Porsche 997.1 GT3 vs 997.2 GT3 RS vs 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 - Head to Head Review!
In this head to head, we compare three Mezger-powered Porsche 997 GT cars with a combined 1,346 naturally aspirated horsepower, and totaling over $1M in combined market value. The question is... do you get what you pay for?
2007 Porsche 911 GT3 (997.1)
Engine: 3.6L H6 409hp 299 lb-ft
Curb weight (as specced): ~3120 lbs
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2)
Engine: 3.8L H6 444hp 317 lb-ft
Curb weight (as specced): ~3070 lbs
2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (997.2)
Engine: 4.0L H6 493hp 339 lb-ft
Curb weight (as specced): ~3030 lbs
See how these cars rank in my Zygrene Performance Index: tinyurl.com/zpindex
00:00 Intro
01:25 997.1 GT3
08:44 997.2 GT3 RS 3.8
18:04 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0
Follow me on IG: / zygrene
Email me if you'd like me to review your car: zygrene@gmail.com
I'm glad that people are enjoying this awesome review from Fenton! We are both huge auto enthusiasts and wanted to share the special experience of the 997 GT3's with those that may not have the blessed opportunity to enjoy these pure form 911's.
Hey Jimmy, it’s your son. I’m ready to come home.
Hell of a job getting these cars for a review. Even Chris Harris would have to work to get all of these.
All gratitude goes towards the owners
I can't think of any publication that has done this direct comparison, what a special and awesome thing!
Zygrene did another ultimate comparison for the culture. Thank you
"for the culture" 😂
@@Zygrene Part of the charm is in it's inherit flaws, the McPherson strut suspension has improper geometry increasing understeer, and the pendulum feeling, the 997 GT3/RS/4.0's only significant flaw(simular, but not to the extreme that some Corvette fans try to rationalize transverse leafspring suspension).
I have owned and drove a lot of cars, only kept my 3.8RS and my NSX-R. The 4.0 just has the GT2RS rear end, that has some 1000$ toe link and just a different spring. The rest is all the same chassis wise, 4.0 will just be like 10kg lighter on the front with the carbon wings, put a lithium battery on a 3.8RS and you have the same result. The 3.8RS is the sweet spot where you can enjoy, drive and do a few mods to have the same car as the 4.0 for half the price. Headers, rear GT2RS component and you are good to go. And the 4.0 has engine plus gearbox problem, remember it is a 3.6 block from the 964 bored out to the max. Jumps in feeling aren't same from the cars you drove on the same tyres. If you put all of them on Cup2, 997 to 3.8rs will be 1 to 1,8 and then 3.8RS to 4.0, 1,8 to 2,0. FYI / 1) no USADM cars have lexan windows rear quarters or rear. Only the EUDM have them, like the ph2 steering or the CGT buckets. 2) The 4.0 isn't derrived from the GT3R racecars. It's just the 3.8RS with the 4.0r crank ( the GT3R engine is bespoke and different cams, no varioram and different pistons )
Great job defining the difference a tire makes in these cars. 997gt-cars are the sweet-spot, analogue and fun, modern performance, but have old 911 dynamics, I actually think they will just keep going up in value. Porsche Peak = 997.
Wow. Shoutout to Jimmy and Kevin for allowing you to drive and review their cars. As most people will never be able to experience these cars for themselves, having at least a glimpse into the driving experience forever immortalized on the internet is truly appreciated. Personally I have driven a 997.1 GT3 and it was incredible, the RS 3.8 and 4.0 must be a true pleasure.
Consider yourself in a very elite group of drivers that have or will ever experience these 3 machines. Incredible achievement. Most of us will just continue to dream about what it would be like. congrats Zygrene!
Thank you! I'll be reliving that day for years to come.
Very happy to own a base 997.1 gt3, Cs Driving heaven 👌
600k worth every penny. I need more pennies.
i could feel the giddiness through the screen when you hopped into that rs4.0 hahaha. i love it. great comparison video
Top 5 bucket list car!
@@ZygreneHave you ever driven anything as special?
@@johnmitchell2269 In terms of rarity and value, no. In terms of driving pleasure, a few cars come to mind. 458 Italia, modified NSX, GT4 RS.
Great review! These are absolute peak 911s. If you survey all the major milestone 911s, from air cooled to the current 992s, these 997 GT cars combine the best blend of 911 idiosyncratic dynamics with top modern performance. You said it so well in your review…you have to work for it in these cars, but that is also what makes them so special to drive and experience. Excellent presentation!
In Germany, 997.1 GT3 starts from 90k€, 997.2 RS from 180 and 4.0 RS from 400k. I would take that 997.1 over RS's any day of the week. Nice review!
Normal gt3 is more than enough for 99% of people
Epic comparo. You got your hands on a 4.0!
What a dream to have the opportunity to drive even one of these legendary beasts much less all three of them back to back! Fantastic video mate
Woaaah 🐐 mezger review, amazing Fenton!
Amazing trio of cars! I’m so bummed I missed being out there that day, but thank you for another great review! 🏎️🏎️🏎️🏁
brother you never fail to make great comparison vs vids! One of the few who do it thank you
great work & thanks owners esp the 4.0 for sharing!
Just picked up a 7.2 GT3 a few weeks ago, hands down the best driving car I’ve ever been in. The feedback, sound, gearbox, everything is so raw and unfiltered. I love it. It’s truly one of the all time greats. I will never sell it, this is the end game for me.
man this channel is about to blow up after this one!!! Owned a Lotus Elise S2 and the GT3 997 was/is 'The Dream Car' for me but haven't had a change to drive one yet. This review was quite interesting, I think we have a similar point of you in terms of cars and your reviews are so genuine and from a true driver enthusiast point of view. Although I know ask myself if these are actually worth the extra money compared to an Exige S2 - I haven't driven a car with so much feedback ever after. Yes a Lotus is not a Porsche either. Thank you for doing gods work here.
you know it's an amazing day when you drive 3 cars and every next car is the best car you've driven (so far!)
Seriously. The day just kept getting better
Great review!! Thanks!!
Dream review!!
I feel like your content have taken the place of TheSmokingTire's One Take videos, and I love that because I used to watch those religiously before they stopped producing them. Thank you for the great reviews.
Excellent comments on these exceptional 911s 👏
Great video! I love the 4.0 RS, dream Porsche
never thought I'd see this setup
Awesome cars for a review bro!
Wild combo - and you managed to get them all in white 👌!
Man. This was the comparison I never knew I needed. Wow. Kudos to the owners and the zygrene for giving us the business!
great work ✨
I really need to see a Sharkwerks 4.1L review by you!
This video is insane!
I agree on the 3.8 RS throttle response. Very easy to over blip. I wish it could be adjusted some how, but I end up adjusting where my foot comes into contact on the pedal. Higher up more sensitive, lower down less sensitive. It’s definitely not an unconscious exercise to drive one and the shifting and pedal sensitivity is probably my biggest gripe.
This is why prices of 997 911 GT3's and Turbo 6spd are getting so high. Perfect size, raw and analog. Those 3.6 metzgers sounds 🔥
Absolutely breathtaking design!
All three cars are best analog cars available, which to buy depends on your bank account.
You’re getting pretty close to unicorn land there Fenton…
awesome review . keep doing what you are doing ! any chance of a spyder vs spyder rs comparison ?
Would love to but need to find some willing owners!
I would save the $300k and go with the 997.2 RS if the funds allowed. It is the sweet spot of these 3 cars for sure. I know long-term the 4.0RS will be the grail car but the driving experience just doesn't seem that different to the 997.2.
Great comparison, I’m glad you’ve gotten to experience the coveted RS 4.0. I believe Chris Harris regrets selling his to this day.
After driving it, I don't blame him
Interesting take on the tail lights. The bend on the inside edge on the 997.2 was a departure from 911 design language, not seen on any other Gen. And the chrome individual led surrounds were hip for all of 1 automotive generation before all mfgs moved on to the more streamlined led strips and tubes. To me the old school filament fixtures in the 997.1 are more period correct.
Insane opportunity to drive the 3RS 4.0. If I had unlimited budget and could only buy one car, that would be the one. Over any other hyper car. Thanks for another banger!
Get your hands on 997.2 gt2 I heard those widow makers are insane
Absolute banger
Try a 996.2 GT3 Not the looks but gives you the feeling for a much lesser price. IMO totally underrated, that‘s why I bought one, a Clubsport 😎
nice driving man. the market for these cars is just ridiculous.
Excellent video! I was wondering if you prefer a 997.1 GT3 or a 718 GT4
Great video, maybe your best yet. I had a 996 GT3 for many years with a few engine and suspension modifications which I loved and had a friend with a similar spec 996 GT3. Tim later upgraded to a 997.2 GT3RS (he couldn't afford the 4.0 sadly) which I was fortunate enough to drive and the one thing I wasn't so keen on was the gear shift which felt rather stiff and notchy which is a 997 GT3 thing apparently. My 996 GT3 had a similarly heavy clutch but the gear change felt far more slicker. Great roads you were driving on by the way. Is this is California?
997 GT3 shifter has the highest effort of any of the generations. Definitely takes some getting used to. Yup this was filmed in Socal.
Thats it... I'm buying a 4.0.
Same. Looking under my couch cushions now
Excellent video! Where are you based?
Northern California
Not on the same level, but I’ve got a manual 997.1 C2S and I’ve just spent the day in the Black Forest, it has alot of the appeal with that glorious hydraulic steering and 6 speed gearbox. It’s not a GT3 of course, but you can get one for under £30,000! That’s crazy and I love driving it as much as my NSX or BAC Mono😍
Epic 997 trifecta 🔥
Peak zygrene
Great camparison.. the 4.0 is one of the all time greats
Porsche 911 is the ultimate German sport car, I have a bunch of them in my FM7 car collection
Buy a wrecked 997 Turbo and rebuild it with a 991 or 992 GT3 engine and you have what people can only dream of!
I mean, i will like and watch it again. Why was it reuploaded?
It wasn't?
Great video! The prices of these cars have gone bonkers. If the .1 Ohlins were too soft why didn't you adjust the damping, though?
I drive these cars in the condition they're brought to me. More damping would have helped though.
Hey Fenton amazing video. You got to drive a legit unicorn with the RS 4.0. It is considered the ultimate GT3RS for reasons you mentioned here. Last RS product from Porsche with a manual. I was wondering how the RS 4.0 compares to the GT3 you drove that had a 4.2L stroker in it?
The owner of the 4.2L 997.2 GT3 suggested doing a head to head comparo after watching this video. I'll see if it can be done!
@@Zygrene That would be sick! Hopefully you can make it happen. I don't think there is any video of a comparison like that.
Good review and line up. I see it this way, the 996 GT3 was the start of the journey, the 997 GT series improved significantly on the 996, I personally think the 997 GT3 RS is an excellent car that gives little up to the 4L, however the 991.2 GT RS is the complete package, substantially improved engine and handling. With the 992, Porsche lost their way. What many don't understand is the 996 and 997 GT cars sat on dealer lots or "out back". Hard to believe now, but at the time they were considered too hard core. To be quick round a track in any of the 996 or 997 GT cars you have to have had a lot of quality seat time and coaching. They are unforgiving if you get it wrong. Lift off over-steer is very real especially in the wet. The reason Porsche braking is so good is because you need not only good threshold capability, you also need great modulation for really good trail braking especially critical in the early part of turn in.
The 4.0 photographs and videos so well. Saw one at my dealership though, and it looked so underwhelming.
If I could pick any three cars to drive as a one-off, they would be: F50 LFA Nurburgring 997.2 GT3RS 4.0
Sir, we have exactly the same taste in halo cars. Add 2002 NSX-R and McLaren F1 and you've got my top 5 list.
@@Zygrene And Carrera GT
hey zygrene love your review videos, i know this might be a dumb question but could you timestamp section your videos based on the car up for review? just be a nice quality of life
Done :)
@@Zygrene perfect!
1:55 The 997.1 GT3 RS 3.6L also comes in a widebody
nice!
where is this filmed?
These are the best drivers cars.
TOP!
4.0 is the Grail❤
997.2 GT3 RS production numbers are about 1540, not near 2000.
1:13 I spy an Integra in the mirror.
Wish there was a c2 as a baseline
Incidentally, none of these cars is making any downforce of even remote significance driving on a road like this. Even at top speed, the 4.0 only makes 300lbs ish. Downforce is a square of speed thing, so it's making about a quarter of that at 100mph and about an 1/8th of that figure at 75mph. IE, nothing you're ever going to feel.
True. Aero differences on these cars only matter on track.
@@Zygrene With these cars, they make so little downforce, even on track you're going to struggle to feel it. I know a guy who races 997 Cup cars. His wing fell off one race, had zero impact on his lap times. I'd say of the GT3 line, only the latest 992 RS makes truly meaningful downforce.
I would have loved an ITS post gt3rs 4.0 impressions 😂
I don't enjoy depression
I think you're low on the 3.8 and 4.0 value estimates which is insane. 997.1 RS are above 300k
Stop. My eyes are already watering 🥲
It hurts my soul
Thanks for the video. All great cars. I was a little disappointed by the 997.1 GT3. I think the regular .2 GT3s are the pick of the 996 and 997 ranges. The RS models are fairly marginal gains, especially a 4.0 RS over a plain 3.8 non-RS GT3 .2 GT3. Purely for driving, the 996.2 GT3 is my absolute favourite, just watching this video reminds me a little of why the 997 cars don't quite hit the same high notes. But as an overall ownership proposition, I think a .2 997 non-RS GT3 is still a very nice choice.
How is the steering/clutch/shifter feel on your 987 compared to these?
Steering of the 987 is not too far off. The on center feel isn't as good, but once loaded up it provides similar feedback. Clutch is lighter, but still heavy. Shifter feel (when stock) is quite sloppy, but with the Numeric short shift kit it's closer (but still not as direct IMO).
@@Zygrene wow I really thought the Numeric would top it!
@Zygrene Which one would you take home? 997.1/2 GT3 or 718 GT4 from a pure driving enjoyment standpoint and why?
997.2 GT3 for maximum thrills, even if 718 handles better
I learned to drive without power steering and antilock brakes etc. when you say things get too easy it just doesn’t resonate with me. It seems like kids wanting to listen to records now when they have such superior music formats. Granted, I’ve never driven any of these cars so maybe I would understand if I did.
Thoughts on 997.1 GT3 VS. 981 GT4 plus money left over for headers, plenum and throttle body? Curious to know since @zygrene has driven both cars now.
997.1 is more exciting to drive than the GT4
981 GT4 handling is objectively better, but the engine, steering, and overall rawness of the 997.1 GT3 are on a different level. I suspect that adding bolt ons to the GT4 won't drastically improve the driving experience.
I own a 997.2 gt3 and a 981 gt4 with the full $25k of upgrades from sharkwerks including the shorter gears, light flywheel, bolt ons, exhaust, guard LSD. The GT3 is more raw but I still love my gt4 . I sent you an email if you ever want to drive it :)
Nice comparison. I completely understand the price difference and your comment that the price is not valid for what the cars are. Implying the GT3RS is not twice as good as the GT3, and that RS 4Lis not twice the car the the RS 3.8. So it would be interesting to know, as a percentage of each car to each other. Like is the GT3 RS 90% of the RS 4 l. Also is the GT3 90-95% of the 3.8 RS. Just so to have some quantitative tangible to compare seeing as you drove them back to back to back. Otherwise really good review.
It's hard to quantify since it's subjective how "good" these cars are relative to each other (ignoring lap times). But I would say 997.1 GT3 is 90% as good as 997.2 GT3 RS 3.8, which is 95% as good as 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0.
Thank you that’s great. Also I do agree with you about the matter of subjectivity. Here in Australia we have also the 997.1 GT3 in CS form which comes with the full carbon buckets, roll cage, fire distinguished etc, which is lighter again than base GT3 you tested, also I believe the UK has the same as Australia (both RH markets) There’s also rumours these 997.1 GT3 (late 2007/08 build) actually came out with “425-430 hp”. Again, as always 1st class review.
The 4 liter reaching ridiculous prices is really unfortunate simply because of the cool factor that car has. I don’t think it’s worth over half a million dollars, a 3.8 7.2 rs with 100-150k into it will perform the same as if not outperform a 4 liter..
How you even get your hands on a 4.0 lol. Impressive
Super cool comparison but apples to apples you need a 997.1 rs not a plain gt3. Huge price difference so the comparison of price doesn’t even make sense.
How the hell you get all them together
Extremely generous owners
❤️👌🏾❤️ nice
That a euro Integra Type-R I see back there!?!?!
98 USDM ITR
@@homesaucemagic had no idea they were sold in the US
Yup, that video is already on my channel. Just look up "1998 vs 2004 Integra"
Road name?
hello officer
you need to find a local Deman GT4.5
I drove one yesterday. Review coming soon!
A sunroof in a 997 GT car???
Yeah, an odd decision to make the sunroof standard on the US market 997.1 GT3.
Amazing video, cars and driving, but for me (and don't mean to offend) too much unnecessary agressive second gear downshifting, personally I didn't enjoy seeing/watching it.
High effort shifter??? 😂
The 911, has only degraded since these cars, heavier, bigger, loss of hydraulic steering.
600k worth every penny? hard disagree
They all look the same
That's the point. They are all the same generation
One has a sunroof and should have its gt3 badge removed, and yes I’ve owned one. Terrible gt3 car