Porsche 997 GT3 vs Turbo: Which is Right for You?
With so many great Porsche 911 variants to choose from, how do you decide on which one you want to own?
Decisions, Decisions
Life is full of difficult decisions. Like where to go on vacation, which TV show to binge-watch, or even whether you want to eat a hamburger or hot dog (answer: both). Porsche also makes things difficult on us by offering up a slew of incredible 911 variants including the GT3 and Turbo.
Photos: Porsche
Tough Choice
Thus, you can't blame Rennlist forum member Reedy26 for finding himself stuck in such a dilemma recently. "I'm really struggling with this. I am considering a 997.1 (or .2) GT3 or a 997.2 Turbo with PDK. I really like the more aggressive look of the GT3, not to mention the sweet sweet sound. However, I know it can't really match the potential straight line/stop light performance of a Turbo, especially one with a tune. I would use the car mostly on the street with a couple of track days per year along with a road rally here and there. My other concern is depreciation. It seems that the GT cars hold value very well. Any insight to either? Issues or things to look out for?"
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Raw, Rare, Special
As you might imagine, both cars have their fair share of supporters here in the forums. But for cwheeler, the choice is rather obvious. "Easy. More rare, more special, more raw, more track performance, more sounds, more Porsche -> -> -> GT3. Every. Single. Day. My opinion anyway."
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Turbo Speed
For MexicoBlueTurbo, however, there's only one choice when it comes to ultimate speed. "A lot of people will argue for the N/A GT3 versus a Turbo or Turbo S. But one has to question if this really was an issue, then why are so many cars with turbos in auto racing doing quite well?"
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Obvious Choice?
If you're into that sort of thing, many people, including jkoravos point out that one of these cars will obviously hold its value way better than the other. "Depends what you want it for. To drive for a few years, probably neither will lose much value in that time then it comes down to which one you like driving better. To keep as a long term collector/investment, the GT3 is the obvious choice."
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Counterpoint
Skwerl actually offers up some debate for the OP, and it makes some sense, actually. "Counterpoint: 6-speed Turbo coupes are also holding value very well, particularly if you get an interesting color. Go for an '09-'13 for even better value retention and rarity.
Some strategic mods can make it pretty "raw" as well: exhaust, stiffer engine, and trans mounts, aggressive alignment/tires, upgraded shifter cables, maybe a lightweight flywheel, and you have a car that's much more explosive on the street than a GT3 that feels kind of slow unless you're ringing its neck."
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Unconventional Advice
Bxst changes things up a bit and offers some unconventional advice for this difficult choice. "No wrong answer. A couple of my friends have had Turbos, or have Turbos. I always enjoy them. They are great. I bet if I didn't have as much time driving them as I did, I would have considered one. But knowing I can get a ride in one at any time made me go GT3."
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Practical Choice
For GoldenGorilla, the choice is rather easy. "I love the N/A motor in my 997.2. I love the GT3, but for my own uses, I'd own the Turbo. I like to take my car on road trips whether it be a couple of hours to go visit family or a cross country trip. Also, I must have the roof rack and the GT3 roof doesn't have the mounts. The GT3 or GT3RS would be rather tiring for those purposes. If I owned 2 or 3 997s and could afford one, I'd gladly put a GT3 in the garage."
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Narrowing It Down
Honestly, we have to agree with Mike Murphy's assessment, which makes a whole lot of sense. "Drive both. If you want the best feel on the track, get the GT3. Not that you cannot change the way a Turbo drives, you can, but why mod a car to make it like another that’s already done.
If you want the best street performance, go with the Turbo. If you want both street and track performance, a car that can do everything, the Turbo might have a slight edge over the GT3 with some adjustment and some light mods.
But again, drive both and see what you like."
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Input Welcome
We hope this input makes this decision somewhat easier. So we want to hear from you. Head over here and tell us which 997 911 you'd choose for your own personal garage (or already own) and more importantly, why you chose/would choose it over the other!
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