Porsche 911 Carrera S vs Porsche 911 GT3: Head to Head

So, yesterday I took a 911 GT3 for a pre-delivery inspection test drive and I got a good picture of how my GT3 will feel like. I also have a friend of mine who owns a Carrera S. I’ve driven his 911 a couple of times and after inspecting the GT3, I wanted to compare them in a head-to-head review.

Let’s start with the GT3

The 911 GT3 could be one of my favorite out of the other models of the 991.1 generation Porsche 911. Why? It’s a track beast for just $130,400.00 MSRP. Sure, it might sound a lot (it kinda is) but when you look at something like a Ferrari 599 GTO, the GT3 is an absolute bargain. Fully loading a GT3 (including the Porsche Exclusive options such as satin black wheels, painted key fob, etc., etc.) will get you at around $180,365 which is just $10k more than a used 599 GTO right now. The GT3 is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-6 engine that produces 475 hp @ 8250 rpm. How does it drive? Now, the GT3 that I drove has the full bucket seats option which is for pure hardcore performance track focused activities so, in all honesty it’s not that comfortable but, for a hardcore, full racing spec bucket seats, They are pretty good. Step into the C63 AMG Black Series’ EU spec bucket seats, then you’ll feel in pain sitting on it. It is awful. The Porschedoppelkoppeling transmission is actually very nice. Shifts are very sharp and quick in the “PDK Sport” mode. It is unfortunate the fact that the 991 GT3 does not have a manual option, but me, personally, I don’t really mind at all. Don’t get me wrong, I prefer manual gearboxes but, I think double clutch transmission in cars like the 991 GT3 is necessary. Unlike other cars, at low speed, the gearbox is not clunky or jerky at low speed. This makes it great for driving in the middle of city traffic. Speaking of city driving, this car can be a daily driver if you want to. The trunk is quite deep which makes it ideal for medium-large sized suitcases or luggage. There’s also a lot of space in the back because the car is a coupe. The car is also a 2+2 so you can fit a, let’s say, a 5’7” tall person. There are a few drawbacks, you have a lot of storage in the back but it’s hard to make the most out of it. It’s really hard to access. Shmee150 had the same experience when he tested out an S-GO GT3 RS a couple of months back. Another problem is the back seats itself. Why? They’re awful. That’s all I’m going to say about it.

After the 911 GT3, let’s see the 911 Carrera S.

Oh, yeah. The awesome days of the naturally aspirated fun. With the 991.2 generation Carrera S getting a turbocharger (which I absolutely HATE), the 991.1 is definitely the last proper 911 Carrera. A proper naturally aspirated 3.4L flat 6 that produces 400 hp. And good news, you can get it with a manual like what this one has. The interior is way more comfortable than the GT3’s (which is to be expected, actually). It is such a fun car to drive. The advantage that my friend’s Carrera S has to the GT3 is that it has the front axle lift system which is also available on all 991 models as an option. With that front lift system, I have a better ground clearance and more confidence when getting in and out of driveways. On the GT3, It took me a full 40 seconds to get it outside the dealership. So, if you’re getting a 911 (or any cars with low ground clearance), get a front lift system, it is necessary. The GT3 that I am getting does come equipped with it so I am very glad. How does it drive? It is very nice. 911’s have been known to be the proper grand tourer car. Capable of giving astonishing performance, capable of giving comfort, and capable to be daily driven. When I’m typing at this point, I actually thought that this article is the most useless article that I ever made because I’m comparing two same cars. Oh, well. OK, carrying on. The trunk space and rear space, same. But, the Carrera’s rear seats are way more comfortable than the GT3 (what a useless article…). The Carrera looks more “normal” than the GT3. It’s calm unlike the GT3 which is shouting “LOOK AT ME!! I’M A RACE CAR!!” (useless article…..). Even though the 911 Carrera S is more “civilized” than the 911 GT3, you can simply go on a racetrack and stretch its legs because it’ll go. It’ll go like an escaping prisoner. It’ll go like it’s straight out of hell. Drawbacks. I do like the fact that it looks “normal” but at the same time, I don’t. It looks a bit “too normal”. It is hard to explain (useless article, indeed). And then there’s the steering. It is rather disappointing. It looks like that it could’ve been better.

That is it from me, CTzens. Don’t forget to leave a comment down below. What should I do next and how can I improve myself at doing these articles. Thank you so much for reading. Until next time, goodbye.

-Raymond