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Highlights from your Porsche correspondence via email, social media and Total911.com

dear Sir,

It’s been a year-and-a-half and 4,000km in the 911 R versus a day-and-a-half and a couple hundred clicks in the GT3, so here’s my first assessment.

First, I think it’s important to reflect on the philosophy behind these cars, as it really sets them apart. What I love about both of these cars is that Porsche has taken all its motorsport technology and applied it to imbue a real sense of personality and occasion in both cars.

Everybody talks about the GT3 engine and how it dominates the car. Having been spoiled by the 911 R, my first impression wasn’t that at all, but rather the steering. Weighted a little heavier than the 911 R, it also has more feedback and weights up so organically as you pour it into a corner. It has the best steering of any water-cooled Neunelfer I have ever driven.

You also need slightly more lock to point the front end of the GT3 where you want it to go. I assume the mechanical steering set-up of the cars is the same, so can only conclude it’s a slightly less aggressive application of the RWS. Yes, the GT3 steers sweeter than the 911 R.

The ride of the cars is also very different. While both firm, the 911 R has some of that traditional 911 plush, loping ride. It moves around underneath you in a controlled, informative and charming way. It’s an event even at very low speeds. Both cars have incredible damping, but the GT3 is less playful, and definitely more planted as you go down the road.

You also notice the weight difference between the cars, particularly as you change direction. The R feels more alert and agile, but you have to pay more attention to the rear axle as it is easy to overrotate the car. You can’t be lazy or casual in your approach to peddling the R, while the GT3 is more accommodating and sure footed, with greater high-speed stability and less tendency to dance around on poor road surfaces.

The R also seems to have sharper throttle response and ‘zing’. That may change a bit as the GT3 loosens up, but what I love about the R is the way the accelerator pedal instantly produces a simultaneous response in both the engine and the chassis. The car feels hard-wired and alive. The GT3 is a shade behind that in terms of tactility, but definitely has a stronger, torquier mid-range and a more usable powerband.

As to the top end, well I haven’t taken the GT3 there yet. I find myself constantly hitting the limiter in the 911 R on upshift as it revs so quickly, and it feels and sounds so unburstable. I’m hoping another 500rpm will give me that extra tenth or so to stay on top of the engine in the GT3.

What is a great joy is the ability to control both engines through the use of a manual gearbox. It just adds that extra dimension of driving engagement that makes every journey such an event. And, while on the subject of gearboxes, there are certainly subtle differences in the gear shift itself. The R is more rifle-bolt precise, the GT3 a little more accommodating and easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.

I’m a little disappointed that the Touring feels a little overserved. I’m hoping once the pads bed in they will deliver a little less power and a lot more feel. Heel and toeing is not great so far, but I refuse to push that damn Sport button. As for engine noise, the Touring is much quieter and much easier to live with on a daily basis than the R.

So, what’s the verdict? The 911 R demands your full concentration and loyalty at all times, but rewards you for driving it well. The Touring has a much wider repertoire – more accessible high performance, easier to drive, with more usability and high-speed stability. Both are incredibly entertaining and great fun. The 991.2 GT3 Touring is one of the all-time-greats, but the 911 R is ultimately the more rewarding car, provided you are up for it. Scott van der Helder Great to have your very detailed insight into the Gt3 touring and r, two 911s which have caused a lot of debate in recent months as enthusiasts attempt to gauge just how similar the cars are. thankfully, and as you have elaborated so well on, the two cars are very different, despite that familiarity in their spec sheets – it underlines the genius of porsche, because every 911 model is intrinsically different from the next. as we’ve said before, r owners can be pleased their car remains unique as the ultimate road-going porsche lightweight, while touring owners can be happy they’ve got a more accessible car that manages to accomplish most of the r’s driving experience. everyone’s a winner!