Originally Posted by
Papalazarou
Thought I'd let you guys know what I thought of the GT3 I drove yesterday. It was a 15 mile test drive, some bumpy roads, a bit of straight and some well surfaced open bends; 2nd and 3rd gear stuff.
The car was an immaculate MK1 with low miles so everything was well sorted.
First of all, and I was warned about this, on start up these cars sound a little rough!
I climbed into the racing bucket seats which are, as far as I can see, non adjustable which means you sit very straight and very upright. This is further exasperated by the upper bolster which pushes your shoulders forward. Now, after 10 minutes of driving this car I was beginning to wish there was some adjustment. for road use I'd be looking around for some Recaros! for track, I'd be looking to modify the mountings on the bucket seats so I wasn't being crucified! I really don't understand why performance function is often so compromised. the NSX-R and type S seats look like they have a sensible tilt? Interestingly the New GT3's have adjustability.
Anyway, what was the car like? Well having never driven a 911 before, I was interested to know whether I'd notice the well documented quirks these cars have.
The first thing I really noticed was the clutch; a nice smooth action but a fair bit stiffer than the NSX, but I guess most are.
next up was the steering; very direct compared to the lazy steering of the NSX. The steering feel was also much lighter, I'd actually made the first turn before I'd consciously realised.
Once on the bumpy roads the car was actually pretty civilized, once I'd remembered to let the car plot its own course rather than continually correcting. The suspension was actually quite compliant.
The trademark nose skip was there, making the front feel a little strange at lower speed but coming alive at higher speed where the car made a lot more sense.
In the first couple of gears the extra 60-70 hp is noticeable. In a straight line you'd have to ring the neck out of an NA2 to stand a chance of keeping up. also because there's a fair bit more torque, it pulls harder at lower revs.
After having 24 hours to process the information, I'd say that the GT3 is easily a harder car to drive than the NSX, but perhaps not surprising when you consider its focus.
It's certainly pretty raw compared to the Honda; There appears to be less sound deadening so the engine sounds course even at mid revs on a light throttle. It's also nowhere near as smooth as the V6.
The sharper steering is an aquired taste but once you got used to it I imagine it would be preferable. the steering on the NSX is more progressive.
The gearbox was good, but not as good as the NSX and although I imagine the brakes were a vast improvement on the Honda, I didn't get them warm enough to really test them.
My conclusion would be;
Plus points: brutal engine, great steering, sound on full throttle, surprisingly compliant for a track biased car.
Minus points: seats (am I getting old?), front end at low speed.
Would I buy one? The MK1 was too raw for me, but ask me when I've driven a MK2 with normal seats.
FFinally, these are just my observations, I'm not an expert and have never driven a 911 before yesterday.
However, If I had to choose between my car and a mk1 GT3 at this moment I'd choose the Honda. with the right brakes and suspension (I hear KW make some very compliant road/track set-ups now)and some comfortable sports seats the NSX may be the better car.
Cheers,
James.
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