$110k to spend? A 996 GT3 or a Slightly Used Carrera T?

[jluetjen]

I was just idlely perusing some used car web sites and noticed that these 2 cars are currently priced about the same. If you had the $110k (disclaimer: I do not. ), which would you buy?

GT3? Driver focused. Metzger engine. First of an iconic model. GT badge credibility.

Carrera T? Driver focused. Turbo engined punch in the mid-range. Chip tunability for more HP. CPO or warranty coverage.

Which would you buy and why?

[Van B.]

I wouldn’t buy any Porsche after the 997. If Porsche doesn’t think I need to see the engine, then I don’t think they need my money.

[HaroldMHedge]

Focus on what you will use the car for. GT3 more track focused than a Turbo which is more touring. The 996 & 997 (2009 & earluer) Turbos have a Mezger engine.

Recently went through this and decided on a 2004 996TT.

[PCA7GGR]

If you have the opportunity, drive both. One is a drivers car and the other is a a tourer.

[jluetjen]

Back in the 1970's, Road & Track once observed that "This year's T goes like last year's E, and this year's E goes like last year's S. How does this year's S go? Like stink!"


Porsche seems to have kept that same performance map over the years, because with the 14 years between the 996 GT3 and the 2019 Carrera T, it's interesting how close the Carrera T's performance is to a 996 GT3's. (All numbers from C and D)

_____________________Carrera T_______________996 GT3
HP...................................370 @ 6500....................375 @ 7400
Torque.............................331lb-ft@ 1700.................284@5000
Weight.............................3221 lbs........................ 3050 lbs
0-60...............................3.7 sec..............................4.0 sec
Quarter Mile.....................12.1 @ 118......................12.3 @118
70-0 Braking.....................142'.................. ...............150'
300' Skidpad.................... 1.06g................................0.92g
MPG..................................17........... ........................18

As expected, Porsche's product planners seemed to have been spot on. To bad the Carrera T was only a 1 or 2 year model in the US.

BTW -- I got that the GT3 is a harsher "Driver's car" while the Carrera T is a "Grand tourer". My question is less about the differences between the two cars, and more about how people perceive them, and why a particular person might pick one over the other. Consider it a Porsche Fan's Rorschach test.

I guess I should have started this thread as a poll instead. Oh well...

[JFP in PA]

Without hesitation, the Metzger engine car; these were hyper expensive works of mechanical art, race bred but street legal.

[Van B.]

I couldn’t care less how anyone perceives my car… especially other Porsche owners. I love it! Buy what suits your lifestyle and go drive it!