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!!!

 

The GT4 will be a far better daily driver. More compliant suspension and lighter clutch. I also prefer the handling. For me, it was far more fun on the street. Having a trunk and hatch is also a bonus. As is remaining warranty.

GT3 will sound better, assuming you drive near redline. Steering will be better. If it's a 997.2, the center lock wheels are a huge pain in the ***. Really shines on the track. Most of it's personality will be wasted on the street.

Or, go for what may be the best of both worlds - the 991.2 GT3.

 

Thank you for the input. Yes - the car will never be used anywhere close to 'redline' as there are no opportunities to do much of that around where I live, no canyons etc. I know both cars capabilities are 'wasted' driving to the grocery store and picking up takeout -- but just trying to gauge what will still offer the most involved drive throughout daily life.

Yes - maybe further down the road the 991.2 gt3 -- I'm trying to pick something up within the next month or so.

It is the 997.2 gt3 I am considering. I agree - I am not very fond of the centerlocks, as I also like to usually switch out my wheels.

Which one is more of a 'raw' car out of the two?

 

Also -

It appears that GT4s are excessively over-abundant over 997.2 GT3s available for sale. Doing a quick autotrader search brings up 60+ GT4s with only a dozen so GT3s available for sale.

Is the GT3 that much more of a rare/limited car?

 

997.2 is more 'raw'.

I believe overall production numbers are similar. Probably many reasons for the perceived difference in availability. Many of the GT4's listed are at very optimistic prices. Maybe people trying to cash in before the next one is announced? Or selling prior to the new GT3 arriving.

Drive both if you can. It's a very personal decision. There is no wrong answer.

 

I agree that the GT4 would be a better daily driver. I also think the GT4 would be a better track toy. And if wear and tear or warranty or cost of consumables are factors I'd say GT4 as well. But, for your intended purpose, with no DD or track duty, you have the luxury of not worrying about those things quite so much, so I'd go 997 GT3 because it's got more "cool" factor, it's more raw, and at the end of the day, it's a 911. And this is coming from a GT4 guy.

 

Well, here's the good news...you win either way...both are amazing cars.

The GT4 is more of a modern fun while the 997 is from another era so to speak and is definitely a more harsh ride.

Personally, I'd get a Gt4...do $6k worth of mods and you will own the greatest Porsche available for all of $100k.

Seriously...GT4 with some mods is insane.

997GT3 is a fine car don't get me wrong. I'd go Gt4 modded.

 

I went from a 997.2 GT3 to a 991.1 GT3 to a GT4. Out of the 3 I prefer the GT4. If you want to step it up in fun add a set of Dundon Headers.

 

IMHO...besides the myriad of people that purchased the GT4 as a gateway drug to other models (GT3, GT3RS), I think a LOT of people purchased the GT4 for the wrong reasons and/or expected something else from the car. The GT4 would be more civilized and provide more modern design and amenities. The GT3 is a fantastic track weapon and it's a 911, eternal classic design so can't go wrong. You need to put on the table the Pros and Cons and decide which one really tick all the boxes for you.....what can be a great daily driver for me could be a boring car for you. You need to test drive both.

 

Thank you everyone for the insight. I do plan on finding a GT4 to test drive - but ironically there is not one right now within 350 miles of Phoenix. Maybe I can link up with someone on the forums to check one out.

I'm sure within time I will probably even switch off between both of these. There is something that appeals to me in both vehicles. After test driving GT4 I'm hoping I will be 'closer' to my answer and pull the trigger. In the meantime I'm not discounting finding a nice example of a GT3...

Typically I have left the power/sound alone on every car. I loved how the GT3 sounded stock (unlike a stock 997 turbo). I have heard gt4s as well in person previously and they sound marvelous as well

-- what mods do you recommend for the GT4 that you mention?

+1 Agreed. Hopefully I can follow up with my interpretation of both cars shortly. Def no wrong answer at this level of cars...

 

Currently have 11 GT3 RS and GT4. If I had to keep only one would be RS but that is not your question. I think you will be happy with either one but I would try and drive one of each first. 997 wins the raw questioning. GT4 is more comfortable but is number relatively speaking. Since you have had a 997 try Cayman. Variety is the spice of life. If you don't like it you can always go back to 997 3.

For what it is worth I have taken both of them on 2500 + mile road trips with the wife (Smokies events) and both were fine although the RS generally is a little louder.

Good luck. The chase is sometimes half (or more) of the fun.

Tal

 

ALSO - what is the opinion on which car is the better long range highway cruiser (several hours) ... by what I have gauged it'd be the GT4, is that true?

 

Buckets or sofas? I intentionally ordered my GT4 with Sofas to increase the long range driving comfort.

 

I didn't even get to that part of the equation yet --

I do love how the buckets look and would probably go that route...but def wanna try something like that out as well...

 

Socialpro, as to availability of GT4s right now, it's nothing to do with desireability or people not liking it as much as they thought or anything like that. It's just that time in the life-cycle when the short-term people get rid of their cars. I just bought an off-lease car this month. The owner ordered another Porsche (I can't remember what) and went ahead and traded his 4 in. So you have all the people who never keep one more than a couple years starting to get rid of them over the next year.

Whereas with 997GT3, the current owners are either original owners or 2nd owners who bought from the same group that is just now selling their GT4s. But these folks are in for the long haul, and there's no outside factors causing a mass sell-off like there is for GT4 (i.e., lease is up, short attention span, new shiny about to come out, didn't like it as much as they expected, price has stayed high but may come down shortly when 981 GT4 is no longer the newest GT4, etc.) Pretty much none of these reasons apply to 997GT3 (i.e. I doubt there's a single leased 997GT3 in the United States), so what you see on the market is just the normal attrition of people moving out of an older sportscar.