997S or GT3

Reading the signature of fahren affair, it appears (s)he's trying to decide between the two cars. Seems like an interesting dilemma so I thought I'd create a thread to see what other's think about the choice. Anyone care to share their thoughts?

I love the GT3, so that would be my choice

I've owned several 911's (and other Porsches for that matter) and made my choice- a real sports car and a real Porsche- maybe it's because my kids are now too big for the rear jump seats, which they used quite a bit when little in 944's, and a 356. Got my dream car, the GT3, and love it...

If I didn't care for the rear seats I'd definetelly say GT3, I do so I have a 997S on order. For a real drivers car I have a Lotus Elise in my garage.

I drove both the 997 S and the GT3 before deciding. Both are terrific in their roles. To me the 997 S was not as involving, less power, and too 'cushy'. More GT than Sports Car. I preferred the 'raw' experience of the GT3, which has the feel of the older Porsche's. Cheers/John

GT3 - No doubt -

Fred- the Elise is VERY tempting- a new 914 in a way...

no brainer - GT3

Interesting question. Both cars are a compromise. The GT3 is raw and best appreciated on a race track where the stiff suspension, noise level etc. are part of the race-car feel and performance. The 997S is a very competent car, compromised more for the street - relatively serene (compared to the GT3) while still capable of excellent performance on the track. I enjoy my car on the track more than anywhere else, so I prefer the GT3. If I was not a trackie, then I'd be in a 996 TT or perhaps the 997S. Best,

I have to agree with Bob R. I'd definitely suggest you drive both but from the outside it seems to me the 997S is the better street car for most, but if you're a track guy the GT3 would be the answer. -KJ

Both great cars leaning toward GT3--How about a 997 GT3?

The GT3 would be my first choice. BUT, that's because I would plan to mostly track it. If it would be mostly for street with occasional track, I would get the 997S. As Bob said, each car compromises depending on what it's intended purpose is. Just to emphasize how nothing about car decisions is absolute, I'll tell you my tale. I bought the C4S because it was the best performing NA 911 out of the box in 2002. Almost traded it in for the GT3 in 2004, but I couldn't part with my now beloved C4S. So I ordered an Elise . Then the new 987S came out, better than the Elise on the track, and so, after much soul-searching, bought the 987S. My wife is afraid of the 911 on the track, so the 987S is to get her aclimated to track driving. Once that's accomplished, the 987S will more than likely get traded in for a GT3. Or, what the heck, will keep the 987S for open top touring, C4S for all weather touring, and the GT3 for track duty. Or maybe, a track prepped 951?

Since we are on the GT3 subject, does anyone know what has changed in the GT3 for 05? It looks like the center console that runs up to the floor board has been deleted.. thanks

'04 & '05 GT3's are identical. Console delete is an aftermarket option.

Reading the signature of fahren affair, it appears (s)he's trying to decide between the two cars. Seems like an interesting dilemma so I thought I'd create a thread to see what other's think about the choice what i really want is a gt2, then we'd be done the 997S keeps my interest b/c it's big step forward in design (style) creature comforts and to some degree, build quality. as i will drive it daily, the improved interior/features will be apprciated. the gt3 is better track car...and is driveable on a daily basis. i don't hold cars for too long, so if tire of one i'll prolly just switch to the other...

thanks holger..

I see it the same way as others the 997S is better choice for day to day driving and comfort. The GT3 is more specialized as a track car. You just have to ask youseldf which one do you want more. I say one thing in the GT3 favor is its rarity would be something to think about. If it was for me my heart is for a GT3, but since I have 2 young boys and use the car as a daily driver 90% of the time I would get a 997.

Same here, if I couldn't take my kids in the car with me, that's a deal breaker and it was. When I got mine, I could have snapped up a nice black GT3 that somebody ordered and bailed on, but the back seats were the problem.

I dunno guys, I LOVE my GT3 all the time...street, track, garage, whatever. It's a sports car! Our roads are terrible. Still love it. I've got kids. Love them, too. If ya gotta shuttle the kiddies, get a minivan [flame suit is now securely in place]. I keep seein' this, "GT3 better for track...997S better for road" statement, or some variant, and it reminds of something an old mentor once told me: if you repeat something enough times, it will become true. Don't just blindly accept the prevailing "orthodoxy". Drive 'em both. Decide which one turns your crank.

Perosnally for me, I would (will) get the GT3 (996 or 997 to be determined next year) and STILL keep my 996CAB that way there is a "fun" car for the city that had back seats and a drop top and then there would be a track car for me. By the way, I track the 996CAB and it handled like a dream on the track with the upgraded suspension, wheels, and rubber, SSK, etc. etc. etc. Long story short.....have 2 Porsche--one for the streets and one for the track. However, if you can't swing 2 cars (or don't want to) my suggestions would be the 997S with an upgraded suspension and a dedicated set of track wheels/tires. FYI....there was an aticle in Excellence in the Q&A section that a 986 (I think) owner asked what to do with his car to make it better for the track (suspension, tires, etc.) and the answer was...........NOTHING! Every Porsche is already built for the track (some better than others) but still built for the track and far superior to most cars out there today. The best thing is to participate in as many DE's as possible to really learn how to drive these cars since 99% of us on this board CANNOT push this our car to it full potential. As the answer went on to state that we will give before the car will! Moral to the story.........ENJOY YOUR CAR NO MATTER WHICH MODEL!!! Just my $.02

While I don't doubt that in the right circumstances, the GT3 can be a daily driver, it really is a bit of a stretch to say that can be true for most 996 or 997 buyers. The car is very compromised toward performance. My wife tolerates my car passion, and she's happy to go to dinner in the tt. I'm not sure that would be true in the GT3. Certainly not true if you live in the midwest, where foul weather can descend in a matter of hours. Personally, I prefer the tt for exhuberant driving on the street, but definitely not on the track. A 997 plus and Elise is a good compromise. Once you drive an Elise on track, you won't want anything that weighs a thousand pounds more. I haven't driven a GT3 on a track, but thanks to the generosity of a childhood friend, I did have that opportunity to drive one thru the Malibu canyons.I have a lot of appreciation for the GT3, but I definitely thought my Elise 190R could keep up, and I suspect the same is true for the new series 2. The Elise will definitely keep up with a 360 on a tight track. That will not be true on a track that allows staraight speeds over 120. AS

I want a Radical.

Hey, Surgeon... that's WEAK! BTW, I just found out that you made DJ a GHL convert. Cheers

Yeah I know, I even had the dealer look into retrofitting the seats, they could but it wouldn't be legal as the GT3 enters this country as a two seater. FWIW he likes his GHLs better!

Can't compare a 997 and a GT3, the 3 is everything the 997 isn't IMO. As Porsche used to say about 911s, the GT3 is "everything to someone instead of something for everyone". I just wish it had rear seats too . The GHLs are quite nice.

Here in Mexico, GT3 RS. They are sweet! One is for sale at the dealership right now.

Go for the GT3!!!! You won't regret it.