Switch from C4S to 997 GT3

Well, I've owned my "dream" car now for a year. It has probably been the single most satisfying material item in my life. Everyone should experience it! Having said that, I can't believe I'm actually considering a move up the food chain. I have absolutely loved learning how to drive a high performance sports car and have really enjoyed the limited experience I've had at two PCA DE events. As I've learned more, I've also decided that I really crave the experience of driving a RWD Porsche, soooo, I think I've decided to make the switch to a GT3 - not the RS. My questions are: Is this advisable? Of those that have made the switch, are you glad you did? What are the differences? Would you recommend the 07/08 or the 10/11 model years - I know the mantra is always the latest model Porsche you can afford, but, what are the REAL differences? What should I consider in the buying process is that is outside the usual guidelines we are all aware of? I do plan to cross post this on the 997 GT3 forum Thanks in advance!

if you can swing it, get the 3.8 model... its even better than the 3.6RS. Man.... thats a nice step up.

I have a friend who moved up to a 7GT3 and he loves it! Yeah, if you can go for the 3.8 I am in the same boat (kinda) as you are . I want to upgrade to a 4S

If you are in it for track performance, then the newest GT3 is the way to go. However, no one can argue that the 996 GT3 is the value proposition in terms of GT3s. Around 50K, lots of HP, great suspension - just an all around great car. Of course, the 997.1 is slightly faster, more refined, and much nicer overall. But, does the $20K+ price differential justify the minimal performance increase? The 997.2 is even better than both, but again - the price differential is pretty big. It comes down to what you want, what your needs are, and how much you want to spend. Sure, I'd love to have a new GT3 RS, but no way can I justify another $100G (to me or the wife!) for a few seconds on the track. If you have no track duty, I wouldn't recommend a GT3. A nice TT is the way to go. Lastly, PM ervtx, he upgraded from a 996 C4S to a 997.1 GT3 not too long ago. -td [edit: I should add that learing to drive the 996 GT3 at the track is not as easy as the 997 variant. With only a few DEs under your belt, any GT3 will be a handful. If you want a great compromise car - read, with back seats (which are missing in any GT3) - you should look into a 40th anniversary or newer C2S. They are both great double duty cars. ]

spend some time on that board, the GT3 is very cult-like and those guys LOVE their cars i was looking for a GT3 and lost patience and got the 7.1 C2S - I say GO FOR IT adn tell us how it is!

I am a big fan of the gt3 cult. But with the comfort you experienced with your 996, I think you might want to consider a C2S with X51 package on it. GT3 seem harsh to drive daily. If you still go for the GT3, they say that the 997.2 is more comfy than the 997.1 which is still better than the super hard 996 gt3. I have no personal experience but have done tons of reading on the topics and concluded that unless you track monthly, you are certainly better off with a twin turbo indeed, but you are already in a AWD car so I think for you there is only one way to go.. GT3 all the way Each jump up the food chain from the 996 gt3 will cost you an additional $25k ... 996 gt3: 50k 997.1 gt3: 75k 977.2 gt3: 100k I still think a 997.2 with x51 option would be the best compromise for those who don't chase the minutes at the track. But i just love the idea of the over engineer engine of the GT3... Let the used car market decide for you, pick the first one you fall in love with !

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Buy mine! Really, everyone, thanks for the encouragement. My current 996 C4S is not a DD, but, I have really enjoyed learning how to drive the car on the road and during my two DE's. Currently, I have the Bilstein HD Sport suspension on the car which is great for the kind of driving I like to do. I did keep the original suspension system, so, it could be easily converted back to the "tamer" street version. Everyone's comments are completely in line with my personal thoughts - get as much car as you can afford and go have fun. As I've gone through the process, I have to say that I completely see the benefits of the price increase for the GT3, but, I'm still sitting on the fence about the RS. We'll see what comes along. Whatever the outcome, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. Should be a fun process

Enjoy the GT3. Any of them makes a great car.

FWIW - I have 4 customers that have made this exact switch - NO regrets!