Once Again, the Porsche 911 GT3

Lately, I’ve been driving the GT3 about once a month, and each time I get behind the wheel, I’m struck by the feeling of “Yes, this is it!” and a fresh wave of amazement thinking, “So this is another side of its charm!” It really makes me realize how profoundly deep Porsche is as a brand, and how truly special the GT3 is as a car.

The other day, my husband rode shotgun while I drove, and I thought, “I haven’t driven it in over a month, I wonder if I’ll stall…” but it went smoothly without any issues. My husband said,

Now that you’re this used to it, you’re good. It’s like riding a bike—no matter how long you don’t ride, once you get on, you’ll quickly get your feel back within the first few minutes. So there’s really no need to worry.

I thought to myself, wow, from the days when I was riding a manual Boxster and almost losing it with white eyes and foam at the mouth, I’ve really come a long way, haven’t I? (laughs)

Rediscovering the GT3’s Charms

Actually, just before driving the GT3 this time, I had the chance to test drive a Cayenne, so I was curious how I’d feel about the stark contrast. As expected, the GT3 is in a completely different league from the Cayenne, and I was reminded once again what an incredible car it is.

First and foremost, the directness you feel is hard to find elsewhere. The moment you engage the clutch and start moving, you feel directly connected to the car. My husband riding beside me said,

It’s been a year since we got the GT3, but lately, when I drive the Boxster (981 Boxster GTS), it feels a bit lacking. The Boxster is still an amazing car, no doubt, but once you’ve experienced the sheer power and thrill of the GT3, it’s addictive. Also, I think the GT3 inspires more confidence than the Boxster. The Boxster handles, stops, and accelerates wonderfully, but the GT3’s precision is on another level, and you really feel you can trust the car completely.

I think I understand what he means, somehow.

Compared to the GT3, the Boxster’s ride is smoother and absorbs road imperfections better, and the driving feel is less direct. That’s not to say the Boxster’s performance is lacking—it’s just that compared to the GT3’s racing-car essence… the Boxster is still a fantastic, fun-to-drive car.

With that said, I feel the GT3 truly stands apart.

At first, I found the GT3’s directness a bit intimidating. Because your driving inputs are transmitted immediately to the car, any mistakes are instantly felt, and since our GT3 is a manual, I was especially tense.

So initially, I said, “I’d rather drive a car that lets me relax more and doesn’t require so much attention. The GT3 is still too much for me and a bit scary.” But as I got used to it, I’ve come to find this directness addictive.

My husband also said,

Before delivery, I wondered if driving the GT3 around town would be stressful, but in reality, it’s not that demanding. It has the front axle lift system, so you don’t have to worry about scraping on typical curbs, and although the ride is firm, once you get used to it, it’s no big deal. I’ve always liked a flat, firm ride anyway. Also, our Boxster’s white body with a red soft top stands out in town, but the Crayon GT3 doesn’t attract much attention. Since it’s a GT3 Touring, it doesn’t have a big wing either. In that sense, after a year, I feel it’s easier to use daily than I initially thought. That said, if you mainly drive in the city or daily life, the Boxster is definitely the better choice. The GT3 is a car made for places without stop-and-go traffic—touring (avoiding traffic jams), winding roads, and the track.

As for me, I’ve only driven the GT3 a little in town and on the highway, but once things settle down after having the baby, I want to take the GT3 out on some great roads.