Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the discontinued 911 GT2 RS are both track-focused monsters, with the GT2 RS offering more power and performance with its twin-turbocharged flat-six engine.
  • While the GT2 RS may be more powerful, the GT3 RS has its own appeal, with a naturally aspirated engine, lighter weight, and the option for a manual transmission, making it a more balanced and engaging road-going sports car.
  • The Porsche GT2 RS might be coming back as the first-ever 911 hybrid.

Porsche remains one of the few carmakers focusing religiously on driving experience, even with its EVs. The Porsche Taycan is surprisingly a great driver's car despite having an absence of the 'drama' and 'emotions' of an ICE car. Porsche is an enthusiastic brand; there is always room for wild sports cars in its stable. Currently, that tag goes to the 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. But until 2019, Porsche also had an even more aggressive sports car on sale—the 911 GT2 RS.

UPDATE: 2023/09/13 20:27 EST BY TIJO TENSON

We have updated this article with more interesting features that differentiate the most hardcore Porsche 911s ever made—the GT2 RS and the GT3 RS. We all give you an exciting update on the future of the 911 GT RS models.

Both the GT3 RS and the GT2 RS are similar. But the GT2, let's say, will put a wider grin on your face. It is more track-focused with extreme weight-saving carbon fiber components. The GT2 RS packs a twin-turbo flat-6, whereas a naturally aspirated flat-six screamer powers the GT3 RS. These GT RS models together make up for the most hardcore Porsche 911s ever made. But which of these very similar 911s is the better track-ready monster? We decode the most drool-worthy Porsches ever.

RELATED: Porsche Considering Fully Electric Third-Gen Panamera

911 GT2 RS Vs GT3 RS: The Wildest Porsche Sports Cars Ever Made

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Vs GT3 RS front third quarter on the racetrack view
Porsche

The GT2 RS is an impressive and wild sports car in Porsche's lineup. The first generation was launched in 2010. Later, the second generation emerged between 2017 and 2019 and is considered the most iconic. Another major reason for the 911 generation GT2 RS's iconic status is its rarity. Porsche discontinued the GT2 RS after the 2019 model year.

But the GT3 RS is a lot older than the GT2 RS. In 1999, the GT3 lineup was introduced by Porsche globally. Later, in 2003, the GT3 RS was announced by Porsche, and in 2004, finally, the GT3 RS was on sale, packing a 3.6-liter flat-six engine. As the years passed, various changes were made to the Porsche GT3 RS, such as weight reduction, aerodynamics, engine technology, and more. All over changes got done to make the GT3 RS fly more speedily. In the 4th generation of GT3 RS, the manual transmission was swapped for an automatic unit. This was a controversial decision because of which, later, both options were made available.

While the GT3 RS was tamer than the GT2 RS, both were designed to be track monsters, one with sonorous naturally-aspirated music and the other with the surge of turbochargers.

Is The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Faster Than The GT3 RS?

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Vs GT3 RS accelerating comparison view
Porsche

Engine And Performance Specs

Make And Model

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Years

2010-2019

2003-Present

Configuration

Twin-Turbocharged Flat-Six

Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six

Displacement

3.8-Liter

4.0-Liter

Power

691 hp

518 hp

Torque

553 lb-ft

342 lb-ft

0-60 mph

2.6 seconds

3 seconds

Top Speed

211 mph

184 mph

Curb Weight

3,241 pounds

3,268 pounds

The 911 GT2 RS is what you get when you combine a lightweight sports car with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, which creates 691 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This beast goes 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 211 mph. This maniac of a sports car is packed in a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels only. In PDK sport mode, every shift takes milliseconds, and it does so with authority.

Conversely, the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is powered by a wicked 4-liter flat-six engine, which remains mostly unchanged from last year. But minor tweaks elevate its appeal, like adding new intakes, a titanium exhaust, and revised spark curves generating an impressive 518 hp, with a screaming red-line of 9000 rpm. This sets the GT3 RS apart from the rest. The naturally aspirated engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The fact that it comes in a stick shift alone is news enough for an enthusiast to sacrifice the superior twin-turbocharged performance of the GT2 RS and jump ship to the tamer GT3 RS.

Design Differences Between A 911 GT2 RS And A GT3 RS: It's All In The Aerodynamics

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach Edition - Front Quarter
Via: Bring A Trailer

Porsche's GT2 RS has an RR layout (rear engine and rear-wheel drive). The rear wheels are programmed to turn opposite to the front wheels by 2.8 degrees for faster turn-in and maneuverability at low speeds. It's lightweight, and the optional Weissach package was available in this model, too. It cost around $31,000. The optional package included magnesium wheels, which reduce weight by around 25 lbs, and other carbon fiber components like the roof, anti-roll bars, and end-links on both axles.

The GT2 RS has distinctively designed front and rear spoilers, a vital part of its impressive aerodynamics. Front scoops give fresh air to the front brakes. The striking air intakes on the aerodynamic front end and behind the doors indicate the huge demand for cooling in the powertrain and an increase in the aerodynamic downforce. Many aspects of the aerodynamic system were taken from the GT3 RS for the mighty GT2 RS.

The GT2 RS dons Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Series tires, with a 265-width front and 365-width rear tire spec. The aerodynamics of the GT3 RS is pretty much like the GT2 RS, the hoods are similar to NACA ducts that feed air to the front brakes, and the wings can also get adjusted manually. The GT3 RS creates a higher downward force than the GT2 RS.

Green 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS  on the road
Bring a Trailer

In the GT3 RS, hoods, fenders, and deck lids are carved out of carbon fiber. The rear seats have been removed, and the standard seats are carbon fiber buckets. Lightweight glass is used for the rear windows, making the car lighter. The GT3 RS can lose more weight by using optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which are 50% lighter than the standard brakes.

We could also order an optional Weissach package, priced at around $18,000. This package includes a carbon fiber roof, sway bars, coupling rods, and steering wheel trim, which will reduce about 13 lbs. Another package is available at $13,000, including magnesium wheels, 25 lbs lighter than the standard alloys.​​​

In short, the GT2 RS might have more performance, but the GT3 RS more than makes up for this loss with extreme weight savings.

Which Is More Expensive: Porsche GT2 RS Or GT3 RS?

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Vs GT3 RS front third quarter comparison view
Porsche

Pricing

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Original MSRP (2019 Model)

Average Used Market Range

Original MSRP (2023 Model)

Average Used Market Range

From $293,200

$388,000

From $241,300

$200,000

The rarity and more powerful packaging of the GT2 RS makes it the most expensive wild Porsche. The last new Porsche 911 GT2 RS was sold in 2019 with an MSRP of $293,200. Prices have shot up since then for used 911 GT2 RS models. The last-gen 911s, especially the 2018 and 2019 GT2 RS models, sell today for close to $400,000.

The 911 GT3 RS is still in production, and a new 2024 model starts with an MSRP of $241,300. It is quite an expensive Porsche, but thankfully, there are loads of desirable older GT3 RS on sale in the used market. Today, a used GT3 RS Porsche 911 sells for an average of $200,000. This is valid even for the 997.1 GT3 RS models launched nearly two decades ago.

GT3 RS Or GT2 RS: Which Track-Ready Porsche 911 Is Better?

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Vs GT3 RS cornering on racetrack comparison view
Porsche

The Porsche GT2 RS has larger turbochargers, a distinct crankcase, unique pistons, large air ducts, intercoolers, and a unique WIS (water injection system). Power-wise, the GT2 RS is more powerful than the GT3 RS. Curb weight is another aspect where they differ.

They also get different calibrations of shock dampening, steering, rear-axle steering, and stability control systems. Both the 911s get different front and rear fascias due to varying cooling system requirements. Initially, the GT2 RS came with carbon-ceramic brakes, whereas the GT3 RS came with gray cast iron rotors. But later on, both were offered with carbon brakes.

Both of these hardcore Porsche 911 flagships are extremely powerful, though they may inspire drivers differently. If you want a pure track monster, the GT2 RS is the answer. But if you are looking for a tamer road-going sports car that can also flex its muscles on a racetrack, then the GT3 RS will not disappoint.

Will There Be A New Porsche 911 GT2 RS?

Porsche 992 GT2 RS Modern Render
HotCars Photo © 2023 Valnet

Rumors of a new wilder and bolder Porsche 911 GT2 RS are floating around. It sure has been a long time since we saw a new GT2 RS. So, according to Autocar, now could be the right time for the world to witness the most powerful and fastest production, 911 of all time.

The expected 2026 Porsche 911 GT2 RS will combine the 3.8-Liter bi-turbo boxer from the 911 Turbo and the mild hybrid tech for Porsche's 963 LMDh endurance racecar to be the first-ever hybrid Porsche 911. It is expected to pack over 700 hp and over 700 lb-ft of torque. This could be a recipe for the wildest 911 ever made.

The Future Of Porsche GT RS Lineup

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Vs GT3 RS rear fascia comparison view
Porsche

The current-generation GT3 RS model will likely be the last of the pure-gasoline kind since the GT RS range will feature hybrid technology, most likely from the next generation run. With the strong rumors of a new hybrid GT2 RS making rounds, it won't be long before a hybrid GT3 RS breaks cover. Further, along the line, the Porsche 911 lineup, including the GT RS models, will eventually go all-electric.