This may be my exclusive posting on a Ferrari experience of my own. I've completed a full weekend driving/ comparing both cars for their racetrack capabilities, in addition to savoring wonderful wines we all shared at the tracquest event, hosted by Todd at Watkins Glen. These two machines must be appreciated in VERY different ways. As these postings need to be relatively short and to the point, my comments cannot allow me to really get into it, as I would (will) write in my column of our regional PCA magazine (PORSCHE POST).
So....just the top few factual points from a professional drivers viewpoint AND bear in mind; the Glen....World class venue for this comparison!
* 575M-True GT..2+2(almost) throwback to, let's say, a 275GTB.
As such...WAY TOO LETHARGIC vs.996..Turning right into the sweeper after the bus stop.....it rolls over further to the left than Hillary Rotten Clinton. Because of the largess, its brakes can easily be overtaxed; hence, 20 minutes at the Glen could cause serious brake rotor complaints. Base all this on the GT status....BTW-What's with the stationary paddles on the column, should rotate with steering wheel! Ya see...Europeans believe a true GT should take two or more people from (EG Berlin to Rome in relative comfort, at a high rate of speed....this is what makes a car, such as the 575M shine....period.
*996 Turbo....Significant in comparison for weekend track events, yet, no where near what a GT3/2 can offer someone who enjoys track experiences. 996 Turbo does suffer in handling AND braking when pushed hard at an event, which is why I MUST perform certain improvements for my clients who track their 4WD Turbo's, sorta get's them through the weekend and their drive home; no muss, no fuss. Bear in mind, I'm not a true advocate of extensive mods on street Porsche; too much payback and no one wants it later on.
* GT3/2...dollar for dollar, the finest car to go to a track event with since the 73 RS! Lap times come close to real race car heritage. Does everything an experienced driver wants and goes home happy, again, limited mods-pads, tires, etc.
so, my humble opinion..anyway..havefundriveporschetakechances-Mark