Great looking cars! The color combo, IMHO, looks superb.:cheers
I was also fortunate to be able to pick up a GT3 RS[black/orange] late last year. I have never been a Porsche fan previously, and the acquisition happened as a result of a business transaction. I was planning on selling the RS until I drove it and tracked it a few times. While I am not trying to preempt what will be an excellent review of the 2 cars, perhaps a couple of early opinions of the Ford GT and the RS would be interesting for the gang.
The RS is an more relaxing car to drive-better visibility all around, perception of a roomier interior, instrumentation easier to read[like the digital speedo read out], and more comfortable seats. The gear box on the RS is not as smooth as the GT. Although the throw is shorter than the GT, it is "notchier," particularly going from 2nd to 3rd. Have to be precise with both up and down shifts in the RS.
Storage space is significantly better in the RS, especially if the car does not have the roll bar system installed. The ergonomics of the RS just seem to be better then the GT. Some, however, of the Porsche technology is a PITA. There is no dip stick and engine oil level has to read from the on board computer system. The lap timer is a puzzle I haven't been able to solve-"You guys mean to say that I have to be flicking this lever every time I want to start a new lap time?I don't think anyone should be flicking anything going through the kink on the North straight at VIR at 145mph.":ack That being said, the GT, I believe, is a much more attractive car. The RS is still a 911 style, although "jazzed" up a bit with colors, wide wheel wells etc. If I went into my garage on a nice, sunny day to take a drive, the GT gets the nod.
On the track, the comparison between the 2 cars is interesting. I should add here that my limited experience with both these cars is with stock tires. And the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires are far superior than the Goodyear Eagles as far as grip and stability. The GT is obviously faster down the straights. However, the RS comes out of the turns quicker when the rpms are kept around 6000-82000. The higher torque of the GT has to be managed more carefully on corner exits, and it takes a longer period of time for the car to "hook up" than does the RS.
The brakes on both cars are excellent. My RS rotors are steel, not the PCB's. Let me qualify these opinions by saying I do not drive any of my cars at the limit on the track. I am not that good a driver, and there are no trophies or prize money for the DE events I attend. And repairing these cars would undoubtedly be an expensive proposition. I will, however, "push" a bit more from time to time when I feel the car and I are working well together.
The brakes, I feel, on the RS are marginally better than the GT. Under hard braking, there is absolutely no car movement-it just stops-fast! The RS also maintains this stability when trail braking into turns, and will rotate predictably time after time. The GT, however, seems to "dive" more under braking than the RS and requires the car to be straight when doing this. The GT does not like to be trail braked, IMHO, and can be spun if one is not careful with this.
The GT feels "heavier" on the track than the RS. The car is a momentum car-keep the momentum up, use the power judiciously, go faster. This is an advantage from a censorial feel in high speed sweepers. The GT feels more planted. But, and this is a big BUT, there are more feelings of roll and a bit of looseness in the car during these turns which may be due to the difference in tires and suspension. Need to be very smooth with the GT and be way out ahead of the car.
Pedal set up is better in the RS for heal and toeing. The shift light in the RS is a great help to keep one's eyes outside the car going up through the gears. Headroom for helmets is better in the RS and results in a more, for me, comfortable driving position. With all its drivers aids, the RS is a more "forgiving" car-the traction control, for example, is not intrusive and is difficult to place the car in a condition where it is activated.
These are two very different "track" cars. The RS is a race car designed to be driven as is on the street. The front and rear sway bars, for example, can be adjusted quickly and easily. The GT is a street car which can be driven on the track-but it is not a race car. Put some adjustable shocks on the GT, corner weight it, lower it, a little caster/camber adjustment, stick some Hoosiers on, and then it becomes something else. After driving both cars on a track, I have to say I feel like I was working more in the GT than the RS. Both cars would be close as far as lap times if driven by competent drivers-RS quicker through and out of corners, GT making up some time on the straights. I just feel I can drive the RS faster with less effort on a track than the GT. So, if I have to pick one to take to the track, the RS gets the nod.
Mitty, you may already be aware of this, but check out Sharkworks' cat back exhaust system for the RS. Absolutely great sounds. Nothing up to 3000rpm, a little from 3000-4000, and from 4000-8200-HS!!! Sounds like a Cup car. No resonance at 75 mph. Soccer Moms in the big SUV's get really pissed when you go by in 2nd at 7000!
Enjoy the RS. Looking forward to your observations.:thumbsup
