bigmacsmallfries

Hey guys!

Sorry for the long story, but maybe you can get a better sense of the car I'm looking for. And yes, I know this has been asked a dozen times on these forums. Here goes:

Long time lurker here. Just joined a few weeks ago, and was set on purchasing a 997.2 GT3 RS after driving a variety of Porsches, two Audi R8s, two Ferraris, and an M5/M6. However, I find myself looking at the GT2 at this point even though I've never driven one.

I've been driving a modified E92 BMW M3 with upgraded suspension, and the whole nine yards minus adding extra power. I consider my self a true driving enthusiast even playing with the tire pressures and changing them to my liking instead of the factory recommendation until the handling was just right.

I started off last year driving a variety of cars trying to figure out what driver's car was perfect for me.

I started off with a 997.2 911 turbo. Right away I was confused with the car and who it was geared towards. The steering was vague (I know the 4 wheel drive gets in the way), plus it was somewhat dead on centre, and I was not happy with the substantial turbo lag at low RPM. I found the car was boring and not anywhere near as fun to drive as the M3. The exhaust note was subtle as well. I was discouraged and moved on, I thought this would have been a natural progression from an M3 but quickly realized the naturally aspirated, rear wheel drive models would be for me. All in all a surprisingly dull car overall.

Second car I drove was the R8. I was shocked, and it's difficult to admit, but I much preferred the drive of this car vs the 997.2 turbo. The linear power delivery was great, sound of the engine was really muted from the exhaust but still nice to listen to. The 4 wheel drive again prevented some of the fun factor present in the M3, and the steering ratio was not as direct as I would like. Gated shifter was very nice, but honestly the E92 M3 felt a slight touch more like a driver's car. I felt this car was very similar overall to an M3, almost like a 4 wheel drive, mid-engined M3 as weird as that sounds.

At this point, I decided to drive a GT3 and was blown away. Every little crack and crevice in the road surface was felt through the steering. The lack of torque in the engine below 3000rpm was amazing because it was so rewarding keeping the revs high where the torque was strong till 8000rpm, and the exhaust note hinted at a race engine. Sport bucket seats were 10/10, and the deliberate motion required to move the shifter was nice. Alcantara everything was a nice touch. All in all a great driver's car, and was quite raw. Immediately noticed the weight over the rear which I'm not used to particularly when braking hard while turning. I imagine this is a trait that everyone grows to love, I'll admit I don't know if I like it or not but guessing I will with time. So finally found a car I really liked and aspired to own.

The M5/M6 were horrible, and I'm not exaggerating. Nothing like my M3 and they truly felt like the 550i/650i just with extra power. I even drove the manual M5. The F430 was great but quickly concluded I wasn't interested in how finicky Ferrari's are. I know I could buy a Porsche GT car and not worry about anything breaking on me. The Ferrari was just not worth it from a cost perspective should anything go wrong, and not happy that the crash test ratings are questionable for this car.

So after all this, I'm all set on buying a 997.2 GT3 RS, and they are selling for $130-160k. I know it's the car for me, then I realize the 997.1 GT2 sells for exact the same amount, and has the same suspension that was borrowed on the 997.2 GT3 RS. Basically, they're the same car on paper with two additional turbos.

I know the only thing missing from the GT2 is that amazing exhaust note, and the turbo lag is annoying at lower RPMs, but in return the car looks substantially better, and is considered a super car in every respect. The trade off being better looks vs. linear power delivery and an amazing exhaust note for the GT3.

I'll be driving these cars on the street only, maybe a couple times per year on the track not much more than that just to keep things fresh. What car would you recommend and why? I hear the GT2 is more fun stoplight to stoplight, but I had a blast driving the RS and with an aftermarket exhaust will be heaven to listen to. I'm looking for a car that gives the most feedback and puts the biggest smile on my face. Any suggestion for me in particular? I mean at the end of the day they are both great cars, and it seems that the only main difference is the addition of two turbos.

What would you do in my shoes?

Thanks!

Garry D

GT3 RS every time , just the sound makes you feel faster , you will lose less money , and be easier to sell .

Twosherpaz

The linear thing is huge for me. I prefer the GT3 and the RS over the GTR and ZR1 for that very reason. I look at my turbo or supercharged cars more like fast GT's. The straight line speed in them is great but the Porsches are just more fun to drive.

Steve Theodore

I've never even driven a GT2 but used to own a 996TT and currently own a 997.2 GT3 RS. There is something very endearing about the thought of merging things I like about each car together, but I'm not sure if the end result will be exactly what I'm imagining. I'd definitely say you should drive a GT2 and find out for yourself!

bmwtye

Hit up Eddie at rpw or wait for him to chime in here. He had an rs and has a gt2 now

Simonoz

I have a 2009 GT2. It is an outstanding car and delights me every time I drive it. Without hesitation, I recommend it to you.
I've owned two 996 GT3's, and while I liked them, they aren't in the same league as the GT2 in my experience, unless you want to track them frequently.
I've also had a 996 GT2, and that was fun, but it lacks the refinement, traction control and stability control of the 997 variant.
Please drive the GT2 and let us know what you think.
Regards

Ur20v

No wrong answer here, both are great cars. Drive and pay... job done.

CRex

The GT2 is a sublime car on the street. Torque is what you feel day-to-day and those who've driven both cars extensively will tell you the suspension set ups are almost identical between the GT2 and GT3 except the wider front track in the .2.

Stock the GT2 needs a louder voice like you pointed out--you'll hear more intake than exhaust but that's rectifiable. Turbo lag is ever-so-slightly present but not something you'll complain about past 3k rpm, and a chip will take care of that. Which makes the GT2 a peach for daily duties.

All that, plus the GT2 happens to be the car with a smaller production run (my guess is 1,500 tops) vs. 997.1+997.2 3RS'es adding up to nearly 3,600 cars (again rough numbers before counting the 600 4.0's).

John@Fabspeed

I can help fix the lag and lack of sound of the GT2

Seriously though, no BS, We did two GT2 RS cars here and I can say without doubt that the GT2 with a proper exhaust sounds absolutely excellent. It turned into one of the best sounding turbo cars that I have heard, the exhaust note was SO crisp and clean it sent shivers up my spine!

I know that they are Rs's, but I think the comparison still helps!

bigmacsmallfries

How does the fun factor of the GT3 compare to the 458? Which of the two puts a bigger smile on your face when you've had a long week, and you just can't wait to get on the road and have fun?

bigmacsmallfries

Driving one very soon. Hope it's a very positive experience.

bigmacsmallfries

That would be most helpful, or anyone else that has driven or has owned both. How do I get a hold of him directly? What's his username?

bigmacsmallfries

So for street you prefer the GT2 even though you have a GT3?

bigmacsmallfries

What did you experience in the GT2 that just wasn't there with the GT3s other than acceleration? I find soooo many board members here who have GT3s are incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about their cars, whereas the GT2 owners are less so.

bigmacsmallfries

Sounds great, would be nice to hear video with the engines over load to redline.