Which iRacing GT3 to buy?

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket and wanting a new steed, then here’s a quick 5 minute, late-night review of the current crop of iRacing GT3 cars on offer.

Ferrari

Often owned from being D license … but if not, and especially if you are a D license, then sound purchase as there are lots of series this will run in from D to B license.

Somewhat stiff, seems to like fast corners such as Spa and Monza, mid-engined so balanced handling, not so much a fan of curbs like the BMW or Merc. Gearing is long – 6th not often used. Goes well at most places.

Merc Evo 2020

Newest GT3 release on iRacing at time of writing. Rides curbs well, stable fast platform although can be a little tail waggy on corner exit when getting on the gas. This trait can help corner exit rotation though, so if that is your driving style, give this one a whirl.

Seems to work everywhere and after driving “6 hours of the Glen” in it I would say its a solid, dependable choice that I personally click with nicely.

BMW

Solid and fast if not sometimes a bit muted in terms of feeling and excitement. Similar in some ways to the Ferrari but better on curbs. Also has long gearing. Solid choice for endurance races due to being quick at most places and stable, predictable handling.

Audi

Mid engined, balanced and enjoys twisty technical tracks but can have a tendency to come round on you if you take liberties. Fast guys seem to like this at twistier tracks, but older content on iRacing so not sure its a wise choice as a long term investment.

Lambo

Shouty engine tones that are exciting but would kill me in long endurance events. Fast and agile platform, but if you like to slam down the gears then expect to find yourself looking the wrong way down the track at your competition, especially entering slower corners. Doesn’t seem the biggest fan of curbs, but good, fast all rounder … and its a Lamborghini so there is always that to put a smile on your face.

Porsche 911

I don’t own this however I do own the 992, GTE and have driven it in testdrive many times. Typical Porsche handling, if you enjoy 992 cup then this is one for you for sure. If understeer in and oversteer out is your thing, then this wins races at many events so still more than worth consideration.

[Edit: seems 2022 S4 update has boosted the BOP quite heavily in favour of the Porsche, just check the results. Also, something I learned is that the Porsche seems to be an efficient endurance car]

McLaren GT3

As with Porsche … I don’t own this and have driven a few times in testdrive. Despite the awesome fire breathing tail pipes, its older content and I would suggest due for an update soon(!?) … so unless you already own it, not sure its worth the money?

Mid-engined, balanced however a bit more of the hooligan approach seems to work in this than with other GT3s … however iRacing doesn’t seem to reward even slightly overdriving any of its content, so that is probably a mute point.

Ford GT

Like the Mclaren the Ford is older content and I’ve only driven it in testdrive. It feels wide on the road and quite stable however somewhat dated next to the BMW and Mercedes. Like the McLaren (and perhaps Audi) it is kept competitive using Balance of Performance (BOP).

My recommendations?

… if you are looking for solid contenders that are not going to drop off the calendar soon, then the Merc and BMW would be my top B and C license investments, the Ferrari is a good option too, especially if you are a D license.

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