Genau911

Rennlist newbie question. Did a little searching on the newsfeed and didn't see much info. I am a pRior 964 turbo owner, now a 997 gt3 owner. Both amazing machines. Question is.... The GT3 is a well balanced racing oriented car. The turbo has a bit more power. How does the gt3 of any given year compare performance wise to the turbo of the same year on a track like Gingerman or Road America..... Or a large one like The Ring?

lcrain

Driven by an expert, the GT3 should be quicker on almost any track.

Driven by a novice/intermediate, a turbo will be close if not faster. AWD makes it more approachable for the every day man.

Generally a gt3 will exhibit its strengths over a turbo on a more tight/intricate track. You go to COTA and that margin narrows due to the gigantic straights and slow hairpin corners.

rnh204

I think the GT3 will be quicker if you're comparing stock vs stock. I had a 996TT that was modified and definitely faster in a straight line vs. my 997.2RS, but my lap times are 2-3 seconds faster in a 1.5-2 mile track, and at larger tracks like Watkins Glen, I am 5-6 seconds faster. What I have noticed is that you can brake a lot deeper and change directions easier too.

Although times can be similar - the important question is which one will be more the more engaging experience? And the GT3 without a doubt.

05Mdriver

It is more the feeling then the lap times when comparing the two

The gt3 feels faster at a slower pace.. the turbo builds speed so effortlessly

If lap times are what you are after though.. a turbo with a tune would do the trick hands down

ZMC-ZH

Seems in stock form the TT is right behind the GT3 (997.1).
He still prefers the GT3 at the end

757driver

Both being compared with an equally skilled driver:
The GT3 comes from the factory with cup tires. The turbo comes with high performance street tires or possibly even all season tires. The biggest reason a stock GT3 is even with or slightly faster around a track than a stock turbo is the tires. Both on the same tires the turbo is even or slightly faster. Start modding the turbo with suspension and a tune and the gap widens further. The GT3 is the more engaging track car, but if lap times are your top priority a well modded turbo is king.

ZMC-ZH

Not for this one, the turbo also has Cup tires - the commentator mentions it around 2:20

Genau911

Thanks all for the comments!

turbofever

if you can afford one just get a GT2 and forget the rest.

mooty

this is really a "personal and hypothetical Q" that on one can answer.
1. if you track, you will know which one you want.
2. if you want faster lap time, turbo is faster.
3. if you drive on street, each has forte. test drive both. they are very very different and one will call out to you.

thxbuff2001

I love then both. Cant imagine parting from either one(TT or Gt3). Ive owned both MT and PDK of both at thesame time in the near past.

They are 2 different cars. Where do I start?

johnwb

The turbo will be faster at Road America. It has three long straights.

mooty

and you have fiats. variety is good if you can have all that

Genau911

Had a 964 Turbo. great car. One of the best looking 911s of all time. Just got the 997 GT3 a few months ago and only put about 100 miles on it so far with the crappy Chicago winters. Seems like a great car. I have to admit I was partially sold on it by the engine noises it makes. After only the limited miles, I can already start to appreciate how well balanced it is. Another cool thing about the PCCB in addition to the obvious..... No brake dust!

MC 968CS

Hi. I moved from a 600hp 996 GT2 to my 997.1 GT3 so is somewhat relevant

The 996 had stock but very good suspension (it's better than a 996 GT3 with more adjustment from the factory) whereas the 997 has upgraded suspension. But stock engine.

The lap times, on same track rubber, are almost identical which is a tad bizarre. The speed traces are hugely different. The GT3 let's me adjust the throttle balance of the car in a materially more precise manner. And get harder on the throttle earlier. As such it carries more corner speed that the GT2 which then totally catches it back up as you pull gears down each straight section. The lap times I hold are class lap records so was pushing in each.

The turbo 4wd versions however didn't get close. Even with more HP than my GT2.

In terms of driver pleasure and fun. No comparison. GT3 all day long was more fun for me.