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Battle of the Weissachs – GT3 RS vs GT2 RS

  • Battle of the Weissachs – GT3 RS vs GT2 RS

At first glance, these two cars may look incredibly similar, with just a single digit separating them.

On one side, we have the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach, and on the other, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Weissach.

Both feature lightweight engineering, track-focused performance, and Porsche’s Weissach Package, but they actually couldn’t be more different when it comes to character, driving experience, and market value. So, which one comes out on top?

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between the GT3 RS and GT2 RS, comparing their styling, performance, price, and Weissach Package benefits. Stick around until the end, where we’ll dive into the current market values and help you decide which might be the better purchase today.

 

 

The Styling

The most immediate visual differences between the GT2 RS and GT3 RS are found in their bonnet, roof, and aerodynamics. The GT2 RS is the more aggressive-looking of the two, with larger intakes, more dramatic bodywork, and extra carbon fibre elements, reflecting its brutal, high-powered nature.

Weissach Package Carbon Fibre Elements:

Both cars come with fully exposed carbon fibre bonnets and roofs, but the GT2 RS gets a central stripe running down the middle and painted in the body colour, making it look even more aggressive to tie in with the car's character.

Bonnet Scoops:

Both models have bonnet-mounted air intakes to help cool the brakes. This design feature debuted on the GT2 RS before being adopted by the GT3 RS.

Front Bumper & Air Intakes:

The GT2 RS has much larger air intakes due to its twin-turbo setup, requiring larger radiators and oil coolers for optimal cooling. The GT3 RS, being naturally aspirated, has smaller intakes, as it doesn’t generate as much heat.

 

Wheels

The Weissach Package is an optional lightweight upgrade that enhances aerodynamics and weight savings, making these already track-focused Porsches even sharper. The GT2 RS Weissach package costs over £21,000, but 90% of the people buying the car order it.

The majority of the cost comes from the magnesium wheels, which are 11.5 kg lighter than the regular wheels. That’s a substantial amount and something you would definitely notice on the track.

  • GT2 RS Weissach Package (£21,000) – Comes with magnesium wheels, carbon fibre louvers, air intakes, rear scoops, and trim pieces.
  • GT3 RS Weissach Package (£12,500) – Also includes lightweight upgrades, but magnesium wheels are an additional £8,500 (not included as standard).


Carbon-ceramic brakes come standard on the GT2 RS but are an extra-cost option on the GT3 RS.

If weight savings are your top priority, the GT2 RS Weissach is the clear winner. But if you’re considering a GT3 RS Weissach, look for models with magnesium wheels, as they significantly enhance the car’s desirability.

 

The Carbon Fibre

As part of the Weissach Package, both cars get carbon fibre wing mirrors, but the GT2 RS gets a lot more carbon fibre parts, such as:

  • The louvres on the wheel arches
  • Window triangles 
  • Air intakes on the rear 
  • Air scoops on the back under the wing 


On the GT3 RS, however, all of these parts are made of plastic.

 

The Rear

The standout piece on the rear is the massive carbon fibre rear wings with the Porsche logo across it. Again, these are part of the Weissach Package for both cars. They are fully exposed carbon fibre and create an incredible amount of downforce, and they look fantastic. 

However, the exhaust setups and rear styling of the cars differ significantly.

  • GT2 RS Exhaust – Lightweight titanium exhaust with two large, side-mounted pipes, giving it a deeper, bass-heavy tone.
  • GT3 RS Exhaust – Dual centre-exit stainless steel exhaust tuned for higher-pitched, naturally aspirated harmony.

Porsche had to modify the GT3 RS exhaust due to new emissions regulations. To comply, Porsche had to modify the entire emissions system with a stainless steel exhaust and a gasoline particulate filter, which some feared would muffle the sound.

 

The Sound

So, which sounds better?

  • GT2 RS – Louder, more aggressive, with deep, powerful vibrations.
  • GT3 RS – More melodic and sweet, with a refined, high-revving tone.

For raw intensity, the GT2 RS wins, but if you prefer a more traditional high-revving Porsche soundtrack, the GT3 RS still delivers beautifully.

 

The Interior

Inside, the GT2 RS and GT3 RS share high-quality interiors with a carbon-fibre-clad cockpit and Alcantara leather throughout. Other than different colour schemes, there aren’t a whole lot of differences between the two. 

As part of the Weissach Package, both cars get a titanium roll cage (saving 12 kg over steel) and the ultra-lightweight steering wheel trim, the carbon fibre paddle shift, plus the ultra-lightweight carpets, reinforcing the track-ready nature of each car.

But there are some key differences in the seats. The GT2 RS in this has folding sports bucket seats so that you can get better rear access. Many track day users also prefer them as they are a little tighter around the hips and looser on the shoulders to keep you planted.

The GT3 RS has fixed full bucket seats. These have the benefit of being height adjustable, so you can raise and lower them with a button. They’re also a little bit wider in the seat, so there’s more movement around your hips while being a bit more snug in the shoulders. By default, most people want the full bucket seats: they look better, they’re more expensive, and they’re adopted from the 918 Spyder.

 

The Performance

This is where the biggest differences between the GT2 RS and GT3 RS lie: the naturally aspirated vs twin-turbo power engines. 

The GT2 RS is an absolute monster, built to destroy the track with record-breaking lap times. 

The GT3 RS is the purist’s choice, with most journalists saying it’s a slightly better all-round track car. It’s honed for better driver feel and engagement, balance, and usability on track, and it’s more approachable than the GT2.

SpecificationGT2 RSGT3 RS
Engine3.8L twin-turbo flat-six4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six
Horsepower & Torque

700 Hp

750 Nm

520 HP

470 NM

0-62 mph2.7 seconds3.2 seconds
Top Speed211 mph193 mph
Key StrengthFastest Porsche road car ever at the Nürburgring (10 seconds faster than the GT3 RS)More driver-focused and less intimidating on track

 

The Market

The GT2 RS launched in 2018 to huge demand as it had been a long time since the 997 GT2 RS came out, with early models selling for over double their list price (£500,000+). Prices have since corrected and are now sitting around £350,000 (which is still £100,000 above the original list price). Given its rarity and performance, it remains a highly collectable investment.

On the other hand, we have the GT3 RS. It followed on from the GT2 RS, coming out later in the year. Originally, it was not allowed to be specced with the Weissach Package in the UK. The GT3 commanded a fairly big premium being listed at £160,000, and early models traded for around £250,000. Due to delays from emissions regulations, this pushed back production and meant that later cars could be specced with the Weissach Package, increasing desirability. As of 2019, the market is a bit weaker and the Weissach-equipped cars fetch around £230,000, but they still offer great value compared to exotic rivals like the Ferrari 488 Pista or Lamborghini SVJ.

 

The Verdict

So, which is the better buy: the GT2 RS or the GT3 RS?

Ultimately, it depends on what you want from your Porsche. The GT2 RS is the rarer, more aggressive, and more expensive car, but in terms of brutal power, insane speed, and long-term collectability, it’s the ultimate Porsche weapon.

If you value driver engagement, a more rewarding track experience, and long-term usability, the GT3 RS is the purist’s choice.

 

What do you think? Would you go for the GT3 RS or GT2 RS? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re looking for your own GT2 RS, GT3 RS, or another track-focused Porsche, check out our latest stock, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow Porsche enthusiasts!