Here's Why The RUF CTR3 EVO Is The Next Best Thing To A Porsche Carrera GT

The CTR3 EVO is the RUF to end all RUFs and a great way to save a bunch of money if you are after Porsche Carrera GT levels of thrills

by Dimitar Angelov on July 29, 2024, 15:00

RUF was the first company to reimagine Porsche sports cars and it all started back in 1939. What started as Auto Ruf service garage, eventually became the first manufacturer to repair and restore Porsche sports cars, and eventually build Porsche-inspired, high-performance automobiles, under the RUF brand. The Pfaffenhausen-based company still makes Porsche-inspired models, but everything is now made in-house. Moreover, RUF is also a manufacturer of performance parts for Porsche models like the 911 and 718. One of Porsche’s most desired models from the 21st century is the Carrera GT, and it didn’t take long for RUF to come up with its own, mid-engine variant of a Porsche-based model. The RUF CTR3 is what we got, and here’s why it is the best way to get the Porsche Carrera GT experience (and more) at a fraction of the price.

Similar on paper, but very different under the skin

Here's Why The RUF CTR3 EVO Is The Next Best Thing To A Porsche Carrera GT storyboard - image 188336

While the Porsche Carrera GT will go down in history as one of the greatest, 2000s exotic cars and one of the last analog supercars, the RUF CTR3 EVO represents the ultimate incarnation of what a Porsche-obsessed company can achieve by taking the Porsche supercar formula to another level of crazy.

	Porsche Carrera GT	RUF CTR3 EVO
Exterior features	Carbon-fiber body with manual, retractable roof, 20-inch, magnesium, center-lock wheels, side-inlets and air dams for cooling, active rear spoiler	Porsche 997-inspired front end and doors, rear clamshell, fixed rear wing, side air intakes
Interior features	Leather bucket seats, Bose audio, shift-knob made from natural wood, roll-hoops behind the front seats	Heavily-customized interior featuring modified Porsche 987 dashboard, racing, bucket seats, and Alcantara accents throughout the cabin
Chassis	Carbon-fiber monocoque with carbon-fiber sub-frames	Aluminum and zinc-dipped steel chassis with aluminum, space frame rear section
Mechanical highlights	GT1-derived, naturally-aspirated, M80.01, V-10 engine, six-speed manual with anti-stall clutch system	Heavily modified twin-turbo flat-6, Mezger engine, borrowed from the Porsche 997.1 Turbo, mated to a 6-speed sequential manual or a 7-speed PDK
Tires	Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Staggered set - 265/35 R19 front, 335/30 R20 rear	Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Staggered set - 255/35 R19 front, 335/30 R20 rear

Porsche Carrera GT versus RUF CTR3 EVO performance comparison

Here's Why The RUF CTR3 EVO Is The Next Best Thing To A Porsche Carrera GT storyboard - image 188399

We know stats only tell half the story, but the Porsche Carrera GT is at an obvious disadvantage when compared to the more track-focused RUF CTR3 EVO. At a similar weight, the more powerful, twin-turbocharged RUF boasts a superior power-to-weight ratio of 584.44 horsepower per ton versus the Carrera GT’s 436.95 horsepower per ton. Both vehicles feature similar, six-piston brake calipers with 380mm (15-inch) brake rotors, front and rear. In terms of powertrain, these two German supercars couldn’t be more different. The Porsche Carrera GT’s V-10 engine comes straight from GT1 racing but has been adapted for road use. The RUF CTR3 EVO relies on Porsche’s iconic boxer engine. The same engine is powering the RUF CTR3 Clubsport, but RUF has tweaked it slightly to make a bit more power. This flat-six also happens to be one of the last Mezger engines Porsche ever used..

	Porsche Carrera GT	RUF CTR3 EVO
Engine	5.7-liter, naturally-aspirated, DOHC, V-10	3.7-liter, twin-turbo, DOHC, flat-6
Power	603 hp at 8,000 RPM	789 hp at 7,100 RPM
Torque	435 lb-ft at 5,750 RPM	730 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM
Transmission	6-speed manual w/t anti-stall	6-speed sequential manual / 7-speed PDK autmatic
Drivetrain	Mid-engine, RWD	Mid-engine, RWD
Curb weight	3,042 lbs	2,976 lbs
0-60 mph	3.5 seconds	3.0 seconds
Top speed	205 mph	236 mph

Rarity and collectability

Here's Why The RUF CTR3 EVO Is The Next Best Thing To A Porsche Carrera GT storyboard - image 188332

As far as exclusivity goes, both mid-engine supercars are far from being a common sight on the road. Between 2003 and 2006, a total of 1,270 Porsche Carrera GTs were built. There are also five examples of the Zagato-designed, Porsche Carrera GTZ. Those feature a revised roof section and are especially collectible. The average price of a Porsche Carrera GT is $1.3 million with the top sale, recorded, going for $2.2 million. When new, the Porsche Carrera GT cost $450,000.

The RUF CTR3 EVO is much rarer than the Carrera GT. RUF made only 15 of these track-focused models, which some might argue are more comparable to the equally rare, race-bred Porsche 911 GT1. The RUF CTR3 EVO came out in 2023, and the price of a new one is over $725,000. As the RUF supercar is still a new model, it is too early to tell where prices will go, but older variants are already appreciating, albeit not as rapidly as the Porsche Carrera GT, let alone the Porsche 911 GT1. While these are, by no means, affordable vehicles, the RUF CTR3 EVO is a bit of a bargain compared to Porsche’s own, analog supercar. The only thing missing is the sound profile of the Carrera GT’s evocative V10 engine.

Dimitar Angelov

Dim has been an automotive journalist since 2014. Although he is interested in all things automotive, his main interests revolve around, Asian, classic, and sports cars. He is particularly fond of Porsche sports cars as well as JDM classics from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and others. Dim operates mainly from Bulgaria, but can, occasionally, be seen attending Europe's most reputable Auto shows, and events. Read full bio