Maybe the reason this question is difficult is because you know the answer already. No doubt you have a buyer because your current car is plain cool. The gt3 is fast, technically exciting and makes all sorts of analytic sense, but somehow isn't pushing your heart's buttons. Sure isn't pushing mine. Have you driven the new car? What you going to do with it?

I find parallels between this choice and the decision to buy modern liter sport bike. With the modern bikes you find insane performance, handling etc for ~$12k. Once you have one you find it isn't so interesting or fun to ride the bike on the street: 90 in first and acceleration limited by the altitude of the front wheel. With modern tires and supple suspension the limit can't be reached anywhere on the street, its just too fast and capable. If you do keep riding it on the street, and you don't die, you will never give it the caneing it deserves. Compare all that to whats needed to ride a 125 or 250 on the street, wringing the crap out of it all the time while staying under freeway speeds.

If you do get that gt3 I think you need to find a way keep your current car. Then after a year or so you can see which one you love. As mentioned, the depreciation is going to be a killer.

You said it's good it doesn't have ceramic brakes. Heard many years ago that the newer ceramic disks last as long or longer than the traditional steel disk.

I really like the GT3 alot and would love to have one. Having said that I don't think I'm adult enough to drive one (nor can I afford one). The thing I really like about my '84 Carrera is that it's a plain blast to drive, with out hitting 100mph just standing on it. It's also going to be great to mildly hot rod. This was a big consideration when replacing the last car I built ( it had 500hp/500 ft/lbs torque). I just don't want the trouble that could come with that much power. Just another point of view.

The other thing is the unmistakable vintage felling of a torsion bar 911.
Dean

I would do it for a GT3, I would go for a 6GT3 unless that one has been upgraded to match the 6GT3 on track prowess (I also slightly prefer the 6s looks).

You may regret it in a few years and then you can have the fun of building another one!

Since the 84 is paid for - can you keep it or do you need the monies from the sale to purchase the GT3?

I just bought a GT3 RS with ceramics, CF, Porsche Motorsports cup fenders, wing, etc and a huge amount of mods. UNBELIEVABLE car!. The ceramics are unreal - but for the track - really expensive to replace. With your standard aggressive Porsche street driving , the ceramics should last the life of the car - or close to it.

I am also currently finishing a complete tub up renovation and modifications on my 78 930 - so I have my "air-cooled" one. However, when the 930 is completed, I want to buy a '72 and build a RSR interpretation. So the need for the older ones is still there.

But the GT3 cars are a unique breed. They are incredible to drive. Totally different than your 84 - two completely different cars. If you buy a car based on depreciation - you will never buy that car - they all depreciate. BTW the GT3 RS's are on the way up again.

Go to Rennlist and get on the 997 - GT3 forum and read up. Good info there on the GT cars. I did alot of research before I purchased mine.

Don't let others decide for you - its your car - do what YOU want!

Good luck with the decision!
Mark

Two quick notes.
The 997 MKI GT3 does have issues with the RMS.
The 997 MKI GT3 is generaly the least liked and least in demand becouse of the sunroof. If that does not bother you that is one thing, but think about it for when the time comes for you to sell it.
Rich

Man, I am glad your friend does not live around here. I lust after a white GT3 that has not been tracked and abused. I know I would have my Carrera on the maket in a heartbeat it his asking price was reasonable.

If you can swing the purchase without suffering I would make that trade right now.

Unless you are tracking all the time - as in 10-20 track days a year - I would not trade what you have for a GT3 - these days they are like *********s - everybody has them. Your 1987 = not so much.

Both cars definitely kick ass, but unless you are going to track the GT3 I don't really see the point of owning such a car.

The thing I love about my '84 is driving it even at 30 mph brings a smile to my face....I think you'd really have to be flogging the GT3 to truly enjoy all it has to offer, and doing that on public streets doesn't seem possible/wise.

If you want to consider leasing it pm me. I used to sell exotics and have a very good understanding of leasing these things along with several contacts I still use. I recommend Mike Hudson at Putnam Leasing.

Think about leasing one of these as balloon financing with the tax advantages of a lease. If you want to move in and out of cars every few years and avoid tax it makes a ton of sense. Also what tax you do pay is often by the month based on payment and the leases are open ended.

Further, if you own your own business you can often write off the payments and make the car a promotional device.

Keep the 87...it is looks amazing and is well sorted. The GT3 is faster...but where can you use the speed? By the time you realize that it is a track car you will have suffered 20k in depreciation. I think you just have the itch for something new...but imagine trying to find what you have now. If a GT3 is a must have, check out the 2003-4 996 GT3s and keep the 87 too. If you can't swing that I think the newer GT3 will be a financial burden to you.

While the GT3 is a cool ride, I just could not part with that Carrerea that you have lovingly treansformed into "your" car. But then, I'm a sucker for air-cooled "feel".

Everyone here has given you spot on advice.

Speaking from someone who has both, your Carrera looks very well done and irreplaceable. If I were in the market for another one, yours looks like one I'd be all over. But you need to decide what you want out of the cars. A well set up GT3 with good tires is an incredible car, with viscous response and handling, but unless you take it to the track or AX it, you will never be able to exercise 1/3 it capabilities on the street and that could be frustrating. A lightweight Carrera, well set up drives like a go cart no matter where you drive it. The GT3 is more refined and out of the box is fairly muted but can be made to drive like a big go cart too, but if you ever take it to that point, it's pretty much become a track car. Find a way to keep both, but if money is a factor and you need to sell one, then get the GT3 if your friend is selling it to you at least $20k below current market. That way when the next wave of depreciation hits after the 991 GT3 comes out, you won't feel so bad letting the Carrera go.

Out of the box, 7GT3s have some issues that should be addressed and factored into your overall cost. Rear main seal leaks which occur on a large percentage of the cars requires transmission removal to replace. The Loctite'd coolant fittings can blow out purging coolant all over your rear tires, which have caused catastrophic crashes at the track. This requires either pulling the motor out and welding the fittings, or pinning them with a screw, which I figured out how to do with the motor in the car. Handling wise, the cars are set up with a lot of understeer, and if you push it hard enough the car can transition to snap oversteer when the inside rear wheel lifts. The solution is more front tire, more front spring, a PASM revalve, the .2 GT3 or GMG sway bars, and a good and precise alignment and C/B. Ideally resprung with 700/900 lbs springs and a PASM revalve, the car surprisingly rides smoother than stock and handles a hell of a lot better and more predictable. The LSDs wear out in 3k miles - rebuild with either Guard or modified Cup car pieces. Other than that the car is bulletproof.

Both these cars are equally fun to me and just about equally as fast but neither I use much as street cars. I could not give up one for the other unless I found a better substitute for each, like a RS 4.0! (Yes Craig, I love them both :D)

Sell the 87 to a friend with a proviso that you get first dibs when he's done with it.

Then get the GT3 and enjoy!

Jackb911,

Wow! Both look sweet. It's inmaterial what I would do. However, from the way you describe, it is looking like you are leaning more towards the GT3. Here's why:

-You've had a lot of Porsches including your current one. Clearly you are someone who enjoys driving the marque. The GT3 would continue with your enjoyment of multiple models.

-You convey that this will likely be your last Porsche. However before the GT3 did you think your '87 would be the last? If you didn't or if you did but now the GT3 has changed your outlook they both point to the same outcome.

-You have a genuine interest in the GT3. That is to say you intend to drive it and it is not something speculative or a garage queen, or something you desire to be seen in while at DQ.

-A window has opened whereby you have an opportunity to buy a GT3 within your means. Albeit you sell your '87. Would such an opportunity present itself down the road in say 1 year, 2 years, ?? years.


BTW, your '87 looks superb got any pics of what you've done in the trunk and interior? Folks, me included love seeing what's been done to the older Porsches.

This ^^^ Not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but I've had the opportunity to drive a 996 twin turbo as a daily driver off and on. Amazing car with addictive acceleration - but predictable. I have an amazing hour of nothing but twisty after twisty for my drive to work. "Slightly" pushing the boundaries of the posted speed limit, I was bored with the car. The same drive in my '85 is a blast and fun can still be had a much lower speeds.

I appreciate the feedback, yours in particular, Esel.

I've already sold my two "extra" vehicles so funding the price difference won't be an issue. Still pondering which direction I will go in.

My head is telling me to keep the Carrera, the heart says "GO FOR IT!!"

Wow that is really clean and well put together! Good luck with the GT3 and may it be everything you hoped for and then some! Sounds like you'll have no trouble selling the 87.

I just looked at Putnam Leasing's website. Very interesting to say the least! So Putnam would buy the car and then lease it to you. Never seen this sort of financial arrangement. I wish you would give us an idea as to how much you would pay each month on a $60,000 lease for 60 months. Is there a way to figure that? I did not notice on Putnam Leasing. Thanks! All I ever had enough sense to do was to read an altimeter, my wife pays the bills. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wat.gif

Jackb911,

Humbly, I am glad my comments were of value to you.

In my best Leslie Nielsen: Nice interior! That engine bay is so damn spotless Surely there is a surgeon out there who now can make house calls. And don't call me Shirley!

An '87 such as yours will no doubt go to a great steward of the marque. The '74 fell through but now the door is open: Now go enjoy that GT3 and don't be shy about sharing pics or experiences with it!