Old vs new Porsche 911 GT3s – car pictures of the week

Modern Porsche 911s are too big, too complicated and too heavy. A common trope, but is it really true? In the first edition of our new evo Eras: first and latest series in issue 339 of the magazine, we set about finding out by testing the 992.2 GT3 against its spiritual ancestor, and the car that started it all for road-going GT Porsches – the 996 GT3. On stunning roads in North Yorkshire in all manner of conditions, we got deep under the skin of both cars to trace the DNA they share, and discover how much of the original GT3’s magic is present in the latest car.

Modern performance cars are on a constant march towards more power, sophistication and capability, often with the negative side effects of more size, weight and corruption to the driving experience. But the GT3 has stayed true to its original formula more than most. It’s still available with a proper six-speed manual, for example, and it remains naturally-aspirated and rear-wheel drive.

It also hasn’t chased outright numbers – Porsche’s GT department believes that around 500bhp and 1400kg is the sweet spot for the GT3, and that’s where the latest model has remained. Achieving this has been a real challenge in the midst of ever-stricter regulations, but Porsche has done so without diluting the GT3 formula with turbos or electrification, while fine-tuning the powertrain, chassis and aero to a higher level. 

But where the 992.2 had an established formula to draw from, the 996 GT3 was something new for Porsche in 1999. It was conceived as a skunkworks special, in part to homologate the 996 for the one-make Porsche Supercup race series, and used cherry-picked components from elsewhere in the 911 range. The engine was a glorious naturally-aspirated Mezger flat-six, and with the optional Clubsport pack (bringing a half-cage and a single-mass flywheel) it leaned into the road-racer vibe the GT3 is now known for. 

‘On the move, the 992.2 is a stark contrast to the 996,’ said evo’s James Taylor. ‘The brakes feel sensitive initially, with much less pressure required on the pedal. Likewise, the steering feels so light, so fast and responsive. It’s a little disconcerting at first but before too long you tune into it. Front-end grip is simply remarkable. Further down the valley the road tightens into switchbacks and the response from the GT3’s front axle is quite something.’

To read the full feature, pick up a copy of evo 339 in-store or online via the evo shop.