| Author | Message | ||
| Alex Papas (Alexpapas)
Junior Member Username: Alexpapas Post Number: 98 Registered: 2-2003 |
Here in sunny AZ snow is not a real issue (except way north in Flagstaff) and the 575 is perfect. It has a trunk that handily takes a set of golf clubs and the interior is very comfortable for virtually any size person. The F1 tranny is civilized in traffic and the car is subtle enough that it doesn't have rubberneckers crowding your lane in traffic. Personally I think it is ideal for daily use. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 594 Registered: 3-2002 |
> If you just want precise control on the roads, then why settle for a lead sled in winter? I have a great winter vehicle... and also great in summer for off-road excursions... a Toyota 4Runner. It has a great 4-wheel drive system that really gets power down well, good balance, high clearance, fairly skinny tires with huge tread, etc. And though it will have limited power relative to any stock Ferrari, it will still kick any stock Ferrari's butt in getting around in a snowstorm or on back mountain roads in Colorado. And the only way to fix that would be to ruin your Ferrari for summer road driving. I didn't say there's no *fun* driving in snow; I didn't say you can't get a great vehicle for driving in snow; rather, I said there's no sportscar driving to be done in snow; high-g stuck-to-the-road performance is not what its about in snow. If you live in the mountains or snowy north, a great compromise car would be a Subaru WRX. Fairly good clearance and awesome 4WD. Have a set of low-profile fat-width wheels and tires for summer high-G events; and a set of high-profile skinny-width wheels and tires for winter and low-G events. But a Ferrari is not about compromise... | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 435 Registered: 5-2003 |
By that philosophy, there's not much sports car driving to be done in commuter traffic, summer or winter. If you track your Ferrari, you can also rally in winter. (See the 308 Group B Rally Car thread.) If you just want precise control on the roads, then why settle for a lead sled in winter? | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 580 Registered: 3-2002 |
> "There's no sportscar driving to be done in snow..." > > Ever see WRC? Yes... and then there are autocrosses on frozen lakes. I still stick by my statement.  | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 433 Registered: 5-2003 |
"There's no sportscar driving to be done in snow..." Ever see WRC?  Summer: 328 Winter: Mitsu EVO8. ("cheap AWD" -- and not a truck. But it's not going to last 15 years, either.) Except I'm going to have to upgrade to wider tires on the 328 so it'll catch the EVO's dry handling (on 235/45-17 A046s). | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 523 Registered: 12-2002 |
Definitely a V12, not a V8. If the road is smooth, I will vote for a 550. A 575 might be too "lincoln car feel" If the groung clearance is a problem on the road, I will vote for a 456M GT | ||
| Darryl - TR&328 (Tr328)
Junior Member Username: Tr328 Post Number: 130 Registered: 6-2003 |
Any Ferrari that not in the shop. Just joking. I put over 100K on my 1979 308 with no major problems. | ||
| Kevin Prickett (Ima2nr)
New member Username: Ima2nr Post Number: 23 Registered: 9-2003 |
I've put 6000 miles on my 97 355 in the last two months. (Ijust bought it two months ago). I makes a perfect daily driver. my commute is almost 200 miles a day. approx 45 min of stop ang go traffic in the morning, and the rest is speed limit + driving. I used to have a 1990 porsche 911 cabriolet, and this car is mutch more fun to drive every day. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 2010 Registered: 11-2001 |
I see from your profile that you are located in MA. Are you comfortable driving your 550 in the inclement weather that you can get there in the winter? i don't drive it in the winter - the toys get stored away until spring. i do drive it in the rain now and then. i don't make a point of it, but i don't take another car necessarily if it's just raining a bit. i guess i don't drive it in wrath-of-god downpour stuff (i try to just stay home!). the ZR tires with all that torque are just useless on anything resembling snow or ice. doody! ps: the 996TT is a FANTASTIC daily driver. | ||
| Andy Falsetta (Tuttebenne)
Member Username: Tuttebenne Post Number: 327 Registered: 3-2003 |
No question; someone else's Ferrari! | ||
| Andrew H (Stokpro)
Member Username: Stokpro Post Number: 281 Registered: 6-2003 |
Without a doubt... a 575M. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 570 Registered: 3-2002 |
For extended snowy weather, 4WD, snow tires, and clearance are all musts, IMO. So, while a 4WD sportscar is a big step up in snow, I still wouldn't use it as a daily driver in snow. Besides, what's the point? There's no sportscar driving to be done in snow... you don't need great handling or huge power when you have minimal traction. If you can afford a car that expensive, you can afford a cheap 4WD SUV or truck. In fact, said beater 4WD or truck will cost you far less than the deterioration of your expensive sportscar due to the damaging effects of snow and road salts. If I own a Ferrari in a snowy area, then I definitely own another car that ensures I'll never need to subject my Ferrari to snow and road salt. JMHO. | ||
| Lionel Jaquet (Swissmaserati)
New member Username: Swissmaserati Post Number: 28 Registered: 5-2003 |
How are the 360 / 575 on wet roads, worse in winter with snow ? I drive my Maserati even in winter and it is quite difficult to keep the road even with winter tires (only cool/wet/little bit snow, not mountain roads). I know P-cars are good in this kind of situation (996tt is 4WD, with good winter tires). I dont think F-cars can be used in this kind of situation. You have to have an other car like a sporty 4WD audi by example (RS4 are cheap in Switzerland). My 2 cents... Lionel | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 674 Registered: 10-2002 |
If you may have to carry 4 people, 456 is the only choice, my friends. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 3124 Registered: 9-2001 |
No question the 456 or 550/575 would make the best Ferrari daily driver. The mid-engined cars don't have enough room for day-in/ day-out use. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Advanced Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2751 Registered: 7-2001 |
I buy my daily drivers based mostly on comfort. From that angle, I think I'd pick a 456. | ||
| Ze Shark (Ze_shark)
Junior Member Username: Ze_shark Post Number: 84 Registered: 7-2003 |
550, no F1 please 355 not practical enough for storage | ||
| J Dirk Carnahan (Dirk989)
Junior Member Username: Dirk989 Post Number: 54 Registered: 9-2001 |
I drove the heck out of my 308. It was so simple (carb, no complicated electroncs etc.) that even if anything did go wrong, it was a simple fix. I miss her. Just like the guys who tout their Porsches, NSX, Vettes or Lambos on this site (ex. Alan), I have to put my 2 cents in for my favorite. My Esprit V8 is chipped and modified to pump out 580hp. I drive it almost everyday. It's been in 105 degree city driving and I've even driven it in snow. I absolutely love all things Ferrari, but my Lotus is an incredible daily driver. | ||
| Dean (Deanger)
Junior Member Username: Deanger Post Number: 79 Registered: 2-2003 |
575 F1 is hands down the best daily driver. That's why Schumacher drives one... I know resale value is not great on these cars, but you can use it everyday. | ||
| noel smith (Noel)
Member Username: Noel Post Number: 400 Registered: 2-2003 |
360 spider. | ||
| Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Intermediate Member Username: Ronsupercar Post Number: 1097 Registered: 5-2002 |
360 Spyder.. My 2 cents..... | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 406 Registered: 11-2002 |
355 or 360. The contemporary V8's can be driven daily with unprecendent reliability. | ||
| Augustine J. Staino (Azzuro328)
Member Username: Azzuro328 Post Number: 642 Registered: 4-2003 |
My 328 is pretty comfy. | ||
| Glen C Winters (Wildwarrior)
New member Username: Wildwarrior Post Number: 41 Registered: 3-2003 |
I think it's the 550! | ||
| casey slattery (Mondialcab)
New member Username: Mondialcab Post Number: 28 Registered: 9-2003 |
I agree with mondial 3.2 cab. Its great. Id drive mine anywhere at almost any time. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6712 Registered: 12-2000 |
Don't know for sure, I think the modern 8's would be the best daily drivers. More people with 355/360's putting 5-10k a year on them than any other Ferrari model, so... 1) 355/360 2) 328/3.2 - most reliable older Ferrari ever. almost 15 years to perfect beforehand. 3) 308/8 4) 348 - Still great car and reliable, but some electrical bugs had to be sorted out over time. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member Username: 911fan Post Number: 88 Registered: 5-2003 |
David, "What do you think about a 996tt as a daily driver?" Now you're talking! I've used 911s as daily drivers for decades now. They're lots of fun, they're perfectly sized (my 360 feels huge in comparison), they have superb visibility (no blind spots), and they're practically bullet proof mechanically. I currently have a n/a 996. | ||
| Michael W. (Whimike)
Junior Member Username: Whimike Post Number: 79 Registered: 7-2003 |
David, I too have a 996tt and I can tell you that it is a fantastic daily driver. It is my daily driver and it is about as reliable as a Honda with insane performance. You get the feeling it can take anything you give it and nothing you do could possibly break it. Mine is currently at 500hp and will soon be at 600hp and it is as docile as you want it to be and can be a true beast when asked. -- Michael | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Advanced Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2915 Registered: 10-2002 |
Over the years I've put over 275K miles on F daily drivers. My Tr and 308 were fine in the snow. (My 275GTB wasn't too bad either) They are cars. Any of them can be used as a daily driver,esp. the newer ones. All of mine were different but I enjoyed them all and enjoy my Maser Coupe which is my new daily driver. | ||
| David Wood (Dwood1969)
New member Username: Dwood1969 Post Number: 22 Registered: 9-2003 |
Doody, Question for you. I see from your profile that you are located in MA. Are you comfortable driving your 550 in the inclement weather that you can get there in the winter? I think that we both have a 99 550. Also, 911 Fan: What do you think about a 996tt as a daily driver? Thanks. | ||
| Kds (Kds)
Member Username: Kds Post Number: 361 Registered: 5-2003 |
Mondial 3.2 coupe IMHO. The cheapest, and most versatile (space wise) of the best batch of F-cars. | ||
| Roel Bieshaar (Dino_208gt4)
New member Username: Dino_208gt4 Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2003 |
I think a 208/308 gt4 is an almost evryday car too. My wife an 2 little daughters can sit in it too. The trunk is not big but we can take the buggy for our smallest daughter. Really pleasure to drive my car. | ||
| vincent decroix (Vince308)
Junior Member Username: Vince308 Post Number: 104 Registered: 5-2003 |
I tested most of them, and the 550 is really an every day car. greetings,vincent | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Intermediate Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 1238 Registered: 10-2001 |
A 10 mile commute means you can use almost any Ferrari made for the street, so it comes down to personal taste. I would think for a 50 mile commute, you'd need one of the newer models to deal with rush hour traffic, snow, hot sun, etc. Having never driven or been in any new Ferrari, I'm just going on what I like; the 456 seems the most practical. I can take co-workers out to lunch, and I wouldn't be paranoid about public parking garages as it can always be repaired/replaced. For the 10 mile commute I'd take something more toy-like. On the high end, I love the F50 more than the F40 since I don't race, but you can't exactly use them in stop and go traffic if that's a consideration. A Mondial T Cabriolet would be a great Summer car and I'd deal with it in Winter as well just for the open air fun. Oh hell, any Ferrari would be fun to have! The only way I'd ever own a Ferrari and NOT drive it daily would be a seven figure collectable. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 3403 Registered: 2-2001 |
I'd probably get a 550, 575 ,or a 456 for a daily driver I prefer a 2 seater but for a real daily driver you could always use a little more space | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 2008 Registered: 11-2001 |
good point 911 fan re: warming up. my 550 warms up MUCH faster than my 355. i guess it's just more mass and 50% more moving parts or something, but it's a lot faster, which is great. the 550 is a gret all-around daily driver. the trunk can hold a fair chunk of stuff. it's not wildly conspicuous ... as allan likes to point out - it's very supra-like :-). super seats. great cruising. etc. doody. | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Intermediate Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 1107 Registered: 4-2003 |
Never had a ten mile commute in mine..always seems to take a bit longer than that to get where I'm going. It's not my daily, but I put on some miles. Vincent. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member Username: 911fan Post Number: 87 Registered: 5-2003 |
David, The problem I've had in trying to use my 360 as a daily driver is that it takes a good 10-15 mile drive just to get the oil up to operating temp. Until the oil reaches temp, you really can't enjoy the car. Plus, it's kind of a waste driving a Ferrari in stop and go traffic on a freeway or around town. I don't know whether other models have similar oil heating times. btw, the criteria you've cited are more applicable to a Porsche than a Ferrari! | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1692 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm with Mike and Bart. 550. --Dan | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 641 Registered: 2-2003 |
Mondial 3.2 coupe for 5 years.... | ||
| mike550 (Mikeg)
Junior Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 180 Registered: 8-2003 |
550 is my daily driver - 2000 miles in 2 months. Loving it - the 996 has not been out since I got the 550. In fact, I am upgrading the sound system this week so that I can enjoy it even more. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Intermediate Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 1440 Registered: 6-2002 |
308/328 | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
Junior Member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 211 Registered: 5-2003 |
Any Ferrari | ||
| Robert Ginsberg (Chefrobear)
Junior Member Username: Chefrobear Post Number: 51 Registered: 3-2002 |
I do have a 10 mile commute and live in perfect year round climate. Having said that I use my 308qv 3 days a week as a commuter. It's best to drive it rather than park it. If something goes wrong, it goes wrong. Part of owning the car. I put about 5k/yr on my car and I can say it runs better now than when I bought it. It is plain fun to drive! Don't buy it thinking about re-sale! It will only make you paranoid. | ||
| George LaFleur (308geo)
Junior Member Username: 308geo Post Number: 105 Registered: 12-2002 |
What fun is ONLY a 10 mile comute in a Ferrari? I hear that the 328 is the best all around for a reliable daily driver. My 308 works fine for commuting and I actually can tell that it is a "use it or loose it" proposition. When I don't drive it for awhile the turn signals start acting up. (not flashing, just buzzing at me) The more I drive it, the better everything works. Dang, I guess I'm forced to drive it even though my Accord is supposed to be my daily driver. :-) | ||
| michael dipple (Viking)
Junior Member Username: Viking Post Number: 63 Registered: 8-2002 |
Mondial 3.2 cabriolet | ||
| 1987 Jerry (Slag_328gts)
Member Username: Slag_328gts Post Number: 271 Registered: 9-2003 |
328 :-) | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 405 Registered: 1-2003 |
550 | ||
| David Wood (Dwood1969)
New member Username: Dwood1969 Post Number: 21 Registered: 9-2003 |
All, Here is my question. If you were to own a Ferrari as a daily driver, which model/year would you own? Let's say that money is not unlimited (so don't say an Enzo ). Criteria to consider - resale value (after considerable mileage), reliability, durability (must be able to be driven in less than perfect conditions) and plain driving fun. Can a Ferrari ever reasonably be considered a daily driver (without living in some perfect year round climate with a 10 mile commute)? Let me know what you think. Thanks. |