What happens when every generation of Porsche’s hardcore 911 GT3 RS lines up for a standing quarter-mile? From the original 996 to the latest aero-laden 992, Mat Watson and his team from carwow put four naturally aspirated, rear-drive icons head-to-head to find out which RS truly rules the drag strip. All four cars stick to the same purist formula—flat-six engines and rear-wheel drive—but the numbers tell a story of steady evolution.
The original 996.2 GT3 RS runs a 3.6-liter flat six producing 381 hp, paired with a six-speed manual and a lean 1,360 kg curb weight. Next up, the 997.2 GT3 RS gains displacement and punch: 3.8 liters, 450 hp, and 430 Nm, still with a manual gearbox and only slightly heavier at 1,370 kg.
The leap to modern tech comes with the 991.2 GT3 RS. A 4.0-liter flat six delivers 520 hp and 470 Nm, sent through a seven-speed PDK with launch control. Weight rises to 1,443 kg, but performance jumps dramatically. Finally, the 992 GT3 RS pushes the concept furthest. With 525 hp, aggressive aero, active DRS, and the Weissach lightweight package, it tips the scales at 1,428 kg.
After rolling races, brake tests, and plenty of banter, it all came down to the standing quarter mile. The results were remarkably tight at the sharp end. Both the 991.2 and 992 GT3 RS stopped the clocks at 11.5 seconds, with the 991 edging the win by the narrowest of margins. The 997.2 followed with a 12.4-second run, while the original 996.2 posted a still-respectable 12.9 seconds.
