Rennteam 2.0 - EN - Forum - Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Apr 12, 2006 2:13:21 PM

Gugu: Newbie; Loc: Germany; Posts: 6, Gallery; Registered on: Mar 26, 2006

Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Please help me with deciding between ordering a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3.

The car will be driven in summer and for fun only. I have an additional daily driver. I will not track the car but I like to go fast on german highways and on mountain roads (I live in Germany near the Alps).

I know there is no experience with a 997 GT3 in this forum because the car has not been delivered yet. But I would like to have comments from people who have driven 996 GT3 and 997 4S or S Coupes.

On a scale from 1(bumpy) to 10(very comfortable). Air suspension from a SUV being 10, 997 4S in PASM Normal being 7 and 997 4S in PASM Sport being 5. Where would you rate the suspension of 996 GT3 ?

The 997 GT3 has no PSM, the 997 4S has. Do you think that the missing PSM on the GT3 will make the car so dangerous and difficult to drive that i (with no track experience) will have too much respect to drive the GT3 hard ? And therefore have less fun than with the 997 4S ?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 2:42:11 PM

JFT: Co-Pilot; Loc: Sweden; Posts: 291, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 1, 2006; Reply to: Gugu

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

If it's pure fun you're after and not a daily driver I would go for the 997 GT3. Even though you may not be able to exploit all of its performance from day 1 (or ever), you will find it's probably going to be more entertaining more of the time.

If your car is dangerous or not depends on how you drive it, no matter which one you choose. Even a novice can have safe fun in the GT3.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 2:50:19 PM

jcs: Pilot; Loc: nj; Posts: 308, Gallery; Registered on: Mar 3, 2006; Reply to: JFT

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

With all due respect,
if you have to ask this kind of question, I suggest you consider an SL instead of a Porsche .

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 3:07:24 PM

donkeyman: Junior; Loc: Hong Kong; Posts: 113, Gallery; Registered on: Jun 16, 2005; Reply to: jcs

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Get the GT3 since it is only for fun. In fact consider doing some track days in it.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 3:07:36 PM

Ed J: Pilot; Loc: London; Posts: 407, Gallery; Registered on: Aug 4, 2004; Reply to: jcs

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Why not compromise and get a 997C2S? With the powerkit if need be. I doubt very much that the GT3 is for you if you only go on the autobahn.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 3:17:09 PM

easy_rider911: Rennteam Moderator; Loc: London , United Kingdom; Posts: 20667, Gallery; Registered on: Nov 8, 2004; Reply to: jcs

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

jcs, hey c'mon, let's give the guy a break. That's hardly a rennteam welcome.

gugu, why don't you try as many of these cars as you can. I appreciate that you can't try a 997 GT3 yet but you can certainly test drive a 997C2S, 997C4S, 996 GT3 etc

You will hopefully be able to tell for yourself where your preferences lie.

If you already have a daily driver, all that means is that your new car doesn't need to be that comfortable for daily use.

Remember a 996 GT3 will have a firm, conventionally sprung suspension whereas a 997 GT3 will have -30mm revised PASM suspension which none of us have tried.

So far the magazine reviews of the GT3 are very very positive. If I had to sum it up, they say things like "we didn't think you could improve on the 997S but the GT3 does" etc etc. You get my drift.

I think getting a 997 C4S for fun is perhaps a mistake. It's all wheel drive (AWD) so it's designed in good road conditions for people who need to feel more sure-footedness than they would feel in a 997 C2S which is RWD only. Otherwise, in good conditions, a 997 C2s should be more fun to play with. However, in wet, snowy, icy conditions, the benefits of the AWD of the 997 C4S will be immediately obvious.

It seems to me that you're still at the big picture stage of your decision. You really need to try some cars out. Be careful of accepting the advice you get from dealers. They aren't as knowledgeable as they would like you to believe.

If I wanted a 911 for fun as a 2nd car, I would get a 997 C2S with -20mm. I would only get a C4S if I lived in an area with lots of snow and ice. For me, the GT3 is too hardcore but honestly, the GT3 could be right for you.

You could always add a X51 powerit for more fun and PCCBs for better stopping power.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 3:50:41 PM

Hurst: Veteran; Loc: Potomac, MD; Posts: 1255, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 15, 2005; Reply to: jcs

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Quote:
jcs said:
With all due respect,
if you have to ask this kind of question, I suggest you consider an SL instead of a Porsche .

Seeing that all 997 models save the GTs have these electronic aids and true PASM features, I would say that he has a pretty valid point...

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 3:51:53 PM

Hurst: Veteran; Loc: Potomac, MD; Posts: 1255, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 15, 2005; Reply to: Hurst

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

p.s. I could never say no to the GT3 and a lot of the ride comfort issues of the 6 will be "fixed" with the 7 (as they have made it more street accomodating).

Welcome to rennteam

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 4:15:13 PM

edz: Rennteam Pro; Loc: South Orange County; Posts: 2022, Gallery; Registered on: Oct 11, 2005; Reply to: Gugu

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

If you have plenty of cushion on your rear end then go for the GT3, I don't know about the 997 but the 996GT3 was very uncomfortable around town after a only few minutes but on an open road or track that babby purrs. My dealer in Southern CA told me the market for used GT3 is soft and not in demand much, despite the fact that they had two 996Gt3's. This was last year and I was surpirsed to hear this about the GT3 resale value..

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 5:11:40 PM

Ian C: Junior; Loc: UK; Posts: 71, Gallery; Registered on: Jan 20, 2006; Reply to: edz

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Go for the GT3 - if you have a daily driver to use as well and you're looking for a car to use for fun I wouldn't hesitate. The spec of the GT3 is terrific and there are so many special bits on that car that you'll get a buzz every time you drive it.
I have to use my 997S as a daily driver otherwise I'd have a GT3 without question.
Don't worry about the PSM etc - just drive it within your limits and you'll be fine. Porsche built many thousands of 911's before PSM came along and most of them are still on the road so they are not an accident waiting to happen. The best safety device of all is driver training.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 5:17:16 PM

The Groom: Expert; Loc: EU; Posts: 1779, Gallery; Registered on: Jan 23, 2005; Reply to: Ian C

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Welcome on this board. I'll second what most of the posters said: if you already have a daily driver, go for the GT3. It makes the regular Carrera S look tame in comparison.

On the other hand, there is a high probability that you will be hooked on Porsches, so that your 911 becomes your daily driver and your more pedestrian car ends up sitting unused on the garage.
If you think the above scenario is possible, then go for the C4S. The GT3 won't cut it as a daily driver, but regular 911s definitely will.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 9:44:00 PM

bstew: Expert; Loc: NC, USA; Posts: 1797, Gallery; Registered on: Oct 11, 2005; Reply to: The Groom

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Quote:
The Groom said:
Welcome on this board. I'll second what most of the posters said: if you already have a daily driver, go for the GT3. It makes the regular Carrera S look tame in comparison.

On the other hand, there is a high probability that you will be hooked on Porsches, so that your 911 becomes your daily driver and your more pedestrian car ends up sitting unused on the garage.
If you think the above scenario is possible, then go for the C4S. The GT3 won't cut it as a daily driver, but regular 911s definitely will.

I could not have said it better. The Groom is right on.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 10:06:10 PM

ResB: Rennteam Pro; Loc: Yorkshire, where roads are twisty... , United Kingdom; Posts: 2791, Gallery; Registered on: Jan 19, 2006; Reply to: bstew

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Quote:
bstew said:
Quote:
The Groom said:
Welcome on this board. I'll second what most of the posters said: if you already have a daily driver, go for the GT3. It makes the regular Carrera S look tame in comparison.

On the other hand, there is a high probability that you will be hooked on Porsches, so that your 911 becomes your daily driver and your more pedestrian car ends up sitting unused on the garage.
If you think the above scenario is possible, then go for the C4S. The GT3 won't cut it as a daily driver, but regular 911s definitely will.

I could not have said it better. The Groom is right on.

I'd agree with these two statements also. However, earlier in the thread someone suggested the C2S in lieu of the C4S and I would be enclined to go that way.

Now, this is my opinion and to be honest I'm not experienced insofar as Porsche are concerned but when I drove the C4S and the CaymanS side by side, the C4S dissapointed me. The C4S felt mature, sensible, safe, not that thrilling.

Look at me, I wanted a CaymanS and was soon convinced by the forum members the C2S was the way to go costing me Pounds20k+ more, and did any of them offer to help out financially, no, they never.

Next
Threads

Apr 12, 2006 10:20:43 PM

RC: Rennteam Administrator; Loc: Rennteam HQ , Germany; Posts: 22699, Gallery; Registered on: Mar 26, 2002; Reply to: Gugu

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

If you want to be REAL fast in the 997 GT3, you have to be an experienced driver, no doubt about it. Especially since this car has no PSM (ESP) and I suppose your daily driver has and you're not used to driving a car without ESP.
Does it make a difference? It does, definetely. Most people won't even notice when the PSM jumps in when they drive their 997 (not GT3) because it comes in pretty late, especially with the sport chrono package turned on.
The 997 GT3 is slightly different, Walter Röhrl is rumored to have said that you have to be a pretty skilled driver to drive the new GT3 at the limit. Of course this wasn't much different with the old one.

Fun? Well, the GT3 is definetely more fun than the C4S but of course ONLY if the GT3 doesn't create a feeling of frustration in the driver. If you always have the feeling that you want to go faster but you don't dare and/or the car starts to feel unstable, the fun will sooner or later turn into frustration.

If this is your first Porsche 911, I may even say that the C4S is the better choice. But to be honest: I would take a C2 with 20 mm chassis and 381 HP powerkit instead. Lowest possible weight, almost 400 horses, a lot of fun (I had the 355 HP version) and PSM for those days when you don't know what you're doing.

Good luck with your decision.

Next
Threads

Apr 13, 2006 2:10:54 AM

SVNSVN: Rennteam Pro; Loc: CA, USA; Posts: 2985, Gallery; Registered on: May 22, 2005; Reply to: RC

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Welcome, Gugu!

WOW, tough decision

- but a great one to be able to make!

Since it's your fun car and you live in Germany, I would opt for the GT3.

Good luck! You'll chose a winner with either one!

Next
Threads

Apr 13, 2006 9:24:25 AM

MBW_UK: Junior; Loc: Surrey, UK; Posts: 134, Gallery; Registered on: Feb 1, 2006; Reply to: SVNSVN

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Hi Gugu!

Hope the various posts are helping in the decision process !!!!

For me, if I wanted a 'fun' car to drive rather than a daily driver I'd have to go for the GT3. I'd just be stuck with the 'if only .....' questions if I didn't.

It gets more complicated if you think you might end up using it all the time. You have to way up how the extra 'focus' of the GT3 would infringe on your comfort. That said, you'll still have a laugh every time your in it!

In your position I'd probably end up in the GT3.

ResB : Had the same CaymanS v C2S v C4S shoot out, ended up in the C4S - Maybe the cumulative effect of years of Audi (quattro understeer) driving took it's toll.

Next
Threads

Apr 13, 2006 10:01:09 AM

JJBlade: Co-Pilot; Loc: UK; Posts: 190, Gallery; Registered on: Nov 11, 2005; Reply to: MBW_UK

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

I think if you are asking a question like this you are not an ideal candidate for a GT3. Since a C4S is not as pure as a C2S or as much fun surely you should have been asking a C2S (-20mm) or a GT3?

Since you didn't ask that I would get a C4S as a GT3 will be too much for you if you think they are even comparable.

Next
Threads

Apr 13, 2006 10:38:05 AM

Avantgarde: Senior; Loc: City State; Posts: 708, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 6, 2005; Reply to: RC

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Quote:
RC said:
If this is your first Porsche 911, I may even say that the C4S is the better choice. But to be honest: I would take a C2 with 20 mm chassis and 381 HP powerkit instead. Lowest possible weight, almost 400 horses, a lot of fun (I had the 355 HP version) and PSM for those days when you don't know what you're doing.

Right on the money!

Next
Threads

Apr 13, 2006 10:57:52 AM

Boxster Coupe GTS: Rennteam Pro; Loc: UK , United Kingdom; Posts: 2392, Gallery; Registered on: Feb 23, 2005; Reply to: RC

Porsche GT4...

RC - I believe this discussion is a good illustration of the gap in the 911 range... for the Porsche GT4!

We know that the GT3 engine is awesome, but it seems the majority of Porsche customers are primarily looking for a road car...

Porsche announce 997 GT4:

Model Name: 911 GT4
Internal Code: 997 GT4
Body Type: Coupe (widebody)
Car Seating: 2+2
Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated, Water Cooled, Flat 6
Displacement: 3600 cc
Power: 415bhp @ 7600rpm
Torque: 299 lb/ft @ 5500rpm
Redline: 8400rpm
BHP per litre: 115.3bhp/l
Valves: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
Layout: Rear Engine
Drive: 4WD
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Weight: 1450 kg
Power/Weight: 286bhp/ton
0-60 mph: 4.4 secs
0-100 mph: 8.9 secs
Top Speed: 191 mph

Equipment:
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
Porsche Traction Management (PTM)
Automatic Brake Differential (ABD)
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

Of course the 997TT will be a great car, but there must also be room in the range for a normally aspirated 911 with 415bhp, 8400rpm, 4-wheel drive and 2+2 seating!

...any idea when Porsche will accept orders for the new GT4?

Next
Threads

Apr 13, 2006 1:37:30 PM

meaker: Junior; Loc: NC; Posts: 89, Gallery; Registered on: Mar 18, 2006; Reply to: Boxster Coupe GTS

Re: Porsche GT4...

The GT4 sounds like the perfect Porsche. Where do I sign up?

Next
Threads

Apr 13, 2006 6:50:06 PM

ResB: Rennteam Pro; Loc: Yorkshire, where roads are twisty... , United Kingdom; Posts: 2791, Gallery; Registered on: Jan 19, 2006; Reply to: meaker

Re: Porsche GT4...

Quote:
meaker said:
The GT4 sounds like the perfect Porsche. Where do I sign up?

I'll have one of them too.

Top
Threads

Board	Subject	Last post	Views	Replies
Porsche	991 spy shots 2ND THREAD (for UNRELEASED models only)	5/4/12 1:36 PM bluelines	100533	454
Porsche	OFFICIAL : New Porsche Boxster 981	4/27/12 9:54 AM boytronic	52959	588
Motor Sp.	F1 Website Links	1/26/12 2:11 PM easy_rider911	39103	15
Porsche	ROAD-TEST: New 991 CarreraS	5/2/12 10:29 AM RC	19953	126
Porsche	Porsche 991 Carrera S - Review (Short)	1/21/12 2:50 PM RC	15390	104
Porsche	OFFICIAL: The New Porsche Cayenne GTS	4/27/12 7:19 PM BlackSparrow	5014	45
Porsche	991 spy shots (THREAD FULL)	8/26/11 1:44 PM Budster	646986	4903
Porsche	Ladies and gentlemen, the new 991... (LAUNCH thread)	4/30/12 9:46 AM KiwiCanuck	385082	3344
Ferrari	Rennteam's tribute to the Ferrari 458...lots of photos, videos, etc.	10/29/11 10:59 AM Boxster Coupe GTS	164983	1675
Porsche	My Audition of Cargraphic Exhaust	7/4/11 1:38 PM cannga	139482	158
Others	McLaren MP4-12C supercar launch...	2/28/12 4:22 PM 4trac	133461	1026
Porsche	997 GT3 RS 4.0	5/10/12 1:43 AM bhnyc	119362	626
Porsche	Bilstein B16 Damptronic: A Must For The Turbo	10/31/11 3:21 AM cannga	84624	453
Porsche	997 GT2 RS - Official Information & Photos	2/11/12 8:55 PM Boxster Coupe GTS	76648	395
Porsche	New 997 Turbo S and Turbo S Cabriolet (2010)	7/11/11 1:17 AM dashi	67963	445
Porsche	Easy Rider's 911 Factory Collection Trip (with photos)	9/7/11 6:56 PM easy_rider911	61345	186
Lambo	Murcielago successor/replacement	6/29/11 1:46 AM Heist	51560	450
Porsche	918 RSR - Official Data & Photos	2/14/12 6:24 AM Futch	50401	170
Porsche	Official Information Regarding New 911 (type 991) Introduction and More	8/22/11 4:17 PM easy_rider911	46949	162
Porsche	Collected my 997 GTS today	5/20/12 11:41 AM John H	46485	563
Porsche	GT3 RS 4.0 - Everything you always wanted to know !	6/9/11 4:03 PM nizer	41935	43
Ferrari	Ferrari P4/5 Competizione Confirmed	5/24/11 6:52 PM Napolis	40467	287
Porsche	Chris Harris Previews GT3 RS	10/27/11 8:42 AM Budster	40402	138
Porsche	"why arent we tired and bored with our cars "	5/31/11 2:14 PM RC	38058	24
Others	Short Driving Report McLaren MP4-12C	3/28/12 8:04 AM loraineB	35530	90
Others	Sportauto Supertest McLaren MP4-12C	10/25/11 3:04 PM BiTurbo	20515	39
Porsche	2012 Boxster S leaked	1/12/12 11:02 AM Gauss	18155	151
Porsche	"Cajun" is now...MACAN	5/22/12 12:03 AM GM Austin	17717	354
BMW M	The new M5 - Official Specs	4/29/12 9:02 AM Atzporsche	16625	300
Porsche	The moment I've been waiting for...	5/6/12 12:16 AM Pilot	16609	196

Crown

Forum - Thread

Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Re: Should I buy a 997 4S Coupe or a 997 GT3 ?

Porsche GT4...

Re: Porsche GT4...

Re: Porsche GT4...

Forum

Boards