OT: Just drove new Porsche GT3

[Riz]

I just drove the new 3.8L GT3. I drove my Esige S 240 to the dealership. I thought I would post a few comparisons. The GT3 immediately felt really big and heavy. It felt like it had too much rubber on the road. The engine is absolutely incredible, the way it revs to redline. The sound above 4500 rpm to 8500 is amazing. I have a 996 GT3, I think the 3.6L engine has a better high pitched scream at the top end. Of course we know what the Exige S engine sounds like. The new GT3 has a much flatter torque curve, so no real push above 7000 rpm like the old car. This GT3 is just fast all over the power band. Compared to the Exige, the GT3 does not feel nimble at all. It has so much grip that I could not exploit during test drive. The Exige and 996 GT3 feel more tossable. I would not give up my Exige or my 996 GT3 for the new GT3. Will wait to see the next GT3 RS though.

[geezer]

Originally Posted by Riz

I It felt like it had too much rubber on the road.

There's no such thing...

[DrJ]

When I can get on my computer, I will write out my thoughts re: the 997 GT3 v Exige driving experiences.

[U4IA187]

Two very different cars. in terms of power, the GT3 puts it to the road forcefully thru the entire range of RPMs. Alittle more feathering of the throttle is necessary in the GT3 versus the s240 where I find I go from mashing the brakes to mashing the throttle.

Handling, Ill bring the GT3 to sebring in a week and that will tell me more. So far it is definately more planted than the older versions. Less understeer it seems. More confidence thru a chicane than the older 911s. No car, however, can compete with the raw feeling and grip of the s240.

Steering feedback for both are excellent. The Porsche is refined, telling you everything in a controlled manner. The s240 feels like its slapping you across the face with how much grip you may or may not have.

Braking is more severe in the s240 because of the weight/tire size in relation to brake power. Again, wait until the last moment and stand on the brakes, and you will stop where you want. The Porsche is alittle more to handle well. The GT3 seems to stop more accurately if I get a quick weight shift then dig into the brakes, otherwise it feels like Ill go into understeer.

Noone can get out of an exige gracefully.

Surprisingly, the stereo is kinda crappy with the GT3 sound package.

No roll bar in the GT3 in the states. Atleast you get to start with a harness bar in the s240.

Long straights and a few turns = GT3 has it.

Tight and twisty, s240.

People think you're a wanker in the Porsche. Oh well.

Everyone loves a Lotus. Always a thumbs up.

[wantanelise]

Riz, your review is exactly like the Excellence 996 GT3 vs 997 GT3 review. They said the same exact thing.

[U4IA187]

Spent my first weekend with the GT3 at Sebring. In all honesty its an amazing car. Adequate well paced power and superb handling. I wasnt at its limits, so everything felt really planted.

Exige vs GT3. Apples and oranges. Two very amazing cars. Two very formidable track weapons.

[TAILWAG]

Originally Posted by geezer

There's no such thing...

I could not agree further!