Help deciding on 997 GT3 vs GT4 -- Owned a few previous 997s !!!
07-04-2017, 11:03 PM
#31
07-05-2017, 12:20 AM
#32
Rennlist Member
I've owned three 997s - a Turbo S, S Cab, and GT3 RS (.2) and two GT4s - a white one that I got out of pretty quickly (and regretted) and now currently have a light green one. I don't currently have a 997. If you're not going to track the car and the warranty isn't an issue for you, I'd lean towards the 997. I like the lines of the car and it's a 911. The .2 models have the dynamic engine mounts. They are both fun to drive. The GT4 is a heck of a car and I don't think you can go wrong there either. If you get one, try to avoid the few months in the production that seem to have issues with 3rd gear (I think the early 2016 builds - there is a long thread on it). If you get the 997 GT3, I'd consider getting the cooling pipes pinned/replaced and get one that has been well cared for. I think value wise, they'll both hold up pretty well. If you want a 997 GT3, I'd call Gerald Tito/Billy Bennett at Porsche North Houston. Those guys get a ton of GT3s (they have several 997 RS models now) and they can find you a clean/no story one at the right price and will ship it to you. They have a couple of GT4s there now as well - black and a gray - both on consignment I believe. I stopped by the dealer last week as they were moving to their new mega shop and they had what seemed like 10 GT cars lined up across the front of the lot of various vintages.
07-05-2017, 02:14 AM
#33
Three Wheelin'
7.2 GT3 feels way more raw and special, especially the engine. The GT4 more usable and friendly. Completely different driving experiences.
12-27-2017, 05:11 PM
#34
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To buy a 997 GT3 vs 981 GT4
I have a dilemma of buying a 997.1 GT3 or 981 GT4. They both in the same price range. I currently own a 996 Turbo and a 991 GT3. My 996 Turbo is my daily car and would like to sell it for something I can drive often with some fun. I have always liked the Carreras. Switching to Cayman is a hard decision, Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Wma3329; 12-27-2017 at 06:18 PM.
12-27-2017, 05:59 PM
#35
Rennlist Member
Went from 997.2 GT3 to a 991.1 GT3 to a GT4. The GT4 makes a great all around car. Add a set of Dundon headers and you're good to go.
12-28-2017, 01:11 PM
#37
997's are awesome - they are essentially the 993 of the water cooled cars. Proportions are spot-on and electronics are now minimal (by today's standards). The failure points aren't too major and have well-documented fixes. But that being said, to get into a GT3 and bulletproof it is still a respectable sum. For similar money you could do a GT4 with engine mods to close the gap from the 9A1 to a Mezger, in a car that is essentially a decade newer. Or you could even find a very low mileage 991 GTS that will yield the same performance. So it all comes down to personal preference, which makes the decision even easier/harder depending how you look at it! Easiest way to answer the question is drive them all back to back. You'll know.
There is a stigma to the Cayman that takes awhile to get over... but you will. Just appreciate the 981 for it's strengths and don't directly compare it to a 911. Once you can reach that point of objectivity, you might start to prefer the mid-engine! I still love both platforms but if I could only have one, a proper 981 is my favorite with all factors considered.
If I were you i'd keep the 996TT, sell the 991 GT3, and pick up an 982 GT4. You'll tick the most boxes that way IMO. Another option is to sell both and get a 991.2 Carrera S - kinda combines everything you have into one car...
I have a dilemma of buying a 997.1 GT3 or 981 GT4. They both in the same price range. I currently own a 996 Turbo and a 991 GT3. My 996 Turbo is my daily car and would like to sell it for something I can drive often with some fun. I have always liked the Carreras. Switching to Cayman is a hard decision, Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
If I were you i'd keep the 996TT, sell the 991 GT3, and pick up an 982 GT4. You'll tick the most boxes that way IMO. Another option is to sell both and get a 991.2 Carrera S - kinda combines everything you have into one car...
12-28-2017, 04:02 PM
#39
Agree completely with NoGaBiker. Similar thing happened with 997's when they were current.
If you're a 911 snob, 997 is probably the best all-around iteration but the mid-engine setup basically makes the GT4 feel like a more sorted GT3. It's also tough to go back once you've enjoyed the modern dash layout.. elevated shifter console is really enjoyable! If you can't live without the Mezger, go GT3. Otherwise GT4. It's drivetrain won't feel as special but that is also what makes it more useable. That's pretty much where the tradeoff lies.
If you're a 911 snob, 997 is probably the best all-around iteration but the mid-engine setup basically makes the GT4 feel like a more sorted GT3. It's also tough to go back once you've enjoyed the modern dash layout.. elevated shifter console is really enjoyable! If you can't live without the Mezger, go GT3. Otherwise GT4. It's drivetrain won't feel as special but that is also what makes it more useable. That's pretty much where the tradeoff lies.
FITS ME PERFECTLY!
12-28-2017, 04:06 PM
#40
The seats are much softer and comfy, the clutch pedal throw is 25x easier than my GT4, steering and brakes softer, etc.
But I will never sell my 2004 R32. It puts a HUGE GRIN on my face every time I take it out for a drive!
12-28-2017, 07:27 PM
#41
Track Day
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I have a dilemma of buying a 997.1 GT3 or 981 GT4. They both in the same price range. I currently own a 996 Turbo and a 991 GT3. My 996 Turbo is my daily car and would like to sell it for something I can drive often with some fun. I have always liked the Carreras. Switching to Cayman is a hard decision, Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all for your advice. I love my 991 GT3. It’s the best Porsche I have ever owned. I’m going to test out both cars and see. I may eventually keep my 996 TT and wait for new technology. I’ve already put my name down for the mission E.
12-29-2017, 03:53 PM
#42
Rennlist Member
OK - sort of a long read...Looking to get another toy (recently sold my Gallardo) - and really yearning for another porsche. Has to be 6speed and RWD -- so I'm down to GT4 vs 997 GT3.
I love the 997 dimensions, body, etc -- and the only thing swaying me against the 997 gt3 is the fact that I previously already owned 2 997s. First was a base 2006, and second a 2008 Turbo that was slightly modded for suspension, wheels etc. Even though the 997 body is still my all time fav porsche designation -- It's getting hard for me to justify dropping 120+K (MSRP!!) on essentially same interior/exterior of what I had before, of what is now essentially a 6-7 year old car.
I recently test drove the 997 GT3 for the first time - and did enjoy everything about it. Gearbox, harder clutch, steering communication, etc -- basically a wonderful car. This will be my weekend / light errands etc car with absolutely no track or autox use.
The only thing still nagging on my mind - is of course the GT4. I've never owned a cayman before - and truth be told do not 'love' the looks of it more so then the GT3 -- but do like the fact that it does look different. It is also 'available' in more assortment of colors (I dig the blue, grey, etc). Newer tech, and also an overall much newer 'car' - which are all pluses. Probably close to a 20K difference in price between 997 gt3 vs gt4 as well, so GT4 has that going for it (although not sure how far gt4 will depreciate).
I have not driven the GT4 yet, but heard nothing but praise from current and past owners, online reviewers etc...
Coming here to seek your input, especially from those who had BOTH - on the pros and cons. I AM looking for the car with the most personality, road feel, great sound, steering, etc --- I think the 997 gt3 would be the winner hands down had I NOT owned the previous 997s.
Which one is the better or closer to a 'daily driver' out of the two? I guess that can be good or bad depending on the criteria, but just looking for any input regarding livability with the car to have 'fun' and not be enjoyed strictly at the track or track like events - while still varying 'enough' from a daily driver to want to get that 'jolt' from a race inspired 6 speed machine.
I will try to line up a GT4 test drive in the meantime, and see what I come away with on that!
Any input is appreciated -- thank you!!!
I love the 997 dimensions, body, etc -- and the only thing swaying me against the 997 gt3 is the fact that I previously already owned 2 997s. First was a base 2006, and second a 2008 Turbo that was slightly modded for suspension, wheels etc. Even though the 997 body is still my all time fav porsche designation -- It's getting hard for me to justify dropping 120+K (MSRP!!) on essentially same interior/exterior of what I had before, of what is now essentially a 6-7 year old car.
I recently test drove the 997 GT3 for the first time - and did enjoy everything about it. Gearbox, harder clutch, steering communication, etc -- basically a wonderful car. This will be my weekend / light errands etc car with absolutely no track or autox use.
The only thing still nagging on my mind - is of course the GT4. I've never owned a cayman before - and truth be told do not 'love' the looks of it more so then the GT3 -- but do like the fact that it does look different. It is also 'available' in more assortment of colors (I dig the blue, grey, etc). Newer tech, and also an overall much newer 'car' - which are all pluses. Probably close to a 20K difference in price between 997 gt3 vs gt4 as well, so GT4 has that going for it (although not sure how far gt4 will depreciate).
I have not driven the GT4 yet, but heard nothing but praise from current and past owners, online reviewers etc...
Coming here to seek your input, especially from those who had BOTH - on the pros and cons. I AM looking for the car with the most personality, road feel, great sound, steering, etc --- I think the 997 gt3 would be the winner hands down had I NOT owned the previous 997s.
Which one is the better or closer to a 'daily driver' out of the two? I guess that can be good or bad depending on the criteria, but just looking for any input regarding livability with the car to have 'fun' and not be enjoyed strictly at the track or track like events - while still varying 'enough' from a daily driver to want to get that 'jolt' from a race inspired 6 speed machine.
I will try to line up a GT4 test drive in the meantime, and see what I come away with on that!
Any input is appreciated -- thank you!!!
