GT3. This string of characters is intrinsically linked with the Porsche 911, an exceptional car that, in the heart of every enthusiast, is synonymous with adrenaline, racetrack and outstanding performance. And we understand the emotions evoked by this iconic variation of the Stuttgart sports car, given the sportiness and high-flying capabilities it has been offering since its first iteration based on the 996.
Just when you thought the concept of the GT3 variant was set with the GT3 and GT3 RS models, Porsche presented the GT3 Touring, a third GT3 version without a fixed rear spoiler based on the 991 generation. The result: a design that is to die for, while still offering a sportiness worthy of its lineage.
And now the Zuffenhausen-based manufacturer is doing it again with the 992 generation: the 2022 GT3 range now includes the "classic" 911 GT3 with its fixed spoiler, as well as a “Touring” variant, again without spoiler.
But the question is: which one to choose in this 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring vs 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 battle? Porsche Lauzon, your Porsche dealer of choice on the North Shore of Montreal, helps you choose the one that best suits your lifestyle below!
Classic racecar look for the traditional GT3, pure but ultra-sporty profile for the "Touring".
First of all, in this 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring vs 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 comparison, let's pit their respective exterior styles against each other. Indeed, this is the first point of contact you will have with each of them at our Porsche dealership located in Laval, in the metropolitan area.
First, the similarities. If the two 911s in this comparison carry the ‘GT3’ badge, it's not by chance! Both models have all the features that characterise this version of the 911 Type 992. The oval headlamps above a very airy and aggressive front bumper, the double air outlets at the end of the front hood, the very low roof, the wide fenders, nicely curved, and the rear light strip reminiscent of the 911 Type 964, overlooking the inevitable two central exhaust outlets: both the "classic" 911 GT3 Type 992 and 2022 GT3 with Touring Package emphatically honour the racing DNA of their lineage.
For all that, the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 and the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package differ in one main respect: the fixed wing, which has been a feature of the GT3 family since its very beginning. While the former uses it in a form more reminiscent of racing with its gooseneck attachments, the latter does without it altogether.
The presence of the gooseneck on the traditional 2022 GT3 gives it a bestial character. It's quite simple: it's like looking at a 911 racing car, especially with the two new and beautiful integrated air outlets on the front hood. The absence of the wing on the Touring variant, however, has a completely different effect. While the other commonalities specific to the 992 GT3 range give it extra aggression compared to the Carrera variants, for example, the disappearance of the spoiler allows the purity and sobriety of the 911's line to be retained.
Hence:
- The 2022 911 GT3 with the wing will suit those seeking the unmistakable “just escaped from the racetrack” look offered by the Porsche high-performance coupe, as well as those circuit enthusiasts needing substantial aerodynamic support on the track.
- The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package will appeal primarily to those seeking the attributes of the GT3 but in a more restrained configuration, and more faithful to the original 911 design, or for whom the track is more secondary.
Very similar technical specs, but a more track-oriented classic GT3.
A GT3 is first and foremost unmatched technical specifications among sports cars in the Greater Montreal area. And our two competitors in this GT3 Touring vs GT3 match are no exception!
Indeed, in both cases, you can count on unparalleled technical features, starting with the powertrain. Both the traditional GT3 and the Touring are powered by a very powerful and majestic naturally aspirated flat-six engine with 502 hp and 347 lb-ft of peak torque. But more than these staggering figures for a naturally aspirated engine, it's the maximum engine speed that impresses. At 9,000 rpm, it's a value usually found on motorbike engines! And every rev-up is done with very little inertia (no turbo here!), all with an absolutely sublime exhaust sound that will make everyone in the Greater Montreal area turn around!
This mechanical masterpiece is available with either the ultra-fast seven-speed PDK transmission or, for the purists, the excellent six-speed manual. In both cases, all power is transmitted to the rear wheels. Thus outfitted, the two GT3 models are capable of a top speed of 320 km/h with the mechanical transmission, and 318 km/h when equipped with the PDK gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 3.9 seconds with the manual transmission and 3.4 seconds with the PDK.
According to Porsche Canada's data, the two 911 GT3 variants are therefore equivalent in performance. But does this mean that they both perform equally well in all conditions? On the road, yes, given the numbers above and the fact that you will never be able to fully exploit the extraordinary capabilities of these two fantastic machines on the open road. The difference will be on the track.
While the downforce generated by the Touring with its mobile wing is the same as that offered by the fixed wing variant, the Touring's wing is not manually adjustable to four different positions. This means that the downforce can be adjusted for the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, which is not the case for the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Type 992. This is where the two GT3s mainly differ, and why the classic GT3 is more suitable for the track, as it allows more aerodynamic adjustments compared to its Touring sibling.
So:
- For mainly road use with occasional track outings, opt for the Touring variant, which is above all a high-performance grand touring Porsche coupe, as only the Zuffenhausen manufacturer knows how to make.
- If you need all the adjustments offered by the GT3 classic's fixed wing or if you plan to use your GT3 primarily for the track, your best choice is the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3!
Similar interiors, but a more road-ready interior for the Touring.
Finally, the cherry on top: the interiors of both GT3s. At least in terms of design, you'll be treated to the best that Porsche has to offer. With a sober, horizontal dashboard, a streamlined interior, an ascending centre console with the gearstick lever within easy reach and a steering wheel designed for optimum grip, both GT3s offer timeless and elegant interior features as only Porsche can. And that's not to mention the seamless ergonomics for fast driving, allowing you to concentrate on what matters: the road and the fun behind the wheel!
For all that, once again, the slightly different vocations are evident in the materials used to cover the interiors. In the GT3 Touring, the interior is covered with leather rather than Race-Tex, a material with a very racing style that looks and feels like Alcantara. The Touring variant's more road/travel vocation is thus immediately recognisable every time you sit inside!
As for the rest, you can count on equipment that clearly has nothing to envy the best luxury vehicles in the Montreal area. With 18-way power seats, a rear ParkAssist system including a rearview camera, an interior mirror with anti-glare feature, 7-colour ambient lighting and a premium Bose sound system, depending on the 911 GT3 model you choose, you'll have everything you need to use your favourite racing car every day.
- Thus, opt for the 2022 911 GT3 Touring if you plan to use it on the road a lot. The leather interior is specifically designed for that!
- If you intend to “stretch the wheel” of your future GT3 992 on the track, the classic GT3 and its Race-Tex interior, which allows for optimal grip on the steering wheel, will be preferable. And the Touring is still very good for the track too!
Conclusion: 2022 911 GT3 for the track, 2022 911 GT3 Touring for the open road.
That's it for this comparison 911 GT3 Touring vs 911 GT3! As we have seen, the 2022 911 GT3 and GT3 Touring are relatively close. The same engine and transmission, the same performance and the same driving pleasure: both variants of the 911 Type 992 are top-class sports cars.
The difference is that the Touring has no fixed spoiler, which allows it to offer a design very close to the Carrera variants in the range and more broadly to the classic design of the original 911. It therefore has a more sober profile than its variant with a gooseneck wing, while maintaining the same aerodynamic support thanks to its mobile spoiler.
However, this same movable spoiler is not adjustable like that of the 'normal' GT3, which is fixed. This gives a de facto advantage to the classic GT3 version on the track, as there are more aerodynamic settings available to fine-tune performance on different tracks.
Still undecided? Contact one of our specialists at Porsche Lauzon, your reference Porsche dealer in Laval, on the North Shore of Montreal! We will help you choose the GT3 model that best suits your needs. We will also take the opportunity to inform you about Porsche offers and leasing/financing programs that will allow you to drive away with YOUR own 992 GT3. See you soon at the dealership!
August 10, 2021