akhbhaat

@jreifler covered it well.

Some things to add:

Very, very different chassis. Obviously, RR vs. MR, but there's also a decade of technological progress to consider. A lot more pucker factor in the 997; it tends to give you more information inside the limit than you might actually be comfortable with, so you'll need to build up your confidence until you get used to it...but in turn you don't need to get as close to the limit to get some feedback from the car which makes it somewhat more fun to drive around the middle of the performance envelope (e.g. spirited run on public roads). And yeah, it's a narrow bodied rear engine car once you start really pushing, and all that entails. But wow, turn in from a well-sorted MR car like the GT4 is seriously quick and the car seemed to defy physics at times (there's a very tight, technical four-corner complex at one of my local tracks where I used to make up big chunks of time on almost everybody...the GT4 could pull off a line through that section that almost nothing else could). I like both. They're just different.

The 981 steering is very good, especially for EPS, but the 997 steering is great and does everything you would expect a great hydraulic rack to do. Wash out the front end, you feel it. Get on the throttle coming out of a corner and take some weight off the front end, you feel it. By comparison, 981: it's surprisingly textured and well weighted most of the time. The problem with it is that while it feels nice when you're cruising well inside the limit, it can feel synthetic when you start pushing the car, almost like the feedback you do get is completely simulated...the steering weight is primarily speed sensitive as opposed to grip (axle loading) sensitive, and you definitely don't get the same level of feedback when you approach the limits or wash out the front axle (you get none, really).

GT4 has a bit more of a dual personality. It's properly quick, composed, and engaging on track, but you can also drive it at a relaxed pace on a normal public road and the chassis and inputs will respond accordingly; it'll settle in. The gearshift is smoother without giving up much precision; the clutch bite point is easier to feel and modulate. The 997 feels a bit clunky (inputs are more on/off) if you're not pushing it at least a little bit. But if you do push it, it takes more skill to drive really well; the "sweet spot" feels much smaller to me. Most people find this more rewarding (I do, too).

I love track buckets in cars like these and they're pretty common in the 981; around half of the cars out there have them (mine did). USDM 997s rarely have buckets, and those that have them are all retrofits (wasn't an option new, IIRC). They command a premium and you will have to price that in if you want them ($3-4k for good aftermarket buckets, up to $10k for the OEM parts...ouch).

If I had to pick one and they were the same price, 997 easily. At the current spread...really tough call. The 981 is a lot of Porsche for 80-90k.

Steve Theodore

Funny, I just took a 981 GT4 in on consignment at my dealership this week, and it has been my first time ever driving it. My observations are based only on a few street drives, but with proper corners thrown in (but damp pavement).

The car is extremely playful, probably more so than I expected. Having the heart of a GT3 changes 'everything', and this is a serious car that can do some really impressive things. As others have said the steering feel and controls are excellent, probably better than I expected. I think it's impossible to drive this car without smiling a lot, just like my 997.2 GT3 RS. Now that I have been driving one, I'm a much bigger fan of them and suspect that nearly all Porsche enthusiasts would enjoy it.

As a strange counter point, I also have a 718 Cayman GTS 6MT right now in my inventory, and have spent considerably more time driving it. It is a truly spectacular car for the money, and I love to drive it, but it won't ever be taken as seriously as a GT4. There is no doubt that the GT4 is the real enthusiasts choice, price be damned. I'm enjoying having both cars, and they will both be missed when they are sold (but that is my job...to get them sold!).

fayraree

wow, you should have your own car review channel, a la Carfection. I’ve never driven a GT4 but now I feel like I have! Spot on with your GT3 observations, I’m still learning the ropes on my 7.2 and it’s such an absolute joy to do so, rewarding indeed, which is exactly what I signed up for. Might have to try out a 981 GT4 now just for ****s and giggles.

Britzky9

Not much discussed on this one in the past other than the price...has anyone put eyes on it? The lower front bumper grill screens look aftermarket, or is that just the contrast against Meteor Gray? Interesting car considering the mileage.

http://www.netcarshowroom.com/vehicl...tx-id-49166244

WP0AC29977S792266

Britzky9

Crazy, I just called there, and the guy said he just committed the car to someone else about a minute before my call...

ljmartyre

It’s been discussed a good amount outside of price.
Clean car, I saw it in person before it went from SoCal to Toybarn.
Mesh install was a hack job and will need a front bumper repair and respray to have it looking right.
Other than that, it’s a very nice example that was taken care of well. PO was a bit of a character, and I wouldn’t advise reaching out if someone takes possession of this car.

Elliotw44

Folks here's your chance.

Driver RS for sale via a post by GTVault(swithcars) 37k miles 220k.

RapidGT

VIN: WP0AC2A99AS783748

JS

BROOKLYN representing baby ! ! !

fayraree

I’m all over this like a cheap suit. And I just started my build journal thread, lol! Does anyone here think it’s worth it to drop $100k on top of my 44,800 mile 2010 GT3? This RS ticks all the boxes for me.

ScottArizona

Man, if I were in the market for a .2rs, this would be the one. "High" mileage and all LOL (c'mon...37k miles...barely broken in!). Very pretty and unique spec too.

RapidGT

This Sharkwerks .2 RS is likely gonna be up on BaT soon. Was sent to Sharkwerks by Hbi Auto and now is with this big BaT seller. This car was formerly owned by Jesse James.

https://www.meccanicshop.com/2011-Po...y2aTMcfuqLU%3d

fayraree

Good lord

Boostu

It definitely crossed my mind and I'm glad they're trending down to that level. Seems like the right price for that experience. I got to drive a 981 GT4 when my buddy picked one up about a year ago. It was a wonderful experience. In a vacuum, it's damn near perfect.

But the 997 GT3 was the car that hooked me in my mid-20s. It's my halo car. Hell I've never even sat in one but thousands of people can't be wrong about them. Anyone would be lucky to have a GT4 but I don't love them. And I've already had three mid-engine cars (Elise, 987 Spyder, Exige). I want a new experience.

Also if I'm going 981 I'd probably go Spyder. It's such a beautiful design and if it's imperceptibly close in performance to a GT4, why not get the convertible?

vma1788

Do it you wont regret it. They always seem to have really unique and nice cars. Though ive never been there in person.

Also, you will definitely get more than 120 for your .2, even with 44k miles (this is NOT high mile).