CSL vs. 996 GT3

[Ade]

Originally Posted by terryb

I have to give you my input as I owned an immaculate CSL for a year and replaced with a fantastic Mk1 GT3, albeit a well modified one.

The main points to consider are

• Front end turn-in. The GT3 is immense - it really makes you feel the difference between a front engined car and rear engined (I know that mid engined cars like Elise's feel the same too).
• Steering feel - Again another big plus for the GT3, although it can become too busy and fidgety at lower speeds and sometimes wish it wasn't so communicative - but on the track it's awesome.
• Brakes - simply phenomenal - never experienced such good brakes (although mine are uprated, but still much better than in my old Impreza Race car, which weighed less and had full APs with Pagid race pads)
• Grip - A well set-up GT3 has immense grip - 295 rear tyres and rear engine, say no more - but remember - slow in, fast out!!!! Although I'm finding fast in fast out...
• Noise - both cars sound truly awesome - the induction roar of the CSL sounds like angry thunder whereas the screaming flat 6 of the GT3 is like a ailing banshee - both make you want to press the loud pedal more of the time
• Gearbox - the 6 speed in the GT3 is a very good box, excellent ratios and very positive in action, but the SMGII CSL box os also great and better on the track as you don't need to take your hands off the steering wheel and perfect downshift blips every time - plus the speed of gearchange in S6 is just immense.

At the end of the day, you need to spend more time behind the seat of a GT3 to understand if it is preferable to a CSL and depends how often you plan to use it. It's completely down to individual tastes too.

Hey Terry,

Nice to hear you enjoying the GT3 A lot of the positives you mention above are because of the extensive mods you have: Alcon brakes + cooling, MMKW suspension and geo, CG wheels, and even small things like the Cup steering wheel and Manthey billet shifter which gives the positive action: the standard gearshift is rubbery in comparison.

If you tried a lesser GT3 in comparison, you'd find it quite blunt and loose in comparison. Enjoy her in good health!