GT3MK1

Which is better?

The mk1 is cheaper, but made in 1999 seems a little bit old? Plus, I am not the fans of that head light.

The mk2 price is getting lower now, but does it worth the extra money? I want to get a 2003 GT3, any comments? Is it better than the mk1?

Thanks!

pmjt

Neither - they're both brilliant - just different

Mk.1 is also getting old now and will soon be impossible to get a Porsche warranty on (or at least that's the case here in the UK).

Ok - in 1966 we got the 'S' - more raw and visceral than standard - in 1973 we got the 2.7RS - harder, tougher, more power - in 1992 we got the 964 RS, more power, more jittery, better drivers car - same 993RS - then the GT3 - yes a little softer but more useable, more daily driver, just as competent on the track - GT3 Mk.2 just the same evolution - very small increase in power is barely noticeable, balance a bit sweeter (in my opinion), mid range more tractable. Brakes much improved (but Mk.1 is easily upgraded).

Mk.1 owners will tell you they're more handbuilt - personally I prefer the better quality interior materials of the Mk.2, the alcantara headlining etc. External aesthetics are also to personal taste - I prefer the Mk.2 look - just my personal opinion.

To be honest, there's not a lot between them - I've owned both and prefer my Mk.2 - I'm on my second.

Which ever you buy - you'll own a fine motor car

Enjoy

Philip

zoomzoom

The feel between the two cars is noticeably different: the Mk1 is rawer/more visceral, the Mk2 more refined (it was effectively the Federalised GT3).

Drive both and feel which one you prefer. I did, and I picked the Mk1.

Both cars were EVO Car of the Year! Mk1 1999, Mk2 2003.

Glen

Primary difference in the street GT3 is the long rod motor(mk2) vs the short rod (mk1). Long rod has more grunt,more tractable power, also higher compression. Mk 2 has a 8 plate differential. Both are great cars. Parts for the early car are cheaper though as they share many bits with the early boxster/996.

zoomzoom

Most diffs in GT3s will need replacement already if they've done any number of trackdays. Mk2 and Mk1 diff accepts the same diff.

Parts for the Mk1 are not really any cheaper than for the Mk2. Maybe original brake consumables are cheaper, but many Mk1s (at least in the UK) are upgraded with Mk2 calipers.

Mk1 engine is far more characterful than the relatively sanitised Mk2. The standard Mk1 engine doesn't pull as as strongly from 6500rpm+, but this is also due to the Mk1 having 2 stage Variocam vs stepless Variocam on the Mk2.

Blacksport350

Glen

Guess i should be a bit clearer. Rotors 100 usd vs 290 usd, fenders dirt cheap, headlights dirt cheap calipers dirt cheap. As pointed out above 8 plate diff can be added to both and std 4 plate is likely already toast.

johnfm

Sorry to go off topic...

Hey Glen

I tried e-mailing you, but it may not have got to you. Have you done the crankcase breather on a MK1?

Dick Dobson

What is a Mk1 and a Mk2? Porsche has no reference to any such model. Where is the reference found within Porsche?

edit: I know the GT3, GT3RS, and GT3RSCS. 1999, 2000-2006, and 2007 models. There is no Mk1 or Mk2 however.

Glen

Yes, its very easy just have to machine it down quite a bit. Need to lower the motor, better yet do it when You are doing a gearbox or have the motor out. My email is porschenut@hotmail.com sorry if I overlooked Your note.

Best,
Glen

pmjt

Mk.1 produced from 1999 based on original 996. Mk.2 from 2003 based on facelift 996 introduced in 2002.

Philip

LA964RS

Can't remember if it was in Evo or Porsche GT or which mag, but a guy did the same comparo and ended up choosing the MK1...

Glen

Dick it really is a motor designator, long rod (03-05) vs short rod (99-02) it overlaps the 02-05 body chaanges etc...but primarily the motor.

BTW got some neat pics of You and I on the wall at Daytona, send me Your email and I will forward them on.
GodSpeed and Happy Thangsgiving!

zoomzoom

The Mk1 was not exported to the US and was never federalised. Here's the Mk1:

GT3MK1

Thanks for the info..

I have heard that the mk2 engine is better and can easily upgrade the power to 420hp, what about the mk1?

I perfer the look of the mk2 more than the mk1, but I have driven the mk1 and the steering feel is very good. What about the mk2? Is it the same?