Is the 996 CSR EVO better than a Porsche GT3?

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The 996-generation Porsche 911 is quickly gaining cult status, with the GT3 or GT3 RS seen as the pinnacle of the era. However, could this CSR EVO from RPM Technik usurp the GT3 as the ultimate Porsche 996?
RPM Technik invited me to take the car for a couple of days while my own "Little Irish' 996 was in for a major service. I decided to take the CSR EVO on an epic road trip from the City of London to the remote roads of Snowdonia, Wales, in the ultimate test of the CSR EVO's all-round capabilities. Here, I deliver my assessment of the Merlin purple Carrera 2, equipped with 350hp, a comprehensive chassis overhaul, and a 45kg weight saving. Is a CSR EVO better than a Porsche GT3?

[@andydollochan1430]

I have a 'standard' RPM 996 CSR, but with a 3.7 Hartech engine. Not quite as powerful (only 330bhp) but a lot more torque. Cracking cars!

[@gregs8685]

Sounds like a great 996 but no way would I spend GT3 money for it. GT3 will hold its value maybe even appreciate. Plus a rebuilt M96 may be nice but it’s not better than a 380 hp Mezger.

[@markmuller8829]

I'm not sure how long you have been vlogging as 'That Nine Eleven Guy' but I am sure your subscriber count and views will grow. Your delivery, content, pacing and footage is excellent. I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of your videos. Well done! And keeping the timing of most of your vids to

[@ghowells5433]

Great review Lee, the quality of the channel gets better and better.

[@autospeed]

Great video!! Love that you're showing how great the 996's really are. Subscribed!

[@realstradman]

Nice review Lee. However I would take issue with your suggestion that you feel the CSR is better than a GT3. Just can't see that. And when you put money into the equation then it all goes out the window. I run a Manthey 996.2 GT3 with a few choice mods including a 410hp upgrade. I can tell Lee that car is a killer on the track and just so satisfying to drive to. And the whole thing cost just over 60k. I'm pretty sure the CSR wouldn't see which way the GT3 went ! Feel free to check out some of my vids on track. And the sound...just glorious!

[@danknox9986]

Enjoyed that. Thanks for posting.

[@PeterJUren]

Well done. Thanks Lee for all the entertaining videos this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Australia. Cheers Peter

[@robburton8462]

Great video Lee, I love the CSR concept but 80K on top of a donor car isn't 996 GT3 money it's 997.2 or 991.1 GT3 money! Saying that i am slowly upgrading my 997.1 X51 with the CSR as inspiration, hoping that by upgrading items as needed with my indi it will give a decent saving from doing the package as a whole

[@fundoc48]

I totally support the Porsche aftermarket. Your testing verifies the rewards. With no after market we would be told our older Porsches especially water cooled were worthless and we should be grateful for Stock main dealer servicing. And told at trade/part exchange time our cars were "worth nothing" a dealership training exercise, even with factory limited run air cooled light weights. Hats off to RPM tech for their development work.

[@rickardmijatov849]

You should try a modified 996 GT3, you won’t be disappointed!

[@jeromelangenderfer8853]

Great review, very expensive though with the donor car 90,000 U.S. dollars. Thanks Lee

[@leehartshorn1479]

Great video lee

[@kiwihame]

Lovely car, but megabucks. You'd have to be a huge 996 fan and rich to go there. Great video!

[@irwinliaw7805]

Great review Lee

[@philnelson2607]

Great video Lee not sure how I missed this the first time round! I can see where you got your inspiration for little Irish ☘️ 😉 I may have to get my hand in my pocket and take that similar route 👍🏼

[@chappardababbar]

Lee, I liked this video and I’m enjoying your content but I really wanted you to go into detail to qualify your opinion as to why you prefer a CSR over a GT3. Does it drive better? Does it ride better? Does it sound better? Does it feel better? Something!

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

nice review - well filmed & edited 👍

[@WheelNuts]

Great review. We need that central exhaust! :)

[@Carrera-gp9od]

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