Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Need some advice on cars...

[Adam Green (FlatCrank]

I wouldn't pay up for the Gallardo.  I haven't driven the 2WD Balboni or Superleggera whatever, but I found the AWD version to be a disappointment that comes with all the downside of a Lambo and none of the goodness of a Murcielago ... if you're going to have an ostentatious show pony ... go all in. : )

The F430 6spd is an unloved car, but I think it's the pick of the litter and has come down brutally, so I think it's also well priced in the grand scheme of things.  Just an all round superb Ferrari.

The 996 Turbo is whatever you make of it.  In that era, I'd look for the GT2 or pay up for the 997 GT2.  Getting a useable 600 horses out of these cars makes for a great all-rounder.  The "flying mile" 1000hp cars are nearly useless one trick ponies and invariably fragile.  The engine can be honestly bulletproof, but things like a budget for replacing driveshafts gets old.  Brakes to match the horsepower, tires to withstand the engine, etc.  Resale value and time to find the next fool are onerous.

Coincidentally, like a perfect '89 Carrera or 930, or a '73 S, or '79 930, I think the 997 GT2 is one of those "cognoscenti" cars (except that the '73 S is now priced well into the "suckers only need apply" category) and these are on my "If I stumbled upon a great one..." list.

Given the wide ranging prices you describe, I'd start at the 430 Scuderia on top of the list -- some say they're changing hands around $160K despite advertisers asking $200K -- then 997 GT3 RS 3.8 ($130K) , then 997 GT2 or F430 6spd.

Adam

On Tue, May 8, 2012 at 5:14 AM, George P. <ygpz4re [at] hotmail.com> wrote:

Dennis,
 
Unless I'm mistaken, the yellow 911 is TLJ's car, so I would think that would take that one out of the loop.  Of course, I'm sure you have her buy-in for whatever you decide.
 
As you know, I'm a die-hard Ferrari guy.  While I agree with the other lister's comment (Doug??) that a Lambo v. Ferrari is like the Stones v. Beatles (though in my mind it's more like death metal v. Rush - shameless plug for the greatest band in the galaxy! heh heh...), I still (personally) would go for the 430 manual 6 speed.  Two reasons:  1.  It's a Ferrari.  2.  (not that a second reason is needed after #1...) An F430 with a manual 6 speed is not a very common Ferrari (and isn't a 6-speed just more fun??  You get to do that 3-pedal dance all the time...).
 
Only my opinion and as Doug *did* point out in another post, it was free, so you know what it's worth.  ;-)
 
Good luck and have fun!
 
gp

> 
> Howdy, folks. In need of some input.
>
> Time for a new toy, and I've narrowed it down to a few options. For roughly
> the same money, I can have...
>
> 1. An earlier Gallardo (2004/2005), and a modified 996 twin turbo with
> sick, sick horsepower (though I'd have to trade/sell the yellow 911, which
> I'd hate to do, but can't rationalize having 2 911s).
>
> 2. a 430 coupe with a manual 6-speed transmission, and keep the yellow 911.
>
> 3. Sell the yellow 911, and buy . . . A Gallardo. Turbo. With sick, sick
> horsepower.
>
> Thoughts? I seriously love TLJ's 996; it's been the most reliable vehicle
> in my garage over the last few years, and only has 60k miles on it, and I
> can take the girls out for rides in it, so I'm loathe to get rid of it.
> OTOH, I'm now seriously, seriously in lust with a 996tt I found with 1k
> horsepower (on race gas). I can't possibly justify having two 911s in the
> garage.
>
> So do I get the 996tt and add a Gallardo, just to keep it interesting? Or
> do I keep TLJ's 996 and get a manual 430 instead?
>
> The wild card is the TT Gallardo....
>
> Thx,
>
> --Dennis
>

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