I have read almost every thread on here on the subject, but I really want to hear from the guys that have actually owned both of these cars and can really compare the pros/cons. Before I spend this kind of money I want to make sure I am making a decision I will not regret. Obviously, the 3.8 is the better engine, but how much better is it? How much better and more fun is the .2GT3 over the .1GT3? On top of that how much better is the .2RS over the .2 GT3 and why? From what I've read it seems the .2 is worth the extra money in all aspects, but is the .2 RS worth the money over the .2GT3? I appreciate everyones feedback and experience. Which of the below would you choose or if you have owned them which was your favorite?

Average prices:
.1GT3 80K
.1RS 100K
.2GT3 100K
.2RS 130K

 

This is a good thread.

I have never own or driven any of .1GT3/RS or .2GT3. On paper, .2RS has a very slight performance advantage over the others. Is the 1-2 seconds advantage per lap worth $30K or more? Definitely not if you ask me.

Somehow when I order my RS, I have not consider any of the others. I felt that I have to have the .2RS. There is an emotional factor that cannot be explained with money. Am I confusing you?

 

i have or have had all those cars.
if you can afford it, the RS is SIGNIFICANTLY better.

 

Are you saying the .2 RS or just the RS in general? Since you have owned all of them, you are the perfect person to answer this question. What is so much better? Sorry for all the questions, just nice to hear the comparison from someone that has had them all.

 

I agree. This is the kind of information I'm looking for as well. It's difficult to find examples of all types to investigate and drive, but no one seems to really be able to put in words what is so much better about the RS. All I've seen is comments like "you won't be disappointed."

Is the .2RS 30% better than .1RS and .2GT3? It's killing me.

 

20% better

 

Would you mind elaborating? Have you owned an earlier model?

 

Yeah, I get the feeling this isn't going anywhere.

 

I owned a .1 GT3 for four years and a .2 RS for one week. I can already feel a significant difference. It is impossible to quantify in terms of dollars and percentage. The low end torque and gearing is apparent immediately. The car feels lighter and turn in is better. Most likely due to the wider track and upgraded suspension bits. If it matters to you, the new PCM is much better. There is also something inherently cool about owning an RS.

 

.2RS
better gearing
more low end
more rear grip
better turn in.
less push
it depends on how well you drive.

it also depends on how long you want to keep the car.
and what you want to use the car for.
and how much experience you have with rear engine porsches.
all these variables will influence the answer to if the .2RS is better.

for example i would take 7.2GT3 over 7.1RS.
but i have advised many friends to buy 7.1RS over 7.2GT3 b/c we have different uses.

 

guys, why take just the bra off?
if you can afford it, and you like to play, then go all the way.
simple as that.

 

If it where only that easy..

i think its more like is the difference worth 20k for how you plan to drive it.
if he is just going to buy it mostly for looks then the extra 20k is a waste.

 

that is what i meant by 'play', as in 'track'.

 

This dilemma plagued me for a long time too. After months of deliberation I've just purchased a white 07 RS that is really like new (109 miles and original delivery protective film still applied in some places). The decision to buy this (vs .2RS) was made on aesthetics, I just think the earlier cars look better. I plan to make some pretty significant modifications to close the performance gap between the 2 cars, more to come...

To cover my bases I also have an order down for the so called "LE" rumored to be coming.

 

Guys, there is no right or wrong answer to this. Just buy the most car you can afford. The only "wrong" choice would be having to move up to the newer car a short time later and lose out on the sales tax.