That and the fact it's actually a really good car. It was amusing the read the initial reviews when it first came out how everyone universally liked it and was completely shocked by that. Guess the expectation level for a Gen 1 exotic is pretty low.

 

Just to clarify something about the 458. I've had mine over 3 years and have 8000 miles on it. I've never had a single issue. The car has been bullet proof and an incredible car every time I drive it. Can't say the same about the TTS. I've had the car 7 weeks and it's been in the shop twice for a blown off hose.

Like I said, I love both cars. Can't imagine selling either, but if your looking for an exotic car to enjoy on the weekend and feel like your behind the wheel of a real exotic, the 458 is the better choice by far.

 

Great discussion. I too just ordered a 15 TTS and expecting delivery the end of October. I'm coming from a 12 R8 V10. It is a great car and it always draws a lot of attention. I'm looking forward to less attention and somewhat better performance and audio/electronics.

 

The main thing you may miss is the sound of that V10 - the TTS generally has a muscular subdued sound with short burbling bursts when down shifting in sport mode. All part of the lower profile on the TTS relative to the R8. In most every other category, the TTS is the star.

 

Why can't Ferrari overcome the over heating issues? I mean...this is 2014! We have the technology to live in space. Why would a company not build a super car that is not superior to cheaper cars in every way.
Being fast and looking pretty are only 2 attributes. For my money I would want it all.

 

If you don't need a back seat, don't need something to drive daily, don't plan to campaign / track the car (where you care about fractions of a second win margin), get the 458. If you care about any or all of those things, get the 991 TTS (IMO).

 

If I could afford it, I'd have a 458 for a weekend plaything along w/ my DD turbo. Maybe someday. I'm pondering a Scud for a weekend toy, but I need a bigger garage (can't fit a lift in my current one). P-car and F-car combo is perfect IMHO.

 

+1

My last sport car was a Lamborghini Gallardo. Very different from the 458 but similar in the fact that it is not well suited as a daily driver.

I wanted a fun car that I could drive everyday....hence the 991TT.

Also, If you plan on actually putting mileage on a 458...that will greatly impact depreciation. Most 458's are driven occasionally, as a result the market is primarily made up of low mileage cars. Most 2010's have south of 6000 miles! Porsche vehicles are generally driven so the depreciation isn't as greatly impacted by mileage (not to say it isn't impacted of course).

When the replacement to the 458 comes around (it is at the end of it's life cycle) there will probably be a slight drop in price. Having said that, those who can't afford the brand new sticker price of the new model will still gravitate towards a 458 at a substantial lower cost so the $200k price point on used 458's should hold well considering the alternative will be the $300k? replacement.

If I could afford to have one week end toy and a daily driver toy....I'd get both....having to choose only one sport car and wanting to amortize it by driving to my heart's content...991

Keep us posted with your decision...either ways...you'll be driving a very very special car!

 

The hood and rear decklid of the Speciale totally transform the 458 imo.

Any car can be really dangerous. Some just get to that threshold quicker than others.

However, one could argue AWD offers better traction and potentially more structural integrity to accommodate the AWD. The second a minor point.

I didn't see any maintenance comments though?

 

The 458, I believe after model year 2012, has maintenance/service included. My 458 has had no issues and I've owned it for coming up on 3 years. It's a fantastic car! Absolutely thrilling to drive!

 

How about getting a '12 McLaren? Same price as a new tts.

 

My favorite experience was this Tuesday on the way home on a freeway (top down) 2 girls screaming at me "love ur car", blowing kisses at me and the car. It was and fun. Lol


Anyhow I love the GT but will likely switch out the M6 for a 991Turbo at some point. I just really like the stealthy ways of the ///M, clients barely notice.

 

Nobody does "rip n' snort" like the prancing horse.

2 different cars. I grew up in a family with many Ferraris. I was that kid in high school picking up his girlfriend from high school in a Testarossa (man, my dad was trusting.) A relative of mine has a 458. I have driven it. It is an experience. The sound, the feeling, the smell. It is speeding even when parked. I love it.

But I like taking my TT to work. Makes the ordinary commute exciting. I couldn't think of leaving a 458 parked in a lot. I also like to use it like a "regular" car. That means quick trips to Home Depot, taking the kids for frozen yogurt (back seat), etc. I am doing my best to drive the TT as often as I can - even when it rains. I wouldn't do that in a 458.

If the two were the same price - and they certainly are not - I would still own the TT. Not because it is "better". But because it is better for me.

 

I have struggled with the possibility of buying a 458 for several years ultimately deciding it is not for me. My primary reason is reliability with maintenance costs being a close second. Right or wrong I believe the maintenance costs = $1200-1500.00 per month, I dont like the feeling of being screwed. I have attempted several times trying to obtain the real costs and have never received a straight answer. I love the interior, sound, high revs, and improved (presumably) handling of the 458 however the above has stopped me from making the move. I have decided to either purchase a 918 or awaiting the 960/988 however if I were to receive an accurate disclosure of associated maintenance costs and reliability I may very well add a 458 to the mix.

Any takers with first hand experience, I would love to know, particularly given the possibility Ferrari may be adding a turbo 458.

The same could be applied to a McLaren, I understand the reliability of the MP4-12C is not great, no knowledge relative to maintenance costs.

Outside of all the above, I love my 991 TS. Porsche has done a wonderful job of erasing the problems of the past. The 991 is very comfortable, the handling is fantastic, and it is planted running above 150. My 997 TS was equipped with most every upgrade available including 68mm turbos, GIAC tune, IC's, Plenium, filter, race exhaust, needless to say it was very quick and fast. I have found the 991 feels equally as quick and I havent run race fuel yet, I plan on doing a Vbox comparo (93 versus 100) in the next few weeks.

 

I now understand what reliability to expect but what about maintenace costs?