drive.
See if you can find a dealer or a friend to give you a spin before you decide.

stout

Hmm, does sound like a Turbo is for you based on your stated preferences and intended use—but then again you are coming from a Viper, so you may want the "excitement" factor to be a bit higher? Turbos are very refined. GT3s are useable in terms of ride comfort if you're dedicated, but very low. Some "cliff notes" from my time with these cars, assuming all cars are/will remain dead stock:

Yes:
996 Turbo (just a great all-rounder, still hard to beat)
997-2 Turbo (problems of 997-1 Turbo fixed, a very good car)
997-2 Turbo S (as above, though PDK only)
996 GT3 (I find the ride just fine and in some ways better than 996 Turbo, though it tramlines; an involving, "all-mechanical" 911 you could spend the rest of your life learning to master and having fun doing it)
997-1 GT2 (so refined it could wear a chrome Turbo badge on the tail, but so good it deserves its GT badge; a very impressive car, and one with speed that might spoil you for everything else)
997-2 GT3 RS 4.0 (but for graphics, 911 nirvana—just plain unreal and worth every penny of its premium over RS 3.8)

Definitely worth a look:
996 GT2 (no match for the 997 GT2, but still a great car in either form—so long as it's aligned; that last point is a biggie)
997-1 GT3/RS 3.6 (better looking, sounding, interior-ing, turning-inning, braking, torque-ing than 996 GT3, but jiggly/unreassuring chassis and never "did it" for me like 996 GT3 did)
997-2 GT3/RS 3.8 (better than 997-1 GT3/RS in many ways, but sadly still don't have the chassis of the RS 4.0—or knock 996 GT3 off its pedestal for me)
997-2 GT2 RS (unbelievably quick, but not shockingly more so than 997-1 GT2—check the torque figures, not much different—and not as refined as the 997-1 GT2 in terms of chassis)

Skip:
996 Turbo X50 (a little more power, a lot more lag)
996 Turbo S (same problem as above)
997-1 Turbo (too soft, roll-y, dive-y, squatty, laggy despite VTG promise; even PAG's inner circle quietly admitted this one missed the mark; can, however, be modded into a great 911...)

All of these can be used as non-track cars, and I would think your tolerances with the Viper will make you fine with a GT3/GT2. But maybe you want something more refined. If so, I'd go Turbo — and 997-1 GT2 is the ultimate crossover/dual-purpose turbocharged 996/997 in my book. These observations and opinions are based on 1000-2500 miles in each car while testing them for Excellence, often on both road and track, but owners here may have more experience with some of the cars and more to say. That said, I suspect many of the guys you'll find here probably don't spend much time in Turbos. Go over to the Turbo forum and you'll run into the same problem, just opposite.

Have fun! You kinda can't go wrong...



pete

TRAKCAR

997tt

jpoint

Based on your indicated preferences - I'd say turbo. I just went through that process and was comparing GT3's and Turbos (996 versions of each). If you're not going to the track and going back and forth to a cabin - the GT3 could be the wrong choice. The turbo is quieter, more comfortable, and is less likely to leave you looking at a driveway entrance that you know is going to scuff the front of your car. It's really fast and you won't give away handling. It's all wheel drive which could be better if the weather turns to rain over the weedend.

I drove several of each and really liked the turbo, but when I heard the GT3 at above 7k rpm it made me giggle like a kid with the only toy he asked for for Christmas. I would have been better off with the Turbo for my use - but I bought the GT3. It's bumpy, loud, low, and (for 996 GT3's) doesn't even have cruise control, sunroof, big stereo, etc. and I just love it.

Here's a thought - drive a 996 GT3, a Turbo, and a 997 GT3. The 997 GT3 won't be as harsh as the 996, but won't be as soft as the Turbo. If you're not buying new, try to drive a few of each. No 2 will be identical and it's not a bad shopping spree.

BTW - When I wrote this, Pete's comments above had not yet posted. If they had I would have just said +1.

stout

More I look at it, short answer for you sounds like:

2008-2009 997 GT2

You won't be disappointed.

pete

ELPORSCHA

Is that Red....yours! Nice.

Why did Jalopnik...bad mouthed it!!

Insanity....at best!

PS. http://jalopnik.com/5767279/hideousl...t2-rs-for-sale



.

mdrums

2011-2012 Porsche TurboS...gotta go with the S. Ultimate street car in my opinion.

SSTHO

Remembering my experiences with my 2007 997 TT:
- very easy daily driver, effortless power, even with VTG -> lag was very prominent for me, all the passengers loved it, easy to have a conversation in the car

Remembering my experiences with my 2007 997.1 GT3 RS:
- surprisingly easy to drive (vs. my expectations for "RS"), louder for sure, but not as raw as the 996.2 GT3, not as sporty as I hoped for, very stable and competent car, understeered near limits at track

Remembering my experiences with my 2010 997.2 GT3 (w/SW bypass):
- great balance, much tighter feeling package than 997.1 GT3 RS, fantastic sound with SW bypass, stable and competent, even more of a pleasure to drive on the track nearing its limits, tougher to have a conversation in the car

You're after comfort and speed -> go for 997 for comfort (interior is a SERIOUS upgrade from 996 anything), go turbo for great drive, minimal track time, and serious straight line power to make you smile.

997 TT as others have said.

forhamilton

Turbo

Nugget

997 Turbo, no question. Based on your stated priorities a GT3 would be a disappointment.

CRex

Pete's comments are spot on. That said I think you'll be sorely disappointed with a GT3. Go with a TT and you'll be a happy man.

You need to draw your own conclusions from the fact that most people who rave about a GTx car are the ones who track them regularly. I'm one of those. And if you don't care about that, go for a car that'll give you the oomph in street use, and that's a turbo. 997.2 TT if that meets your budget.

Pose the same question in the turbo forum and you may find more like-minded owners there. At the end of the day they're both great cars, turbocharged or not, but you gotta realize they're VERY different animals with a different audience.

ac27

TURBO!