997.1 Porsche 911 GT3 Review - Better on Road Than Track?

[@mikejuzenas93]

Interesting point of view - I own a 997.1 GT3, and have a few real world comments. The first is the shocks are controlled from the factory with a first generation single axis controller, hence one of the best upgrades you can do is a DSC controller coupled with a 3 axis accelerometer - it transforms the shock management on the car and makes the ride much better, especially on bumpy street roads. You can even tune it via your laptop, The second is this car has close to 60K miles, you are going to pickup some suspension wear - mine has 11K miles and feels tighter and more reactive than the 997 Turbo, especially with that AWD weighing down the front wheels. As you said, tires can also make a huge difference. The 3.6L engines on these cars are the centerpiece of the experience, and like you commented, I like that you do not have to wind the engine all the way to 8400 to get the experience, especially in the city. I think the generation is a real sweet spot in the GT3 series, more revvy than the 997.2, way more petite and agile feeling than the 991.1 (with that orphaned engine design which I would not touch), and a bit of a sleeper which is handy in these over policed days. Can't go wrong with any of these cars though ... :-)

[@thebritishautochannel]

Definitely a fan of this version 👍🏻 really like the rear wing style

[@jameshunterford4099]

Monsieur, with all this Porsche content you are really spoiling us ...

[@marvinsamuels1237]

Still really like this generation of GT3. Was the first to get me to look beyond the Turbo and Turbo S models. One of my neighbours has a 996 model in red and it still looks the business.

[@MrLenny39]

Had my 997.1 GT3 2 years, I can’t believe you think a 997 Turbo steers better than a 997 GT3. The steering is a massive highlight but agree the gear changes can’t be rushed.

[@richnerd8757]

I couldn’t help but smile every time the video cut to exhaust clips 😌

[@chrisrowles843]

7:40 is by far the best noise my car makes. I've not got bored of hearing this and don't think I ever will! I can confirm I have now grown to love this exhaust. Installing a remote valve controller helped with this.

[@cervelo9465]

One of the best ever. A real minter. A real keeper.

[@ericmunozhernandez1078]

That sound... Is worth every penny! ❤

[@gkclarke]

Superb review of this classic GT3 version. Owned a similar spec 1 for 6 years, agree with everything you say! The long gearing being my biggest criticism of the car! The looks are fantastic, still to this day! best looking of all the GT3's! I now drive a 991.2 GT3 CS, which is more intoxicating to drive and so much more capable overall! wish I could have afforded to have kept the 997! keep up the great work, I enjoy your videos!!

[@dsher503]

As an owner of a 997 GT3 and a 991.2, what would you say the biggest differences and pros and cons are? I'm in the market for a GT3 and have been leaning 991.2 GT3 but I'm always eager to hear someones opinion that has driven both.

[@gkclarke]

@@dsher503 The 991.2 is much better in every department apart from being wider.

[@dsher503]

@@gkclarke Good to know. I think I'll end up with a 991 but I'm hoping to at least drive both. Ideally there would be a 991.2 GT3 and a 997.2 GT3RS in the garage. Best of both worlds.

[@costafilh0]

Perfect! Only the engine sound! No music ruining it like it did on the last Ferrari video. Thanks!

[@institutmorningkiss]

I had one. Fabulous. Sold it because I found it too accomplished and fast for road driving. Got a hot rod Carrera 3.2 instead

[@MrRoyck10]

A very sensible choice for London’s overcrowded, policed and speed cameras infested 20mph limit uneven roads. Why people break bank to buy a car too fast for public roads and potentially can mean a custodial sentence for fully exploiting the car, the reality is most drivers are just average at best. Enjoy your Carrera 3.2!

[@richardtaylor2449]

Thanks James my dream car or the 996 😍🤍

[@ElTurfStuff]

I always thought the GT3 was the more road capable version of the GT3/RS and you've just proved me right. Another excellent review.

[@steveberridge4648]

One of the best sounding 911s I’ve heard ! The 997.1 GT3 is also one of the cheaper GT3 variants along with the 996.2. Btw Jay there’s one on autotrader currrently in Preston for “only” £84900 with 46k miles on it….that’s not bad in the current climate.

[@simonsteedman1133]

Let us guess it's yours for sale 😜

[@Sean-vh8pm]

That price, bacause it's yellow! :D

[@RobSpoel]

As the owner of a 997.1 GT3 that sees plenty of track action, I couldn't agree more that there are some tracks that just don't suit the gearing. Circuit de Bresse in France comes to mind. But on tracks like Dijon, Spa and Hockenheim, this machine really comes to life! And the lack of any stability control systems combined with the engine so far back behind the axle makes it very rewarding to drive fast (even if it took me a while to learn to drive it properly).

[@gam88a]

Agreed. People act a little surprised to see me switch off TC as soon as I get in the car…..I then explain it’s next to useless and there’s no stability control anyway. Gearing is far from perfect for sure, and that’s why I never got why the GT4 got so much grief, when it really was not highlighted when the 997 GT3 came out, even though it is not great. No plans to ever sell mine. Mine’s PTS RS Orange Clubsport.

[@RobSpoel]

​@@gam88a In fact, to my understanding leaving TC on is a problem on track. TC engages by braking on the rear axle rather than cutting power, so over time you end up overheating the rear brakes (and by extension tyres). I always have it turned off on track for this reason. Maybe one day if I have reason to do some work on the gearbox, I might swap over to the 997 RS gear set which is supposedly a bit shorter in the first 4 gears.

[@gam88a]

@@RobSpoel yep that’s exactly what it does, but is only to control rear axle wheel spin. On track it will overheat and eat your rear pads, and even on fast street it is not particularly nice when it engages. I once saw it flash as I spun off the first time I was on track with it….it was pointless 😂 To have a car that is modern in feel and looks, but still all mechanical is rare even when it was released. Love it. My other cars follow the same principle, but in very different ways. Z3M Coupe has no traction control and ITB’s and Atom 2….well which has nothing 😂

[@mattgriffith5786]

It doesn’t sound like he is pushing it. Hitting gas in 3rd and winding out. 4-5k is the beginning of the power band. It loves to rev. 2nd gear hits 8000 at 70-80mph This car with ceramics just sold for 190k. 5000 miles bat

[@detonator2112]

997 is the last Porsche that still wasn't bulky and huge... and it still had some resemblance of the classic air cooled cars. 991 and 992 are just big and bloated. I'd take any of the air cooled cars any day over a 997 but 997 is still my favorite modern 911.

[@r129r16pfl]

And the last one with a hydraulic rack It's a big +

[@kynzie14]

Bro...Why are you doing this to me? That sound is GLORIOUS!

[@R-Tap]

Bloody heck James, this and your last review are 2 in my dream car garage. Superb. I think those seats are the optional Carrera GT seats. I wanted them in my 997.1 2s back in period!! You are right about the 2 to 3 shift, unhappy until its well heated up, same in 2s.

[@MrDarkOperator]

The lag/delay you describe sounds like a common issue with the brake pedal sensor going bad. Happens on most 997 eventually. It starts off rare and sporadic and eventually happens almost constantly. The car thinks you are slamming on the brakes so it cuts the throttle out momentarily. Cheap/easy fix.

[@davidthomas1424]

I loved the yellow 996 GT3. For me, it sounded better, and I prefer the interior to the 997.

[@jo05dk]

A 911 from back when i lusted after them. Prices are too high, like for most great cars, but if i absolutely had to have a GT3 i'd pay 100K+ for a 997, over any of the newer bus-sized GT3s.

[@steffydog]

That colour and shape is beautiful, hard to tell on the exhaust, but love the tailpipes. Thanks owner chap. 👍

[@PilotMega]

Great review!!! Thank you very much JayEmm! We really appreciate it!!! The fabspeed sport cats+centre muffler delete give it a glorious sound!

[@owenoconnor2700]

Best looking gt3 I think. Great real world review and context as always. Happy to listen to this review with headphones and no images just to listen to the engine note which other reviewers dont capture as well. Agree bit too lairy in this iteration. happy to keep my 996.1gt3

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

I don't know that you hammered home the point enough on why it's actually good on the road. The problem with most modern sports cars is they are a bit numb and so capable that they feel like spaceships, so they aren't quite so exciting at sane speeds. They are too buttoned down, too refined, ride so well, have such advanced gearboxes, etc. Here you get a car like you say that is fast car slow, but the character of the engine, the noise, the manual gearbox, the tactility of the steering. It all comes together to give you something that feels like an occasion and is lively even if you aren't absolutely caning it.

[@MrOvershoot]

The plain white suits it perfectly, I agree the 997 Turbo makes a lot more sense for a 365 car. You have also spurred me on to go and drive my 981 Boxster S, the jobs round the house can wait 😁

[@SS-oj4en]

Had a .2 great car, gearbox is not great tbh, nice engine however I preferred my well set up 993 to drive

[@markdoyle6414]

Totally agree with the slower driving philosophy, I love driving slowly, ragging the car and driving fast leaves me stressed and knackered.

[@m.p.509]

Another great / honest review! Thank you. Truly love this car and what a great talk through the pros/cons.

[@Skydrag.V60]

Great review. Still my dream water cooled 911 😁

[@charliegrech5598]

Nice review, as are most of your postings. As for the vehicle it Self, love it, to die for!!! It oozes all things desirable. Looks and sounds sensational and just the right size and styling (much like a wolf in sheep clothing). I believe that some of the later GT Porsches have gone overboard on the size and styling (too much, look at me)

[@RJW14]

Really gonna say porsche road car driver experience peaked with this and the 997.2. The 991 only had the pdk, and sure, it's fast and mechanical and all that, but a GT3 to my eyes was always the ultimate sports car on the road. Give the RS the faster gearbox and give the normal one a manual, since the RS is the more hardcore sports focussed.

[@normls8615]

I believe your example of driving a fast car slow is simply spirited driving. It enhances the experience as you are engaging with the car/drive more. Just like when KZbinrs keep flapping paddles. Now universe, where is my Porsche, oh well, I guess I'll drive a slow car fast

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Really liked the rear wing on this car. I would need a fun colour. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@kuri911]

997.1. The most handsome GT3 to date.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's a real looker

[@mikebarnard2689]

Agree it looks good but as in so many things, Porsche got the styling of the GT3 so right with the original 996 Mk1, now that’s a rear wing !! 😀

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Another great insight to one of the very specific breeds of Stuttgartian truffle pigs.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Real beautiful iteration !

[@gam88a]

Steering better on turbo? Something off then. Alignment needs frequently checking. Don’t recall if you said it had semi slicks in or not, if so then heat and pressures important to handling feel. The gear shift is ummm crap, but I love the quirkiness of it. If it would be perfect I’d likely not love mine as much. Almost every 911 after it (and GT4 iteration) is quicker, but still I have no plans to ever get rid of mine.

[@olivervaldes4223]

I could listen to this engine for EVER. You jerked a few tears. I have the 997.1 turbo. I feel like an ass for not putting a better exhaust on it...

[@radeon08]

Nothing will make the turbo sound close to a NA engine to be honest. You sacrifice sound for speed. I choose sound over 1 second faster (which is a lot) 0-60

[@dr.maxpower8860]

Put a Capristo exhaust with 200 cells cat on your turbo and you have the best sound on a 997, even better than GT3

[@niall3973]

I'm a fan of the "Whoosh" personally.

[@engared]

Have one. Its amazing. Edit: Actually learnt a lot here. Thanks Jay!

[@stephenfisher8636]

I appreciate that you perhaps had the wrong car for that particular track that I am not familiar with. I can tell you that my experience is that it is an amazing car on every track that I have been on (9-10 rating) vs an enjoyable road car (5-7 rating). The capabilities/balance of the car is phenomenal.

[@cervelo9465]

I watched till the very end of the video. Nice.

[@edwardbates3696]

The video of Walter Rorhl driving this through the alps is worth a watch...

[@geoffclarke8934]

Great video. About 10 years ago, I considered upgrading to a 997.1 GT3 from my 996.1GT3 Club sport. I test drove a 997.1GT3, a comfort model with bucket seats. It felt a little quicker than my car though not by much as my car fitted with a Manthey K400 kit and 996's a bit lighter. Iike you, I was not a fan of the gearbox which put me off as u have to swap gears a lot on any Metzger engined GT3 to keep it on the boil. Great looking car though.

[@hyper8545]

I want a 997 👍

[@jameshoward9700]

997.2 GT3 a simply fantastic car - the last of the true, difficult, analogue, extraordinary Porsches. Ultimate feel. For the price of a Carerra??!!

[@sidewayssam]

what a noise, what a car, great review as ever matey!

[@SuperSpeederBaker]

Would love to see you compare this to all the other 997 gt3s. 997.1 gt3 RS, 997.2 gt3, 997.2 gt3 RS, and the 4.0. Great video! Thank you.

[@993mike]

I’m a long-time Porsche guy, and I bought one of these brand new in 2007 in the same color with PCCB’s. I really wanted to love it, but was kind of disappointed by how it drove - especially on track days. The 997.2 GT3, especially the RS, was a huge improvement. This is one car that I really don’t understand the current values on, as for pure Porsche driving enjoyment a 981 or 718 GT4 is a WAY better experience, even with the usual Porsche high gearing

[@DailyisRaceCar]

Probably needed a good geo.

[@joe718gt4]

That engine tho...

[@DailyisRaceCar]

@@joe718gt4 yep, 981 GT4 is zero substitute

[@gam88a]

I’ve never been disappointed with mine on or off track. The GT4 is a far better car, but definitely not a better experience in my opinion and I’ve driven them back-to-back on my same favourite twisties. This is the same feedback I’ve had from mates who are proper drivers and multiple car owners. Maybe you should revisit your old purchase and see if maybe they now hold something for you?

[@brianhimmelman420]

are u high?

[@tanner1ie]

Daddy Jay is a Porsche man?! - Get him on the channel good sir! 😯😀🤘 .

[@christophercatto7184]

997.1 GT3, F40 and MV Agusta F4 1000 are the only vehicle one needs. You don't necessarily need a McLaren F1 or Pagani Zonda or LaFerrari even if you're in a position to own them.

[@acalthu]

I love short shifting in my Starlet GT. Didn't think the GT3 had enough torque to pull it off.

[@drewflanagan4296]

This car would look good in a wrap patterned after that shirt

[@bbpleg]

Just shorten the final drive and the gearing issues are sorted :)

[@mariodiniz21]

Great video, surprised that the steering on these felt very much the same as in the 997 Turbo.

[@eze8970]

Thanks J!

[@paulscott4058]

My fav Porsche along with the 996 GT2 . Great videos thanks

[@paulscott4058]

Looks great in white too

[@coreykononchuk]

These are quickly becoming unaffordable for me, and that makes me sad. When I had my 997.1 C2S, I dreamed of owning the GT3. But they were $85k USD for a driver-quality example. Now I can't find one under $140k... *cries*

[@laskos02]

God, it's beautiful

[@boris9331]

@JayEmm how does the clutch feel? can you daily it comfortably ?

[@gaara4667]

10:32 These shots hit different now since the F12 vudeo

[@JCviggen1]

Just to note, there is a reason why the 991.1 GT3 seems such good value... nobody trusts the engine to not need replacing at some point and the 10 year engine warranty Porsche gave them is ticking down all the time. Once near to expiry those cars will need a very brave or deep pocketed owner given the cost of a replacement engine.

[@hmk911]

Continue with the Approved guarantee, then what’s the problem?

[@JCviggen1]

@@hmk911 Two issues, first that in much of the world 10 years is the limit. Secondly, when buying a used Porsche there's no guarantee that they'll sell you the... guarantee. If you're going to limit yourself to 991.1 GT3s that are eligible (have not been modded in any way and have been flawlessly maintained at an official dealer their entire life to the point where you can't even run a non-N spec tire without risking the warranty) then you're looking at the upper part of the price range to start with. Either way they are "relatively cheap" for an actual reason.

[@gam88a]

That’s not the biggest issue. The numbers produced is what effects them. Circa 2500 of the 997.1 GT3 built, compared to a 991.1 GT3 RS where around 6500 were produced.

[@cervelo9465]

Very nice. I suppose I will go for a Turbo or 4S or GTS.

[@Marcke-tb1hb]

I Love that expensive car ownership means you don’t have to obey road traffic laws like registration plates on the front. 👍

[@gbtivbay]

So James.....for road use, would you choose a 997 GT3 or a 997 TT ?? Ive seen the question answered before, by the designer, but what are your opinions ?

[@macnugget]

For a 997 the Turbo is definitely the better road car

[@Birmingham_racing]

I don't mind 4K changes if the car has good low torque preferably a turbo car

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Good work car for a scaffolder.

[@juhakivekas2175]

IMO the best steering in all 911s is in the 996 Carrera. IMO it is better than the much appraised air-cooled steering - with power or without. Having said that IMO there is hardly another car as the 911 that is more sensitive to toe setting both front and rear. At front going from zero to range max with toe-in changes the car from very very very reactive and initiative to very stable. The reactiveness at minimum toe goes so far that you dont want to hold the steering wheel with one hand. At front the setting has very little effect on tyre wear as there is not that much load anyway. At rear the effect is very similar except that the toe has a distinct effect on tyre wear. One known problem is that if you lower the car you tend to get more toe-in and the adjustment range can be limited. There is a loose thumbrule that states you should have toe-in 1/5th of neg camber. Coming from 996 to newer models I think Porsche has gone to American over assisted direction with steering. I had a go in 718 GTS and the steering was way too light and it definitely was not subjective. It was simply way too light and self-alignment torque felt like it came from the power steering only, that is, it was not informative. Could I get used to it? Sure, but it would never match the 996 steering feel. 996 vs. 997 very similar but I feel the 997 is lighter but somehow 997 has a better seat ergonomics. I think the pedals are maybe 10 mm further front which can make a big difference and I think the seat is lower. 996 E-seats are known to be too high.

[@johannesf.2524]

I would love to see a review of a Porsche 991.1 Turbo

[@WhiteMouse77]

....the shirt is also boxer powered? Looks pretty well tuned!

[@diggagt3574]

Personally (my own car is a very, very similar spec) I live to take it on track. You need a decent track though. Also, they need a few tweaks: diff ramps, side silencer delete, DSC controller and some proper geometry.

[@gam88a]

Best mod by far was the cup bypass pipes (side muffler delete)….although would like if my centre muffler would stop cracking 😂 The cheapest mod I’ve ever done on any car that provides such a weight saving and the immense aural gains!

[@STRmw2]

i was extremely clsoe to picking one up from JZM, it was wrapped in metallic forest green but my driveway isn't ideal for low cars :(

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Ah that is a shame, these are definitely not car park friendly

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

The 981 in general and the Spyder in particular will out corner a 911 on a tight track.

[@Mrdfastcars]

Cup final drive and a set of nice shocks would sort these. Gearing and old PASM ruins this car oem. But Great potential to make it one of the best ever.

[@DrGammaMindset]

Jayemm come on dude...if ur finding yourself at the redline in the middle of a corner...that's simple driver error not the cars gearing ratios.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Partially true, the problem being when the next gear ratio up is dropping you out of the power band

[@mixxeerr]

This would mean you’re too slow and not carrying enough momentum

[@skinjim8]

My 987 has the same dead spot! I was told it was something to do with the variable cam timing. Or something.

[@cervelo9465]

£99,999 of goodness. Money well spent.

[@Punisher9419]

I sort of wish Porsche used superchargers on some of their cars, it would really help bring the torque up with these high revving engines. Throttle response would stay the same, if anything it will feel better becuase you have more shuv when you do step on the throttle.

[@EvoraGT430]

Works well for Lotus, so yes this would be good. Perhaps it's a packaging problem?

[@JelloTypeR]

There’s no room for a supercharger on the flat 6. I don’t think anyone has super charged a 911.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Supercharged 911s exist. The problem would be like my M3 the kind of supercharged needed won't actually help low down torque much

[@Cillaron]

Great video, I can hear the passion in your voice when talking about Porsche, being a BMW guy I can kind of understand that. I really enjoy your videos, you have a way of putting us in the car with you… The confusion however on Porsche is the models as they relate to 9XX.X, KZbinrs have habit of throwing out those numbers and not explaining, it’s not just the 911, Cayman, Boxer, etc., how about a model number explain video…

[@pj9375]

Sounds bob on to me 😎

[@andyhunt457]

Driving a car slow,even a slow car,without giving it the beans for half an hour definitely makes your car really fast.

[@acarguy3773]

My Clio has the same flat spot at 2500rpm, a map can get rid of it 🤔🤔

[@I999-g2s]

Porsche will be the 1st to tell you that the traction control should not be relied upon, it can’t change the laws of physics” and, don’t I know it 😳

[@jtocher685]

Lol, could there be another explanation as to why you couldn't keep up with the 981 Spyder on the track? 🤔

[@chrismuc4023]

One of the best cars Porsche ever built. My absolute favorite!

[@70svd]

This is a fine car to drive in the track not in if you live in the city 😏

[@MrRoyck10]

All very well and good driving a fast car slow in hope of getting a good stretch of road if you reside in the suitable part of the UK, this is virtually impossible in London’s overcrowded, policed, speed camera infested uneven 20mph roads. This informed my decision to stay away from high premium sought after Porsches, a base 987.2 is very adequate for my stomping ground yet I am always above the speed limit inadvertently. You get a ticket for driving 37 mph on the section of the A407 that drops to 30mph with no signage.

[@Motormouth2416]

Can not disagree more about getting a 991.1 over this. First off, this is a MUCH safer place to park your money while still enjoying the car. 2,378 of these were made globally, compared to 6,300 991.1 GT3s. Secondly, the 991.1 has some serious shortcomings including the known engine issues and electrical power steering.

[@hmk911]

I‘ve been looking for the production numbers of the 991.1 GT3 for a while. Where did you see the 6300?

[@laser-sj]

Oh look... another beetle ! 🤣😉

[@gam88a]

Oh look….another original comment! 🤦🏻‍♂️😂😂 😝

[@laser-sj]

@@gam88a thanks... it actually is original on this video.... 😂😜

[@gam88a]

@@laser-sj fair point 😂

[@swiper1818]

👍👍👍

[@leemarklew2496]

Get yourself an S2 Exige, Way cheaper and just as fast on Track. Even if you think you are Jason Plato....

[@gam88a]

Exige an epic car and always a mini Le Mans racer for me, but it’s a very different driving experience. I couldn’t pick one over the other as they are so different.

[@brianhimmelman420]

steering … something wrong with the car you are driving … my 997.1 RS ranks up there with my MacLaren 675LT for steering direct feel and communication

[@AntoniusTyas]

Something about the 997.1 GT3 that I can't quite gel with. The styling doesn't do it to me that much. The RS treatment with wider body and bigger wing worked better, and the 997.2 GT3 and GT3 RS does appeal to me much better. Then again I'm a card-carrying tart. Feels like I need to apologise for my taste.

[@gam88a]

I’m the opposite. I love my .1 GT3 because it’s styling is the perfect blend of old school 911 looks with a modern twist. The good part is we are all different and happy we don’t have the same taste!

[@Daniel-cp2ps]

I havent watched a video in a while. GT3 is beautiful. Why are you accentuating your words. THIS is the GT3 in WHITE with the BESPOKE version of THE mezger ENGINE with A manual GEARBOX.

[@fransb8543]

So.. Much.. Want...

[@dodge3048]

RPM. Revs Per (single) Minute. Not Minutes (plural). Sorry (not sorry!) :)

[@norwegianzound]

On public roads? Really? How naughty.

[@followtheciaence]

Best on dirt! 🤣

[@skelejp9982]

I though that if U drive a Porsche on a Racetrack, U immediately lose warranty.

[@rotoehu9266]

No, but if you over rev the engine on the track (which is captured and recorded by the engine management system) then don’t expect the warranty to cover jack.