I think everyone (price permitting) should own a ferrari at least once in a lifetime. They are definitely a fun car. I had a new F355 Spyder and actually (would you believe) used it as a daily driver. But it was plague with problems - mainly electrical - which put it in the shop at least once a month. In one case, due to a shortage of a part, was actually in for 4 weeks. Fortunately I also had a backup car.

I like the 430 - but was put off it by the high prices and difficulty getting a new one.

So in the end I opted for the TT. Here was my basis: (No particular order) -

1. Priced well considering the performance.
2. IMO - a very nice looking car - and not over the top.
3. Can be used as a daily driver.
4. Can carry the kid(s).
5. A lot more reliable and less expensive to maintain.

I think its a coin toss for me between a 430 (if I could get one) and the TT. To drop to a 355 would not even enter my thought processes - the car - IMO - is just not practical.

 

The Porsche Turbo is the "Bad Boy European" and in essence, the hot-rod of Europe when modified. Doing that on an F-car is probably considered sacrilege.

Ferrari is just.................. well.... it's a Ferrari. You want that in Red or Red?

I'd have to own a few Ferrari's, I guess, to know any better.

Would like to do a Murcielago instead, for something I would "own and not drive" very much.

 

I think a Porsche is more of a rational option from a pricing view point, its the ultimate 365day car; A car that is four wheel drive and can be driven in the harshest climate conditions and thats what makes it iconic to present date. You can pickup the kids in it and fit in 4 adults for a short commute. A Ferrari is a passionate car not that the Porsche isnt, whilst its true that its in a different ball game and for those who dont want the speed or practicality just the rawness and the niche feel it provides the sound is worth the base price of the rossa corsa beauty you'd be getting from Modena.

A Ferrari in my humble viewpoint is the other better half of exotic cars, it isnt comparable to any other cars on the road be it faster slower or super car. The ultimate car collections or collector garages have atleast one Ferrari in most cases.

As a member just pointed out "Ferrari is just.................. well.... it's a Ferrari. You want that in Red or Red?"

Another example that I compare porsche vs ferrari is that Its like going to the Les Relais de l'Entrecôte and eating a Ceaser salad rather than their set menu.

 

Interesting post. I'm sort of in a reverse situation, although I've already made my decision. I had a 360 for a couple of years and got a new 430 last year. I LOVE the 430. It's really everything I want in a sports car except for price and everyday driveability. I've gotten to the point where I can no longer justify the money tied up in it for not driving it as much I as I want too. The car can DEFINITELY be driven everyday. No problem. Reliable. Comfortable. A blast to drive. AC blows super cold (very important in Texas). But for me it's actually a stressful car to own b/c I want something I can drive everyday and not totally freak out about where I'm leaving it all day long, even in my covered garage at work. Plus it attracts a lot of attention, which, frankly, I'm not very comfortable with anymore. Everywhere you go people act as if they've never seen a car like this. There have been numerous times where drivers have almost caused accidents just to get a shot with their cell phone. I get jealous people in pick-ups flipping me off for no reason at all. I'm not a flashy person and I guess I never realized the effect the car would have on people. I admit that a red Ferrari is flashy though. I guess I should have expected it. Just had to have the classic red/tan combo.

I have always loved and admired Porsches, but I have always had a fondness for Ferraris since I was a kid and had to own one. But I'm ready to come to the Porsche camp. I'm very excited to get my first P-car, a 08 TT, in July. It should be a really fun car that I can enjoy on a daily basis. And take to the track of course!

 

I called the Ferrari Dealership in Sterling VA and asked abt getting a F430 and they said I could not order one from them since I am not residing in Va anymore.

The Fl dealerships wont sell new F430's at sticker and its tough to get a new one at any price.

I was quoted $299K for a used (new) F430.


Porsche made it so easy to finalize my decision.

I will eventually get a new F car before I check out. I want to order one and get the options I want and see it come off the truck and pay a fair price.

 

rscholl, thanks for the candid write-up. When I bought my black TT, I was comparing it to a yellow GT3. Both cars were awesome, but I ultimately decided on the TT for a variety of reasons. And I thought the black car would be far more stealthy and subtle. But it gets TONS of attention. I can't even imagine owning a Ferrari.

 

here is a pic of rscholl's F430 and my old Gt3

 

Both of those cars are absolutely stunning!!!

 

Ferraris are Ferraris, I would definitely love to own one in the future. But the crazy thing is, in that picture I above, I think I prefer the GT3.

Uh oh, does this mean I'm a convert then?

 

The GT3 looks slightly lower than the F430. Is this correct?

 

This was my solution. A (non-red) Ferrari and Cayenne TT for more space.

 

I had both a 360 Modena and a 575M during the time I owned my 2007 TT and the TT is the better car hands down. As I tell people, there is nothing more 'cool' than a Ferrari, but the German's make a better car in the TT for an everyday supercar for the road....cheap to keep too, and they just don't feel like they are going to break. While the Maranello has some great torque like the TT, the acceleration is WAY better in the TT. The 360 is downright hateful in my opinion (except for the 'cool' factor with its looks). You have to drive it like you hate it (revs staying at least 4500) for it to (a) sound like a Ferrari, and (b) to have any sense of power since all of it is way up in the rev range. Annoying for everyday driving. Your mileage may vary.

 

This is a real solution!!

A Ferrari should not be driven everyday as the running costs are out of control. I recently had a look at a Ferrari 360 2001 with 6,500kms that just had $30,000USD worth of service work.

That is off it's head!!

If you want an Ferrari make sure that you have another car available to drive everyday.

 

Nirvana

 

Pic taken Sunday.