I love the new GT4RS, I think its a really great car.
I had a dance with the Cayman platform (981 GT4) and came away dissapointed. Engine and gearing. After owning GT3's the bar was set too high....
The GT4RS finally addresses those concerns.
From my experience with the GT4 I would say that on any track in NZ the GT4RS will be as quick as the 992 GT3.
However right on the limit experience has taught me that without the rear toe lockout kit on the GT4, the the 911 is the place Id rather be when things start looking pear shaped (more options to correct the situation etc)!
I use my cars to drive to the track. On an annual basis I guess I average around 12-13 full track days (2500-3000km) and 7500-9000km of road driving to get to and from the track including a few back road drive days with mates (I travel to all 8 tracks in NZ in the GT cars, although I mostly frequent two, my local 6km away and another 220km away).
The GT4RS will be the better value retainer - especially long term - although I never keep them long enough to benefit in this regard....
I think the GT4RS would be a great occasional car if you lived close to a track and wanted to knock out a few evening sessions. Issues for my useage are actually the things that make it a "fun" car. Namely the loudness in the cabin.
I found the GT4 to be very loud inside from road noise. The fact the rear shock mounts are so close to the driver and the engine is in the same "compartment" makes it very loud for a long distance drives to a track on our chip seal roads.
The 992 GT3 is louder inside than the 991.2 GT3.
I didnt realise how much more till I took a friend for a long drive and we really struggled to communicate easily on some of the rougher road surfaces.
I just dont think I could manage all the cross country mileage I do with a Cayman GT4RS having induction pipes next to my head and less sound padding over the engine. It would get tiring.
I have been offered one of the first GT4RS build slots in NZ so the thought of changing the 992 GT3 has crossed mind. I cant afford to own both and dont have the space, For those who can own it as an occasional car in a larger collection it makes more sense.
A visit to my home garage sealed the deal.
The 992 GT3 is a 911 and a beautiful thing in the flesh to walk around (even if some areas are a little bit design heavy/busy). You cant beat the 911 for presence. The muscular rear haunches and now front flared fenders and the whole 21" inch rear wheels filling the wheel well entirely, like a crouching wild cat ready to pounce.
Thats without talking tech about the ride quality and new dampers/suspension etc...
The great thing here is we have choices.
A GT4RS with WS pack excluding Mag wheels is the same price in NZ as a 992 GT3 base car (which is actually a high option in NZ as comes standard with leather, camera, lift and a bunch of other stuff).
So you take your money and you make your choices,
Those of us who have the wherewithall of larger pockets are in the envious position of owning both. Those are the benefits of good fortune and I believe those people will enjoy both for their differing merits...But for others that only have one GT car in their sights its a more difficult decision I suspect.
One thing is sure (and I will sound like a 911 snob here) but after 30 years of owning Porsches including non 911s such as 968, Macans and Caymans.....
IF YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO HAVE ONE PORSCHE SPORTS CAR IN YOUR LIFE IT JUST HAS TO BE A 911....
Yeah. I know. Flame me lol.
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2021 992 GT3, 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV, 2017 Macan S (Petrol)