MaxLTV

It is a very interesting point. GT4 is much more capable than Carrera 2 - not far off from GT3. It can blast through Sea-to-sky at more than twice the speed limit and not come close to the limit of the car. But, as you say, this is absolutely not necessary to feel and enjoy the incredible connection and precision it provides.

Loess

I bought a Cayman S in 2007 and loved that car. Compact size, fantastic handling, great engine right behind your head, and no compromised engine placement that took years of engineering to manage. I said back then why would I want a 911 even though almost everyone at the track with a 911 would look down on it. After a couple years the lack of power and the fact that Porsche had purposely limited the car really started to bother me so I let it go. Porsche wouldn't build the car I wanted at the time (Cayman GT4). I liked what they did with the 991 cars although I know many people hate it, but I was able to get a GT3. Even better than my Cayman and not gimped in any way. Power, sound, feeling, handling. I also started to appropriate the rear engine design even much more managed now. In my opinion as a mid-engine Cayman fan it took a 991 GT3 to win me over.

A GT3 or GT4 will not challenge you or it at road speeds though but I don't really understand that idea. The GT cars will feel more connected and involved at any speed. If you want a more compromised car that is more at the limit at road speeds then let 10 psi out of one of your tires. This will be very challenging.

palmpalm

Interesting thoughts, guys.

ekam

The only thing missing in the GT4 is the GT3 motor. But, consider it a miracle as it took about 15 years for Porsche to put the 911 motor in the Cayman/Boxster platform.

The 911 RSR is mid-engine now that means zee Germans realized they out engineered the rear engine position as they humanly could.

HenryPcar

This thread brought back memories of the golden era of sports car. It reminds me of a BMW E30 M3 that I used to own. That M3 was not a true sports car, but boy that was my soul and joy back in the 80s. I just might search for a Cayman to get that seat of the pants feeling. I'm not very familiar with the Cayman. What do you guy/gals suggest is the best year of the Caymans or the GT4.

TouringTeg

Would love an E30 M3. They are super rare now to see in the wild.

Not easy to come by but 2 years ago I purchased a 2001 Acura Integra Type R. A true drivers car that came in manual only. Lightweight stich welded chassis with a motor that begs to be revved out on every drive. It is so much fun to drive compared to my previous 993 C4S. The ITR is a blast to drive on the track and so affordable that I may stick with it until I have maxed out it's capabilities.

Now I am looking at a variety of P cars to add to the garage. I am not sure if I will track it or not so I have to think hard about what the purpose will be. Something with more tech and comfort yet still a performer. With plenty of options it is a good problem to have!

golfnutintib

987 cayman s/r are fun up to 7-8 tenths... mods make them fun up to the limit... my 987 r was bgb'd with a 911 3.8 and suspension mods - it is an absolute hoot, a thrill going slow or fast... this having been said... these are narrow, short wheel base cars with a compromised rear suspension design so ultimately they hit their limits of performance... but this does not diminish their fun factor one bit

991 has a far superior (larger wider stiffer) platform and modern suspension tech - it can thrill but only at VERY high speeds... at road going speeds 95% of the time they are just boring... too competent too unflappable too protective of the driver lacking skill/coordination... i say 991's engender a sense of awe in their engineering and their capability... but they do not stir passions so well... even when I am driving them fast I feel like the car is doing too much of the work of driving very fast for me. I am at the wheel but I am spectator more than participant.

older cars are smaller, cruder, less perfect ... but their imperfections, lack of tech, lower limits make them more exciting and thus elicits driver's emotional reaction and connection -- it was said in another RL thread that these machines are just tools/instruments to stir feelings and create great stories/memories... many if not most modern sports cars seem to miss that boat

997/987 perhaps 996 (gt3) might be the sweet spot between old and new ... 991 gen clearly a bridge too far

BioBanker

jumper5836

There is a big feel difference between a 996 and 997.2 as well. 997 is very comfortable, it's missing or has dulled the feel of the suspension. I just feel the grip and not all the road noise. I think with all the missing road feel it just feels less scary to drive fast not that that is a bad thing you can get used to either.

ekam

I think on the 981 forum some guy was complaining about tire noise... man after all these years I still remember those Integras don't have much lining in the fenders. lol.

Wild Weasel

Huh? Isn't the 3.4L in the 981 (and 987.2?) the same as the base Carrera?

Ok... Saturday morning I finished the break-in on my GT3. I got on the race track with 3018 km's. OH MY GOD!!!! That thing is RIDICULOUS on the track!!!

So... as mentioned before, I still say the Cayman/Boxster is perfect for the streets but if you want to feel how the 911 steps up, you absolutely have to get to a track.

BioBanker

GT4 has the 3.8L out of the S. Unsure what the new car will have as there's a ton of disagreement as to what engine the mules have (4cyl turbo, NA 6cyl 4.0L or even 6cyl turbos). I don't know enough to comment but the speculation and disagreement is hilarious.

The 3.8L from the S is a good not amazing engine in my mind. The weakest part of the GT4 (to me), but still plenty sufficient.

Agree re 911 on the track as being an emotional experience - and I cant comment from personal experience like you can but probably especially your new GT3.

Loess

You've managed to put 3000km on your GT3 already this year? That's commitment. I've only had my car out once so far and that was excruciating because of all of the pea gravel on the road still.

Wild Weasel

Yeah... I was determined to get it done before getting on the track. And I was good about it too. Under 4k rpm the whole time. Maybe up to 5k by accident a couple times but never felt the power until Saturday morning.

I did the same with my Boxster and that car was flawless the whole time I had it. Figured it was worth the effort.

The weekend before I went on a 1000 km road trip. On the highway... shift to 5th... full throttle to 4k... coast back down... 6th for a minute or two... back to 5th... floor it... the ENTIRE time.

.2PDK

That's wild...