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Question of the Week

TG readers reckon the 997 was the greatest generation of Porsche 911 GT3

As expected, the wingless Touring models also received a fair bit of support in our latest Question of the Week

Published: 25 Oct 2024

The argument for exactly which generation of Porsche 911 GT3 is best will likely rage until the end of mankind. But since the model recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, in our latest Question of the Week we wanted to see which our readers thought was the best yet.

Let’s begin with Kenji, who’s short and to-the-point comment was last week’s most upvoted: “997. No argument whatsoever.”

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That was further supported by Arvin Adilaksono: “The 997 is simply the most raw and special of all the GT3s, and one of the last to come with a proper manual gearbox.”

The original 996 got a fair bit of love too, with Tiago Santos’ reasoning being that there’s “no need for a gazillion horsepower or huge wings to hang my laundry to dry on”. 

Mr T.Bird’s answer was… slightly less focused on laundry: “I like the simplicity of the 996 GT3. I know the headlights were controversial but I honestly don't mind them. My choice would be a black one with orange accents. Perfect jack-o-lantern for spooky season.”

On to the more modern GT3s, here’s Tyas Moerti’s pick: “Give me a 991.2 GT3. I can talk until the cow's come home as to why, in my book, this is the greatest 911 ever made. You have two choices of gearboxes, and both are brilliant in their own merits. The 4.0-litre flat-six has just the right amount of power and torque, and loves being revved to its heady 9,000rpm redline, but it’s still so punchy below 6000rpm.

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“The interior is the perfect balance of modern features but with buttons and all the stuff that makes it easy to use. The suspension is firm but not punishing. It’s also perfectly sized for public roads, and dare I say the most handsome of all the GT3s. I'd take mine as a GT3 Touring in PTS Albert Blue, or in Oak Green Metallic. Oh and silver wheels please.”

Ah yes, the GT3 Touring. Unicyclist Periscopes was thinking along the same lines: “Hypothetically, it would be a lightweight, slimline one. Probably a 997 GT3 RS. But, if I were spending my own money (which would entail a frosty reception from Mrs Periscopes), I’d go more modern with the 992.2 Touring.”

And last but not least with another Touring-inspired comment, here’s Laz’s choice: “991 Touring all day long. Analogue feel, more demanding to drive than the 992 and a great sound. Some creature comforts make it easier to use on a regular basis; it just ticks all the boxes. The only car that can be taken to the track and the opera without raising an eyebrow.”

Thank you for all of this weeks arguments. Our next Question will drop on Monday and may have something to do with Ferrari’s new F80 hypercar. See you there, folks.

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