Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs GT2 RS
The Original GT2
Named after the Group GT2 (Grand Touring Cars) racing class of the FIA, this car was made to endure high speeds. Designed to be a high-performance sports car, its features included larger brakes, suspension recalibration, and an analogous twin-turbo engine.
The 993 version of the GT2 was made to be lighter, with widened plastic fenders and a large rear wing with air scoops for improved engine cooling. It could withstand a maximum power of 316 kW, or 444 horsepower, and hit an impressive top speed of 187 MPH.
A further iteration, known as the 996 model, came out in 1999. Unlike its predecessor, it was built to be a road car, albeit a very fast and stylish one. The new GT2 featured a twin-turbo version of the GT3’s flat-six engine, and had a maximum power output of 350 kW (476 hp), so much speedier than the 993 version.
Key aesthetic changes included wide fenders, a sharper, more aggressive nose, and a larger rear wing.
The Original GT3
The GT3 was introduced in 1999 as a homologation model of the ever-popular Porsche 911, specifically the Porsche 996 model range.
Like the GT2, it focused on racing, and efforts were made to eliminate any items or features that added unnecessary weight. To make it as light as possible, rear seats, sound dampening, rear loudspeakers, sunroof, and air conditioning were all removed. The design implemented a new flat-six engine based on units used in the 911 GT1 race car, and used two-cylinder heads each covering a battery of three cylinders.
Featuring enlarged brakes, a lowered and retuned suspension system, lighter wheels, and a special front bumper, the GT3 was considered one of the best track cars Porsche had produced.
GT2 RS
In 2010, Porsche introduced the almighty and powerful GT2 RS. The GT2 RS wholly replaced the GT2, with new and improved features. Lighter and stronger than the original GT2, the GT2 RS engine generates an impressive power output of 456 kW.
Seven years after its conception, the 991 generation of the GT2 RS was unveiled. With a 3.8 L twin-turbo flat-six engine, the 991 GT2 RS has a maximum power output of 515 kW, or 691 hp. It is the most powerful production 911 variant Porsche has ever built.
Buoyant as ever, the GT2 RS is about 300 lbs. lighter than the Turbo S it was originally based on, due to the fact it doesn’t have an all-wheel drive. To minimize weight, the GT2 RS incorporates:
- A titanium exhaust system
Carbon-ceramic brakes
Rear-axle steering
A stability and traction control programme.
GT3 RS
In 2003, Porsche introduced the first 911 GT3 RS, a somehow even more racing-focused version of the 996 GT3. Improvements over the original include:
- Aerodynamic body enhancements
Carbon fiber parts
Magnesium rooftop
A 4.0-liter flat-six engine with 520 HP
Optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB)
The 991.1 GT3 RS came out in 2016, and since then, Porsche has continued to release new and improved iterations, the most recent being an update of the 991.2 GT3 in 2018. The GT3 RS can accelerate from 0–60 MPH in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 190 MPH.
The GT3 RS has a number of different engine specifications from the original GT3. For the purposes of racing homologation, the cylinder heads of the GT3 RS have reshaped intake and exhaust ports. It has progressive, rather than linear, springs, and the dampers are somewhere between 10 and 15% stiffer than the GT3. Wheel carriers are made to maximize dynamic control, while the suspension top mounts can be turned 120 degrees. One result of all this is that the GT3 RS is about a tenth of an inch lower to the ground than the GT3.
Differences between GT2 RS and GT3 RS
While these two cars may look superficially similar, they differ substantially in power, performance, availability, and cost. Service representatives from Porsche agree that speed and availability are the key differences that must be considered.
The GT3 RS is renowned for its mix of speed, handling, performance, and feel. Whereas, the GT2 RS pushes the speed envelope as far as Porsche cars can possibly go. As limited production models, the GT3 is only available every 4 years, whereas the GT2 is available every 7–8 years.
So which Porsche should you buy?
Like with any vehicle, it’s important to consider your own needs as a driver. Both models are undoubtedly suited to most motorsport enthusiasts, but if you’re looking for something extra luxe, then GT2 RS is probably the one for you.
Key features of the GT2 RS include:
- Faster and more powerful than it’s GT3 RS counterpart
Luxury interiors with leather and suede
A touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay.
If you need a model that is more cost-effective, and won’t break the bank quite as much, GT3 RS is considerably cheaper. With a paired-back interior, the GT3 models are lower maintenance and can be driven on the road.
Key features of the GT3 RS includes:
- A/C and navigation
Heated seats
Light and easy clutch
Finance Options
Here at Fast Car Finance, we have an excellent range of Porsche Finance options to help you secure your dream model.
Our expert team is on hand to find the best Porsche Finance deal for you. We have a range of finance solutions available to help you secure your dream car, including PCP, lease purchase agreement and hire purchase.
Talk to us today about 911 GT2/3 RS Finance Options. Contact the Fast Car Finance team on 01635 785 400 or use the contact us form and we’ll get in touch with you!
