997.1 GT3 or 991.1 GT3
997.1 GT3 or 991.1 GT3
Author
Discussion

PRO5T

Original Poster:

7,440 posts

53 months

Saturday
quotequote all
Following the rising of values of anything with a Mezger engine I got in touch with the company that sold me my 997.1 Clubsport (on holiday so as per every August I have circa 8 hours while on a sun lounger to look at cars and think about selling what I said I’d never sell hehe ).

As I 100% don’t want to put any more money into what I’ve already spent that leaves me swapping out to something of similar value. I was told my car would get me into an absolutely mint 991.1 GT3 Clubsport with no extra spend.

Pros 997
Classic looks
Poster car for me
Finding the absolute best one in the country by some margin
Absolute driver enjoyment

Pros 991.1
New Porsche experience
Something genuinely different to my last GT3s (both mezgers)
Warranty for another 5 years

Anyone gone the same way? Or even the reverse and had positive or negative experiences?

gd

422 posts

216 months

Saturday
quotequote all
I can't help you with the 997.1 GT3 comparison, but I went from a 997 gen 1.5 turbo to a 991.1 GT3 clubsport.

The 997 was absolutely bulletproof, as was the mezger engine. It felt brilliantly engineered, everything was solid and well made, and the car was easy to drive but was a beast when pushed. I had it for 8 years, and still miss it. I only changed it (for the GT3) as I'd heard so much about how brilliant GT3's are, I had the funds available and fancied a change, and was offered more than I paid for it.

The 991 felt bigger, and with the roll cage, bucket seats and sport PDK gearbox, it felt more like a race car and more of an event to drive than the 997. The engine noise (especially the flywheel chatter) was a bit of a surprise after the soundproofing in the 997. The suspension was a lot better and it held the road well. But it was not as well built, parts of it definitely felt more flimsy than the 997 (especially the interior), and there was the constant noise on here (and even in the OPC) about the potential engine issues. I didn't have any problems with the engine in the 2 years I had it, and the warranty was enough peace of mind anyway. Apart from a few rattles it was fine.

My personal view is that the 997 series was peak 911. The 991 GT3 is a genuinely brilliant car, and when driven quickly around a track or country lanes it was very rewarding, but if I had a choice of the two cars once again I'd take the 997. But of course, drive the two back to back and make your own decision.


DBA086

138 posts

81 months

Saturday
quotequote all
I looked at both when I bought my 997.1 GT3- they’re basically the same price point.

I think the main point is the move to PDK and the higher redline (and potential for issues) that it brings. I remember driving a 991.1 GT3 when new and being amazed by the sound at the top end.

I chose the 997.1 for the ability to fit rear seatbelts and the transmission, but both are great cars.


RDMcG

20,808 posts

235 months

Saturday
quotequote all
I have a 9971RS and 991.1RS in the garage. One thing I aways notice I the difference in size switching from one to another and of course the 997 interior is much simpler. The 991 more usable as a daily driver. As others have said the transmission is a personal choice.
Yet, the Mezger engine is a prodigious thing and I love the bucket of bolts rattling when it starts.......

DBA086

138 posts

81 months

Saturday
quotequote all
I looked at both when I bought my 997.1 GT3- they’re basically the same price point.

I think the main point is the move to PDK and the higher redline (and potential for issues) that it brings. I remember driving a 991.1 GT3 when new and being amazed by the sound at the top end.

I chose the 997.1 for the ability to fit rear seatbelts and the transmission, but both are great cars.


Terminator X

20,318 posts

232 months

O/T but this got me looking at 997 GT3 RS's - prices insane what on earth has gone on!

TX.

Dr S

5,134 posts

254 months

997 any day of the week. Just did an early morning Furka, Grimsel, Susten run in my 7.2 GT3 last week and it's just such a terrific car. Have done the same route with my 2.1 Touring a week before and the 7 is just more tactile and fun - and the Mezger's sound near the redline is unbeatable. I haven't done the tour with the 1.2 Touring. But I prefer the driving experience of the 2.1 over the 1.2, primarily because the latter car's rear wheel steering feels much more natural (whilst the pointy steering let's it down somewhat)

79TurboS

182 posts

170 months

Yesterday (17:01)
quotequote all
Not driven a 997 gt3 but owned a 991.1 gt3 from new for 3 years and its a serious piece of kit, value for money wise given what's out there i think its pretty damn good. Recently covered 200 miles in a 992 gt3 RS in anger on mountain roads, unless your chasing lap times the 991 is 80-90 percent of the car for a lot less outlay. Did have a couple of 997's one c2s and a turbo s, i always thought the front end on those was pretty crap and the 991 moved the game on quite a bit. I would get the 991 its a great car and holds its own amongst some of the very best cars out there.

PaulJC84

1,096 posts

245 months

I see the two 997.1 GT3s sold pretty quickly this week. One CS (£110k) and one comfort (£99k).

I would keep your 997.1 over a 991.1. If I was moving to a 991 it would need to be a .2.