140.6

I was having a conversation with my dad a few weeks ago about not really enjoying driving my 993 any longer because I worry about everyone around me. With values of the air cooled versions continuing to go up it just makes it feel like there is more and more risk to it with each drive. Please don't misunderstand me, I love driving it and the raw mechanical feel and noises and if I decide to leave the air cooled world I am looking for a similar driving experience. I don't mean dated, no technology, lower performance, etc. I recognize that the 997, for that any future variant, has more power, is quicker, better technology, etc. but that doesn't necessarily mean a better driving experience.

Where the 997 and 991 GT3 variants are concerned I have read just about every comparison and watched every Youtube video comparing the 991 and 997 GT3 variants. I also expect some biased views in the 997 forum and I will likely post the same in the 991 forum.

It goes without saying, as I see it, that the major differences are drive train related, in other words Metzger engine, a clutch, and hydraulic steering. I'll give the 991 its due in that it has truly supercar type performance.

This car, whether it be 997 GT3 or 991 GT3, will likely be a back roads, dedicated road trip, very very limited track use, it will not be a daily driver.

So I am looking for opinions on why I should choose a 997 GT3 versus a 991 GT3 ... any and all comments welcome.

Spyerx

One should really experience all the generations keep the 993, screw values, because these 997 GT cars are basically in the same boat. I still track and drive mine, its what I bought it for.

Anyway, having driven both. The 991 GT is brutally fast, but it has a connection missing. It did not talk to me the way the 997 does or the GT4 did. It has less of a mechanical feel and felt more insulated. Don't get me wrong, they are stupid fast and precise. But the steering, the 'butt feel', the SIZE, etc just don't work for me. Candidly, I'm in the camp of not needing the latest and fastest car, because there will always be a faster car. I look for other things. Cars that feel great to me: later classic 911 (G, I have an 89), 964 C2, 997 GT4, GT4.

You really need to drive both and decide for yourself.

FLT6SPD

You answered your own question.
The Mezger 997 is in the history books and the 991 is evolving as we speak. The 991 GT3 is large and in charge, it is also technologically advanced but the sensory feedback and involvement is lacking.

Talk to some 996 GT3 owners and they will say the same about the 997 GT3.

sfo

isn't a 997 or 991 GT3 going to cost more than a 993, thus making your problem more of an issue?

140.6

While I am conscious of cost (capital outlay) I am more concerned with the fact that the air cooled varieties are appreciating at double digit rates annually. Mine was fairly well bought a few years ago and has appreciated roughly 50% since that purchase. Neither the 997 or 991 are appreciating at that rate. Frankly with the 991 it is likely very replaceable with some searching or dealer help, maybe the 997 less so. Not to mention total loss and what insurance companies may or may not pay out. It may seem like screwed up logic but it just seems like I would not have to worry about protecting an appreciating asset (the 993) and might enjoy a depreciating asset (997 or 991) more provided I can still get an engaging, mechanical, etc. type experience.

audipwr1

Unless it's always mileage queen this won't continue there are 30k 993s out there it's not a rare car.

Finlander

As much as I love my 991 GT3... from a pure driving experience I prefer my 997.1 RS. Smaller, lighter, slightly better steering feel and of course being a manual. I also feel like the metzger is more free-revving if that makes any sense.

golfnutintib

u come from 993 -- my suggestion is you get up from behind your keyboard or ipad -- don't ask this question on the board

get knee pads, beg/borrow/steal from friend/dealer/kind-hearted r-lister -- then head to a proper racetrack or an excellent back road that tests a car's capability and drive any mezger gt3 (6 or 7 gen, doesn't matter) and then drive a current gen 1 gt3

the answer will be self evident

i promise

K964

If possible, take both out for a ride. The 991 is a great car that excels at just about everything. Fast, good looking, and refined. But too sterile for my taste. And I became bored of the PDK-S after only a few hours.

The 997 just "sings" to me. Makes me smile every single time I drive it. It's a very special car and the end of an era. Plenty fast for my needs and allows me to still row through the gears. Manuals are going to be extinct someday, even the offerings from Porsche. So my solution is that every car in my garage requires a real stick. No flappy paddle "automatic". Good luck in your decision.

mooty

young blonde
elegant mature brunette
take ur pick
I want them all

ilko

I own both a 993 and a GT3 I have to tell you that if I had to sell one I'd have a hard time deciding which one that would be... They are both so different and so awesome at the same time...

Lately I've been driving the GT3 a lot. Then last week I jumped in the 993. For the first 20-30 minutes I thought the 993 was awful, hehe. And that's a tweaked car with a bunch of RS bits. Power wasn't there, steering was numb, suspension (PSS10) was just so-so. Then as I got more into it, I really, really enjoyed the experience. The feel of the car is special, the exhaust note is to die for, and the whole package just speaks to me in a way that no other car can. But it's no GT3 and to compare it to one I realized is just silly.

And one more thing... I went through the same experience with the 964 I bought in the spring. I thought the car would never be as good as my 993 and every time I have both next to one another I'll ALWAYS choose the 993. But that's not the point of owning the 964. It's special in its own way. And thanks for the wheels mooty!

Finally, regarding price increases, unless you have a turbo or a super low mileage S (and I'm talking under 20K), the appreciation really isn't all that impressive IMO. So if you bought a $40K C2 a few years ago, that is now a $60K car, which is not much considering what other models have done on that front. So I wouldn't worry too much about appreciation on the 993. Get an agreed value insurance and call it a day.

Best of luck with your decision!

DrJupeman

Bored? I've only had mine a week, but scooting the car around Alpine passes last week in Austria and Italy was anything but boring and I didn't miss the clutch pedal for one second. But as I noted to the OP when he posted the same question in the 991 GT3 forum: buy both (just as Mooty says, you need the blond and the brunette... okay, he didn't say to have both, but you want both...)

golfnutintib

i have predicament john
have well built mature blonde...front needs seen some miles, rear end still world class
u have clear bra vendor, maybe that will help?

K964

Charlie: Yes, I was bored. But also had prior experience with a Fiat F360 that was a paddle shift as well. Basically had that car for a cup of coffee (8 months). I know it's faster around the track, but I prefer to be more involved when I'm driving. Hell, my company car, Jeep Grand Cherokee, even has paddles. Who doesn't have flappy paddles? Haha

See you at the Sebring Club Race?

Mike

Guest89

I have owned each car - 993, 997.1 GT3, 991 GT3.

993: Truly raw and the most engaging to drive anywhere at any speed. Sounded the best too.

997: Best steering, most enjoyable/rewarding gearbox. Third place in terms of sound IMO.

991: Last place in terms of overall engagement/feel, but it's the best overall car of the three, and far better than most other cars on sale today in terms of feedback. Sounds pretty good too.

997 is a safer buy if you get good price execution IMO; I think the 991.2 "GT3" will be turbo, so 991.1 prices should remain strong. But I could be wrong...