Poll 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 vs 991 R

[Sunny]

It just struck me how similar the two are on paper...

4L, 500HP, RWD, 6 speed. Even MSRP (if you are lucky to get one for that) is similar ~ $180k. Both are also limited in numbers (600 vs 991).

But don't be fooled for a sec by the specs that the two will drive or feel the same. I haven't driven either, but having driven different incarnations of both, I bet it will be a very different experience - one will be very raw, the other more friendly.

 

[martinbo]

Easy peasy - GT3 RS 4.0. The last of the Mezgers, quite possibly one of the most collectable 911s around at the moment.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Dammit, Martin!

As soon as I saw this thread, I was like "I have the perfect response;" and say, "One word: Mezger *mic drop*," and just walk away. And then you say what you said. Now I feel like I need to say more...

I think this mea culpa that is the 911R is not too bad. I like some of the nostalgia bits and how they used the RS' 4.0. But that Mezger engine is legend.

 

[Soup]

997, because I prefer the smaller and tighter cabin over the lost in space 991/Panamera interior

- Mezger Block + Notchy Gears + Heavy Clutch Pedal.
- Overdeveloped Aero-Package (2011/2012 car)
- Shorter Gear Ratios
- No RWS, Electric Steering, Cup Holder and some other nonsense which you can spot in the current R, I'd rather call it R-igged compared to the original 1967 911 R.
- It's the last real GT3 followed by two sacred letters 'RS' which gives me the power to talk sh*t and brag about NBR lap time (J/K)
- Tested and Approved by HVS 69/70 points

 

[Centurion]

It's a tricky question. Although similar the intention for buying either is different. If you want the 911 in it's ultimate guise then the GT3 RS is a no brainer. It's the one that will cut the mustard regardless of whether you are on track, motorway or twisty roads.

The 911 R is born to be a garage queen. It's sleeker than the GT3RS but unlikely as capable at the limit.

Although I love the GT3RS I'm a sucker for the stealthiness of the 911RS.

 

[Monster]

Agree with all the posts above, the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is a genuine celebration for the end of the 997 series, and the last of the Mezger engine, it was the ultimate version of the 997. This 991 R feels like a parts bin special, a cynical marketing exercise to keep the cash flowing until the next generation of GT cars arrive.

 

[klier]

4.0!

The one true legend between the two.

 

[Makini]

Ah ah! Show me a cleaner looking 911 than the 911R...

Absolutely stunning! I'm smitten.

I'd buy the 911R and bequeath it to my kids when I die. Mezger shmezger! I'd chop in my GT3 RS for the next GT3 RS, chop that in for the next, chop that in...

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Just for giggles (because I feel like procrastinating and feel like fantasizing)...
1) 991 GT3...I think this is best balanced for me. Appearance-wise, it has a little something over the standard 991 without being too overt. It may not be a Mezger and not taking account of the recall, it's a fantastic engine and makes some very lovely noises. Fantastic dynamics that seems livable everyday. It's my Excalibur.
2) 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 ...just a modern-day legend.
3) 997 GT3 RS 3.8 ... not that far-off from the 4.0. The GT3 that made me take notice of GT3's in general.
4) 991 GT3 RS... This surprised me a bit that I'd place this car this low. It's an amazing, amazing car, but it truly is a track weapon (Not that the 997's aren't). Maybe it's the ridiculous prices I've seen lately that may have cooled me off from them a bit.
5) 997 GT3 ... The RS' may have stolen some of its thunder, but it's still a very special thing.
6) 991 911R... It, too, is very pretty. It has a great "gentleman racer" vibe, but at that price...jeez. Maybe it's to cover the cost of developing a transmission more specific to it. And I am a sucker for a houndstooth or tartan fabric with chocolate leather.

Honestly, I feel while the first 3 are solidly placed, I think the last three's order could change around depending on my mood on a particular day. Seriously, if I could have any of those 6 cars or a Cayman GT4 and a decent family car as a daily driver (i.e. Accord, Mazda6, Subie Legacy, 3er Touring), I'd want (wont?) for nothing more in my garage. You guys can have your large luxury sedans and hypercars, I'd be more than happy with this kind of situation. Sigh....

 

[Laurent T]

GT3 because the other one looks more like a marketing trick.

 

[Iamnotme]

............Both?

 

[Sunny]

Like many, my choice is also obviously the RS 4.0.

But what I find most interesting is an "A.P." with 0 posts but a member since July 2014 also voted for the RS 4.0!

 

[martinbo]

But what I find most interesting is an "A.P." with 0 posts but a member since July 2014 also voted for the RS 4.0!

Oooo - the juicy intrigue!

 

[klier]

Is the crankshaft of the 991 GT3 RS also the one from the RSR race car like the GT3 RS 4.0?
And stuff like Titanium connecting rods are also present?

The only thing I can think of that's superior in a 991 GT3 is the 9000 rpm redline vs the 8250 limit in the 4.0. But hey, can't have it all.

 

[Rolf]

Mmmmmm I would go for the 997 GT3 4.0 RS, that car is a legend.

 

[Sayyaaf]

I love the R more. 991 over 997.

 

[Soup]

The only thing I can think of that's superior in a 991 GT3 is the 9000 rpm redline vs the 8250 limit in the 4.0. But hey, can't have it all.

Peak Power comes in @ 8,250 rpm for both engines.

8,500 rpm is the redline for 997 RS 4.0

991 RS 4.0, you get up to 8,800 rpm in 1st gear then drops down between 8,500 ~ 8,600 rpm in rest of the gears. New Porsche Philosophy or whatever they want to call it, because saving $$$ is involved.

 

[Sunny]

Is the crankshaft of the 991 GT3 RS also the one from the RSR race car like the GT3 RS 4.0?
And stuff like Titanium connecting rods are also present?

The only thing I can think of that's superior in a 991 GT3 is the 9000 rpm redline vs the 8250 limit in the 4.0. But hey, can't have it all.

991 RSR still uses the Mezger engine, so no, 991 GT3 RS nor 991R shares the RSR crankshaft or any other part with the 991 RSR. Having said that, Porsche did just start racing a new 991 GT3R race car (which races in a lower category than the RSR) that does use a race version of the 991 GT3 RS engine (MA176) which the 991 R also uses.

As for redline, to add to what Soup said, the redline for 991R is 8600 rpm, I believe. So not really much more than the RS 4.0's 8500.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

Interesting thread and question. When looking at this, I think about it this way:

The 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is arguably the "best" 997, and I certainly agree with that 100%.

Is the 991 R the "best" 991? I don't know yet, as the 991 generation is still in production and newer facelifted GTx models may be coming. No reviews yet of the 991 R yet, so all we have are the technical specs and press release from Porsche. Right now, we don't even know if this parts bin special 911 R is even better to drive than the 991 GT3/GT3 RS, although the manual transmission certainly has a lot of people excited.

So for me, I defer this vote until later.....haha.