Hi Everybody. I find myself in the enviable position of being in the market for a 991, and struggling between the 50th Anniversary Edition and a GT3. I'm inclined toward the GT3, but the car would need to be my daily driver. If I end up with a GT3, I will be more inclined to track it occasionally than the 50th Anniversary Edition. Can anyone provide feedback with respect to:

1) Ride quality as compared to a standard 991 C2S
2) Interior noise levels as compared to a standard 991 C2S
3) The usefulness and ease of operation of the front axle lift system (i.e., how long does it take to lift the front axle? How much do you have to slow down before triggering the system, etc. I'm interested in its practical use while driving around town)

Here's a little background on me: I used to race (lots of Skip Barber, including three series championships; 2006 Rolex 24 at Daytona; and 2011 SCCA Formula Continental National Champ). My past road cars are Lotus Elise, 991.1 C2S and R8 V10. I'm now driving a lightly-optioned Boxster S.

Thanks for any input you can offer.

 

Not too many people have had a chance to drive one. None are even running in the US right now.

 

Can't tell you much about the 991 GT3 since all have been recalled and are having the engines replaced. I'm sure a search would turn up all the details.

 

Is the stop-sale/recall still in effect? I see some for sale on Auto Trader.

 

Yes. Stop/sale in place as far as I know. Those may be ones that are getting new engine. I have seen posts where dealers have spec ordered cars, sitting in service, still for sale, but waiting for an engine. I was recently in contact with my sales guy, was #3 in line at their small dealership in Colorado. I need to place early June build order for late Sept/Oct delivery.

 

I have both a 50th and a GT3 - got my 50th in November and my GT3 in December - Put over 2k on my GT3 before being forced to bring her back - am first in line for a new engine, but that is a month off - having said that, I love them both, for different reasons - I have a 4.0 and a "few" others and ...... the little details in the 50th are great, the 7 speed manual is slick (albeit a bit weird with the blip and stall control) - power is linear and strong - sound is fabulous with the sport exhaust - the seats (houndstooth) are right out of my '73 RS and the ride is complaint and controlled (not as stiff as I would like, but...).

As I have noted before, the PDK in the GT3 is actually a blast - a perfect mesh and match with the engine and chassis and the overall GT3 package - it makes some nice sounds - is fast -- and dynamic -- it ENHANCES the experience in many ways - Handling is visceral and direct. Ride is NOT punishing, ergonomics are perfect.... was driving her in the winter and did not miss a beat - can't wait to have her back

So, to answer your questions (IN CAPS)

1) Ride quality as compared to a standard 991 C2S - PRETTY DARN CLOSE - COMPLIANT AND A BIT MORE STIFF BUT DRIVING AROUND NYC I ACTUALLY FIND THE GT3 TO BE A BIT MORE CONTROLLABLE AS A RACER, YOU UNDERSTAND)
2) Interior noise levels as compared to a standard 991 C2S - OTHER THAN THE EXHAUST RUMBLE BEING A BIT MORE AND WHEN YOU REV UP TO THE HIGHER REVS WHERE THE GT3 BECOMES MORE RASPY - NOTHING REALLY DIFFERENT TO NOTICE
3) The usefulness and ease of operation of the front axle lift system (i.e., how long does it take to lift the front axle? How much do you have to slow down before triggering the system, etc. I'm interested in its practical use while driving around town) - YIKES - DON'T HAVE IT ONE EITHER CAR - AND I AM IN NYC - THESE ARE NOT THE OLDER CARS (BY GT3RS 4.0 SCRAPES LIKE CRAZY) - FRANKLY NOT NEEDED

 

Great insight Stef430!!! thx

 

Thanks to both MileHigh911 and stef430. This is exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for! I'm increasingly leaning toward the GT3 because it finally sounds like a car I could tolerate driving everyday, and because everything I've heard suggests it ranks among the greatest sports cars ever built -- at any price. Thanks so much for commenting in such detail on my questions.

I've been poking around online and actually talked to a couple of dealers who have cars on the lot waiting for engines. Both were willing to sell me the car or take a deposit to secure one until the engine arrived. They also offered to sell me the car and then ship it to my dealer sans new engine for the replacement. Neither could tell me where their cars stood in the queue for new engines, and I would insist on knowing that before plunking down for one. I've got a month or so before I will be in a position to buy, so the delay on the motor is not the end of the world.

 

The GT3 is an awesome daily driver - again, having one in NYC this winter with the roads as they were was an eye opener - the chassis development is just amazing.

One note - not sure this is a 100 percent fact for all, but Porsche is calling and emailing me with updates ever week and have told me the actual week the engine will be delivered to my dealer as well as the install week and time - they were honest enough to say it could slip a few weeks, but i know the timeline directly -- So, where dealers are saying the don't know, I am not sure I trust they actually have cars.....and aren't just trying to take deposits .... just saying......

 

Just saw one (991 GT3) with new engine replaced ready for pick up at Barrier in Seattle area.

 

Was it this one? In town on business, so I stopped by. I was told it needs to be shipped to San Jose for the replacement.

 

None have been replaced as yet - word from the top (and bottom) of the food chain....

 

Yes none in the states have been replaced yet. All cars are being shipped to one of three ports - San Diego, Atlanta and Rhode Island for the replacements.

 

I guess I was misinformed. I was told the car was "ready" for pickup by the owner. It wouldn't be the first time I got the wrong info.

 

i recommend the front axle lift as its very quick and if you use it in town, its a requirement for garages with steep ramps. I have the build date and shipment date for my engine and a " conservative estimate" of install date. THIS CAR IS SIMPLY AWESOME and by far the most rewarding drive in all respects of any car I've owned- which includes 7 911's including 997 GT3 and 2 TT's. Miles better!!!!!