Reviews & Test Rides

Comparison of old and new GT3 as felt by driving a Porsche 911GT3 (late 991, MT)

I had the opportunity to drive a late-model 991 Porsche 911 GT3 (MT) and would like to review it with a comparison to the 996 GT3.

996 GT3 vs. 991 GT3

In my last article, I wrote about my test drive of the 996 GT3 and how very impressed I was with it, and while that excitement is still fresh in my mind,I had the opportunity to drive a late 991 GT3.

Speaking of the late 991 GT3 (MT), I used to own one, although mine was a GT3 Touring Package without wings (rear wing),This GT3 is a regular GT3 and a winged model.The GT3 Touring Package and the regular GT3 are identical in suspension and engine set-up except for the wings.

911 GT3 Touring

In this issue, we would like to discuss the appeal of the 991 GT3 in terms of comparison with the 996 GT3.

Now, first of all, my impression at the beginning of driving is that the 991 GT3 has a much louder engine starting sound than the 996 GT3. 996 GT3's starting sound is not quiet, but it is not as brave as the 991 GT3's. The 996 GT3's starting sound is not as loud as the 996 GT3's, but it is not as loud as the 996 GT3's. Also, the clutch is heavier on the 996 GT3 and lighter on the 991 GT3.

MT like PDK

The main features of the manual transmission (MT) of the 991 GT3 are,The ability to let off the clutch and put the car into the next gear while keeping the accelerator depressed.The engine is well controlled electronically, so shifting upshifts are as smooth as if it were a PDK.

This is also a great advantage on the race circuit, where the clutch can be released and shifted up while sticking down. Even on ordinary roads, one can enjoy very rhythmical and pleasant shifting.

Cars equipped with PCCB

This feeling is very pleasant, and when shifting up, as in PDKBashun!" Bashun!"The sound of the engine is pleasant. Also, when downshifting, if you put the car in SPORT mode, the auto-blipping function will match the rpms, which is also easy and enjoyable.

The 991 GT3's manual transmission gives the driver the feeling of operating a PDK. Yet, it does not lose any of the feel that only a manual transmission can provide. This is what makes it so appealing.

Difference in handling

Next, we would like to look at the differences between the 996 GT3 and the 991 GT3 in terms of handling.

Simply put,The 991 GT3 is incredibly stable and will turn in any situation just by steering.The 996 GT3, on the other hand, requires the driver to control the load transfer by accelerating and braking, and simply steering the car will not turn properly.

If we were to use a skiing analogy, the 996 GT3 is like an old-fashioned straight ski, where you control the load and make it turn, whereas the 991 GT3 is like a modern carving ski, where you just lean the board a little and it will turn.

How you perceive this difference is a matter of taste, and it is difficult to say which one is better. If you value the fun of making the car turn with your own hands, the 996 GT3 would be the best choice, while the 991 GT3 would be better for stable steering and high stability in any situation.

However, this feature of the 991 is only at the level of driving on winding ordinary roads.
Load transfer is essential if the GT3 is to perform well on circuits and other speed ranges.

Difference in engine feel

Finally, I would like to mention the engine.First of all, the volume is clearly louder in the 991 GT3.The sound quality of the 991 GT3 is low and thick, while the 996 GT3 is slightly higher pitched, with a crisp sound that can only come from a 3.6-liter car with a small displacement.

Needless to say, the output of the 991 GT3 is higher, especially in the high-rpm range.

However, my personal impression is that the 996 GT3 has more torque in the low-mid range, and the 996 GT3 has more power in the practical range. This may be due to the fact that the 991 GT3 sacrifices some low- and mid-range torque in order to squeeze out 500 hp.

summary

The 996 GT3 and the 991 GT3 are so different from each other that the 991 GT3 is easy to handle and stable on ordinary roads, while the 996 GT3 is a "driver's choice" car, as its performance varies greatly depending on the driver's technique. The 996 GT3, on the other hand, is a "driver's choice" car, as its performance varies greatly depending on the driver's technique.

Neither is better than the other, but the GT3 to choose depends on one's taste and skill. This reminded us of the difficulty of choosing a Porsche. But no matter which one you choose, there is no difference in the 911GT3, which is a great car.

It was a great experience for me to be able to drive both the 996 and 991 models and feel the history of GT3's evolution.

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