Merc AMG GTR or Porsche 911.1 GT3 RS or maybe GT4 RS?

[MillsyN1982]

Interested to know general opinions on both cars for weekend toy and occasional track day. Road presence, fun/emotion are vital, but also factoring in depreciation. Yes I know I’m going to get lots of comments about not buying a car based on depreciation risk but when you’ve got serious cash in a car, it’s a real consideration and personally I think it’s stupid not to consider how much cash you will lose over 3-4 years if you can limit the risk and still drive a car you enjoy.

AMG GTR - now in the £85-90k range for a decent spec and massive road presence/rarity. Already heavily depreciated which makes them great value for money given the car! Could depreciate a bit more but with normal AMG GT’s at £60-70k maybe not too much more?
Looks incredible in my opinion especially with carbon packs and sounds great. Given the price, does this offer the best car for the cost?
But.. maybe not as special as a Porsche RS product.

Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS can be picked low mileage for £125-130k. Much more expensive to buy, but in the right colour, decent road presence and a very special car. With the 992 GT3rs and GT3 priced much higher. Maybe this is the better choice in terms of depreciation risk. Yes, the .1 has had engine issues but not like the GT3 and a warranty could be had.

Porsche GT4 RS - some now available low mileage at £130k. Maybe not as special as the 911. But a much newer car and with used prices dropping down so much recently, could they be good value at £130k with the price holding over the next few years? Same engine as the 911 so the emotion/sound would be there. But, would you always be looking at the 911 or the AMG feeling a little bit disappointed.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

[av185]

AMG will be the heaviest depreciator no question its lost lots already and this will continue.

4RS and much older 3RS totally different cars even though they initially appear similar. Many 4RS currently for sale quite a few new ones around at list with sub c300 mile 24 cars at £20k under list. Expected to drop more into 2025 but post Spring 2025 after production stops these could rise ££ long term as last of a line. Great effectively GT3 engine with 9k rev limit having shown few issues...unlike the 3RS.

4 RS too hardcore for many with ott internal engine noise and stiff spring rates ok on good roads but B roads can be hard work with lack of compliancy unlike many other Porsche GTs including the 3 RS.

Reckon it basically comes down to whether you want an 8 year old 911 with an 8.8k rev limit higher running costs and possible warranty issues or a nearly new Cayman with a 9k rev limit. The 4RS is the more playful and noisy
of the 2 (in a good way) the 3 RS more predictable quieter and compliant.

Very few comfort seat 3RS around a few more 4RS most are CS bucketed WP carbon adorned cars.

Good idea as usual to spend some serious seat time in both cars pref at least half a day on a variety of roads to help you decide.

If you find the 4RS too hardcore there is always the cab version with the Spyder RS and its much softer spring rates and less intrusive engine noise. 2024 cars similar price to the 4RS spec for spec bear in mind the cheapest 4 RS are theoretically the highest mileage first run 22 plate cars with basic spec which started at £108k bsic list.

[bigmowley]

AMG GTR is a great car for the money. Different kettle of fish to the two Porsche cars under consideration. Much more of an event to drive, the view along the bonnet is worth the entry fee alone. Very different powertrains, you trade the flat 6 rasp for a V8 rumble. Very much personal preference which one you prefer. The GT3RS is probably the best on track but it is a close call, the GTR is very capable as well. The 4RS is a bit more of a handful on track, it’s on the limit handling can be a challenge due to the inferior rear suspension design inherent in the Cayman platform.
Try them all if you can there as there is a lot of difference between them at a subjective level, very much down to what you like. No bad cars here.

[clarki]

The AMG would be my choice all day long. Looks epic, way more road presence than a 911 or Cayman, thunderous performance, rare and great value even with all the options ticked.

Given what they offer they shouldn’t really be sub £100k, and maybe one day won’t be, who knows??

Nice dilemma, can see the appeal of the gt3 also but the gt4 isn’t up with the other 2 IMO.

[av185]

Usual story new v much older car comparisons are always flawed imo.

[Frankychops]

the porsche gt range are dropping in price, there's 100's of them so still a way to go(IMO).

the AMG is an ace thing, they're bloody wide though.

Personally I would go for a mclaren 650's, it'll cost less to run, not really depreciate, still gives you 8500 rpm. Oh, it'll save a chunk also.

[av185]

570 s Spyders good value

[MillsyN1982]

Thanks for your input everyone. Doesn’t seem like bad choice with any of those options. I guess it comes down to personal taste.

I’ve looked at the Mclarens. Some lovely cars in that price bracket. 720s and even 600LT but I’m not sure I’ve got the balls to take the risk given the track record/issues.

Visually I think I’m drawn more to the GTR but I have a c63s coupe currently and never had a Porsche so something new is certainly appealing.

[Stu-nph26]

Out of those I’d pick the 911. I know you were worried about the McLaren reliability so I’d look into engine reliability on the .1s I think it’s similar to the GT3s of that generation which has problems.

What about something Italian instead?

Ferrari 488?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024090737...

Huracan?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024090938...

Edited by Stu-nph26 on Sunday 29th December 15:02

[ZX10R NIN]

458:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410054...

488:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407091...

A very good fillet to the GTR would be the Corvette Stingray, they drive & handle well as well as managing to feel special at low speed too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406080...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411136...

A test drive of the above may surprise you.

[Frankychops]

MillsyN1982 said:

Thanks for your input everyone. Doesn’t seem like bad choice with any of those options. I guess it comes down to personal taste.

I’ve looked at the Mclarens. Some lovely cars in that price bracket. 720s and even 600LT but I’m not sure I’ve got the balls to take the risk given the track record/issues.

Visually I think I’m drawn more to the GTR but I have a c63s coupe currently and never had a Porsche so something new is certainly appealing.

They've got good track records. Remember how porsche had to replace all the engines on their GT range of cars due to them catching fire and failing? Or how they've got issues wheels not staying done up on current ones?

Watch the Harrys garage vid's.

[foxsasha]

MillsyN1982 said:

Thanks for your input everyone. Doesn’t seem like bad choice with any of those options. I guess it comes down to personal taste.

I’ve looked at the Mclarens. Some lovely cars in that price bracket. 720s and even 600LT but I’m not sure I’ve got the balls to take the risk given the track record/issues.

Visually I think I’m drawn more to the GTR but I have a c63s coupe currently and never had a Porsche so something new is certainly appealing.

I ignored advice re staying away from a McLaren and bought a new 600LT. Their bad rep is, in my experience, fully deserved. Great drivers car but was tiring having never ending faults and poor dealer back up. Brilliant on track.

Also had a GTR. Was ok on track. Could have been improved with brake mods. Was very firm on the road, even in the softest suspension setting. Engine was divine. Loads of power.

Not had a GT3 RS but had a 991.2 GT3. Great on track. The GTR engine was, in my opinion, better on the road due to turbos and so torque.

Got a new GT4 RS sat in the garage. Expect it to be firm on the road and need geo work and brake mods to make it a proper track car.

If it’s a road car with the very occasional track day then I’d go GTR.

[GreatGranny]

I've read 2020 and newer McLarens have much better reliability than the older stuff.

This 570S spider looks very nice

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408213...

[AtomWhore]

I have just bought a GTR having looking at £80k entry level "supercars" and also depreciation is a concern of me and having watched the market for a few years I think they are nearing the bottom of the curve.. will still loose a little each year perhaps but then maybe not!

I just couldn't go for an R8 in the end as to me just not quite as special/exclusive enough. and an equivalent GT3 is 10 yr old entry level machine. Mclaren I was more tempted with but that draw of the AMG V8 was just too strong.

Seems there are only 250-300 GTR's in UK? which will only back up my theory on the depreciation...

Did the OP make a decision?

[MillsyN1982]

Hi all, I just thought I’d give an update. After lots of consideration I managed to get what I feel was a decent deal and I paid a deposit last week on a lava Orange 991.1 GT3 RS. I should be picking it up next Friday.
Thanks for everyone’s suggestions and comments! Excited to get the keys!

[Stu-nph26]

Sound amazing! We needs pics!!!

What deal did you get?

[RDMcG]

MillsyN1982 said:

Hi all, I just thought I’d give an update. After lots of consideration I managed to get what I feel was a decent deal and I paid a deposit last week on a lava Orange 991.1 GT3 RS. I should be picking it up next Friday.
Thanks for everyone’s suggestions and comments! Excited to get the keys!

I have one of those in the garage.
I suggest the following accessory capability............