The Porsche 911 GT3 RS has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting road-legal performance cars ever built. However, when it comes to collector values, outright speed doesn’t always determine which version enthusiasts want most.
In a recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the comedian and car collector welcomed automotive historian Donald Osborne to compare three generations of the track-focused Porsche. Their goal was to determine how the cars have evolved and why some are worth way more than others.
The lineup included a 2008 GT3 RS (997.1), a 2011 GT3 RS (997.2), and a 2016 GT3 RS (991.1). All three were supplied by the Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport, Rhode Island.
Although each represents a different stage in Porsche’s pursuit of performance, Leno quickly identified a favorite. Interestingly, his choice wasn’t the newest or most powerful of the three.
Three Generations, Three Different Personalities
The 2008 GT3 RS features a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six producing 415 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Its lightweight construction and track-focused suspension helped establish the formula that subsequent generations would refine.
For 2011, Porsche increased displacement to 3.8 liters and output to 450 horsepower. The updated 997.2 also benefited from aerodynamic improvements, including a more sophisticated adjustable rear wing.
The 2016 GT3 RS took another step forward with a 4.0-liter flat-six producing 500 horsepower. Unlike its predecessors, however, it used Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission instead of a traditional manual.
Why The 2011 GT3 RS Is Worth The Most
Despite being less powerful than the 2016 model, the 2011 GT3 RS was Leno’s clear favorite. Its combination of a six-speed manual and the celebrated Mezger-derived engine made it especially desirable, as the 997.2 marked the end of that engine lineage in the GT3 RS.
Osborne estimated that the 2011 car’s market value had climbed from approximately $165,000 five years ago to around $450,000 today. That’s a substantial increase, especially compared with the newer 2016 model.
The 2008 GT3 RS had also appreciated significantly, rising from an estimated $165,000 to $395,000. Meanwhile, the 2016 model increased from approximately $185,000 to $235,000, making it the least valuable of the three in Osborne’s comparison.
The Fastest Porsche Isn’t Necessarily The Favorite
Leno and Osborne agreed that the 2016 GT3 RS would likely be the quickest around a racetrack. Its additional power, improved aerodynamics, and rapid-shifting PDK gearbox give it a clear technological advantage.
Yet Leno preferred the older 2011 model for its manual transmission and distinctive engine character. For him, the connection between driver and machine mattered more than shaving a few seconds off a lap time.
The discussion also raised an important point about collecting cars designed for the racetrack. Regardless of their growing values, Leno and Osborne agree that these GT3 RS models deserve to be driven, not simply preserved as investments.