It's a big day for Porsche enthusiasts. The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 has finally debuted becoming the first GT variant of the current 992-generation 911 and the fourth overall generation of the GT3 (excluding the mid-cycle refreshes). Porsche says the 992 GT3 shares the closest connection to its race car counterpart: the double-wishbone front suspension is shared with the 911 RSR, and the 4.0-liter flat-six is nearly identical to the one used in the GT3 Cup race car.
Porsche diehards will likely jump on the chance to own this new GT3, but as we've seen with the previous generation models, there are bound to be dealership markups as collectors rush to get their build slots in. Pricing has not been announced yet, but with the outgoing car starting at $143,600, we estimate most customers will spend anywhere from $170,000 to $200,000 on a well-optioned GT3.
If you don't feel like spending that much or simply can't wait, here are six used Porsche GT cars that you can buy right now for less.
991.2 GT3
Instead of reserving a new 992 GT3, you could purchase a used example of the outgoing 911.2 GT3. This update to the 991 generation GT3 boasts important changes compared to the early models. The 3.8-liter flat-six was replaced by a new 4.0-liter unit developing 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm. This is only two fewer horsepower than the brand-new GT3, and the 9,000-rpm redline is identical. Most of these cars use a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, but with the 991.2 updates, Porsche also made a six-speed manual available.
Used pricing for the 991.2 GT3 starts around $150,000, meaning depreciation hasn't really set in yet. GT3 values are very steady, and we expect them to hold steady in the future. The wingless GT3 Touring model should remain particularly valuable, as we couldn't find any used examples under $200,000.
991.1 GT3
Should you be willing to forgo a manual transmission and settle for "only" 475 hp from a 3.8-liter flat-six, the 991.1 generation GT3 is a great value right now. These early cars were all recalled due to a dangerous engine fire, but those issues have all been resolved. Prices for these cars are hovering around $120,000 on the low end, with the most expensive examples topping out around $150,000. We think the values for the 991.1 are depressed because the 991.2 offered so many significant improvements, like an available manual transmission and a larger engine.
997.1 And 997.2 GT3
We believe the 997 911 GT3 (both the 997.1 and 997.2) is the best overall choice of all the available options. The 997 generation 911 is the last model that didn't feel enormous. It is also the last to have a minimalist interior and only come with a manual transmission. Early 997.1 cars use a 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing 415 hp. Porsche later upped the displacement to 3.8-liters in the 997.2, producing 435 hp. Both models were rare in the United States, meaning values haven't dropped as much as other 911 variants.
We found early 997.1 GT3 examples starting around $90,000. Newer 997.2 cars start at approximately $110,000 and cap out around $140,000. If it's within your budget, we highly recommend going for the 997.2 as it sports a better engine and interior, exterior, and mechanical upgrades.
997.1 And 997.2 GT3 RS
Anyone in the market for a track-ready 911 should check out the 997 911 GT3 RS. The 997.1 GT3 RS was the first time Porsche decided to bring its most hardcore RS variants to the US. This model was 44 pounds lighter than a standard GT3 and sported other motorsport-inspired upgrades. For the 997.2 update, Porsche introduced a new 3.8-liter flat-six engine producing 450 hp. These two cars are well-known for their outrageous color schemes and stickers, including the 997.2 model's iconic red wheels.
Prices for these cars range highly depending on mileage, with used examples costing between $140,000 to $200,000. Since these were built for the race track, we wouldn't shy away from a high-mileage model that's been well-maintained to use as a track toy with occasional road use.
996 GT3
The 996 is the most unloved Porsche 911 variant due to its controversial styling and infamous IMS issues. Fortunately, the 996 GT3 uses a 3.6-liter flat-six Mezger engine that does not share the IMS bearing with lesser 911 models of this generation. With only 355 hp, the 996 GT3 is by far the least powerful of the GT3 generations, but it is also the least expensive. Used prices start at under $70,000, but if we're honest, it's worth spending an additional $20,000 or so to jump into a 997.1 GT3.
981 Cayman GT4
Should you be looking for a Porsche GT model that costs under $100,000, the 981 Porsche Cayman GT4 offers the best value of all used Porsche GT models. This car has decreased in value recently with the introduction of the 982-generation 718 Cayman GT4, but that doesn't mean it isn't great. The 3.8-liter flat-six engine produces 385 hp, going out to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. And unlike the 911, which places its engine in the back, the GT4 mounts its engine in the middle for better balance.
We found used Cayman GT4 examples starting around $75,000, making it one of the most affordable Porsche GT cars available right now. We don't believe GT4 prices will ever skyrocket like a GT3, but if you want a car to put miles on rather than letting it collect dust in a garage, it's a stellar option.