996 GT3 or GT2
Discussion
I have been lurking on this forum for a while but never posted in this section, so here goes!!
I am currently looking for a 996 GT3, budget is saying Mk1 but Mk2 also possible if I apply some 'man maths'!! I intend to purchase in the next couple of months. The GT3 will be used as a second car for the road with no intention of using on the track (I already have a share in a track car), it will probably cover 5000 miles a year. I would be happy with either a comfort or clubsport, although the rarity of the clubsport is very attractive.
I been doing some searching of the classified, mainly Pistonheads, and during my search I started looking at GT2's, an example is this one:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Anyone know the car? Would the high milage put anyone off? It seems to have a comprehensive history and has the bonus of being a rare clubsport!!
What would be your preference as a road car GT2 or GT3?
Thanks,
Andy
I am currently looking for a 996 GT3, budget is saying Mk1 but Mk2 also possible if I apply some 'man maths'!! I intend to purchase in the next couple of months. The GT3 will be used as a second car for the road with no intention of using on the track (I already have a share in a track car), it will probably cover 5000 miles a year. I would be happy with either a comfort or clubsport, although the rarity of the clubsport is very attractive.
I been doing some searching of the classified, mainly Pistonheads, and during my search I started looking at GT2's, an example is this one:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Anyone know the car? Would the high milage put anyone off? It seems to have a comprehensive history and has the bonus of being a rare clubsport!!
What would be your preference as a road car GT2 or GT3?
Thanks,
Andy
Edited by 964uk on Friday 24th May 14:52
Edited by 964uk on Friday 24th May 14:58
Excellent thread. 
I'm going to be changing my 996 C2 later this year for something with a bit more poke.
My first choice was a 996 Turbo but now I'm being tempted by the same cars that you're looking at: GT3 and GT2.
One of the main reasons that I've started looking at the GT3 is because I'm worried that a Turbo or GT2 might be too quick for public roads; like you, I don't plan on doing any/much track work in it. I've owned a couple of modified RS Audis and it always felt like other road users were just getting in the way, ultimately leading to a lot of frustrating journeys.
I'm wondering if a GT3 might offer as much (more?) fun but at lower speeds...

I'm going to be changing my 996 C2 later this year for something with a bit more poke.
My first choice was a 996 Turbo but now I'm being tempted by the same cars that you're looking at: GT3 and GT2.
One of the main reasons that I've started looking at the GT3 is because I'm worried that a Turbo or GT2 might be too quick for public roads; like you, I don't plan on doing any/much track work in it. I've owned a couple of modified RS Audis and it always felt like other road users were just getting in the way, ultimately leading to a lot of frustrating journeys.
I'm wondering if a GT3 might offer as much (more?) fun but at lower speeds...
I thought the same a couple of years back. I went with a 996.2 GT3 comfort, still love it.
The power is more than enough for UK roads, and the narrow body is a plus on country lanes. Comfort spec (I have sports seats) is probably not the most popular. I've been touring in Europe and the extra baggage space with no cage and adjustable seats are nice to have.
The power is more than enough for UK roads, and the narrow body is a plus on country lanes. Comfort spec (I have sports seats) is probably not the most popular. I've been touring in Europe and the extra baggage space with no cage and adjustable seats are nice to have.
BillTheButcher said:
Excellent thread. 
I'm going to be changing my 996 C2 later this year for something with a bit more poke.
My first choice was a 996 Turbo but now I'm being tempted by the same cars that you're looking at: GT3 and GT2.
One of the main reasons that I've started looking at the GT3 is because I'm worried that a Turbo or GT2 might be too quick for public roads; like you, I don't plan on doing any/much track work in it. I've owned a couple of modified RS Audis and it always felt like other road users were just getting in the way, ultimately leading to a lot of frustrating journeys.
I'm wondering if a GT3 might offer as much (more?) fun but at lower speeds...
In fairness, any rennhog post 996 is a little too quick for public roads, whether it be turbo'd or not. The GT3 is a the purer drive; the turbo stuff is laugh out loud accelerative. Both will potentially see you fisted by a committed traffpol officer if you were unlucky enough.
I'm going to be changing my 996 C2 later this year for something with a bit more poke.
My first choice was a 996 Turbo but now I'm being tempted by the same cars that you're looking at: GT3 and GT2.
One of the main reasons that I've started looking at the GT3 is because I'm worried that a Turbo or GT2 might be too quick for public roads; like you, I don't plan on doing any/much track work in it. I've owned a couple of modified RS Audis and it always felt like other road users were just getting in the way, ultimately leading to a lot of frustrating journeys.
I'm wondering if a GT3 might offer as much (more?) fun but at lower speeds...
It all boils down to how you like your balls tickled.
You need to go and view it really, photo's don't beat a real appraisal.
At 90k miles it will have done very well not to have paint, but that's not a deal breaker simply could mean you don't need to get the front bumper sprayed etc, but if it has had paint what's the reason, cosmetic or crash damage. Make your own conclusion but there is a difference.
Tow cover is missing from front bumper, centre console lid is open (broken or just not shut) not huge things but just observations from the photos.
If you don't plan on tracking the car, why the desire for a clubsport model? The GT2 is pretty sparse in comfort mode and many have optional cages and the fixed back buckets in leather fitted. 911 virgin have a good blue comfort GT2 that was owned by a PH member for under £40k
At 90k miles it will have done very well not to have paint, but that's not a deal breaker simply could mean you don't need to get the front bumper sprayed etc, but if it has had paint what's the reason, cosmetic or crash damage. Make your own conclusion but there is a difference.
Tow cover is missing from front bumper, centre console lid is open (broken or just not shut) not huge things but just observations from the photos.
If you don't plan on tracking the car, why the desire for a clubsport model? The GT2 is pretty sparse in comfort mode and many have optional cages and the fixed back buckets in leather fitted. 911 virgin have a good blue comfort GT2 that was owned by a PH member for under £40k
You need to go and view it really, photo's don't beat a real appraisal.
At 90k miles it will have done very well not to have paint, but that's not a deal breaker simply could mean you don't need to get the front bumper sprayed etc, but if it has had paint what's the reason, cosmetic or crash damage. Make your own conclusion but there is a difference.
Tow cover is missing from front bumper, centre console lid is open (broken or just not shut) not huge things but just observations from the photos.
If you don't plan on tracking the car, why the desire for a clubsport model? The GT2 is pretty sparse in comfort mode and many have optional cages and the fixed back buckets in leather fitted. 911 virgin have a good blue comfort GT2 that was owned by a PH member for under £40k
At 90k miles it will have done very well not to have paint, but that's not a deal breaker simply could mean you don't need to get the front bumper sprayed etc, but if it has had paint what's the reason, cosmetic or crash damage. Make your own conclusion but there is a difference.
Tow cover is missing from front bumper, centre console lid is open (broken or just not shut) not huge things but just observations from the photos.
If you don't plan on tracking the car, why the desire for a clubsport model? The GT2 is pretty sparse in comfort mode and many have optional cages and the fixed back buckets in leather fitted. 911 virgin have a good blue comfort GT2 that was owned by a PH member for under £40k
unclepezza said:
You need to go and view it really, photo's don't beat a real appraisal.
At 90k miles it will have done very well not to have paint, but that's not a deal breaker simply could mean you don't need to get the front bumper sprayed etc, but if it has had paint what's the reason, cosmetic or crash damage. Make your own conclusion but there is a difference.
Tow cover is missing from front bumper, centre console lid is open (broken or just not shut) not huge things but just observations from the photos.
If you don't plan on tracking the car, why the desire for a clubsport model? The GT2 is pretty sparse in comfort mode and many have optional cages and the fixed back buckets in leather fitted. 911 virgin have a good blue comfort GT2 that was owned by a PH member for under £40k
Th 996 is noticeably stiffer with a cage; even a half-cage. Ergo, it's worthwhile sniffing out a Clubbie or a car duly fitted.At 90k miles it will have done very well not to have paint, but that's not a deal breaker simply could mean you don't need to get the front bumper sprayed etc, but if it has had paint what's the reason, cosmetic or crash damage. Make your own conclusion but there is a difference.
Tow cover is missing from front bumper, centre console lid is open (broken or just not shut) not huge things but just observations from the photos.
If you don't plan on tracking the car, why the desire for a clubsport model? The GT2 is pretty sparse in comfort mode and many have optional cages and the fixed back buckets in leather fitted. 911 virgin have a good blue comfort GT2 that was owned by a PH member for under £40k
The two cars are amazing but they are amazingly different. I had a GT2, which if I'm honest I didn't get on with. I prefer free revving engine with the feel and the noise it entails.
The GT2 is hilariously fast in overtaking mode on a dry road, but I never had the confidence or skill to make the most of it, bearing in mind the speeds you are traveling before it really comes alive.
The real surprise of the GT2 was just how civilised it was off boost. I just wish that front spoiler wasn't quite so low - it catches on absolutely everything in the road, but otherwise it was a very stress free place to be when taking it easy. I'm glad I had one, but it wasn't a keeper for me
I find the GT3 much more to my taste; the noise and feel of the engine is fantastic, but as overs have said, both cars could be accused of being too quick to really enjoy on UK roads. In fact I found my lotus Exige the best all round package for pure driving, but some margin, but so compromised in other areas. With the GT2/3 cars its the blend of comfort, quality and rawness that makes them exceptional in my eyes.
They are exceptional cars, do make sure your try both, they are so different, I'm sure you will know which is for you.
Enjoy the search
The GT2 is hilariously fast in overtaking mode on a dry road, but I never had the confidence or skill to make the most of it, bearing in mind the speeds you are traveling before it really comes alive.
The real surprise of the GT2 was just how civilised it was off boost. I just wish that front spoiler wasn't quite so low - it catches on absolutely everything in the road, but otherwise it was a very stress free place to be when taking it easy. I'm glad I had one, but it wasn't a keeper for me
I find the GT3 much more to my taste; the noise and feel of the engine is fantastic, but as overs have said, both cars could be accused of being too quick to really enjoy on UK roads. In fact I found my lotus Exige the best all round package for pure driving, but some margin, but so compromised in other areas. With the GT2/3 cars its the blend of comfort, quality and rawness that makes them exceptional in my eyes.
They are exceptional cars, do make sure your try both, they are so different, I'm sure you will know which is for you.
Enjoy the search
I agree with James S, during my time of owning a GT2 its scared the s
t out of me!
Only used it in anger on dry days.
I remember it was a damp morning and decide to have a high speed run on the A40 (Top speed of 70mph + 10% = 77mph)and joined the slip road then booted it...........
Was in 3rd gear about 3,500rpm, and the car just instantly reved to to the redline.... though the clutch was slipping, so let off the throttle to then re apply the right foot, then actually realised it was the rear wheels spinning as I joined the motorway rather quickly at a mild anger of slip!
The GT2 has to be respected as when the torque kicks in you have to be ready and have your wits about you. Try not to apply it mid corner in the wet.......
Anway!
The GT3 is more of a car for me, and have had it now over 5 years.
t out of me!Only used it in anger on dry days.
I remember it was a damp morning and decide to have a high speed run on the A40 (Top speed of 70mph + 10% = 77mph)and joined the slip road then booted it...........
Was in 3rd gear about 3,500rpm, and the car just instantly reved to to the redline.... though the clutch was slipping, so let off the throttle to then re apply the right foot, then actually realised it was the rear wheels spinning as I joined the motorway rather quickly at a mild anger of slip!
The GT2 has to be respected as when the torque kicks in you have to be ready and have your wits about you. Try not to apply it mid corner in the wet.......
Anway!
The GT3 is more of a car for me, and have had it now over 5 years.
If anyone gets the chance to own a GT2 it's truly a fabulous experience, they are getting extremely rare now, when I was looking for mine lots of examples had been damaged at some point in their life, very difficult to find one without previous bodywork damage. If you buy a good original GT2 you'll deffinetly have a classic which will no doubt hold or increase in value.
I've owned a 965 Turbo and a 993 Turbo and driven 996 Turbo's and GT3's but the GT2 is on another level in terms of performance.
A change of financial circumstances forces the sale of my GT2.
I've owned a 965 Turbo and a 993 Turbo and driven 996 Turbo's and GT3's but the GT2 is on another level in terms of performance.
A change of financial circumstances forces the sale of my GT2.
Moderator note: no advertising on the forums - use the classifieds please.
Edited by jeremyc on Friday 24th May 17:16
Thanks for all your comments, sounds like it is all down to personal preference!!
I have driven a 997 GT2/GT3 and a 996 GT3, time to test drive a GT2 then!
The attraction of the GT2 clubsport is mainly based on their rarity, around 130 in the uk in total and would have thought that number has reduced with time!
Anyone recommend a decent PPI?
I have driven a 997 GT2/GT3 and a 996 GT3, time to test drive a GT2 then!
The attraction of the GT2 clubsport is mainly based on their rarity, around 130 in the uk in total and would have thought that number has reduced with time!
Anyone recommend a decent PPI?
Edited by 964uk on Friday 24th May 22:42
Edited by 964uk on Friday 24th May 22:43
That is total number of GT2's, there are a lot less than 130 clubs. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=848...
If you want rare go for a mk2. Only 12. I know someone that has one
If you want rare go for a mk2. Only 12. I know someone that has one

964uk said:
The attraction of the GT2 clubsport is mainly based on their rarity, around 130 in the uk in total and would have thought that number has reduced with time!
I wouldn't do it like that. They are very different indeed from behind the wheel. If you loved driving both as much as each other then yes rare might swing it, but I doubt it'll be like that. I'd buy the car I preferred to drive.Bert
GentlePersuasion said:
Th 996 is noticeably stiffer with a cage; even a half-cage. Ergo, it's worthwhile sniffing out a Clubbie or a car duly fitted.
Not convinced you would notice the difference on the road - and the half cages are nothing like the real thing in a Clubsport. They bolt to the seat belt mounts and creak when go over a bump! If you really want extra stiffness ( and the GT3 is pretty stiff as standard) then go Clubsport.I own a very well sorted GT2. Its far quicker on road than a GT3 and a lot more fun too. I feared all the crap spoken on here about GT3's being better on track so did a track day recently and all I can say is a GT3 doesnt even come close.... My bench mark was other GT3's circulating plus my 997GT3 which I drove on the same day.
A well sorted GT2 is better in very way. They are awesome.
A well sorted GT2 is better in very way. They are awesome.
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