This is exactly what I don't want to happen...regret/disappointment at the car I'm purchasing.

 

Check out this article. I think it gives you plenty of reason to go with the 997.2 GT3

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...gt3/index.html

 

There is always going to be something better, either now or just around the corner. Just buy the best you can reasonably afford, and start enjoying the car.

If you have not done so already, you should drive both models and see for yourself which is the right car for you given the price consideration.

In my opinion, the .2 is incrementally better than the .1, with improvements in all areas. However, I do not think it is at a totally different level. I still have fond memories of my 2007 GT3, and I think I enjoyed that car just as much as the 2010 GT3 that I currently own.

 

What would everyone's answer be if the decision was between a .1 RS or a .2 GT3?? I am debating this myself and am having a really hard time deciding because they are pretty much the same price used. I also will use mine for mostly street with some weekend track use.

 

I bought a 997.1 with a CPO warranty because it's < 100k and it's my first Porsche (used to have an NSX NA2 and other Japanese cars). I don't track, daily drive like 10-15 miles a day. I actually went in looking to lease a new C2S but got distracted

I'm planning on trading it in for a next-gen 991 in a couple of years when my CPO warranty expires and wanted to get into a modern 997 without breaking the bank. The high option .2's were like a good 20-30K more expensive than my car, and mine wasn't cheap! (socal market + CPO + taxes/title). Never really considered an RS.

I've got no regrets, but I also have a terrible disease that keeps me buying cars every 2-3 years, so if you plan on having a long-term keeper it might be better to get the latest and greatest version of the generation instead. For what it's worth, I can see how having the extra mid range helps. My GT3 absolutely screams when it's past 5k RPM but below that it feels like a normal 911 with much better handling.

CM911, I'd get the .2 GT3 over the .1 RS personally. The RS is just too hardcore to drive around on a regular basis for me. GT3 is basically at the very limit for me.

 

Get the .2 GT3.

If you have to have an RS, spend a little more and get the .2 GT3 RS.

 

If you plan on tracking it regularly, and the current argument is "why not spend the extra 15-20K for the .2GT3".....you could easily spend $1400 on a few simple mods and have a .1 that handles arguably as good, and spend the money you saved on pads and tires for the next 2 seasons.

Buy some H&R or OEM .2 springs, a set of GMG bars, a plastic cup lip, and a set of wevo engine mounts, and whalla...you have a car with more front downforce, higher front spring rates, a bigger rear bar, and stiffer engine mounts.....just like the .2 for less than $1400.

I know the the .2 is better in every way, as it should be, and you don't get as much warranty, but alot of the .2 improvements, except for the engine, are quite easy to replicate & improve upon, for a fraction of the cost. Just depends on what your main focus for the car is, if you ask me. Funny thing is, all that said, the new one still tugs at me, just human nature to want the latest greatest.

 

If you are disappointed in the.1, I would say you have a problem. The .2 might be a general upgrade but the former is one hell of a fun car and as mentioned, can be modded to whatever you desire. Either way they are more car than most can drive to its limit.......just my opinion.

 

The 997.1 GT3 is the best Porsche I have every owned. There simply is nothing I regret with this car. If fact, to me the visual appeal winner goes to the 997.1. I am sure the 997.2 is a more refined version of a 997.1. Is it night and day different? NO
So the bottom line is money spent. Buy what you can afford and realize the value of these cars drops like a lead balloon. A first owner takes the biggest hit. And I thank all of you first owners

 

Nice writeup. That may have changed my mind between the gen I and gen II.

 

Just read the article and it seems the experts seem to the the .2 is a much better car. I wonder if an average driver would notice much of a difference. If anyone that has had both can chime in I would appreciate it. Thanks for all of the previous responses.

 

I have a 997.1

Think it looks better

The average gt3 driver will not be able to tell much difference

I get point bys from 997.2 gt3 and 997.2 rs all the time

If you track as much as me, 997.2 might make more sense....you can get proper seats in lieu of sofa seats

 

Having made the switch from an '07 997.1 C2S to a '07 997.1 GT3, I can only say that the GT3 is simply fantastic- so visceral, so tactile, so responsive- a gigantic difference from the S, and worth every ($25K) penny. However, I feel the jump to a '10 997.2 GT3 is incremental, especially as a novice driver; I cannot fully appreciate the upgrades and will never be able to spend enough time in driving school or on the track to do so, and therefore it would be hard to spend another $25K on the current GT3-

 

The advantage of the .2 on the street is much more than incremental and it's prettier to me.

 

I totally agree with riverflyer... which ever one you get you will be blown away with it. I have an 08 modified .1 from Sharkwerks that I would not sell for a .2. I will place an order on the new next gen GT3 when its bedded in a bit.