2004 Ferrari Challenge Stradale vs. 2004 Porsche GT3 Porsche Driving Analysis

The Porsche's big six splutters and gurgles wonderfully; it's not as loud nor as boisterous as the Ferrari, but its cammy, throaty demeanor is intoxicating in its own way. The GT3 will potter around town all day, feels muscular in the midrange, and issues a hard, edgy moan in the upper reaches of its considerable rev range. Even Porsche traditionalists who still chant "Air Cooled! Air Cooled!" have to love what Stuttgart hath wrought with this powerplant.

In spite of its rear weight bias, the Porsche too is commendably neutral, and its wide rear rubber ensures high limits. As noted, its steering isn't as sharp as the Ferrari's, but it's fluid and well-connected. We've driven GT3s with the composite brakes, and they're exceptional, but the standard units are fine for all but the most extreme use. Body roll is held to a minimum.

Like the Ferrari, it's noisy inside, but in the Porsche's case, most of the din comes from the tires, plus a little wind noise. The ride quality remains acceptable if your roads are smooth, but probably wouldn't be if they're not. For all its performance capability, it may be the most vice-free 911 ever. One fly in the GT3's ointment is a lack of high-speed stability above 120, or at least the sensation of same. It's always moving around a bit, and you feel like you're constantly watching it; perhaps it's a bit of ride steer, as it moves up and down with the road surface. We also wish we could get Porsche's own carbon-shelled demi-racing seats, but they're available only on European models, not being crash-certified for U.S. consumption.

Should you be inclined to drive either of these road racers every day, mind their noses. We scraped off the lower portion of the GT3's front spoiler, and the CS's front fascia drags on nearly any driveway approach.