GT2 vs 599GTB test summary
GT2
Engine:
- turbo lag clearly noticeable (though reduced compared to earlier turbo generations)
- Very smooth and impressive power delivery once the turbo charger starts working properly...
- Significantly more interior "noise" compared to 997TT; releasing the throttle creates a very nice whistling sound; certainly the noise lacks the outstanding quality of an Italian sports car - however, the GT2 sounds like what a Porsche should sound like
Suspension:
- Remarkable ride comfort in PASM normal mode, perfectly suited for long-distance travels
- Harsh ride in PASM sport mode, too "jumpy" for regular Autobahn rides (should be great on perfect track surfaces, though)
- Virtually no body movements under heavy braking, acceleration and in fast corners (not even in PASM normal); excellent precision and feed-back
- Very neutral setup, feels surprisingly heavy on the front axle, though
- Great traction (test car was on Cup tires)
- In summary: very confidence inspiring and reliable drive feel, should be easy to drive very fast on the track...
Steering:
- Heavy but very precise
- Excellent feed-back
Brakes:
- Precise and immediate pedal feel and feed-back (best brake feel on the market)
- Excellent performance on open roads (I could not test the car on the track yet)
Gear-box/clutch:
- Rather heavy clutch, however, excellent precision
- Very precise (but heavy) shift feel
- Excellent and easy to use LC
Summary: understated (looks and sound), extremely refined and efficient - a superb sports car (I LOVE IT)
599GTB F1
Engine:
- Very spontaneous and linear power delivery, perfectly useable on the track
- The engine loves to revvvv...
- Reasonable power even in the mid rev range
- Lacks the turbo power of the GT2 in the mid rev range, though
- This engine needs high revs to deliver its enormous power (no surprise for a n/a engine)
- Very smooth engine, typical 12 cylinder qualities
- Sensational and very well composed sound
Suspension:
- Slightly indifferent feel in sport mode (slight body movements under heavy acceleration, braking and steering)
- Improved precision (including steering) in race mode, however, not as refined and confidence inspiring as the GT2
- Clearly more body movements than in case of the GT2
- Too much understeer for tight corners, limited versatility in tight corners
- Very fast and stable in fast bends/combination of bends (I would even argue that the car has an advantage over the GT3RS there)
- Excellent traction, perfect for "launching" out of tight corners
Steering:
- Much lighter than in case of the GT2
- Less precise and not as much feed-back compared to the GT2
Brakes (CCB):
- Softer pedal feel compared to GT2
- Very efficient, no fading even under extreme conditions, pads wear quickly under extreme conditions (track only)
- Tires suffer under extreme track conditions (Bremsplatten - anybody got the right translation into English?)
Gear-box:
- Excellent, combines comfort in daily driving situations with extreme performance on the track
Summary: exceptional character, each ride is an event... Less perfect and efficient than the GT2, though.
BTW: the car is on par with GT3RS and 997TT (Cup tires) on GP tracks. Quite remarkable performance for such a heavy car!