I own both. The short answer is yes. The G3 is well worth the $100 more.

The big things I like about the G3 over the Classic are:

a) The addition of a collar on the G3 makes that jacket 1000X more comfortable to wear with the hood down.

b) More pockets on the G3 with the addition of waterproof zippers on them.

c) The cuffs on the G3 are way more improved over the Classic. The cuffs on the classic are tucked under the jacket and are a pain to work with.

d) All G3's come with the SIMMS "30 pound steelhead" guarantee.

e) Bug tossin' geeky, but cool is the addition of that velcro patch on the jacket and the included fly-holder thing. You can see it on my avatar. I used it up North to keep 3-4 spoons handy at all times. Or, you can just pretend they are your Fishing Medals and/or merit medals. Wear them with pride.

Both jackets kick ass, IMO. Even today, my older Classic beads and sheds water like the day it was new. The G3 is just as good.

Now, I use the older Classic when fishing bait. I'll gladly switch over to the G3 in the no-bait areas. I hate the smell of eggs on my jackets and/or waders. Ugh.

Hands down, the G3 is by far, the best Gortex rain jacket that I've ever worn, or owned. Granted, I don't use it every day, nor do I row a boat with it on every day, so your mileage may vary. I'm sure Bob can chime in as to how his G3 is holding up, and what he thinks of the two jackets.