996 GT3 vs 997 GT3
 

Anyone ever owned both? Are they really miles apart? Headlights aside, I have heard the driving experience is better in the 996?? Is that just BS?

Good question. I've wondered the same. Only because the 996 is so much cheaper.

Indeed, that was my thought. Any experiences out there?

I have experiences with both. When I had my 996 GT3 I was at one with the car. The point where man ended & machine begun was impossible to decipher. I would chase 997's around all day at the track trying to prove that the 996 was "the one." I got that done for a few years. It took a lot to keep up with then pass the 997 GT3 version but it was possible.

But then I got a fair shake in a 997 version. It was quite the update. Yes I still adore the 996, but the 997 is an upgrade.

Somewhat cheaper, I think, not massively. Most 996 GT3s have been beaten to within an inch of their life now. Techweenie was brokering a peachy one and they were asking around $90k if I recall correctly, which is well into 997.1 gt3 territory. For $60k you get a track rat with a scrotch harness that spent as much time in the gravel pits as on the black part of the track.

That's funny. While guys off on occasion, it's more the exception than the rule. Just because a car has been driven hard at the track doesn't mean it has been damaged or abused. One does need to examine them closely for undisclosed history, but to suggest that the majority of them are rats is just silly. I've got both friends and clients who show their track toys the same kind of care and maintenance that a professional race team shows their Cup Cars. And the street cars are usually LESS abused than the real racecars.

yes, over 100k miles on each platform.
996 is harder to drive well. it suffers no fools
997.1 is not that much quicker than 996
997.2 is quite an upgrade over 996
not all 996 are beat
if you are really after uber clean NOS 996, I have them as well as several friends. but short of you offering INSANE money, we aren't willing to sell.

like MichaelB said, when driven well, you are one with the 996GT3 but the "look" is acquired taste.

Thanks guys! Good feedback.


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Great feedback, appears everyone that has owned both really like the 996 GT3 quite a bit. That's great feedback. I have heard people that have or have had a 996 GT3 describe them very close to the feels of an aircooled car? Is there any truth to that? If so that is great to hear.

996.2 gt3 feels a bit more raw, 7.1 similar pace but looses rawness, 7.2 faster and more refined all over. I was in the market 2 years ago and went with 7.2 as all the nice 996's were 80+. Extra 20k worth it to get the updated 7.2 for me. YMMV

I want a .2 so bad. My last car before going full electric!

absolutely NOT

Well, I know nothing drives like an aircooled. I will never give mine up. Interesting though, could you elaborate if you have owned a 996 GT3 please?

sound and smell differnet
very peaky
huge pull near redline
"quicker" reactions
less bump steer.
there are a lot of differenced. I would not replace one with the other. need both

Thank you, makes sense. Oh I am adding. Nothing leaves the garage once I get a hold of it. Lol

Italian comparison :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XAPv_LiBGo

Mooty! Can't believe you have only 100 posts on Pelican. You should hang out here more.

996GT3 is about the only water cooled 911 I have any interest in. The headlights don’t bother me much, iirc they are like the 996TT and not the standard 996/boxer. I like the rest of the styling.

The later versions may be bigger, better, faster, stronger but they also have more driver aids and stuff I’m not looking for in a sports car. Not to mention cost.

Nostalgia may play a part too. I remember seeing(maybe it was only a picture) aspeed yellow GT3 with personalized plates that said “ENZOWHO”

*forum fanboi*

I am here, but I am still learning about all the long hood goodness. you will even find me on 914world ;-)