981 GT4 Vs 997 GT3 - which to have and why?

[heller]

Ok thread revival...spent the best part of the morning at a dealership lookin at both the .1 and the .2 997 GT3. Looks like we may be able to do a deal on mine. The .1 is within budget (according to my accountant) and the .2 is slightly out but I could manage. My question now has shifted to the .1 Vs the .2 (997 GT3). My main fear is in a few years if I wanted to move the .1 on its likely to be a hard slog I'd imagine if the price isn't right (or am I wrong) AND is the .2 really worth £20k more? For the 991 I can understand the price difference especially given the engine woes in the 991.1 (if it wasn't for that I'd be looking at those). ...In terms of driving I could barely tell any difference (997.1 Vs 997.2) outside of a throatier note on the .2 and the upgraded interior. Just wondering if anyone here has owned both?

 

[ttdan]

I've had a couple of .1 and have a .2RS which can't compare that well mainly as its different again. Have driven .2 GT3's and have 2 pals that still own them. Neither car will be hard to move on when you get to that point. the .2 has the 3.8 engine vs the 3.6. it has more torque and a tad more HP. .2 is a better car in many subtle ways with the exception of the CL wheels which are a pain. the .2 has bigger brakes too. more seat options, revised PASM, switchable SC & TC

The .1 is a cracking car. The .2 is that same cracking car but just with another few years of development built into it. But its mostly about the engine (both Mezger units) it will hold its dough better as a result. CS versions are actually quite rare in UK C16 spec. On the road you may not notice that much initially but you would over a period of time recognise the .2's improvements

 

[heller]

I've had a couple of .1 and have a .2RS which can't compare that well mainly as its different again. Have driven .2 GT3's and have 2 pals that still own them. Neither car will be hard to move on when you get to that point. the .2 has the 3.8 engine vs the 3.6. it has more torque and a tad more HP. .2 is a better car in many subtle ways with the exception of the CL wheels which are a pain. the .2 has bigger brakes too. more seat options, revised PASM, switchable SC & TC

The .1 is a cracking car. The .2 is that same cracking car but just with another few years of development built into it. But its mostly about the engine (both Mezger units) it will hold its dough better as a result. CS versions are actually quite rare in UK C16 spec. On the road you may not notice that much initially but you would over a period of time recognise the .2's improvements

Thanks buddy that's very helpful the one I'm looking at is a comfort...any thoughts on those?... I Need to do a lot of reading into specs for both tonight. I always love the hunt

 

[ttdan]

Over time I would note that CS option has held better values. Partly because or rarity and partly “ authenticity “ it’s Porsches track car after all. Wether this is still the case today is debatable as tracking these isn’t cheap fun. Consumables and maintenance add up. But, most were specced as “comfy”, not a spec in itself by the way and Clubsport was an optional accessory that’s all. Comfort car is more usable and more were specced that way from new as a result. It’s still a pretty hard core car either way which is the appeal, for me anyway. Pretty bullet proof car unless has been abused and even then…front lift can fail, I’d probably avoid ceramics or make certain they are in good condition else £££. Clutches will go on and on but it’s a heavy feel anyway but a lot worse when getting worn or old. Clutch forks are made in a chocolate factory in Switzerland somewhere. Diff plates similar but not noticeable until the cars backing itself in to les Coombes at spa from a 160 mph! Get anything inspected independently would be my firm advice. These are well known to have seen a hedge and with values what they are some dealers are less scrupulous than others. All cars will have some faults but you need to know about them and take your own view on it, including Rev range checks etc.

 

[heller]

Over time I would note that CS option has held better values. Partly because or rarity and partly “ authenticity “ it’s Porsches track car after all. Wether this is still the case today is debatable as tracking these isn’t cheap fun. Consumables and maintenance add up. But, most were specced as “comfy”, not a spec in itself by the way and Clubsport was an optional accessory that’s all. Comfort car is more usable and more were specced that way from new as a result. It’s still a pretty hard core car either way which is the appeal, for me anyway. Pretty bullet proof car unless has been abused and even then…front lift can fail, I’d probably avoid ceramics or make certain they are in good condition else £££. Clutches will go on and on but it’s a heavy feel anyway but a lot worse when getting worn or old. Clutch forks are made in a chocolate factory in Switzerland somewhere. Diff plates similar but not noticeable until the cars backing itself in to les Coombes at spa from a 160 mph! Get anything inspected independently would be my firm advice. These are well known to have seen a hedge and with values what they are some dealers are less scrupulous than others. All cars will have some faults but you need to know about them and take your own view on it, including Rev range checks etc.

Yep would definitely get 9e to look at it for me before purchase. So in essence there isn't much of a difference outside of displacement and the 'comfort' is still a good option?

 

[JoshuaJay]

Currently looking at the same, always wanted the 997.2 CS but only one currently ticks all the boxes (i want front lift) but the price is knocking on 991.2 GT3 / 991 RS which having driven them as well its hard to ignore how great they are.

My only concern with the 997 GTs was a few friends have said how seized parts have become from the UK salty winters (and exposed engines) and can turn a relativity cheap/quick job to an expensive pain to put right.

 

[ttdan]

I would not want front lift out of warranty. Plus you don’t need it. You will scrape the splitter wether you have it or not and splitters are cheap for that reason. All 911 engines are exposed to salty roads, nothing specific to 997 really.

 

[Aquarius21]

Not had the 7.1 GT3 although a friend has a stunning Viper/RS green CS, owned a 7.2 CS for just over a year.

For me the CGT buckets in .1 are quite narrow and I fitted into the folding buckets of .2 much easier. Clutches are really, really heavy and get tiresome after 10 mins in traffic. CS cars are rare and I’d say a large percentage of them are now in the hands of people who don’t intend parting with them any time soon. I wouldn’t pay a premium for a low mileage example as you’ll be paranoid about using it and driving the value out.

I know you didn’t ask this but at £120k + for a good CS I’d be looking down the back of the sofa for another £20k and getting into a 1.2 GT3.

 

[heller]

Not had the 7.1 GT3 although a friend has a stunning Viper/RS green CS, owned a 7.2 CS for just over a year.

For me the CGT buckets in .1 are quite narrow and I fitted into the folding buckets of .2 much easier. Clutches are really, really heavy and get tiresome after 10 mins in traffic. CS cars are rare and I’d say a large percentage of them are now in the hands of people who don’t intend parting with them any time soon. I wouldn’t pay a premium for a low mileage example as you’ll be paranoid about using it and driving the value out.

I know you didn’t ask this but at £120k + for a good CS I’d be looking down the back of the sofa for another £20k and getting into a 1.2 GT3.

 

[heller]

Not had the 7.1 GT3 although a friend has a stunning Viper/RS green CS, owned a 7.2 CS for just over a year.

For me the CGT buckets in .1 are quite narrow and I fitted into the folding buckets of .2 much easier. Clutches are really, really heavy and get tiresome after 10 mins in traffic. CS cars are rare and I’d say a large percentage of them are now in the hands of people who don’t intend parting with them any time soon. I wouldn’t pay a premium for a low mileage example as you’ll be paranoid about using it and driving the value out.

I know you didn’t ask this but at £120k + for a good CS I’d be looking down the back of the sofa for another £20k and getting into a 1.2 GT3.

Ah actually I see what you mean. The .1 GT3 is ~£100k. Is the CS really worth an extra £20k? The 1.2 yep is worth it but don't think I can stretch that far.

 

[JoshuaJay]

Ah actually I see what you mean. The .1 GT3 is ~£100k. Is the CS really worth an extra £20k? The 1.2 yep is worth it but don't think I can stretch that far.

There a really nice .1 CS for £109k on low miles, have you looked at that?

 

[heller]

There a really nice .1 CS for £109k on low miles, have you looked at that?

I'm off to JZM again today to view the few they have again so I'm hoping this will help

 

[Aquarius21]

Ah actually I see what you mean. The .1 GT3 is ~£100k. Is the CS really worth an extra £20k? The 1.2 yep is worth it but don't think I can stretch that far.

It's hard to say really, personally I think £20k is a bit high if that's what the difference currently is. Other factors would be more important for me, condition and provenance first and foremost, regular and considerate maintenance ( not just doing the absolute minimum) for example I had the bottom of mine fully wax sealed as I dont think they came from the factory with it. It makes me laugh the amount of people who 'wouldn't touch one thats been on track' but would happily buy the one thats spent the last 10 years driving up and down the Kings Road at 20 miles an hour. The person that used it on track was quite likely to be far more obsessive about looking after it.

Russ and Adam at JZM will know the location of quite a few of these cars now and if anyone is thinking of coming to market.

 

[heller]

It's hard to say really, personally I think £20k is a bit high if that's what the difference currently is. Other factors would be more important for me, condition and provenance first and foremost, regular and considerate maintenance ( not just doing the absolute minimum) for example I had the bottom of mine fully wax sealed as I dont think they came from the factory with it. It makes me laugh the amount of people who 'wouldn't touch one thats been on track' but would happily buy the one thats spent the last 10 years driving up and down the Kings Road at 20 miles an hour. The person that used it on track was quite likely to be far more obsessive about looking after it.

Russ and Adam at JZM will know the location of quite a few of these cars now and if anyone is thinking of coming to market.

Yeah Adams been great. I spent some time there again this morning. Was pissing it down but will be back next week. Ultimately it's the car I want though the price difference makes me think I should wait till next year see where the market is and maybe jump into a 1.2 GT3. Decisions decisions

 

[heller]

Oh and these bad boys in the flesh are MEGA!!!

 

[JoshuaJay]

What was the condition like of the 997.1 CS at £109k?

 

[Telsy]

They have a lovely looking 991.1 GT3 in sapphire blue, but it’s got the basic seats rather than buckets and is £105K. Bet it looks the business in the flesh though!

 

[Aquarius21]

Yeah Adams been great. I spent some time there again this morning. Was pissing it down but will be back next week. Ultimately it's the car I want though the price difference makes me think I should wait till next year see where the market is and maybe jump into a 1.2 GT3. Decisions decisions

Don't drive a 1.2 then

 

[heller]

They have a lovely looking 991.1 GT3 in sapphire blue, but it’s got the basic seats rather than buckets and is £105K. Bet it looks the business in the flesh though!

It's stunning honestly. £5k less and I would e been very tempted. Its had an engine replacement already in 2017 so I was wondering would the 15yr warranty start from the date of that new engine being installed or from date of manufacture of the car itself. It's a lovely lovely thing.

 

[heller]

Don't drive a 1.2 then

Hahahahaha