911 vs ZL1 vs GT350

"BadMotorScooter" (badmotorscooter)
12/18/2018 at 20:54 • Filed to: None

Apples, oranges, and bananas comparison? Not so sure. All are 2 door, 4 seat sports coupes, albeit with different intentions and tactics. I am considering this trio as a near DD 4-season ‘fun’ car. This wouldn’t see every day use, but would be my primary vehicle so needs to be livable on a daily basis, including winter. I’m not interested in lap times or time slips, other than pure reference points. More interested in which would be more fun and livable. Here’s what I am comparing and how I see it.

18 911 Carrera T - Lightly optioned, call it $100k after discounts. Manual, of course. Iconic German sports car with a well deserved reputation of being at/near the top of the sports car market. Relatively low HP, but stellar performance numbers, and outside of the numbers it has the real feel. Classic Porsche flat-6 sound (even with the turbos). Excellent interior and ergonomics. Faults include tiny interior storage, small frunk, expensive. It can be equipped with Porsche approved winter tires at the dealer, and easy to swap summers when ready. It is the most expensive in this group, but it seems to be a level above the others in quality and design.

19 Camaro ZL1 - $60k new, custom ordered to spec (after discounts). A linebacker that can sprint and turn. Weird blend of muscle car and sports car. 6-speed manual, good Recaro seats, good looks. More interior room than the 911 and a larger trunk storage area. Amazing chassis and more power than needed for the street. Good sound, but not as good as GT350. No good winter tire options without custom wheels, but a ZL1 on winter tires?

18 GT350 - ~$59 k new. My local dealer has a red/white stripe in stock and would probably make a really good deal (different car shown in pic) . Amazing engine, amazing sound. Good shifter, but not as good as the 911 or ZL1 . As practical as Camaro with better visibility. A special car, looks good but I think the ZL1 looks better. I love the engineering of the flat-plane V8 . It’s at the bottom of my list but in the running. Not sure how it would do in routine, regular use and would I dare fit winter tires?

So, which would you choose with your money? Is the 911 worth $40k more? What alternatives that have 2-doors, 4-seats, manual trans, relatively reliable and practical enough for routine regular 4-season use? Note, you’d have to really talk me into a BMW - just don’t like how they look.

DISCUSSION (6)

Jayhawk Jake > BadMotorScooter
12/19/2018 at 09:02

GT350 for that engine. The 2 autocross runs I did in someone’s GT350R still stand out as the best driving experience I’ve ever had, which is saying something. Also, as someone that dailies a S550 Mustang, they are quite practical. Visibility is good, the trunk is huge with a big opening, and the back seats work in a pinch (headroom sucks).

I don’t know what size the Mustang or Camaro’s tir es are off the top of my head, but with the aftermarket for these cars I’m sure you can find wheels and tires.

The 911 is something I’m intrigued by but I’ve never driven one. To me it would just be hard to justify $100k when there’s so many great options around $60k. I know you aren’t looking for two cars and there’s reasons to not have two, but if you were to spend $60k on the Mustang or Camaro you could still spend 30-40 on a “winter beater” and come out ahead of the Porsche.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BadMotorScooter
12/19/2018 at 09:12

Only buying new?

Why Carrera T over S?

If you think the ZL1 looks better, I think that’s the one (I prefer the styling of the GT350).

While you’re at it, I’d at least drive a really nice E92 M3 and an M2 Comp.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jayhawk Jake
12/19/2018 at 09:12

... 30-40 on a “winter beater”

I laughed.

BadMotorScooter > Jayhawk Jake
12/19/2018 at 10:11

Good points. I don’t have room for another vehicle (4 in the fleet right now) so this needs to be a single car. I would be trading my DD pickup, which while super practical is just kind of boring. Hence the need for something livable and practical enough for routine 4-season use.

It is hard to swallow the $40k premium for a 911. They are amazing cars though. Truly a level above and it’s apparent from first turn of the key. The driving experience is excellent and unique too. It isn’t a numbers car - for example Porsche says 0-60 in 4.3 with the manual, but private tests have gotten 3.6! I think Porsche underrates the power. A 911 is iconic and worth more, I just don’t know about $40k more.

I wish I could get some track or road time with the GT350. I’m sure that would change my perspective!

BadMotorScooter > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
12/19/2018 at 10:17

I’m open to CPO or lightly used, but needs to be modern enough to have current tech and reliable/warranty. This would be my near DD and see some miles.

The Carrera T has piqued my interest because of the driver/performance oriented package, with relatively good pricing. Plus my local dealer has one in stock and is willing to make a deal on it (vs ordering a car to spec). One of the downsides with Porsche is finding an in stock car the way you want it - new or used. Of course you can order, but you pay a premium. That’s really what started this search/comparison.

I should take a look at an E92 M3 and M2. I haven’t really considered BMW just because I don’t really like how they look and I’m not sure the value equation makes sense (haha , like a 911 does ...) . I should probably reconsider though.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BadMotorScooter
12/19/2018 at 10:32

I’d see how close to what you want you can find with a CPO Carrera S (has better brakes than the T) - might be able to save 20 grand off new.

If you really don’t like the styling of the BMWs , that’s a tall hill to climb, but I’m definitely of the opinion that you should drive ALL THE CARS when you’re in the market to buy.

It’s really a sad state of affairs that there are so few cars currently available in the States with 2 doors, 4 seats, good power, and a manual...

Drive a Mustang GT PP2 for good measure. The GT350's motor is amazing, but I think the PP2 is just as fast. You could buy a GT PP2 and a Camaro SS 1LE - ha!