Porsche 996 GT3 RS vs 718 GT4 RS

It’s far from a secret that we’re big fans of Porsche RS models. So big that it’s probably bordering on irritating for those of you who aren’t into them! It doesn’t matter if it’s the first-ever GT3 RS, the 996 from 2003 with its manual box and lack of driver aids, the very latest 992 GT3 RS with its cutting-edge tech or even the brutally powerful turbocharged 991 GT2 RS, they all share the aim of providing an intoxicating driving experience on both road and track.

Browsing dealer websites, as I find myself doing far too often, I noticed our friends at JZM had in stock two very different ends of the RS spectrum for very similar money, so I figured they were deserving of a head-to-head comparison. Let’s start with the old-timer.‍

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2004 996 GT3 RS Manthey K410

Ah yes, I forgot to mention this is no ordinary old-timer, this is a Manthey modified 996 GT3 RS, a real unicorn! Just 113 996 RS came to the UK, and this one went to Manthey Racing in 2006 (before most of us had even heard of them!) for their ‘K410’ conversion, comprising Manthey fully adjustable coilover suspension and geometry, Manthey free-flowing lightweight exhaust system, and, you might have guessed, Manthey 410hp engine upgrade.

The car also had an Alcon brake conversion and spoiler shims to give additional rear wind adjustment, but possibly the most exciting modification for me is the 996 Cup final drive, which shortens all gears to improve acceleration. I drove a Manthey GT4 with a shorter gearing conversion and it totally transformed the acceleration and driving experience, and I can only imagine the same is true here given the 996 has Porsche’s notoriously lengthy ratios from factory.

When you’re driving a 996 RS, you’re on your own. There’s no traction or stability control, no adaptive dampers, no different driving modes, no big screens and no buttons on the steering wheel. “What is there then?”, you may ask. Well, there are two Alcantara bucket seats, a little stick between the seats, three pedals at your feet, some scaffolding in the back, oh, and a fire extinguisher.

The 996 RS is defined by its raw simplicity and it is such an involving experience, with none of the controls being overly assisted. Even the engine note is quite muted compared to newer RS models and of course no fakery to enhance it, just a mechanical soundtrack which I’m sure is improved by the Manthey exhaust, and I’d love a go to find out!‍

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2023 718 GT4 RS

A car that needs no introduction, such is the hype that’s surrounded it over the last year or so, but now prices have dropped significantly from the initial crazy overs, and the GT4 RS is looking like a serious bit of kit for the money.

Unlike the 996, this is an unmodified example, and almost undriven too with just 200 miles on the clock. It has the Weissach package with Clubsport and basically all the options including very fetching blue magnesium wheels, which I think compliment the relatively restrained GT Silver paintwork very nicely, Marmite as they may be.

Even after the 996’s Manthey work, the GT4 RS trumps the power contest with 500hp from its 4.0 flat-six, and it’s a very different proposition with 19 years of extra technology including traction and stability control, adjustable dampers, switchable exhaust, front axle lift, electronic power-assisted steering and of course, a PDK gearbox. Despite all that, it’s only about 60kg heavier than the 996.

While the 996 is all about feel and raw simplicity, the GT4 RS is all about attacking your senses with one of the loudest engine notes in a road car cabin, thanks to the carbon air intakes right behind your ears, and of course delivering serious performance on road and track.

So, two very different propositions 19 years apart, but with only £10,000 separating them. Given £300k, I think it would be only reasonable to have both in the garage to experience both ends of the Porsche RS spectrum, but if I had to choose just one, it’d be a tough call.

You can view full details of the 996 GT3 RS here, and the 718 GT4 RS here.