CSL vs. 996 GT3

m33ufo · 06-07-2009, 02:36 PM

Hi guys,

Just hoping for some opinions really. I've areed a deal on a nice low mileage CSL (6750) which has unfortunately been delayed a few weeks by the current owner. This has now got me looking at other cars - kind of inevitable really, I've had £40K in my bank account for a few weeks now waiting to find a new home!

If I stick with the CSL then I'm happy to wait for the car I've agreed a deal on...but...I keep seeing GT3's! Has anyone owned both CSL and GT3?

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1077741.htm

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1121792.htm

Ade · 06-07-2009, 03:07 PM

Yes, I owned a 996GT3 for over 3 years and 30k+ miles. Modded pretty much everything on it during that time courtesy of Manthey and it was a razor sharp track-focussed scalpel when I sold it earlier this year. Out went the GT3, in came the CSL.

I think it depends on what you want to do with the car. The 6Gt3 is a brilliant tool. But I think it is very hard to fall in love with, in the same way the CSL rewards you instantly. The GT3 is all about precision driving, eeking out the fastest and smoothest lines, perfecting your braking approaching the apex, and modulating the throttle at and through the apex. It rewards you in 0.01s against the clock. The GT3 also gives you the sense of occasion on road trips and bragging rights in the paddock... something you never really get with the CSL. If you are chasing 10/10ths on track, relish the attention on the road and in the paddock, then the GT3 is tops (apart from going the Lambo/Fezza route)

But the CSL is, by far, the most fun car I've ever owned! For one, it's understated. SG/SB is about as exciting the colours get, and for most on the road, it's just another 3-series. Flying undercover, imho, is a good thing - especially in this market. The CSL rewards you instantly on track - you can pitch is sideways, in the dry, in the wet, and get away with it. It is easy to drive at 9/10ths (easier than the GT3), and it is the quicker car A-B in real world road conditions. In short, the CSL is an absolute HOOLIGAN!

On track, the GT3 at the limit is tricky - it will teach you how to drive again, steering from the rear, and using the mechanical grip/aero to your advantage. Underestimate it, or overestimate your abilities, and it will bite. Hard and fast.

Depending on how deep your pockets are, you will either find tracking 45k worth of GT3 painless or poor VFM compared to 25-30k of CSL. Especially when the CSL is good enough to give the GT3 a proper dogfight on most circuits (except on power circuits like Spa/Silverstone and if the circuit is clear). At the 'Ring, there is nothing in it except for driver ability. The CSL laps as quickly in pro hands as does the GT3.

On the road, for normal hooning around, the CSL is the better car imho. Add in occasional passengers/urban use etc, and it's a no brainer.

I don't miss the social attention of the GT3... but that's just me. Both cars are equally special - there are touches of the CSL that make it feel very very special. Hold out for the CSL imho

m33ufo · 06-07-2009, 04:57 PM

That pretty much answers my question

The CSL has easily given me the most enjoyable driving experience I've had to date - well almost, I had the use of an F360 for half a day purely on track about 3 years ago and I have to say it was stunning! No idea what driving one on the road would be like though.

I'll do my best to wait a few more weeks

Jeff · 06-07-2009, 05:21 PM

Hmmm, I'd probably swing the other way to Ade. Having just sold my GT3 and now having a CSL I miss the GT3. I find the CSL a little too "normal"? It's hard to explain, maybe it just does things too well? Yes it's a hoot, I've put it around the ring doing some hard laps on my first trip and I'd say it was as quick as the GT3 and was probably easier to get up to speed. The GT3 does require respect to drive as ham fisted driving will see you into a wall. Experimenting with the rear end in a GT3 should be done well away from fixed objects as they can be unpredicable - although I never personally found this.

My experience of the GT3 was overall positive, not scary and after I got over the odd feeling of the rear under braking I found it to be a weapon.

I think I just liked the 911 quirks but hey, that's why there is more than one brand of car...........

Cheers,
Jeff

spanner · 06-07-2009, 08:10 PM

It's pretty simple to me. If you need back seats, get a csl, if not, get a Porsche. It is by far the more special of the two imho. Although I have only driven the rs version!

m33ufo · 06-07-2009, 08:47 PM

I don't need rear seats, in fact just the 1 would do. Should I buy a single seater?

I suppose this means I'll have to test drive the GT3. The Cobalt car in one of the links at the start of the thread is just a few miles from my office so I'll pop in a give it a spin. I'm sure I won't get the full effect but it will be a start.

Jeff · 06-07-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m33ufo

I don't need rear seats, in fact just the 1 would do. Should I buy a single seater?

I suppose this means I'll have to test drive the GT3. The Cobalt car in the links at the start of the thread is just a few miles from my office so I'll pop in a give it a spin. I'm sure I won't get the full effect but it will be a start.

Make sure you rev it past 6000rpm when you do. It's not until then that the exhaust opens up fully and screams it head off!

Yes, test drive one. What you will feel is brakes that have little assistance but when pushed are amazing and steering that feeds back oodles of information. Don't be surprised if you think the front end feels light at first - it's a 911 thing that goes after time (ie, you get used to it). It's at least worth a try.........

m33ufo · 06-07-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff

Make sure you rev it past 6000rpm when you do. It's not until then that the exhaust opens up fully and screams it head off!

Yes, test drive one. What you will feel is brakes that have little assistance but when pushed are amazing and steering that feeds back oodles of information. Don't be surprised if you think the front end feels light at first - it's a 911 thing that goes after time (ie, you get used to it). It's at least worth a try.........

Will do....I've had 3 Boxsters (986, 987S and 987S 3.4) and a 996 C2 in the past so I know how the cars feel but it's probably like comparing an M3 with a CSL.

**Andyk** · 07-07-2009, 06:58 AM

I've driven a GT3 and loved it but did not have as much fun in it as the CSL but that maybe have been because I didn't get enough time behind the wheel and with the CSL you can jump and enjoy almost straight away.

I think for me the other thing would be looks and the GT3 MRK2 is just not as good looking as the MRK1...Think it's those lights.

Look forward to hearing your thougths.

m33ufo · 07-07-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andyk

......the GT3 MRK2 is just not as good looking as the MRK1...Think it's those lights.

Actually it's the opposite for me, I think the Mk1 front end looks much more dated than the Mk2.

06-07-2009, 02:36 PM	#1
m33ufo S3 - On the open road Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cardiff Posts: 80 Casino cash: $264	CSL vs. 996 GT3 Hi guys, Just hoping for some opinions really. I've areed a deal on a nice low mileage CSL (6750) which has unfortunately been delayed a few weeks by the current owner. This has now got me looking at other cars - kind of inevitable really, I've had £40K in my bank account for a few weeks now waiting to find a new home! If I stick with the CSL then I'm happy to wait for the car I've agreed a deal on...but...I keep seeing GT3's! Has anyone owned both CSL and GT3? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1077741.htm http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1121792.htm

06-07-2009, 04:57 PM	#3
m33ufo S3 - On the open road Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cardiff Posts: 80 Casino cash: $264	That pretty much answers my question The CSL has easily given me the most enjoyable driving experience I've had to date - well almost, I had the use of an F360 for half a day purely on track about 3 years ago and I have to say it was stunning! No idea what driving one on the road would be like though. I'll do my best to wait a few more weeks Last edited by m33ufo; 06-07-2009 at 08:41 PM.

06-07-2009, 08:47 PM	#6
m33ufo S3 - On the open road Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cardiff Posts: 80 Casino cash: $264	I don't need rear seats, in fact just the 1 would do. Should I buy a single seater? I suppose this means I'll have to test drive the GT3. The Cobalt car in one of the links at the start of the thread is just a few miles from my office so I'll pop in a give it a spin. I'm sure I won't get the full effect but it will be a start. Last edited by m33ufo; 06-07-2009 at 10:35 PM.

07-07-2009, 06:58 AM	#9
Andyk Driving it like I nicked it Space Invaders Champion! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chepstow Posts: 2,506 Casino cash: $3997	I've driven a GT3 and loved it but did not have as much fun in it as the CSL but that maybe have been because I didn't get enough time behind the wheel and with the CSL you can jump and enjoy almost straight away. I think for me the other thing would be looks and the GT3 MRK2 is just not as good looking as the MRK1...Think it's those lights. Look forward to hearing your thougths. __________________

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06-07-2009, 03:07 PM	#2
Ade S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Middlesex Posts: 247 Casino cash: $853	Yes, I owned a 996GT3 for over 3 years and 30k+ miles. Modded pretty much everything on it during that time courtesy of Manthey and it was a razor sharp track-focussed scalpel when I sold it earlier this year. Out went the GT3, in came the CSL. I think it depends on what you want to do with the car. The 6Gt3 is a brilliant tool. But I think it is very hard to fall in love with, in the same way the CSL rewards you instantly. The GT3 is all about precision driving, eeking out the fastest and smoothest lines, perfecting your braking approaching the apex, and modulating the throttle at and through the apex. It rewards you in 0.01s against the clock. The GT3 also gives you the sense of occasion on road trips and bragging rights in the paddock... something you never really get with the CSL. If you are chasing 10/10ths on track, relish the attention on the road and in the paddock, then the GT3 is tops (apart from going the Lambo/Fezza route) But the CSL is, by far, the most fun car I've ever owned! For one, it's understated. SG/SB is about as exciting the colours get, and for most on the road, it's just another 3-series. Flying undercover, imho, is a good thing - especially in this market. The CSL rewards you instantly on track - you can pitch is sideways, in the dry, in the wet, and get away with it. It is easy to drive at 9/10ths (easier than the GT3), and it is the quicker car A-B in real world road conditions. In short, the CSL is an absolute HOOLIGAN! On track, the GT3 at the limit is tricky - it will teach you how to drive again, steering from the rear, and using the mechanical grip/aero to your advantage. Underestimate it, or overestimate your abilities, and it will bite. Hard and fast. Depending on how deep your pockets are, you will either find tracking 45k worth of GT3 painless or poor VFM compared to 25-30k of CSL. Especially when the CSL is good enough to give the GT3 a proper dogfight on most circuits (except on power circuits like Spa/Silverstone and if the circuit is clear). At the 'Ring, there is nothing in it except for driver ability. The CSL laps as quickly in pro hands as does the GT3. On the road, for normal hooning around, the CSL is the better car imho. Add in occasional passengers/urban use etc, and it's a no brainer. I don't miss the social attention of the GT3... but that's just me. Both cars are equally special - there are touches of the CSL that make it feel very very special. Hold out for the CSL imho

06-07-2009, 05:21 PM	#4
Jeff S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southfields, London Posts: 121 Casino cash: $675	Hmmm, I'd probably swing the other way to Ade. Having just sold my GT3 and now having a CSL I miss the GT3. I find the CSL a little too "normal"? It's hard to explain, maybe it just does things too well? Yes it's a hoot, I've put it around the ring doing some hard laps on my first trip and I'd say it was as quick as the GT3 and was probably easier to get up to speed. The GT3 does require respect to drive as ham fisted driving will see you into a wall. Experimenting with the rear end in a GT3 should be done well away from fixed objects as they can be unpredicable - although I never personally found this. My experience of the GT3 was overall positive, not scary and after I got over the odd feeling of the rear under braking I found it to be a weapon. I think I just liked the 911 quirks but hey, that's why there is more than one brand of car........... Cheers, Jeff

06-07-2009, 08:10 PM	#5
spanner S3 - On the open road Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: LANCS Posts: 116 Casino cash: $559	It's pretty simple to me. If you need back seats, get a csl, if not, get a Porsche. It is by far the more special of the two imho. Although I have only driven the rs version!