badlands said:
I'd maybe consider a 997 GT3 (either gen) but opinion seems to be they're less of an all-rounder for both street & track - especially with 2nd gear maxing out so high (84mph).
That said I've not yet driven any GT3.
At least in the first few years of ownership, majority of driving would be weekend/nighttime drives with only 2 or 3 track days a year. Scared to bin the 993 on track tbh with no safety net tech + safety concerns with no cage etc.
What I did, before I took the GT3 plunge, was book a session at PEC Silverstone.
At maximum, beans on toast for dinner every night, man-maths stretch, my budget
could have extended to either 997.2 GT3, or 991.1 GT3. IN my heart, for me, I did feel the 997 was going to be 'the one', but nonetheless, I did not want to switch cars and then start thinking of another switch soon after, as I was after a keeper.
I really liked the 991.1 GT3, a lot, but I am happy owning a 997.1 GT3. You may be different of course, and that's totally understandable. IMHO, there is no 'wrong' answer. Whatever, it's a very big financial commitment, so try before you buy is never a bad policy. I believe the PEC may still have 997 GT3s as well as 991.
On the subject of the 997 gearing, it is something some people chose to resolve with a revised diff. This can also be combined with revised LSD locking ratios too, which apparently save the rear brakes from doing so much work.