Porsche 996 GT3 RS review: one of the best 911 Rennsports?

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The #Porsche996 's stock has been rising in recent years, with every model seeing a rise in value. This has been particularly true of the 996 #GT3RS: once a relatively unloved RS which was frequently seen pounding tracks, now the model is sought after by collectors as only 682 were produced - making it the third rarest water-cooled Rennsport. But is the reality as good as the hype?
To find out, I took the #996GT3RS for a test drive on fast roads to deliver a 2021 verdict. It's the ultimate incarnation of the 996, but can it honestly hold a candle to the other 911 GT3 RS generations?
Follow me on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes snapshots from my life with Porsche: @lee_sibs
Thanks to my friend Warren for the loan of the vehicle in the video, follow him on Instagram @cmg4511

[@sklyrovka]

To note, they didn't stop making them because of lack of demand, it was that the tooling wasn't designed for more than a couple hundred. Porsche underestimated the want for this spectacular car.

[@markg9563]

Sadly I don't have the RS, but bought a 996 Gen2 GT3 back in the day when any old punter could go in and buy a GT car. 16 years on I still have the car and still love it. For me the only thing that lets them down is the interior quality but the Recaro seats, the pedal position, gear change and the steering are excellent. But with no traction control you must not lose concentration in the rain - it gets tail happy very quickly. You must get the geometry adjusted - the factory settings have a lot of understeer. A bit of adjustment makes a good car great fun to drive. Oh and the engine - what a noise (as you can hear in this excellent video).

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Excellent as always , love that car . Only bit I didn’t like was the weird soft rock music half way through , your voice and the cars voice are all we need mate 👍🏻

[@9WERKSTV]

Really appreciate the feedback! I try to break things up in case there's too much of me, so thanks for allaying my fears.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

That Nine Eleven Guy Not at all your commentary is top notch , I’m amazed you’ve not got more subscribers.

[@cmg4511]

great review that shows what an underrated gem the 996 RS is.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for your generosity in lending me the car my friend.

[@rpm-qv7rw]

As usual, very informative review Lee. Thanks! P. S. Keeping it to 9 minutes and 11 seconds is a great idea (not that i won't want anything longer!).

[@9WERKSTV]

Really appreciate this, as I've been thinking of upping video length (keeping under 10 mins doesn't do me any favours with algorithms etc) but if the people want 9m11s videos, that's what you shall have!

[@rpm-qv7rw]

@@9WERKSTV if 9m 11s vids don't help you with the algorithms, then that is more important. I understand 20 mins is the sweet spot. If so, go for it!

[@9WERKSTV]

@@rpm-qv7rw Thank you!

[@johnd296]

Good review. Not too long, covered all the good bits. Concise commentary and nice engine noise. Just drop the music - it has no place in reviews of cars with great engines!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for the feedback, John - much appreciated.

[@johnd296]

That Nine Eleven Guy Welcome. For what it’s worth, I drive a 996 C4 Tiptronic, which was my daily drive for several years. I think the Tiptronic is much maligned, as it’s actually an excellent traditional auto box, essential for practical commuting but still fast and responsive on the open road. It’s a fantastically stable car in wet weather, far more confidence inspiring than the Mercedes E Class that keeps me calm and allows me to hang on to my licence

[@9WERKSTV]

@@johnd296 There's a place for everything in the Porsche lineup, including Tiptronic. I learned how to left foot brake in a 996 Tip so am forever fond of them! Glad yours has given you many great memories too.

[@paulpressland]

Great insightful video. A Rennsport to watch, as things go more digital this will be more and more desirable

[@nw3622]

I recently drove a 996 gt3rs. Phenomenal, such a raw and direct drive that you just don’t get in more modern machines. I want one!

[@denisofob]

Lee, love the videos. I really only hope that the 9:11 video length isn't hurting your ability to work the youtube algo...they want them to be over 10 minutes. I would gladly watch more than 9 minutes

[@9WERKSTV]

Appreciate this, Denis. You're right, video length is hurting me in terms of growth, so I'm at a bit of a crossroads really. Thanks for your vote of confidence!

[@MarkCS-gx8ep]

So many things I like about the GT3 RS .. the main thing is the the simplicity and mechanical aspect.. this would be the car I’d buy if money was no object. 👍

[@9WERKSTV]

Would certainly be up there for me, I think I prefer the 997.2 GT3 RS so may have to look at doing a video on that!

[@davonpointer2310]

Beautiful car. Love the narrow body, blue decals, simple/analogue... sounds great too! Top video Lee ;-)

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers Davon, I really like it in blue!

[@PeterJUren]

Thanks Lee, another great review. Your passion for all things Porsche, and especially the 996 911 is evident in your words and in your demeanor. Thanks again. Peter

[@9WERKSTV]

Always appreciate of your support, Peter. Thank you, it means a lot.

[@ghowells5433]

Brilliant review of a stunning car. Prices have come down a little

[@chrislondon9416]

another great 9 minutes and 11 seconds. 996 turbo review soon pls

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Chris! Good idea with the Turbo, leave it with me.

[@alexmartinez280]

996.1 is my pick but the .2 is cool too. I’m not a fan of white but that white paint with blue accents looks ace!

[@joelsmith9311]

Nine Eleven Guy, just a note - those stickers down the side are called “Decals” pronounced “Deekals”. Like “decaf” coffee. 👍🏼 Great review!

[@WheelNuts]

Shame on you, the video is 9:12! 😂 Excellent review as always.

[@joelsmith9311]

Ooooh and it’s a blue one! Definitely my favorite, amazing car.

[@christmasisawesome9348]

Please do a video on 996 GT2!

[@martinboulden3540]

Really great video, enjoyed it. Sadly I want one now ! Oh dear !

[@9WERKSTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BarnesysBuilds]

Great car, already $280k in Australia

[@AKwontheChef]

Great video Lee. With age, really starting to appreciate the narrow body 996's. Newer generations just look so bloated in comparison.

[@9WERKSTV]

Funny how the generation is getting more positive recognition these days. Been a while since I saw a "but it's got fried egg headlights" etc in the comments!

[@morphyon]

Secretly >400hp? Those sneaky bastards

[@9WERKSTV]

Agreed! I hope this video is a fitting tribute to Herr Mezger.

[@9WERKSTV]

Agreed! I hope this video is a fitting tribute to Herr Mezger.

[@allensaunders449]

Beautiful car

[@mariangelatirelli2889]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but was this the first Porsche to use stickers as logos to save weight?

[@sidewayssam]

Great vid 👍

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you!

[@johnmorrison27]

Once again top content 👍👍

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks John!

[@shed911cookiesgarage2]

Great vid as always, very interesting, but being a 911 novice, can you explain to me what 'rennsport' is, means or refers to please, and are these different to other GT3s? thanks and apols for being a numptie

[@9WERKSTV]

Completely valid question! So RS stands for Rennsport, the German for race sport. A modern RS (so a GT3 RS) is essentially a more focussed GT3: less weight, possibly a bit more power, tweaked chassis. If a GT3 is a road car equally adept on track, a GT3 RS is a road-legal race car. I hope that helps, please fire away with any more questions.

[@shed911cookiesgarage2]

That Nine Eleven Guy thank you, that makes perfect sense :)

[@morphyon]

wondering how the RS wheels would look on Little Irish (painted to match of course)

[@9WERKSTV]

Did flirt with the idea but they're just a little too wide at the front I think.

[@morphyon]

They seem to fit according to this rennlist thread: rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/283640-will-gt3-wheels-fit-my-996-c2.html (wheelarches MAY be rolled though)

[@hmk911]

The only 996 I’d consider owning.

[@veeco3110]

That sucks

[@DJBobbyChicago]

oh man what a car

[@Inazuma68]

Too expensive? Do it like me and buy the 996.2 GT3 Clubsport. Half the price and gives you a biiig smile while driving 😁

[@garyw1971]

Beauty!!❤

[@P2M2006]

This is car related video, why do we have to listen to the music instead of the engine sound???

[@Victor_2000s]

3:36 5:16

[@claudiocarinci2564]

🤗 Porsche

[@ortontom]

We Have 3 in stock, or did have it's one of the best. We sold a blue livery 3k miler last month...#ashgood

[@showtaito1075]

Blue wheels with yellow calipers😅

[@IAP_mkt]

that's definitely not a "full roll cage" sir.

[@9WERKSTV]

Lol. All the effort of making the video and you choose to smash that in the comments!

[@IAP_mkt]

@@9WERKSTV I did put a like on the video. It's just that I hate half cages or roll bars: for me it's either cage it completely with a serious full roll cage or dont bother increasing the weight of the car with a semi useless roll bar.

[@9WERKSTV]

@@IAP_mkt I didn't even realise I said it in fairness - whoops!

[@RJ4962]

GT3 RS has a big difference in mechanicals......different carriers Hubs control arms Suspension top mounts reversible to Cup car spec titanium engine internals and more....engine 20hp more (unofficial Porsche figures).....car lighter all round......not much different then from a vanilla GT3....it wasn't £20k more than a std GT3 for nothing......this is the (watercooled) RS to get a true homologation car built to allow Porsche to go GT3 racing every RS after this and being cynical was only built for the American market...if you don' love the 996 GT3 RS then you don't understand the Porsche Rennsport marque

[@kevinmo8811]

I don’t care what you say about this 911. With those headlights, it’s a shame to count such car as a 911. Why do you think Porsche went back to the classic look of 911 headlights. Yes.... thank you. This NOT 911 should be discarded from history.