Jim_in_Iowa:
Can we really use GT racing for a valid comparison? I'm not completely sure about the ACO rules, but in ALMS GT there's significant "adjustments" made to each platform to "equalize" their performance. It's primarily how much extra weight each car carries, and what the size of the air intake restrictors. Not only are these set at the beginning of the season, but in ALMS they'll change then during the season. I've heard it said the adjustments for BMW favor them to keep them in GT2 racing, and of late, the 997 RSR has been set at a disadvantage. Remember 2007 when the RS Spyder was regularly defeating the Audi diesels (at least in the U.S.), the next season the Spyder got a 60 HP decrease due to air restrictors.
Actually, the current 997 based RSR has had substantial BOP breaks in order to remain competitive (and not with much success). It has just had a further 0.3mm restrictor break and is now running 0.6mm bigger restrictors than those that were originally in the rule table. It has also just recently been allowed a bigger front splitter and a higher rear wing. Even with all these breaks, it still continues to battle against the speed and handling of the Corvettes and the Ferrari's.
This is the first time that I recall the 911 having to receive breaks to attempt to be competitive. It has always been the competitors that have recieved the breaks to compete against the 911.
Also- Have a look at the LM entry list. See how many teams have bought and are racing 458's. (in GTE-pro there are 4 Ferrari to 2 Porsches- at Le Mans!) This is the same in nearky every single racing series (that is not one make). Porsche was famous for making a business model out of racing. Where is that success today? Ferrari have outsold tthem 2- or 3 to one.