Porsche GT2 vs GT3 – Which is Better?

We’ve written about the 997 vs 991 and the Cayman vs Boxster, but we have yet to address Porsche’s sportiest models, the Porsche GT2 vs GT3. These are hands down our favorite Porsche’s to date. Not only are the RS trims the fastest, but they are the sharpest looking too. For those Porsche enthusiasts that are in the market for an extremely high-performance Porsche, we’ll explain the many similarities and differences between these two 911 models. Topics that will be addressed in this article are performance, price, reliability, and more so you can decide which model is best for you.

Porsche GT2 vs GT3 – The Basics

The Porsche GT2 was first introduced in 1993 and was produced up until 2019. It had four generations over nearly 3 decades of production. The 993 or 991 are by far our favorites based on looks. The 991 GT2 RS is proclaimed the fastest 911 ever built. There were two versions of this model: a GT2 and a GT2 RS. The GT2 RS appeared in 2010 for the 997 and 991 generations. After 2010, there was just a GT2 RS offering, not a GT2. It offered a more powerful engine and weighed less than the GT2. It became quite popular in motorsports. There were many engines in the GT2 ranging from 424hp-690hp and 432-553lb-ft of torque. Transmissions available were a 6-speed manual and 7-speed PDK automatic transmission.

The Porsche GT3, also known as the GT2’s little brother, was first introduced in 1999 and is still in production today. It also has had four generations since 1999, but started a generation after the GT2. The 997 GT3 is our favorite based on looks. Unlike the GT2, the GT3 had an RS variant for every generation, even a 997 GT3 RS 4.0. The GT3 was also a very prominent racing vehicle for many drivers. There were many engines in the GT3 ranging from 355hp-518hp and 273-347lb-ft of torque. Like the GT2, the transmissions available were a 6-speed manual and 7-speed PDK automatic transmission.

GT2 Generations

•  993 GT2 – 1993-1998
• 996 GT2 – 2001-2005
• 997 GT2 – 2007-2012
• 991 GT2 – 2018-2020

GT3 Generations

•  996 GT3 – 1999-2005
• 997 GT3 – 2006-2011
• 991 GT3 – 2013-2019
• 992 GT3 – 2021-Present

Porsche GT2 vs GT3 Price

Since the GT2’s production was halted in 2020, we will be using similar model years to keep pricing consistent for the sections below.

New & Used Porsche GT2 vs GT3 Prices

The 2020 911 GT2 RS started at $293,200. A 2022 911 GT3 starts at $169,700, while a 2022 911 GT3 RS starts at $223,800. So even with the GT2 RS being older than the GT3 RS, it is more expensive. We’ll go more in-depth on the differences and why the prices make sense later in the article. For used GT2 and GT3 prices, we will be pulling from similar years (2002-2019). There aren’t very many used Porsche GT2 or GT2 RS’ to go on, but prices range from $294,995 – $777,990 (2011). Used Porsche GT3 or GT3 RS’ prices range from $114,725 – $1,000,000 (2011). Based on price, it seems that the GT2 may be more sought after in the used market and the GT2s tend to be more expensive.

General Porsche GT2 vs GT3 Topics

Porsche GT2 vs GT3 Performance

For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2020 Porsche GT2 RS and GT3 RS. Now, the fun part, performance, and the main reason for the price difference.

Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy

Porsche GT2 Performance

A 2020 Porsche GT2 RS came equipped with a 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six engine that put down a staggering 690hp (515 kW) and 553lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. With a 0-60 time of 2.7 seconds and a top track speed of 211 mph, now you can understand why this model is so expensive.. The flat-six engine featured an updated 7-speed PDK automatic transmission. It boasts a quarter mile time of 10.3 seconds at 138 mph. The Porsche GT2 RS is the fourth fastest Porsche, so far.

Porsche GT3 Performance

A 2020 Porsche GT3 RS featured a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six engine that put down an impressive 493hp (368 kW) and 339lb-ft (460 Nm) of torque. With a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds and a top track speed of 198 mph, now you can understand why this is considered the GT2’s little brother. The flat-six engine came with an updated 7-speed PDK automatic transmission. It boasts a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds. Since the GT3 is still being produced, we’ll cover those performance specs as well.

The 992 GT3 still has a 4.0L NA flat-six engine, but it puts down an updated 502hp and 346lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK automatic transmission. 0-60 times also improved to 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 197mph. The 2023 992 GT3 RS has the same 4.0L NA engine, but puts out 518hp and the same 346 lb-ft of torque. It has a more impressive 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds but a top speed lower at 184mph. The 992 GT3 RS is the fifth fastest Porsche, so far.

Porsche GT2 vs GT3 Reliability and Common Problems

When it comes to the reliability of these vehicles, there isn’t much data to base our findings. However, after scouring the internet for many hours, we have concluded that these are rather reliable pending how well they are maintained. The hard part with the reliability of these supercars is that most are not daily drivers. Therefore, these vehicles more than likely average 5,000 miles a year. This is not to say that a GT2 or GT3 can not be daily drivers, but the value will drop tremendously if this is the case. What comes with any supercar? Expensive annual maintenance costs, this should be a given.

Common problems seen in a GT2 or GT3 are boost leaks, oil leaks, IMS bearing issues, coolant hose failure, spun camshaft, faulty airbag sensors or module, and suspension metallic clunk noises. When it comes to service or maintenance, you will want to find a mechanic that you trust that won’t screw you with cost of labor or parts.

Porsche GT2 vs GT3 – Which is Better?

So, which is better: the GT2 or the GT3? We feel this question is rather subjective because people want different things out of their vehicles. However, we will provide our opinion if finances weren’t an issue. We would choose the Porsche GT2 RS any day of the week. This is because it comes with a twin-turbo engine, which means there is more potential to mod this vehicle for more power, if 690hp wasn’t enough. However, the GT3 may seem more practical because it isn’t as fast and can be road driven easier. Given that the GT2 RS is mainly produced for track use, the GT3 offers a nicer, more comfortable interior.

Porsche GT2 vs GT3 Conclusion

To wrap up this article, both models are incredible pieces of machinery designed by Porsche. Both have rich histories in racing and on the street. For anyone that is in the market for a GT2 or GT3, we hope the information above assists in your purchasing decision. In short, the GT2 is faster and tends to be more expensive, but the GT3 may be found as more practical and cheaper. If you are reading this and have had first-hand experience with either model, please let us know your experience in the comments below. This will not only assist us with our research, but also with future readers. If you are wanting to read up on more Porsche content, here are the fastest Porsche’s ever made.