Porsche 911 GT3: generations: what actually changed
The restyling adds three versions and drops the 3600 cc engine. 3.8 MT (450 hp) is 450 hp / 331 kW at 7900 rpm, 430 Nm at 6750 rpm, 3797 cc, Direct injection (direct), compression 12.2, 102.7 × 76.4, 3.9 s, 310 km/h, kerb 1370 kg (lightest 911 GT3 in the dataset), tank 67 L (−23 L vs the 90 L 3.6 MT), mixed 13.2 L/100 km, CO2 314 g/km, wheels 245/35 R19 and 325/30 R19, clearance 93 mm.
1 generation (1999–2000, restyling 2003–2005). One Coupe version in each block, both named 3.6 MT. The first 3.6 MT is 360 hp / 265 kW at 7200 rpm, 370 Nm at 5000 rpm, 3600 cc, compression 11.7, 4.8 s to 100 km/h, 302 km/h, kerb 1350 kg, tank 89 L, wheels 225/40 R18 and 225/30 R18, rear brakes Disc. The restyling 3.6 MT is 381 hp / 280 kW at 7400 rpm (+21 hp), 385 Nm at 5000 rpm (+15 Nm), same 3600 cc and 100 × 76.4 bore/stroke, 4.5 s (−0.3 s), 306 km/h (+4 km/h), kerb 1380 kg (+30 kg), tank still 89 L, wheels 235/40 R18 and 295/30 R18, rear brakes Disc ventilated. Specific output rises from 360 ÷ 3.6 = 100.0 hp/L to 381 ÷ 3.6 = 105.8 hp/L. Weight per horsepower falls from 1350 ÷ 360 = 3.75 kg/hp to 1380 ÷ 381 = 3.62 kg/hp. Gearbox on both: Manual, 6, RWD. Boost: No. Injection: Distributed injection (multi-point). Combined consumption 13.0 then 12.9 L/100 km. CO2 320 then 328 g/km. Eco class: not measured.
2 generation (2006–2008, restyling 2009–2011). Pre-restyle is one version: 3.6 MT, 415 hp / 305 kW at 7600 rpm, 405 Nm at 5500 rpm, 3600 cc, 4.3 s, 310 km/h, kerb 1395 kg, tank 90 L (largest tank in the whole model), CO2 not measured, wheels 235/35 R19 and 305/30 R19. Versus 1 generation restyling 3.6 MT, that is +34 hp, +20 Nm, −0.2 s to 100, +4 km/h, +15 kg, +1 L tank. Specific output 415 ÷ 3.6 = 115.3 hp/L. Weight per horsepower 1395 ÷ 415 = 3.36 kg/hp.
The restyling adds three versions and drops the 3600 cc engine. 3.8 MT (450 hp) is 450 hp / 331 kW at 7900 rpm, 430 Nm at 6750 rpm, 3797 cc, Direct injection (direct), compression 12.2, 102.7 × 76.4, 3.9 s, 310 km/h, kerb 1370 kg (lightest 911 GT3 in the dataset), tank 67 L (−23 L vs the 90 L 3.6 MT), mixed 13.2 L/100 km, CO2 314 g/km, wheels 245/35 R19 and 325/30 R19, clearance 93 mm. 4.0 MT is 500 hp / 368 kW at 8250 rpm, 460 Nm at 5750 rpm, 3996 cc, compression 12.6, 102.7 × 80.4, 3.9 s, 310 km/h, kerb 1435 kg, mixed 13.8 L/100 km (thirstiest mixed figure here), CO2 326 g/km, same 67 L tank and 93 mm clearance. 3.8 MT (435 hp) is 435 hp / 320 kW at 7600 rpm, 430 Nm at 6250 rpm, 3797 cc, Distributed injection (multi-point), compression 12.0, 4.1 s, 312 km/h, kerb 1395 kg, mixed 12.6 L/100 km, CO2 298 g/km, clearance 90 mm, wheels 235/35 R19 and 305/30 R19. Distinguish the two 3.8 MT cars by power: 450 hp vs 435 hp. The 450 hp car is 25 kg lighter and 0.2 s quicker to 100 than the 435 hp car; the 435 hp car uses 0.6 L/100 km less mixed fuel (12.6 vs 13.2) and is 2 km/h faster at the top (312 vs 310). 4.0 MT matches the 450 hp 3.8 MT at 3.9 s / 310 km/h but carries 65 kg more (1435 vs 1370) for +50 hp; weight per horsepower is 1435 ÷ 500 = 2.87 kg/hp vs 1370 ÷ 450 = 3.04 kg/hp, so the 4.0 is denser despite the extra mass.
3 generation (2013–2017, restyling 2017–2020). First appearance of Robotic 7-speed. 3.8 PDK is 475 hp / 350 kW at 8250 rpm, 440 Nm at 6250 rpm, 3799 cc, Direct injection (direct), compression 12.9, 102 × 77.5, 3.5 s, 315 km/h, mixed 12.4 L/100 km (lowest mixed figure in the dataset), CO2 289 g/km, Euro 5, kerb 1430 kg, clearance 88 mm, tank 64 L, wheels 245/35 R20 and 305/30 R20. RS 4.0 PDK (500 hp) is 500 hp / 368 kW at 8250 rpm, 460 Nm at 6250 rpm, 3996 cc, bore/stroke not measured, 3.3 s, 310 km/h, mixed 12.7 L/100 km, CO2 296 g/km, eco class not measured, kerb 1420 kg, clearance 93 mm, wheels 265/35 R20 and 325/30 R21. Versus 3.8 PDK, the RS is +25 hp, +20 Nm, −0.2 s, −5 km/h top speed, +0.3 L/100 km mixed, −10 kg, +5 mm clearance, wider wheels.
Restyling 2017–2020: 4.0 PDK 500 hp / 368 kW at 8250 rpm, 460 Nm at 6000 rpm, 3996 cc, compression 13.3, 102 × 81.5, 3.4 s, 318 km/h, mixed 12.7 L/100 km, CO2 288 g/km, eco class not measured, kerb 1430 kg, clearance 119 mm (highest clearance in the dataset), tank 64 L, wheels 245/35 R20 and 305/30 R20. 4.0 MT same engine figures, Manual 6, 3.9 s (+0.5 s vs PDK), 320 km/h (+2 km/h), mixed 12.9 L/100 km, CO2 290 g/km, kerb 1413 kg (−17 kg), same 119 mm and 64 L. RS 4.0 PDK (520 hp) is 520 hp / 383 kW at 8250 rpm, 470 Nm at 6000 rpm, same 3996 cc and 13.3 compression, 3.2 s, 312 km/h, mixed 12.8 L/100 km, CO2 291 g/km, Euro 6, kerb 1430 kg, clearance 93 mm (−26 mm vs the non-RS restyle), wheels 265/35 R20 and 325/30 R21. Versus the earlier RS 4.0 PDK (500 hp), the restyle RS is +20 hp, +10 Nm, torque peak 250 rpm lower (6000 vs 6250), −0.1 s, +2 km/h, +10 kg, same 93 mm, same wheels. Specific output 520 ÷ 3.996 = 130.1 hp/L; weight per horsepower 1430 ÷ 520 = 2.75 kg/hp.
4 generation (2021–2025, restyling from 2024-10-01). Five versions, all 3996 cc, Opposite 6, Direct injection (direct), compression 13.3, 102 x 81.5, Ceramic ventilated brakes front and rear (first ceramic label in the dataset), wheels 255/35 R20 and 315/30 R21, tank 64 L, RWD. 4.0 MT 510 hp / 375 kW at 8400 rpm, 470 Nm at 6100 rpm, Manual 6, 3.9 s, 320 km/h, mixed 13.3 L/100 km, CO2 304 g/km, kerb 1418 kg, clearance not measured. 4.0 PDK (510 hp) same engine, Robotic 7, 3.4 s, 318 km/h, city 17.3 L/100 km (lowest city figure in the dataset), mixed 12.4 L/100 km (tied with 3 generation 3.8 PDK for best mixed), CO2 283 g/km (lowest CO2), kerb 1435 kg, clearance not measured. 4.0 PDK Touring 510 hp, Robotic 7, 3.9 s, 320 km/h, mixed 13.0 L/100 km, CO2 283 g/km, kerb 1435 kg, clearance 100 mm (only 4 generation car with a measured clearance before the restyle). 4.0 MT Touring 510 hp, Manual 6, 3.9 s, 320 km/h, mixed 13.7 L/100 km, CO2 312 g/km, kerb 1418 kg, clearance not measured. 4.0 PDK (525 hp) is 525 hp / 386 kW at 6300 rpm (power peak 2100 rpm lower than the 510 hp 4.0s at 8400), 470 Nm at 6100 rpm, 3.2 s, 296 km/h (slowest top speed in the whole model), city not measured, highway not measured, mixed 13.4 L/100 km, CO2 305 g/km, kerb 1435 kg, clearance not measured. Distinguish the two 4.0 PDK cars by 510 hp vs 525 hp.
Versus 3 generation restyling 4.0 PDK (500 hp): 4 generation 4.0 PDK (510 hp) is +10 hp, +10 Nm, same 3.4 s and 318 km/h, −2.1 L/100 km in the city (17.3 vs 19.4), −0.3 mixed (12.4 vs 12.7), −5 g/km CO2 (283 vs 288), +5 kg (1435 vs 1430). Versus 3 generation restyling 4.0 MT (500 hp): 4 generation 4.0 MT is +10 hp, +10 Nm, same 3.9 s and 320 km/h, +0.4 mixed (13.3 vs 12.9), +14 g/km CO2 (304 vs 290), +5 kg (1418 vs 1413).
4 generation, restyling: 4.0 GT3 MT 510 hp / 375 kW, rpm not measured, 450 Nm (−20 Nm vs 4 generation 510 hp cars), rpm not measured, Turbo, compression not measured, Manual 6, 3.9 s, 313 km/h (−7 km/h vs 4 generation 4.0 MT), city not measured, highway not measured, mixed 13.7 L/100 km, tank not measured, CO2 not measured, eco class not measured, kerb 1462 kg (+44 kg vs 4 generation 4.0 MT 1418 kg), clearance 76 mm (lowest in the dataset), wheels 255/35 R20 and 315/30 R21, Ventilated disc (not ceramic). 4.0 GT3 PDK same 510 hp / 450 Nm / Turbo, Robotic 7, 3.4 s, 311 km/h, mixed 13.7 L/100 km, tank not measured, CO2 not measured, kerb 1479 kg (heaviest 911 GT3 here), clearance 76 mm. Weight per horsepower: 1462 ÷ 510 = 2.87 kg/hp and 1479 ÷ 510 = 2.90 kg/hp — back to 2 generation restyling 4.0 MT density, not to 4 generation 4.0 PDK (525 hp) at 2.73 kg/hp.
Engines and specs
| Generation | Version | hp | kW | Nm | cc | Fuel | Cyl. | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gen 1999–2000 | 3.6 MT | 360 | 265 | 370 | 3600 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 1 gen restyle 2003–2005 | 3.6 MT | 381 | 280 | 385 | 3600 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 2 gen 2006–2008 | 3.6 MT | 415 | 305 | 405 | 3600 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 2 gen restyle 2009–2011 | 3.8 MT (450 hp) | 450 | 331 | 430 | 3797 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 2 gen restyle 2009–2011 | 4.0 MT | 500 | 368 | 460 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 2 gen restyle 2009–2011 | 3.8 MT (435 hp) | 435 | 320 | 430 | 3797 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 3 gen 2013–2017 | RS 4.0 PDK (500 hp) | 500 | 368 | 460 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Robotic 7 | RWD |
| 3 gen 2013–2017 | 3.8 PDK | 475 | 350 | 440 | 3799 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Robotic 7 | RWD |
| 3 gen restyle 2017–2020 | 4.0 PDK | 500 | 368 | 460 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Robotic 7 | RWD |
| 3 gen restyle 2017–2020 | 4.0 MT | 500 | 368 | 460 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 3 gen restyle 2017–2020 | RS 4.0 PDK (520 hp) | 520 | 383 | 470 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Robotic 7 | RWD |
| 4 gen 2021–2025 | 4.0 MT | 510 | 375 | 470 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 4 gen 2021–2025 | 4.0 PDK (510 hp) | 510 | 375 | 470 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Robotic 7 | RWD |
| 4 gen 2021–2025 | 4.0 PDK Touring | 510 | 375 | 470 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Robotic 7 | RWD |
| 4 gen 2021–2025 | 4.0 MT Touring | 510 | 375 | 470 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 4 gen 2021–2025 | 4.0 PDK (525 hp) | 525 | 386 | 470 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | No | Robotic 7 | RWD |
| 4 gen restyle 2024– | 4.0 GT3 MT | 510 | 375 | 450 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | Turbo | Manual 6 | RWD |
| 4 gen restyle 2024– | 4.0 GT3 PDK | 510 | 375 | 450 | 3996 | Gasoline | 6 | Opposite | Turbo | Robotic 7 | RWD |
Engine placement is Rear on every version. Peak rpm not measured on 4.0 GT3 MT and 4.0 GT3 PDK. Highest specific output: 4.0 PDK (525 hp) 525 ÷ 3.996 = 131.4 hp/L. Lowest: 1 generation 3.6 MT 100.0 hp/L.
Performance, mpg, and fuel economy
0–100 km/h: fastest 3.2 s — RS 4.0 PDK (520 hp) and 4.0 PDK (525 hp). Next 3.3 s — RS 4.0 PDK (500 hp). Then 3.4 s — 3 generation restyling 4.0 PDK, 4 generation 4.0 PDK (510 hp), 4.0 GT3 PDK. Slowest 4.8 s — 1 generation 3.6 MT. All Manual 4.0 cars in 3 generation restyling and 4 generation (4.0 MT, 4.0 MT Touring, 4.0 GT3 MT) share 3.9 s.
Top speed: 320 km/h on 3 generation restyling 4.0 MT and on 4 generation 4.0 MT, 4.0 PDK Touring, 4.0 MT Touring. 318 km/h on both 500 hp and 510 hp 4.0 PDK. Lowest 296 km/h on 4.0 PDK (525 hp) — 24 km/h below the 510 hp 4.0 PDK in the same generation. 4.0 GT3 PDK 311 km/h and 4.0 GT3 MT 313 km/h sit between the 525 hp PDK and the 318–320 km/h cars.
Mixed consumption: best 12.4 L/100 km — 3.8 PDK and 4.0 PDK (510 hp). Worst among measured mixed: 13.8 L/100 km — 2 generation restyling 4.0 MT. 4.0 PDK (525 hp) 13.4; Touring manuals and restyle GT3s 13.7. City not measured: 4.0 PDK (525 hp), 4.0 GT3 MT, 4.0 GT3 PDK. Highway not measured: the same three. CO2 not measured: 2 generation 3.6 MT, 4.0 GT3 MT, 4.0 GT3 PDK. Tank not measured: both restyle GT3s. Convert mixed L/100 km to mpg (US) only from these litres: 12.4 L/100 km ≈ 19.0 mpg US; 12.7 ≈ 18.5; 13.3 ≈ 17.7; 13.7 ≈ 17.2; 13.8 ≈ 17.0 (arithmetic on the given litres).
Dimensions, weight, and clearance
Lightest kerb: 1370 kg — 3.8 MT (450 hp). Heaviest: 1479 kg — 4.0 GT3 PDK. Gross: 1630 kg (1 generation 3.6 MT) up to 1793 kg (RS 4.0 PDK 520 hp). Clearance: 119 mm on 3 generation restyling 4.0 PDK and 4.0 MT; 100 mm on 4.0 PDK Touring; 93 mm on many RS and 2 generation cars; 90 mm 3.8 MT (435 hp); 89 mm 1 generation restyling 3.6 MT; 88 mm 3.8 PDK; 76 mm both 4 generation restyling cars. Clearance not measured: 4 generation 4.0 MT, 4.0 PDK (510 hp), 4.0 MT Touring, 4.0 PDK (525 hp). Tank: 90 L only on 2 generation 3.6 MT; 89 L on both 1 generation 3.6 MT; 67 L on all three 2 generation restyling cars; 64 L from 3 generation onward until restyle, where tank is not measured. Wheels step from 18-inch (1 generation) to 19-inch (2 generation) to mixed 20/21 (RS and 4 generation). Independent, spring suspension all around on every version.
Which version to choose
Want the smallest 0–100 number. RS 4.0 PDK (520 hp, 3 generation restyling) and 4.0 PDK (525 hp, 4 generation) both 3.2 s. The 525 hp car has 5 hp more and 2.73 kg/hp vs 2.75, but 16 km/h less top speed (296 vs 312) and mixed 13.4 vs 12.8 L/100 km. City and highway on the 525 hp car are not measured.
Want 320 km/h. Four cars: 3 generation restyling 4.0 MT; 4 generation 4.0 MT, 4.0 PDK Touring, 4.0 MT Touring. All 3.9 s to 100. The 4 generation pair add 10 hp and 10 Nm over the 500 hp 4.0 MT. 4.0 PDK Touring is the only 320 km/h car with Robotic 7 and a measured 100 mm clearance; it is 17 kg heavier than 4.0 MT Touring (1435 vs 1418) and 0.7 L/100 km better mixed (13.0 vs 13.7).
Want a Manual without giving up 500+ hp. 2 generation restyling 4.0 MT (500 hp, 3.9 s, 310 km/h, 1435 kg, 13.8 mixed); 3 generation restyling 4.0 MT (500 hp, 3.9 s, 320 km/h, 1413 kg, 12.9 mixed) — same time, +10 km/h, −22 kg, −0.9 mixed; 4 generation 4.0 MT and 4.0 MT Touring (510 hp, 3.9 s, 320 km/h, 1418 kg); 4.0 GT3 MT (510 hp, 3.9 s, 313 km/h, 1462 kg, 13.7 mixed, 76 mm, Turbo, tank not measured). The 3 generation restyling 4.0 MT is the lightest 500 hp Manual (1413 kg, 2.83 kg/hp).
Want PDK and everyday figures. 4 generation 4.0 PDK (510 hp): 3.4 s, 318 km/h, 17.3 / 9.5 / 12.4 L/100 km, 283 g/km, 1435 kg. Versus 3 generation restyling 4.0 PDK: same sprint and top speed, −2.1 city, −0.3 mixed, −5 g/km, +10 hp. Versus 3.8 PDK: +35 hp, −0.1 s, +3 km/h, same 12.4 mixed, −6 g/km, +5 kg, but 3.8 PDK has Euro 5 and 88 mm clearance; 4 generation clearance is not measured.
Want RS numbers. Two names: RS 4.0 PDK (500 hp, 3 generation) 3.3 s, 310 km/h, 1420 kg, 93 mm, 296 g/km; RS 4.0 PDK (520 hp, restyling) 3.2 s, 312 km/h, 1430 kg, 93 mm, 291 g/km, Euro 6. The later RS is +20 hp, −0.1 s, +2 km/h, +10 kg. Neither RS is the 320 km/h car; both sit on 265/35 R20 and 325/30 R21.
Want Touring vs wing-car maths in 4 generation. Engine 510 hp / 470 Nm is shared by 4.0 MT, 4.0 PDK (510 hp), 4.0 PDK Touring, 4.0 MT Touring. PDK without Touring is 0.5 s quicker than Touring PDK (3.4 vs 3.9) and 2 km/h slower at the top (318 vs 320). Touring PDK vs Touring MT: same 3.9 s and 320 km/h; PDK is 17 kg heavier, −1.6 city, −0.7 mixed, −29 g/km CO2 (283 vs 312).
Want the lightest or the cheapest-to-run on the sheet (no prices). Lightest: 3.8 MT (450 hp) 1370 kg. Best mixed: 3.8 PDK and 4.0 PDK (510 hp) 12.4 L/100 km. Best CO2 among measured: 283 g/km on 4.0 PDK (510 hp) and 4.0 PDK Touring. Biggest tank: 90 L 3.6 MT (2 generation) — 26 L more than the 64 L cars, at 12.8 mixed vs 12.4.
Want 4 generation restyling Turbo. 4.0 GT3 MT and 4.0 GT3 PDK are the only Turbo 911 GT3 versions here. You pay in mass (+44 kg / +44 kg vs matching 4 generation 4.0 MT / 4.0 PDK 510 hp), lose 7 km/h on the Manual (313 vs 320) and 7 km/h on the PDK (311 vs 318), drop 20 Nm (450 vs 470), drop clearance to 76 mm, and lose ceramic brake labels, city, highway, tank, CO2, compression, and peak rpm (all not measured). Sprint times stay 3.9 s Manual / 3.4 s PDK.
If you only buy one. For measured sprint plus measured economy, 4.0 PDK (510 hp) in 4 generation is the balanced sheet: 3.4 s, 318 km/h, 12.4 mixed, 283 g/km. For a Manual with 320 km/h and the lowest 500 hp kerb, 4.0 MT in 3 generation restyling (1413 kg, 12.9 mixed). For RS, RS 4.0 PDK (520 hp) over the 500 hp RS on +20 hp and −0.1 s. For the oldest light feel, 3.8 MT (450 hp) at 1370 kg still does 3.9 s and 310 km/h. Problems and reliability are not measured in this dataset.