GTS vs 911 Turbo vs McLaren: my thoughts

Old Jul 1, 2017 | 02:01 AM
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GTS vs 911 Turbo vs McLaren: my thoughts

I have owned every respectable car imaginable and test driven the rest. After owning a GTS with a simple ECU tune which brings this beast to 601 HP and 605 lb Ft torque I can very comfortable say this is the best car out there and here is why.

You cannot really compare a stock GTS to other cars because Mercedes has severely detuned the engine for their own marketing purposes. Tuners like Renntech Brabus etc have very easily removed all sorts of electronic limitations on this engine and they were massive. If Mercedes sold the GTS without detuning it, they would have no justification for selling the GTR - which still has lower HP numbers than a tuned GTS. I have clocked my tuned GTS 0-60 times at 2.8 seconds which sounds right considering Car and Driver gets 3 second 0-60 all day and night on a stock GTS.

In comparison, the engine on the 911 Turbo is pretty much maxed out as is the McLaren. Yes both engines still have a bit more power that can be tuned out of them but not as much as the GTS. The GTS engine in a detuned state is a tamed beast.

In comparison, the 991 911 Turbo is one of the most boring cars I have ever driven. Yes it is fast but it has no soul. The McLaren 570 series feels like a go cart with an awkward driving position, does not feel that fast, and has interior ergonomics that are dated and spartan. I'm not a fan of the front end either. But not a bad first effort by a company that sold its first car just a few years ago.

It's unfortunate that car magazines test the GTS against lesser 911s. I wish Mercedes would stop restricting their engines so much which would allow their cars to go head to head with supercars. Imagine how great it would be for their image if they simply let their engines perform as they were supposed to?

Last edited by sl600fanatic; Jul 7, 2017 at 06:55 PM.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 12:15 PM
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Great feedback and here are few thoughts:
-How are you launching the car to get down to sixty that quick? stock tires? I have not been able to get close to 3.0 let alone 2.8.
-I respectfully disagree that the 911TT and 570S are maxed out. I have encountered both cars tuned and it is a substantial improvement especially on the McLaren.
I am no match from a stop light against both. I hang in there from a roll with a TT where it is a driver's race. The 570S ends up being a bit faster than a 675LT (private event on an air field against its bigger brother) and the GT is no match.
-It is obviously a personal preference on the interior and I agree with you that the TT is boring and does not feel any special. The 570S is on par with the Benz if you get the upgraded interior in the MB. The MB is a better DD as the entry in and out is much easier.
-Bottom line is that you save at least $50K if compare GT vs TT and close to $100K for GT vs 570S and that's where IMHO MB is the clear winner.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 05:31 PM
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Are you running the Renntech ECU? If not well that would explain why the 911 Turbo and 570 are beating you but I match the 991 twin turbo at a stop light and easily beat the 570 with a Renntech ECU and HR springs and stock tires.

570 interior quality is waaaay below the AMG GTS with the exclusive interior. We can agree to disagree that's okay.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 09:15 PM
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On stock tires I would love to see the video of you beating a(stock not even tuned) TT or even the 570s to 60, or even in a 1/4, they are going 10.60's 70's stock. Run your tuned car on stock tires at the track and post times so we can see.
As for the interiors, MB hands down imo smokes the others, nice layout and more creature comforts, GTs and TT easier/more pleasant to use as a daily compared to the 570.
Handling on the track they are all very close with the TT the least of the three to be an actual track car, GTS and 570 are closer with the GTs more friendly for green track drivers, the 570 will get out on you real quick.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 09:24 PM
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I’m very happy...

1. To know I’m not alone. I drove several P cars before I bought my GTS and I agree that they are all capable but utterly soulless. My Granny could get in a 911 T and rip it down the quarter in the high 10’s...

2. With by baby... I’m in love and there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m driving it and don’t have a **** eating grin on my face.

3. Mine has an add in tuning box and a pedal box and between the two the combo makes an already great car almost perfect.

Ive never driven a Mclaren but also have no real desire to as they have never spoken to me. My car strikes me as the perfect combo. I daily drive mine and it’s one of the most comfortable cars I’ve ever owned. And it’s dead sexy...
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 10:03 PM
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[QUOTE=orenlasko;7197834]1. I drove several P cars before I bought my GTS and I agree that they are all capable but utterly soulless.



Well I guess you have never driven a GT3 or GT3rs, or any Porsche GT car? (which is more comparable to a GTs than a TT). Because nobody will ever say those are soulless, Porsche fan or not. But I will agree that many P-cars are very boring to drive, just like (more)many MB vehicles.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 10:17 PM
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Still don’t get it...

While I wouldn’t call myself a track rat I have been going to the track for about 5 years now and I’ve been around tons of them. Around here it’s the go to. At most track days at least 25-30% of the cars at the track are GT3’s. I’ve been around the tracks many times and I don’t get it. Yes they are incredibly accomplished cars but utterly soulless. They certainly don’t justify costing 2x more than my car. They don’t offer 2x the performance and in many instances my car is almost as good. Of course in all instances the driver makes a huge difference.

All in all it’s just my 2 cents but it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who has the same opinion. Bang for the buck it’s hard to challenge the value of the GTS is all.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 10:34 PM
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Look douche canoes. I have just been rolling all day in a 720s McLarsomething. Let me tell you something.... AMG GT... SLS whatever... Do NOT race one of these. Your little $85,000 AmGT whatever will be ****ing embarrassed. This car will wax your Azzzzz but good. It does not pause it does not fail it will make you look like a joke. Tuned...untuned bring what you brung and you will get stung. Game over. You best have an AMG hyperturd to even keep up.




Do I want to look like a big orange grasshopper? Hell no! But I will give it a wave as it blows my door off.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 10:38 PM
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Be nice.

Look. No one here is arguing the performance of a Mclaren or a P car. Quite the opposite. I’m just saying my car turns my crank and the others don’t. That’s it. No need for the douchebaggery
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by orenlasko
That’s it. No need for the douchebaggery
you sir are correct my apologies... one ride in this and it will turn you into a bag.
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Old Jul 1, 2017 | 11:12 PM
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[QUOTE=RobbieRob;7197860]
Originally Posted by orenlasko
1. I drove several P cars before I bought my GTS and I agree that they are all capable but utterly soulless.



Well I guess you have never driven a GT3 or GT3rs, or any Porsche GT car? (which is more comparable to a GTs than a TT). Because nobody will ever say those are soulless, Porsche fan or not. But I will agree that many P-cars are very boring to drive, just like (more)many MB vehicles.
P GT3 came screaming into the gym today at 7000 rpm in 2nd gear and parked.
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Old Jul 2, 2017 | 12:45 AM
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Sl600fanatic,
Nice post. AMG overbuilds their motors and warrants them for reasonable track use. Porsche doesn't. Don't know about McLaren, but their electrical and trans problems in the 12c gives one pause. Maybe the 650 fixed that but now the 720's here and I'm sure that makes the 650 owners happy!
Saw the 720 up close at cars and coffee in Scottsdale today and that looks like a 488 killer.
At 325K, I could buy a GTS and a soulless GT3.
How would you like to pull up to the light on PCH you know th e one by Mastro's with your 720 and a Dodge Demon with a transbake looks over at you and smiles. How you like your 720 now.
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Old Jul 2, 2017 | 07:19 AM
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Originally Posted by sl600fanatic
You cannot really compare a stock GTS to other cars because Mercedes has severely detuned the engine for their own marketing purposes.
Of course you can compare a stock GTS with other cars. Most people buy the stock car and drive it as is. The fact that the Mercedes engine has (probably) more headroom than a 911 TTS is a testament to the quality of the Mercedes engine but not particularly relevant to the majority of owners. I'm very happy with the GTS, I like the interior (but not more than the Porsche), I love the exterior it's a great design and reminds me of an E-Type to some degree which is one reason why I'm not a fan of the new grill which I think detracts slightly from the look.

I think it's fascinating that a lot of people criticize the 911 TTS because almost anyone can drive it quickly.. It is surely a huge accomplishment that this is actually true. In comfort mode the car rides better than a lot of family saloons, in sports+ on a track it isn't far off being unbeatable on standard tyres.
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Old Jul 2, 2017 | 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by sl600fanatic
Are you running the Renntech ECU? If not well that would explain why the 911 Turbo and 570 are beating you but I match the 991 twin turbo at a stop light and easily beat the 570 with a Renntech ECU and HR springs and stock tires.

570 interior quality is waaaay below the AMG GTS with the exclusive interior. We can agree to disagree that's okay.
I have a 17 turbo s and have driven several GTS cars. Would love to have a go with you from a stop.

The 911 is not built to be full of surprises. It's a car you can drive every day in about all weather. The GTS not even close so they're really different cars and I wouldn't compare them.

I had a cls63 RWD tuned by renntech and ended up hating it. The rear end was all over the road and the wife refused to ride in it. Wouldn't even consider taking it out if the roads were wet.
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Old Jul 2, 2017 | 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Jim Brady
Sl600fanatic,
Nice post. AMG overbuilds their motors and warrants them for reasonable track use. Porsche doesn't. Don't know about McLaren, but their electrical and trans problems in the 12c gives one pause. Maybe the 650 fixed that but now the 720's here and I'm sure that makes the 650 owners happy!
Saw the 720 up close at cars and coffee in Scottsdale today and that looks like a 488 killer.
At 325K, I could buy a GTS and a soulless GT3.
How would you like to pull up to the light on PCH you know th e one by Mastro's with your 720 and a Dodge Demon with a transbake looks over at you and smiles. How you like your 720 now.
...not really, PCH will be covered with so much smoke that no one will see the 720 leaving the Demon behind.
Demon is a wonderful effort by Dodge but in real World will not be very competitive with it's relatively poor traction.
GTS is more fun then the 911 but for folks like myself who want to enjoy their cars year round (Chicago), a 4wd is unbeatable.
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Old Jul 3, 2017 | 03:01 PM
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Maybe I am wrong but aren't you a Miami guy? If so, I am happy to meet you with a 570S and do a friendly bet that you will see orange tail lights.
Originally Posted by sl600fanatic
Are you running the Renntech ECU? If not well that would explain why the 911 Turbo and 570 are beating you but I match the 991 twin turbo at a stop light and easily beat the 570 with a Renntech ECU and HR springs and stock tires.

570 interior quality is waaaay below the AMG GTS with the exclusive interior. We can agree to disagree that's okay.
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Old Jul 3, 2017 | 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by emericr
Maybe I am wrong but aren't you a Miami guy? If so, I am happy to meet you with a 570S and do a friendly bet that you will see orange tail lights.
It will be a bad result... for the AMG as you stated.

Last edited by Vic55; Jul 3, 2017 at 03:46 PM.
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Old Jul 3, 2017 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by emericr
Maybe I am wrong but aren't you a Miami guy? If so, I am happy to meet you with a 570S and do a friendly bet that you will see orange tail lights.
I'll come down for that one and after your done I'd love to do a 1/8---1/4 mile pull will him. My 17 turbo s has no tune, but does have a full Kline inconel exhaust and headers.
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Old Jul 3, 2017 | 07:05 PM
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Sports cars drag racing scare bleu! I thingk too many on the boards are watching Street Outlaws. Porsche TT is stout in that shoot out with the epic launch ability. To really elimate the launch variable run em from 60-130. Then when a Dodge Demon shows up and blows everyone one away we can go back to talking about lap times and handling.
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Old Jul 3, 2017 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Jim Brady
Sports cars drag racing scare bleu! I thingk too many on the boards are watching Street Outlaws. Porsche TT is stout in that shoot out with the epic launch ability. To really elimate the launch variable run em from 60-130. Then when a Dodge Demon shows up and blows everyone one away we can go back to talking about lap times and handling.
Hey the US manufacturers are producing some muscle for sure.

The demon is a really limited in what it can do and you sign your life away to buy, but would be a blast on the track.
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Old Jul 5, 2017 | 12:44 AM
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I don't have a GTS, but a C63S and if anyone is interested, I'd be willing to race the 570s or 720s for the lolz. I beat a 991.2 Turbo S but it wasn't a clean run. I am in LA. It should be fun. I need a car to fall in love with so I can finally turn the AMG page.
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Old Jul 5, 2017 | 09:53 AM
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You are on the other coast so it's a bit far for a week end cruise lol.
Your beast has more than just a tune
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Old Jul 5, 2017 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Jim Brady
Sports cars drag racing scare bleu! I thingk too many on the boards are watching Street Outlaws. Porsche TT is stout in that shoot out with the epic launch ability. To really elimate the launch variable run em from 60-130. Then when a Dodge Demon shows up and blows everyone one away we can go back to talking about lap times and handling.
Actually a Tesla will blow a Hellcat away now at the drag strip.
The newest Tesla model should be able to take a Demon.

It's a sad day for us combustion engine addicts.

(Go to You Tube and google Tesla)
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Old Jul 5, 2017 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by JSwan724
Actually a Tesla will blow a Hellcat away now at the drag strip.
The newest Tesla model should be able to take a Demon.

It's a sad day for us combustion engine addicts.

(Go to You Tube and google Tesla)
I dont see this at all.... The Demon is in the 9's over 140 mph in the quarter... even the venerable P100D cant duplicate that. It runs the quarter around 126 mph and loses steam.
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 12:31 PM
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circling back, my thougts are sports cars must accelerate, handle and brake. So if you take the same driver (Randy Pobst) and put them on the same track (Willow Springs) how do they stack up.
Here is the lap times
AMG GTS 1:27.04
Porsche TTS 1:27.81
McLaren 570 1:27.21
Porsche GT3 1:27.22
Scoreboard!
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