Test Drive of the Late Model 996 Porsche 911 GT3

On this blog, we have test-driven various 911s from the original to the latest 992 GT3, but reports on the 996 and 997 models are still scarce. Especially for the 996, we only have articles on the late-model Carrera 4S and the early-model Carrera 4.

This time, I had the opportunity to test drive a pristine, original-condition late-model 996 GT3, and I’d like to share my report.

This is the GT3

To get straight to the point, this 996 GT3 is truly a “this is GT3” kind of car.

The 997 GT3 was also fantastic, but the 996 feels even more analog and lighter than the 997. The ride is not as harsh as the 997’s; it has a pleasant mildness to it.

And that mildness is wonderful.
It doesn’t mean the performance is lacking; rather, the softer suspension contributes to a comfortable ride. When driving on winding roads, you can clearly feel how the load is shifting on the car through body roll. It’s like having a conversation with the car itself.

An extremely rare example equipped with PCCB

The handling is impeccable.
While the latest 992 GT3 lets anyone drive fast, the 996 GT3 cannot be mastered by simply turning the wheel. Its behavior changes dramatically depending on whether you’re on the throttle, off it, or braking. This is the true essence of the Porsche 911’s RR (rear-engine, rear-drive) layout.

When accelerating hard, it even feels like the front is light and floating.

Then, when you lift off the throttle, a heavy load shifts to the front, and the way the car turns while on the throttle versus off the throttle is completely different. The divine sharpness when lifting off the throttle is truly breathtaking. It’s genuinely exhilarating.

The thrill when the driver’s intent perfectly matches the car’s behavior is beyond words.
The 996 GT3 is arguably the most enjoyable model for drivers who understand weight transfer.

A pristine example with a miraculous 5,000 km mileage

Light and Nimble Handling

The handling of the 996 GT3 is incredibly nimble. The car weighs about 1,380 kg, but it feels even lighter than that. My own 718 Cayman T is quite nimble, but this feels even more so.

Compared to the latest 991 and 992 GT3s, there is a clear difference in driving dynamics. The newest GT3s feel very stable and predictable, but the 996 GT3 depends on the driver’s skill. Poor driving can lead to spins or accidents, but if you handle it well, it’s perfect. The lightweight nature directly translates to driving enjoyment.

If today’s GT3 is like a regular car, the 996 GT3 is more like a Mazda Roadster.
That’s how big the difference feels. This era’s GT3 might just be the true form a GT3 should take.

Powerful Engine

The late-model 996 GT3 I tested is equipped with a 3.6-liter engine producing a maximum output of 381 hp and 39.3 kgm of torque. This is a 21 hp increase over the previous early 996 GT3. Through weight reduction of the valves and improved piston pin materials, the engine is tuned for high-revving performance.

The power output is almost the same as the latest 992 Carrera’s 381 hp, but in actual driving, the 992 Carrera feels faster. However, the acceleration feel at high revs is superior in the 996 GT3. Thanks to its lightweight body, there are moments when it feels quicker.

The so-called “Metzger engine” with a GT1 crankcase

On Japan’s mountain passes and winding roads, the usable horsepower limit is around 400 hp. My 991 Carrera 4 GTS has 430 hp, but there are times when it’s too much to fully utilize. In that sense, the 381 hp of the 996 GT3 is just right. It’s a lot of fun to rev it hard in 2nd or 3rd gear on the mountain roads. This is one of the charms of the old GT3.

The engine feel is superb. It revs smoothly and cleanly all the way to the redline. At idle, it sounds rough and rattly, but as the revs climb, a metallic “cone!”-like high-pitched sound resonates. It’s truly a racing engine.

Recently, many people have been nostalgic for naturally aspirated engines, and now that turbos dominate, I highly recommend trying an old NA 911. Especially this 996 GT3. The engine, which appeals directly to human senses before strict environmental regulations, has a charm that modern NA engines can’t match. If you have any lingering attachment to NA engines, this is a must-drive.

Summary

The late-model 996 GT3 was already a top contender for this year’s Test Drive of the Year.

Its direct handling feel is unique. It corners aggressively when you apply load, but if the driver doesn’t understand weight transfer, it won’t turn well. When the driver inputs correctly, the car responds with exceptional fun.

The lightweight body is another major appeal of this model. Compared to the heavier current models, its agility is completely different. The narrow body also contributes to its nimble movements.

And the naturally aspirated flat-six engine that revs all the way to 8,200 rpm. This engine, inherited from the racing 911 GT1 crankcase, rightfully bears the name “Metzger engine” with its outstanding capabilities.

Recently, there have been many calls for naturally aspirated engines instead of turbos or hybrids, but once you drive a 911 from this era, those thoughts will vanish. The 996, and especially this 996 GT3, embody the true spirit of the NA Porsche.