First Impressions of the 997 Early Model GT3

This time, I had the opportunity to test drive the Porsche 911 997 early model GT3. This car stands out notably within the GT3 series.
To conclude upfront, while it’s not as demanding as the 997 late model GT3, compared to the 996 late model GT3, it feels more rigid in the body and shows clear advancements in performance.

When you get in and start the engine, it’s clear that more attention was paid to the exhaust sound than in the 996 model. The engine fires up with a bold “Zwooon” roar. Compared to the 991 and 992 models, it’s relatively quiet, but you can feel the care given to the startup sound even back then.

The clutch is on the heavier side, clearly belonging to the heavier category, though not as heavy as the 997 late model GT3. The shifter is also stiff; according to the owner, it remains hard until the gear oil warms up. You need to consciously apply force to operate it, and it doesn’t have the effortless, sucked-in feel of modern 992 models.

Ease of Handling at Low Speeds

Starting off requires no particularly difficult maneuvers; just gently engaging the clutch lets you smoothly move forward.

Driving at low speeds is also manageable without special attention. The suspension is firm but reacts to road surface irregularities in a manner typical of a GT3. The test car had old tires, so the ride felt a bit choppy, but with brand-new tires, it would likely be smoother.

Lightly flicking the steering left and right at low speeds doesn’t reveal any special responsiveness; it feels natural enough to slalom through cones. Running the engine between 2000 and 3000 rpm doesn’t evoke a special GT3 feeling. However, the engine note isn’t as clear as a 911 Carrera’s, and mechanical noise is more pronounced.

At this rpm range, some might wonder, “Is this what a GT3 is like?” For those not accustomed to keeping the engine revving, it might just feel like a noisy, difficult-to-drive Porsche.

True Character of the Engine and Handling

However, when you press the accelerator and approach 3500 to 4000 rpm, the car’s true character emerges. The previously rough engine sound transforms into a wonderful tone as if the engine’s beat aligns perfectly.

At this moment, the car’s personality changes dramatically.

As the engine sound changes, it begins to spin joyfully. The exhaust note sharpens into a crisp “Kwaan” sound as the revs climb rapidly through 5000, 6000, 7000, and up to 8000 rpm. You get a sensation of smooth rotation as if there’s no friction at all.

Metzger engine with GT1 crank

Compared to BMW’s M engines, which feel lighter, the GT3’s engine combines lightness with a powerful rev climb. Just a slight press of the accelerator and running above mid-range rpm completely transforms the car’s character.

It’s like switching to a sports mode in a modern car. The 997 GT3 does have a sports mode, but even without using it, the car awakens just from how you drive. This is not electronic control; the car responds to your driving style. This is the charm of an analog car.

True Value at High Speeds and the Art of Throttle Control

What’s even more fascinating is how the steering response dramatically changes once you reach a certain speed.
At low speeds, the steering wasn’t particularly vivid, but as speed increases, the response evolves. This speaks volumes about Porsche’s excellent suspension tuning.

During high-speed cornering, you can freely manipulate weight transfer with throttle control. By pressing or slightly releasing the accelerator, you can control the front end’s direction. This is exactly the feeling of “turning a Porsche with the throttle.”

In modern 991 and 992 GT3 models, you need to reach quite high speeds to experience this sensation, but the 997 GT3 lets you feel it at relatively lower speeds. This is a trait for advanced drivers and definitely not a beginner’s car.

The engine power is about 3.6 liters and 415 horsepower, which isn’t exceptionally powerful by today’s standards. However, this power characteristic hits the sweet spot for enjoying the car on public roads. More power would limit how you can enjoy it on regular streets.

Clubsport Package

Personally, I have test-driven all the GT3 models in history, and my favorite is the 996 late model GT3. It’s not overly hardcore, nor too soft, and the power is just right. Its balanced nature makes it perfect even for casual touring. The 997 early model GT3 comes next in my preference.

The 997 early model GT3 is a true driver’s car that balances analog feel with high performance. It’s ideal for circuit driving or blasting through mountain roads early on weekend mornings.

For purists who love Porsche’s driving spirit, this era’s GT3 will surely remain a special presence for years to come.