Just_me

I know one who owned a GT3 but the car has been sold and replaced with a C55 AMG

martinbo

GT3 is every bit the track orientated 911 - that's why it exists.
I'm not surprised in the least that a GT3 out corners an EVO on a track, if it didn't well, then the Earth's core is hollow and the planet is on the brink of imploding in on itself.

EVO and STi sell so well because they are so effectively harnessed on roads in real world driving. Not everyone can afford to run an EVO or STi on track days but nevertheless derive great pleasure from them on public roads all the same.

Stock STi is even more softly sprung than EVO making it quite usable in everyday driving conditions. The real difference is that EVO's and STi's down here (and most everywhere else) cost a 5th of a GT3.

They are the epitome of accessible high-performance motoring.

The GT3 is at a completely different level.

Imhotep Evil

Well the E46 M3 CSL is also more affortable than the 996 GT3 and faster on Nurburgring, ofcourse it's not an affortable car either and it's also at another level .
But for a 4 door sedan to outcorner an 911 and best it on the track is highly impressive

Just_me

but there is a GT3 RS version thats faster than M3 CSL but then again the cost is even higher than regular Gt3. Also CLS isnt a 4 door

drronh

1. Used GT3 here in USA (all are used, no new stock left) costs twice what a EVO or STI does. I know, I seriously shopped all 3 and bought the GT3.
2. All are fast cars including RS4 and M3/CSL. My point was they seemed to pick the evo because of lap time- alright I didn't read the whole article, but if lap time is most important you should get the max car for that.
3. Cars may be able to post big hp/torque numbers and impressive lap times, but when I throw down my hard-earned cash I want a driving experience, more than numbers in a magazine. I've driven M3's and S4's (no CSL or RS4 here in USA) and a 911 is more fun to drive and is more of a car even at the price difference. I had a 2001 Z06 and later got a 2002 Carrera 4S. The C4S was nowhere as fast but it was a much better overall car and worth the price difference. Of course the last time I drove an M3 I had just gotten out of my Gallardo, so it felt like a slug with wooden brakes, but I also know that my GT3 is quicker than my Gallardo (both bone stock except for tubi on Gallardo).


The beautiful thing is we live in an automotive renaissance age where there are plenty of awesomely capable cars for any taste and budget. There are so many inexpensive cars (ie. below $125,000) with incredible power, handling, styling and pedigree that it is difficult to go wrong no matter what you chose. My own feeling is rather than pay mega$ for an enzo or similar, I'm going to keep the cars I have and add a new one every year or so- I've got deposits on the next two now, and after that its a Z06 and Viper coupe. A different car for every different mood. Most people don't think much of my viper and I did'nt either until I drove it. It may not be the fastest car around a track, but it is a blast to drive and that's what matters with that type of car. To each his or her own.

martinbo

Dr Ron

Most of us aren't in the position to share notes on the 911 driving experience as a once-off impression, let alone articulate nuances of the car in terms of driver enjoyment. It would be remiss of me to tell you that you're statistically in a very fortunate position to own the cars that you do and to have driven many others of such calibre - I'm quite sure that you are appreciative of this.

Used prices of cars are impossible to benchmark with that of a new car. Too many variables. Sure, you can get a used GT3 for only twice that of a new EVO - who am I to argue - but that still doesn't make them anywhere near as attainable. The fact remains that EVOs and STis are eminently more accessible from a price point-of-view to Joe Average than a 911 C4S or GT3. Those are big bucks territory. An STi is just just within my reach at the moment but a Carrera 4S or GT3? I can only dream on.

Most of us understand that, even throwing money out of the equation, a 911 is one of the purest driving experiences available. That however does not preclude that the EVO and STi are especially good fun to drive and immensely good bang for buck.

[Please also understand my frame of reference too, in SA the 2004 911 GT3 retailed at around R1 500 000 compared with EVOs and STi's at R385 000 so ok, maybe not a 5th (I erroneously recalled GT3 RS prices at over R 2 000 000) but easily a quarter in less developed markets than the US.

So, a successful salesman can easily afford an STi here, but not a 911.]