Porsche 997.1 v 997.2 GT3 RS road test review

The 997 GT3 RS in both 3.6 and 3.8-litre specifications are outstanding Porsche 911s… but are they underrated in the world of Rennsports? Lee Sibley drives the 997.1 and 997.2 GT3 RS back-to-back to see why they're both so good, and how they improve the 911's performance over their 997 GT3 counterparts.

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[benkrapf]

I dunno about anyone else, but "underrated" is the last thing I'd call the .2 RS. It's a legend.

[Vision_]

Even though I'd go for the .2 as an overall package, the .1 has one of the best stances of any 911 ever.

[TobyD]

Another great and very informative video Lee. Love this channel. Keep them coming 😊

[jameshewitt]

These are my favourite 911s by far, love the purity and analogue nature of them plus perfect power to weight ratio imo

[jonathankenny]

I have a 997 3.8 Gt3 RS 10 years now and its still the greatest car i have ever driven. There is no better 911 for engagement on road or track than it. And there never will be. We will never see the likes of cars like these again so enjoy them while you can.

[PRS-dkmz]

I'm glad that these cars are considered to be underrated. 😊 I've had my 997.2 RS since new in 2011. While I've owned both 991.1 GT3 RS and GT2 RS, I’ve sold both but kept the 997. It is one that I will never sell and is a part of my permanent collection.

[christophercatto]

Very good video. I can assure anyone who doesn't not own a GT3 that the 'vanilla' 997.1 GT3 is plenty good. Of course it doesn't reach 'peak' 911 like a .2 3.8L or the 4.0L, but it's very good. I think also the 996.2 GT3 makes a fantastic car.

[mikelyon]

Prices in America are through the roof! They do sound special!

[marklawrence]

As usual, a nice informative piece ! 👏

[SF_Native]

I have a 997.1 RS and have been offered 993 turbos and 964 turbos for it and I passed on all of them. There's no other car that gives you this kind of driving experience and I've owned many, many different sports cars.

[StinkyTfu]

997 GT3 and GT3RS values are probably the most stable of all the GT cars. These were actually pretty rare cars compared to the 991 and 992 versions. Thanks for the review! Which one is ur pick between the 7.1 and 7.2?

[craigwinter]

Good film Lee, one thing needs to said re values, the 3.8 RS is so close to the 4.0 RS give or take a few special parts for half the price!

[GrahamPatterson-wj]

Thanks Lee great video. As a 997.1 4s owner I would one day like to take a step up to a GT car, maybe a remorgage would suffice?

[Pyotr_Velikiy]

Great video! If I could own only one Porsche, it would be the 997 GT3 RS.

[markdance]

I absolutely love the these cars - my only niggle with the Gen2 version is that steering wheel . I do think Porsche could have done a better job . One day I aspire to own a gr3 or gr3 RS is one form . Keep up the great videos ❤

[dreadhavoc]

Love the 997.2. Maybe its just my grave nostalgia for it, but I just happen to love it way more than the 997.1. Especially in that blue color it comes in. Has to be one of Porsche’s best blues.

[GunterGabriel]

As an owner of a 997.2 RS i agree with all you said, except the gearing. At least in my RS the gearshifts are very notchy to the point that they ruin the experience a little bit.
In terms of being underrated, both 997 RS have things that keep them down in the perception a little bit: the 997.1 RS has often the complaint that it's not different to a 997.1 GT3 enough. The 997.2 RS has very often the comparison with the 4.0 which is seen by many as the greatest RS of all time.

[joetacchino]

Maybe they are overlooked in the UK, but they sure as hell aren’t in the US every time I check pricing!

[aircooled]

damn you Lee. jokingly. Been pondering a 4.0RS, but the price is a killer, maybe I should look to a .2
I just don't drive my 992GT3 much as it's lost it's soul and pure driving sensation legally on my hills roads (sure on a track it is incredible).

[nls]

Underrated, by who? The values are sky high.