Porsche 996 GT3 - Driving Porsche's First Watercooled 911 GT3
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Taking over from the 993 RS the Porsche 996 GT3 was Porsche's first water-cooled 911 designed for racing. Took the GT3 out for an afternoon Test Drive.
I was skeptical but this drive totally changed my mind. What an absolutely awesome 911 this is. In my top 5 all time favourite Porsche 911s!
I watched this years ago, when you first published it. I'm watching it again, and still find your reaction to this car priceless!! It is such a great car and I can't believe it turns 20 this year.
Ah awesome!! Really would love to have one of these cars sometime.. who knows!
996 GT3 MK1 is the best GT3 ever made, i love it, i really do ❤
That's great to hear and i'm in total agreement with you on that one Jacobo!! Thanks for watching
The 996 GT3 is one of the great car chassis of all time.
Yep...And the others in your view?
I have a 996 GT3 myself. Used it as a track car have just had it refurbished for the road again. They have the feel of a modern Porsche but at the same time have a raw edge about them.
As the owner stated they still have that air cooled feel about them. I need to get my self an air cooled 911 I think they have bags of character sort of like a Mini or beetle.
I had a Speed Yellow 996.1 GT3 for 12 years and absolutely loved it. Mine was a Club Sport model which included a roll cage and some lovely Recaro sports bucket seats which are just fantastic. Mine had what is known as a Manthey K400 upgrade which consists of a exhaust (saving about 7kg weight), a re-map and a cup air filter boosting power to around 400bhp. Also had the improved brakes from the 996 gen 2 GT3 model and the suspension (which is fully adjustable) set up for track work by a well known specialist. Really miss that car.
That sounds like a cracking car...I've got a very good manual 05 Turbo which is insane but I would love to add a GT3 to that..in Speed Yellow.
I actually love the 996 GT3. This is what I'll be upgrading when I have the funds for it
Would thoroughly recommend you do it, seriously enjoyed driving this car!!
Can’t believe I never saw this one. Great video of a dream car garage car
I’d love to drive one
I always wanted a 911. In my 20's it was all about G body Carrera and then finally a 964. Unfortunately they were just out of reach for me so I bought the closest thing I could, a 996 C2 manual with a 3.6, no sunroof and a few choice mods. It might be the cheapest route into a 911 but I absolutely love the thing.
Never liked 911’s, couldn’t care less about them, until I drove one and realised the magic of that architecture - go in on the brakes and catapult out of the corner with insane traction. Brake hard for the next turn and composure under braking (engine weight pushing real wheels into the ground means it’s a sports car with proper brakes on all 4 wheels) is just so confidence inspiring. Beautifully detailed steering feedback, a howling flat 6 that gets smoother at high revs and all for less than Ferrari money.
Hi Jack, I've been struggling with the decision to swap my 964 C4 for a 996 GT3 gen 1 for a while. You're enthusiasm and joy behind the wheel of this car has helped tip the scales... Great video. Looking forward to meeting you and the guy's in Holland..
Hey Lee, if i had the choice right now I would swap my 964 for a well sorted 996 GT3!! Anyday!!
It's hard to get past the sound of the air-cooled cars and how they drive and feel, but the GT3 is something else. You're totally right, keep the GT3 for sure.
Thanks Darren, glad you agree! you got one?
I had a '86 930 for almost 15 years... anyway, due to life circumstances I had to move on... A few years ago I got a '08 997.1 S. I shopped for a GT3 for ages and drove many! They are too brutal for Australian Roads and the day to day driving I want to do. I ended up with the 997 S with manual box, lowered sports suspension, LSD, short shift kit, GT3 aero kit, sports chrono, sports exhaust etc. It's as close to a GT3 without being one. I guess it's the first of its kind GTS. The 3.8L 355HP is more than enough for daily driving. It's actually worked out to be the perfect car for me. You can daily it, track it, GT it, take the GF to the movies in it. Would ultimately love any of the manual gear'd GT3's one day!
Sounds like a great car Darren.. your own DB3!!! Best cars are always the ones you make personal to yourself!
Keep both! They are great, each in is own way
Hi there Jack, just rechecked this video that I love as a 996 guy. 😎 Why no new videos, hope all is well with you?
I'm happy to see the 996 gt3 mk1 getting appreciated. It is really special, the chassis is superb. Its also the favorite of Walter Rohrl... see link below. The engine is detuned, just a retune and Cargraphic exhaust will unleash it. My car 996 mk1 gt3 does 10.78 sec 60-130mph vbox and that even beat my friend's 997.1 gt3 time of 10.80 sec. Stock was in the low 13 sec range.
Btw I also have a 964 C2 with 993 (95 engine) and 6 speed trans with JRZ suspension. Its a great driving car and its really fun but it doesn't have the power of the gt3. But both are similar in the fun, feel and chassis enjoyment.
I recently sold my Lancia Integrale Evo. Its a great car but you have to be driving it close to its limit to see how good it is. Sadly its limits now are quite slow and will easily be beat by stock Meganes or GTIs. But it looks great in a collection. Same with my E30 M3 which I also recently sold for a great price:)
Cheers! keep up the content! Good luck on your channel!
www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features/walter-rohrl-ph-meets/29197
Thanks buddy, appreciate your kind comments and all the info on the GT3's.. glad you also share in the 964 love.. mine is the car i've owned longest of all!!
Not only Walter, Paul Newman too... The 996 GT3 was banished from US roads in 1999. He insisted to get one and prepared it like a "R" version. He done both 24h of le Mans and Daytona... Not bad!
Great - thanks for sharing this article. I've been searching for this Walter Rohrl quote about his favorite GT3 for a long time.
So many amazing cars, hard to choose, she looks and sounds great, as they all do 😀
I really like your reviewing style and the substance. Keep up the great work.
scanspeak00 hey thanks man, really appreciate the feedback!! 👍👍👍
Hi Jack, So I've done it. After much deliberation, I swapped my rather gorgeous 964 for a 996GT3 mk1. I am already certain that, as time goes on, I will miss and regret selling the 964 (and as values rocket in the coming years), but for now the 996GT3 is keeping me very, very occupied. An amazingly involved machine. It was great to see your enthusiasm for the car... There are some very enthusiastic GT3 lads here in Holland. Let me know if you ever pass through, I can arrange some good drives...
Thats really fab to hear Lee, so glad you got one and hope it lives up to the expectations that I raided... I really did love it!! and thanks for the offer, if I'm ever in Holland I'll let you know
Unexpectedly unbelievable... are you kidding
Jamalogo10 😋 did I say that in the video? 😂
Thanks for this inspiring review. I have just closed a deal on a mk1 and will be tracking it as I do with me 964 C2 (have had that car 8 years now and love it). So looking forward to taging the Gt3 to the track this weekend.
Stepping up the quality again. Another great review.
Cheers Jeff! I'm starting to get offered a few cars now and that is quite satisfying!
I just cant get past the front end.964 c4 is a great car but a modded 930 for me is my little slice of heaven.Great vids btw
kevin bodman cheers Kevin!
kevin bodman s2 was the
Great review, I've had GT3's on my radar for a little while after seeing one at a storage facility. And your advice helped - I found and bought one! It's a MkII GT3, with some mods for track use. I'm excited!
I would suggest driving a few different types of 911's to find what type of 911 person you are. I bought a 996 GT3 some time ago with actually understand the charm of the old air cooled cars.
I would suggest driving something like an 993 to get a feeling for it against other types of Porsches. It is not all about speed and performance figures on a track.
I think the 997.1 engine has more character, or enough that above 4500 rpm it's very interesting.
They call it the widowmaker because it does make you feel like a much better driver than you are. It's so well built and the chassis is so communicative that you forget you aren't a pro-car driver and actually a 40-something dad on the way to shops!
I'm looking for one now to add to the collection. Few & far between here in Australia, very much coveted and squirrelled away. I'm hoping to pry one out of the hands of a collector looking to take advantage of todays insane prices.
What a lovely thing that GT3 is. I've always preferred the look of the Gen.2 version. However, I would probably keep the 964. I must admit though I've not driven either, so what the hell do I know :)
Hey Ewan, funny as I prefer the fried egg headlights with the aero kit of the GT3!
Catching up on your old videos. I don't think I've seen you have as much fun in a car as you are having in this one. Maybe you need one of these as a keeper.
I absolutely loves this one!! Amazing thing
Engine isn’t characterless at all. It is very Soulful. Maybe you should try it in the 997.2 GT3 (3.8) a car that can do 0-100mph in 8.2 seconds.
Beatiful car
Yeah, much nicer than standard the standard 996's for me!
Just found your channel and I like it, watched this vid a few weeks ago before I went to look at GT3.. now having driven one I know what your saying. I found the breaks to be amazing. but I was on a test drive so didn't really push it
Exige is more my thing, but you seemed to enjoy yourself more in this. Easier to jump in and drive without a learning curve?
The Lancia suffers more from having such a huge reputation to live up to, rather than not being a good car, it ends up being underwhelming.
I think you're probably right Patrick, though I have to say that the feedback from the little Lancia is something else.. and it is very usable. But i'm just not sold on it
I know exactly what you mean re: dancing with the car. Have an mk2 996 c2 with a tightened suspension, plenum/headers/mufflers & a 997 sport shifter. Up on the mountain roads the chassis is predictable and capable, while the engine loves to be over 4k. It's pure joy even at 8/10 or 9/10.
Thats exactly it mate! Thanks for watching and enjoy your 996!
GT3
Few weeks ago I found one with 26,000 km on the clock and BBS LeMans rims. I‘m asking myself all the time if I should buy it, but I am a bit afraid of the possible costs. Could be a hidden damage or so...
I prefer mid engined cars but then I haven't driven a GT3 so I reserve some judgement.
Genrally I would agree Pieter, but honestly this thing is such fun to drive!!
I like the 996 mk1 porsche aero pack
That Ferrari decal on the rear wind shield though
Yes.. think it was already on the car when the owner bought it!
Have you driven a 997 GT3 meanwhile?
Darth's helmet tells a story.
If you say it is not intimidating, dive it under the rain and try to make a sharp turn...
also let’s not forget the 996.1 GT3 still has 360HP... this car may not beat these hyper 4wd hatches off the start line!! But rolling 60mph+ it’s lighter, better geared and faster!
Great video of your first drive! I am a former 993 C4S owner and currently have an Acura Integra Type R. I consider it a poor man's GT3. Amazing mechanical feel and superb chassis. It is not fast and I have a hard time keeping up on lapping days. I have been looking at a local 996.2 GT3 silver. I haven't driven it yet but this video gives me a glimpse into what it is like on the road. Cheers
At one point I owned both Integra DC2 and 996.2 GT3 (Integra gone now but still have the GT3); both superb driver’s cars. The Integra is basically a FWD GT3.
@@YK-fj5bj So true. After this comment I drove the 996 GT3. It was quite similar to the ITR but with more power. My FK8 feels about the same power as the GT3 but it is more usable as a daily driver. All fantastic cars.
...and guess what ? Since it has a "Mezger" crankcase/barrels conception, no IMS issue 👍👍 Lancia is italian "gar...e", a rust bucket, I would sell it asap
Would you get this over a used 981 Cayman S (and maybe an extremely high mileage GTS If you can even find one) that is much newer, pretty much same performance, and also a playful chassis? I guess the Cayman wouldn't have the rear biased, but very neutral, and surgical, nor as playful. Then about how playful are we talking here? A BRZ / 86 is probably more playful than any Porsche? If we call that a 8/10, the Cayman is a 6 or 7 /10, what would the 911 be?
Yes I would get this over a 981 Cayman any day.. the later is brilliant but not as analogue as this and the engine nowhere near as charismatic
For some damn reason NA didn't get these until the 2003 model year, but they're the least expensive GT3 to get right now by far.
It was actually the 2004 model year! Even worse!
Good video Jack. Need to drive a Manthey K400 to really appreciate the Meager lump! Cheers Poon (from PGT)
Hey Poon! thanks for watching, would love to try a K400!
first and best one
What is the story of that upside down Ferrari sticker on the back window? 😂
I noticed too.. no idea on that!!
How are the pedals placed for heel and toeing?
Losing a few points for the Star Wars car freshener! =)
totally agree Marty!! thanks for watching!
Tough call between the two cars, but I would have to stay with the GT3 should I have been so lucky to be in that situation.
Hi there, you said the 996 4s and 996 gt3 drive different. In what way? I'm currently ina debacle between the two. There is a healthy price gap between the two... For a back road mountain drive guy coming down from a 991 Turbo S yes!! You thoughts . Thanks Mate
Drone Surfer hey dude, my preference is definitely a GT3. Much tighter and more lively. A C4s is basically a turbo without the turbo.. so chassis is more geared towards stability. GT3 more of a driver's car with great engine, fab feeling chassis which is really playful. C4s is a good car, nice interior too for a 996, but if you're after a scratcher for back roads it has to be the GT3!
Number27 I did all of them. Sounds like a 964 C2 is the better proposition.. I'm confused now lol :). My 991 Turbo S makes it to easy. Cheer,
Sell the 964!! To me
For cheap!
Jordan, if you can organise for me to get 100,000 new subscribers you can have really, really cheap!!
Characterless? What's this guy smoking?
This was a great video. Thank you. Not sure when this was shot but I'm wrestling with the exact issue right now...selling my 1987 G50 for a 2004 GT3. Love the character and sound of the air cooled but this video makes a strong case for the GT3. What would be your advice if not planning on using much on track? I'd be driving on street just like you.
Trevor Macdougall try the GT3 before you buy as if not want to be responsible for you regretting selling your 3.2.. but personally if you like driving quick I’d take the GT3 any day. One of the best 911s I’ve ever driven. It’s only at very sedate speeds where the 3.2 would win as that’s where it’s old car character shines though!
Number27 Thank you for the advice. The 3.2 is my first 911 so I have nothing to compare it to. I would not be driving much, if at all on track with a GT3. I read from some that the GT3 would be hard to live with day to day, unlike the 3.2. If you could only pick one for overall use, how do you think you'd pick....subjective, I know. Unfortunately, I dont have access to a GT3 test car.
Personally I think the GT3 is more usable day to day.. I did not find it at all harsh.. the one I tested was a Mk1..
50k if the engine go s pop.
the brakes need a lot of pedal pressure. typical
This maybe a bit of an unorthodox but actually on a B-road a normal Carrera is better by chassis, especially with M030 suspension. The GT3 is just too stiff. The real sweet spot of the GT3 is the engine and it really sounds odd to hear someone call it characterless????
I really don’t think I called it characterless? I loved it
You look really nervous driving it, stiff
Probably was..! But loved it!!
;-)
Sell the 964!
you know what Grant.. I was just coming round to that idea and then i made the mistake of driving my 964 again.. with all the mods I've done its actually a pretty good car!! all up in the air right now.. not sure what to sell!
I loved my 16v 'Grale but it was the maintenance costs that did for it, and the rust!
I have to admit I'd sell my 996t before my 964!
however, a GT3 might change my mind!
I thought you'd sold your 964 Grant?? the GT3 is a totally different animal to a 996 turbo, miles more driver involvement!!
nope, still got the 964. My 996t is on KWV3 with aftermarket links to give GT2 geo! Bigger discs help stopping power (2 piece gironde discs 350mm all round) and I've had plenty of fun beating up GT3 on track with it! especially in the rain! !
Ha, I bet!! it's definitely a more powerful car.. yours sounds nicely set up! but the 4wd will always rob some of the fun!
I'd sell this, rather than a well modified 964 C2. Put some metal bushings in the 964 and together with a good wheel alignment it is a joy. And I'm sorry to say this: the 996 is still the ugliest Porsche ever made.
Ha!! I quite like the look of the gen 1 cars! My 964 has upgraded bushes and RS engine mounts. It is good.. just think maybe a C2 will address my issues with it..
GT3