| Author | Message | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 305 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ming, Thanks for the news. My battery went dead a few days ago. The dealer said it just needed a new battery, since the old battery was not "accepting" charges anymore. They assured me that the battery should remain good even if left stationary for up to 2 weeks. For over 2 weeks, you should disconnect the battery via the front switch. So for the time being I have put off the thought of installing a voltmeter. We'll see, we'll see. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 303 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ming, Thanks for the news. My battery went dead a few days ago. The dealer said it just needed a new battery, since the old battery was not "accepting" charges anymore. They assured me that the battery should remain good even if left stationary for up to 2 weeks. For over 2 weeks, you should disconnect the battery via the front switch. So for the time being I have put off the thought of installing a voltmeter. We'll see, we'll see. | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
Junior Member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 164 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Kenneth, forgot to tell you I was safe and got out of the 456 nicely on the New Year's Eve HK Club Ball with my black bow on because of your remider! I might have to bring the car back to IM as well as there is a "keikeikei.." noise from the back of the car when I was driving but it was gone after the car was totally warmed up. I guess it might be the Throw-out bearing according to a mechanic and guys from F-cat. Cheers, | ||
| Kevin (Jammy)
Junior Member Username: Jammy Post Number: 99 Registered: 3-2002 |
I've no real data on any change in power @ the rear wheels with any of these systems. Subjectively, power seems to be unchanged or marginally increased (certainly *sound* faster) on both cars. Objectively, power delivery from the 360 improved (cleaner and more linear) , probably because we disconnected the vacuum line that usually operates the outer exhaust pipes when you accelerate hard. Can't think of an occasion when I've been outgunned by another car on the road. I do recall going after a red Countach on a motorway, but bottled out when speeds were sufficient to put you in jail here. The only car able to stay with me on twisties has been Ninja_Eli's 355 spider, and believe me, we've had some pretty exotic stuff in pursuit. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 302 Registered: 10-2002 |
Have you fathomed out whether or not there will be any power loss, my friend? | ||
| Kevin (Jammy)
Junior Member Username: Jammy Post Number: 98 Registered: 3-2002 |
"I hear you about the Tubi exhaust. Thanks for that. What do you think about the Cargraphic exhaust, though?" IMO the Tubi is a nicer sound, though I've only heard sound files of the Cargraphic. My benchmark is the howl of the 355, and the 360 Tubi is a cross between 355 and racecar snarl. I tried the Hamann and the Tubi systems; the Hamann was louder than stock but not as howly as the Tubi. My preference for the 456 is the converse of this- 456 Hamann is MUCH nicer than the 456/550 Tubi. I already have a Koenig on the 456 otherwise I'd have fitted a Hamann. Manu is convinced I can get the 456 to howl like a dog, but all the solutions seem to involve binning large parts of the exhaust system. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 297 Registered: 10-2002 |
Kevin, I hear you about the Tubi exhaust. Thanks for that. What do you think about the Cargraphic exhaust, though? For your information, Norman has just had Cargraphic installed, and he was full of praise about it. So did the other commentators. | ||
| Kevin (Jammy)
Junior Member Username: Jammy Post Number: 96 Registered: 3-2002 |
Kenneth- you're right: Making a grand entrance on your face with your butt in the air does kill the experience somewhat  Interesting about the 360 Modena, and I think you're right to wait. Prices have been dropping quite dramatically here in the UK and I can only assume they will elsewhere too. I sold mine a couple of months ago. It's a completely different philosophy to the 456, and getting out of one and into the other you immediately note the difference in weight and quality of the fittings. The 360 is a driving hit, pure & simple. I owned it just over a year and never once got out of it with my pulse rate at 'resting'. If you do go for one, do yourself a favour and put a Tubi-style exhaust on it. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 296 Registered: 10-2002 |
Kevin, My response to your post is last of the series, but not least. Yes, I think the "M" was introduced in 1998, so my model had just missed the boat.  But I cannot complain, because that means I got mine at better bargain prices. My steering wheel also adjusts for reach & rake, too, but not enough. I can make do with it, but I find the traditional posture of 10:50 for my hands on the 456's steering wheel to be quite tiresome to maintain over a long cruise. I have read somewhere that the Ferrari posture is supposed to be 4:40 instead, when you can find special places between the spokes reserved for yours hands, but I find that posture not quite as agile and responsive in the event of an emergency. I understand that the racing position on the track should be horizontal, so that when huge G forces are at work, at least you know how to return to a straight line. This technique however is not suitable for quick twisty "S" roads. My handbrake also can be sunk to the floor after it is engaged. But as I have previously advised Ming, you really have to get into a habit of doing it, pretty quick, and without fail. Otherwise, imagine yourself attending a grand ball function in your 456, formally dressed in a tuxedo. You pulled up in front of the 6-star hotel for the valet parking. Reporters gathered around you. Cameras clicking, and lights flashing. The valet driver with the bow-tie rushed up to your 456 to open up the door for you. Journalists were waiting there to ask you questions. You had no time to think. With a very polite smile, you stepped out of the car. And ----- SH-T!!! I fully agree with you that I am not that worried about racing with other cars on the road. Normally, gentlemanly courtesy is more than amply rewarded with abundant mannerism by other road-users. On the very rare occasions where some nasty drivers in a souped-up modded machine might want to give you a race, however, the best way is either not to look at them at all, or if you have to look at them, your look would say : "Where is the comparison, and who cares?" | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 295 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ming, We are all on common ground. I have my suspension switched to "hard" all the time. Who needs a soft ride in a Ferrari? You have just pinpointed one thing that I forgot to mention about the 456 - yes, it is heavy. The good thing about it is that the 456 is as safe as a tank. The down side about it is that it rides like one. And of course, this means that the 456 could have been even faster than what it already is now. With 442 hp behind it, the performance of the 456 is still hanging on in the supercar league, although it has to keep watching over its shoulders because the competition is catching up fast. Let us see some simple comparisons. Enter the Bentley Arnage T, a monster weighing 5699 lbs. With 450 bhp, the car can still reach 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Next comparison, the Aston Martin Vanquish, another heavily armoured vehicle weighing in at 4045 pounds. With 460 bhp, the car can attain 0-60 in 5.0 seconds. The 456? A relative "lightweight" at 3726 lbs, with 442 bhp, its time for 0-60 is 5.2 seconds. In contrast, the 360 Modena is a successful combination of lower weight with greater chassis rigidity, which are seemingly contrasting objectives. According to Ferrari, the 360 Modena is the first production Ferrari to be constructed entirely in aluminium. Chassis, bodyshell and suspension wishbones and all, resulting in what is reputed to be the best overall performance and handling ever achieved in a mid-engined Ferrari. I have test-driven the latest version of the 360, and I confess to have been enamoured with it. My feeling is that there indeed may be a ring of truth about the factory claim that the 360 is "the best overall performance and handling ever achieved in a mid-engined Ferrari." It is the sort of car that, once you have sat in the driver's seat for anything more than 5 seconds, your posterior would appear to have been permanently glued to the cushion by super adherent because you just do not want to get up and leave. Since I normally do not test-drive a car unless I really think that I might buy it, I have not test-driven a Lambo or a Murcie as yet. I look forward to getting round to doing it someday, but I guess I have to make some more money (or sell some more properties) first, which is the painful part. And what a wonderful idea about waiting until the next "420" Modena has come out. The prices for Mercedes S320s and 500s have sunk like a stone over the past couple of months, because the market knew that Mercedes was coming up with newer models. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 294 Registered: 10-2002 |
Wow, friends, thank you for the warm response. I will reply one-by-one by individual posts, seriatim. Rudy, I think a 355 will be fine for you. Just make sure that you do not need to carry 1 to 2 kids at the back, or more than 1 lady in your Ferrari. The 355 is great for getting rid of the mother-in-law, though. But don't tell your wife that or she will start having some other ideas. | ||
| Kevin (Jammy)
Junior Member Username: Jammy Post Number: 95 Registered: 3-2002 |
Kenneth- that's pretty useful information in working out what they changed for the 'M'. Was aware of some of the things but not all. There is the obvious interior profiling: more deeply sculpted rear seats and modified switchgear. The M switchgear must be more robust since it feels pretty solid to me, is intact and I have no complaints other than the rubberised paint on the ashtray lid, which peels. My steering wheel adjusts for both reach & rake and the seat position adjusts every which way (tilt, up, down, bolster etc)and is very comfortable on journeys 5hr+. The drivers' seat returns to the memory position after letting in a rear passenger; the passenger side stops short of it's original location. Isn't your handbrake fly-off ie. you pull it on (up) then return the handle to the starting position buried within the carpet? The only way I can think of catching your trousers is if you wear turn-ups- you don't do you? Whatever, hill starts with a fly off are a bit 'interesting'.... The interior of the car has more lights than an aircraft carrier so they've improved it there. Another area they improved was the suspension I'm told. I don't have complaints over the handling anyway though would like a super stiff suspension setting as well. You're right about the voltmeter. I keep the car on a trickle charger and replaced the battery this year as a precaution. They obviously haven't touched the heat management, since like you, the thought that the fan relays are pivotal in keeping my bank account in credit really does make me nervous. The turning circle is indeed tanker-like and I would like more power too, though it is the speed of delivery that gives you that speed hit. A 0-60 time of 5.1s (5.5s auto) is hardly slow though you have cars that can do it in the 3s mark so the benchmark has certainly moved; Koening do a 456TT conversion that IIRC does bring the 0-60 time under 4s and costs a kings' ransom to effect. Personally I don't worry about racing with other cars on the road. This car is plenty fast enough really and the main value of a car that does 200+mph is down the pub talking about it. | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
Junior Member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 152 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kevin -- I totally agree with you swtiching to "Hard" is a must for fun driving in the 456. Kenneth -- What a great report/impression on the 456. The 456 is heavy and it is no doubt about this. However, it is A V12 with a lot of Torque which really suits my lazy character. Wow, Kenneth definitely should go for a 360 manual. You probably could get a good bargain within 6 months when the next "420 Modena" is confirmed. | ||
| Rudy Marsh (Acrobatic_dog)
New member Username: Acrobatic_dog Post Number: 9 Registered: 1-2003 |
Kenneth, Wow, thank you for the detailed list! That is a VERY nice 456 you have there. We're starting to lean towards the 355 - it seems to be a good compromise between the smooth luxury of the 456 and the raw power of the testarossa my wife wants. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 293 Registered: 10-2002 |
One more thing, Jay. I am thinking of getting an additional racer. This time it will be manual. The possible candiates are 360, Diablo 6.0, and Porsche Turbo or GT2. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 292 Registered: 10-2002 |
Nebula, Thank you for the kind words. If you keep up your drive and enthusiasm, as you seem to do, you would get one of your heart's desire some day. I too have been a poor student once. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 291 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jay, In Hong Kong, there are a lot of mountain slopes, and there are also a lot of stops-and-goes. Imagine yourself sitting in a queue moving VERY slowly uphill. At about 2 to 3 feet at a time. For say about half an hour. It will be clutch, neutral, clutch, handbrake; then clutch, 1st gear, clutch, handbrake, etc. That will soon become very tiring. And can wear out your clutch in no time. For this reason, an automatic car is to many people far more practical and all round over here, if you should want to drive the car on a daily basis. Ming seems to be different. He has a 456 manual. I admire him for that. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 134 Registered: 11-2002 |
Kenneth - That's a great review of the car and it's flaws! Tiny, tiny little things, but they do make a difference. But I agree with you 100%, although I've never owned one. The car feels great to drive, and every person I met with one was very happy with it. BTW - Your car is absolutely stunning! Great picture, great angle, and great color! | ||
| martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member Username: Mw360 Post Number: 750 Registered: 5-2001 |
A beautiful '98 dark blue 456gta with low mileage weint for 100 k at BJ.Considering most prices are high at that auction I would guess one could buy a similar car for less.That is a painful depreciation from 230k msrp. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 986 Registered: 10-2001 |
Kenneth, I love the color of your 456, the silver is really nice, personally I love it in blue. Just wondering why you chose the automatic instead of the manual? Did you drive both? | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 290 Registered: 10-2002 |
Rudy, In view of your interest, here are just a few thoughts that have come to mind. First and foremost, I would like to see more power and performance for the 456. The 456 can do 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It used to be adequate, because speed has never been its only attraction. The figures for the 575M, by the way, is 4.25. If I had only wanted speed, I would have gone for a Diablo, a Murcie, or Porsche GT2. Although performance is not everything, however, at least there is a minimum point of entry for the supercar league beyond which you can start thinking about being relegated. And now, with the arrival of new models such as Aston Martin Vanquish (5.0), Bentley Continental GT (4.9 est), BMW Z8 (4.7), AMG SL55, or even Audi RS 6 (4.9), Porsche Cayenne Turbo (5.6) etc., coming out, the 456 is having less and less of a cutting edge. Being beaten in straight lines by a Lambo is one thing, because (assuming that many 456 owners could have got a Lambo instead if they had wanted to) at least there you have made the choice between extreme impracticality and practical extreme, and you know the scores. But being beaten on the road all the time by lesser mortals is not something that would keep Ferrari's name great for too long. Fancy having a S_L_O_W Ferrari with 0-60 of over 8 seconds, and still has the cheek to call itself a supercar? It is just not on. And I think Ferrari recognises this, too. The new 460 (or whatever) will be impressively powerful and fast, I believe. For my part, I would not mind having the engine to be turbocharged. I prefer twin-turbo chargers, because that would cut out the turbo-lag, and may save more space. Next, I would like to seeing the turning circle (of naval proportions) to be reduced. The turning circle for the 456 is nearly some 40 ft. It should be reduced to less than 36 ft. Next, what I would like to see is the introduction of a mixed manual, and F1 gearbox. The competitors are already offering it. And I think this will become the norm very soon. Ferrari should also consider adopting a twin-clutch system, which would speed up the response and cut off the jerks and jitters. The interior ought to be more thoughtfully updated. Considering the common battery drain problem, I would like to see at least a voltmeter. Murcielago has it. My old Jensen Interceptor used to have it. So there is nothing difficult about installing it. The handbrake should be re-positioned so that it does not threaten to rip off your trousers as you are stepping out of the car in trying to make a grand entrance for a star-studded gala premiere. There should a a light for the ignition area which should light up after you get into the car, so that you do not have to keep dropping the car keys onto the floor because you have to fumble for the ignition keypole and end up hitting all the wrong places. The electric window switch should not come off in your fingers if you should press it with anything more than a featherweight force, so that you have to fish it up from the carpet and manually click it back on again in true Ferrari fashion, i.e. whilst driving. The suspension should be adjustable for ground clearance, so as to allow for both town driving and expressway speeding. The steering column should be more adjustable for reach. The famous long-legged, short-armed driving position can be a bit tiring after a while. The horns for the 456 should be right in the middle and accessible at all times. At present, there are only 2 horizontal fingering points for it at the steering wheel, and if you are in the middle of a cornering you are unlikely to be able to find them in a hurry. The car is supposed to be a 4 seater. But every time you lean the seat forward to let the rear passengers out, the seat returns to its default position, which leaves little legroom for the rear passengers and so you have to go through the adjusting process all over again. Can't they just stay in the position that you have chosen, for a change? The headlight motor sometimes does not work. I would much rather do without it. Just like the 575M, and the 360. The cooling fan only comes on if the engine reaches a certain temperature. So you are only inches away from a "melt down" via the protection of a couple of sensors. In my old Jensen Interceptor, the sensors used to fail whilst crawling along in traffic - just as you needed it most. Ferrari should install a switch whereby you can force-switch the cooling fan on, in the event of emergency. The boot cannot be openned except via the interior panel switch, which is very tiresome. It should be capable of being opened by the key and the remote control. And the Hi-Fi SUCKS! | ||
| Kevin (Jammy)
Junior Member Username: Jammy Post Number: 93 Registered: 3-2002 |
You can have a huge amount of fun driving a 456. Though it lacks the out and out pace and nimbleness of a lighter mid engined car like a 355/360, they are less edgy and have far more exploitable handling. I've owned a 456M for over 2 years now, and still love it. I have a favourite road near me that is a combination of fast sweepers, tight bends and elevation changes, together with good visibility; the 360 was always my weapon of choice for this road. However, when I took the 456 along this same route I was amazed to find it as least as quick, and easily as much fun without being scary. The downside of a heavy nose is that you need to have it on 'sport' if you're going over yumps- it doesn't do to forget this.... I'm amazed they aren't more highly regarded. It's one very well sorted car. | ||
| Rudy Marsh (Acrobatic_dog)
New member Username: Acrobatic_dog Post Number: 7 Registered: 1-2003 |
Kenneth, What types of problems have you had with your 456 thus far? What types of updates would you like to see with the next version? Thanks for your input! | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 289 Registered: 10-2002 |
William, 456 is a 4 seater, and in its days it was hailed as one of the fastest 4 seater GTs in the world (or perhaps the most beautiful as well). If you need to carry kids at the back, you have little other choice. The weight distribution is 52:48. It handles beautifully. It is a V-12. A Ferrari classic. It is extremely user-friendly. On the streets around town, and with other road users all over the place, unless someone should really want to go to extraordinary extremes (in which case he might probably need to have his head tested), the 456 should deliver just about everything that you could sensibly want for your daily drives. But alas, although its lines are timeless, its technology is not. I agree that it can do with a thoughtful update. That is why I am also starting my next round of looking around, too. The 550 (and now 575) is a 2 seater. It costs slightly less but seems to be more powerful and faster. I think the 456 is due for a new version soon (perhaps 460). There are however rumours that Ferrari might delay the new 460 for the time being, because Ferrari has to further upgrade the present 575 in order to keep pace with the awesome competition. Second-hand value wise, 456 drops in value much faster than the other Ferrari models, at least in the first couple of years. Thereafter it probably levels out. For some aspiring owners, however, it might still represent something reminiscent of a king's ransom. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1779 Registered: 2-2001 |
355s & TR are definately not practical. Ive never driven a 456 but isnt it pretty close to a 550 ? | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 288 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jay, I chose the 456 for the very reason that it did not look too aggressive. It would glide along the street unobtrusively, instead of shouting its way down central avenue. And I do not think that the 456 is boring. It is just a very different kind of experience, that is all. It is not a race car, but it feels like a Bentley with race car abilities. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 983 Registered: 10-2001 |
I love the look of the 456. It's not always about getting attention and saying "look at me!". My wife also wants one for that very reason. I saw one in downtown Toronto a few weeks ago (yes in the snow!) and it just looked fantastic. The average person will know that it is special, but they are not quite sure why! | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 285 Registered: 10-2002 |
Nebula, I see from another thread that you have your eyes on a F40 or 512M. Good luck to you. Have a good day. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 102 Registered: 11-2002 |
KCCK - The one I bought was an Azure/Tan model with around 20k miles, I think. It was a guy who was trying to unload the car, and he first came in at $105. I'm sure he could have gotten aroun $120 or $130 had he sold the car private party, but he needed it gone in a matter of weeks. Anyway, the dealer did not want to pay 105, as we already had two aging 2000 models, but I knew a guy wo bought and sold F-cars privately. I called him, and he said he'd be willing to pay 70 or 80 for it. I went back to the dealership the next day, and there was the 456 in the back....it appears the seller had come into the showroom on my day off and had spoken with the Ogners, two stingy ass bastards, and they had whittled him down to 70k. As for the 355s, I can only tell you what they were worth a year ago.....on my end. I've been in school for the past year, and my Ferrari marketplace knowledge has dropped behind the time. | ||
| Wade Nunez(FortuneMotors) (308nut)
Junior Member Username: 308nut Post Number: 112 Registered: 7-2002 |
Rudy if you want a 456 call me I have sold quite a few in the past and usually can get a very good deal on one. Also, even better for Fchat members. hte prices from Forza I can beat by probably $20k Furthermore, the performance is great realibility is also great the 456 is a wonderful car just underrated. Wade www.fortunemotors.com | ||
| Rudy Marsh (Acrobatic_dog)
New member Username: Acrobatic_dog Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2003 |
Thanks for all the input guys! Nebulaclass - thanks especially for the breakdown. Strangely enough, my wife hates the 456's design - I'm the one that is considering it because of the 4 seats, smooth ride and refinement. She's convinced we should get a testarossa. I love the TR design as well, but my only concern is it won't get driven because we already have 2 other 2-seater "sports cars". We just sold a 2-seater sports car because it wasn't being driven. The only 4 seater we have is the SUV. choices...choices I'm trying to look for some test drives now to help me decide. Thanks again everyone. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 278 Registered: 10-2002 |
NebulaClass, I too studied law when I was young. So welcome and wish you all the very best. Here are some more figures from FORZA Magazine, November Issue: 1. P.29 - 1999 456M GTA : $139,900 2. P.54 - 1999 456M GTA : $149,900 - 1997 456 GTA : $125,000 Hm, I am puzzled. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 277 Registered: 10-2002 |
NebulaClass How much would a 1996 and 1995 355 cost, respectively, at your end? You have just kindled my interest. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 100 Registered: 11-2002 |
KCCK....amazing, huh? The cars were really nice, except for the back shelf in the interior on bot cars had peeling leather. This was not due to shoddy construction: rather, it was due to the fact that the owners of the store were cheap bastards and didn't want to build a big showroom, so 90% of the F-cars were outside, and these two 456s had spent over a year and a half i n the SoCal sun. Anyways, when I left the store, it was about to be sold. It is now a different dealership, but same location, and I don't know if the new dealers kept the old inventory, bt if they did, those cars are probably LONG gone. Try it out, though. They may still be there. The name of the place is Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills. It used to be called Ogner Ferrari. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 99 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mike....if only! Although I am young (26), and sttudying (history & law), and while I have driven many Ferraris, I have yet to own one. I sold cars for three years after getting out of the Marine Corps, and one of those years was spent selling Ferraris. When I say I "bought" one from a guy for 70k, it was a car that a private owner approached me with while working, and the GM wanted the car, so..... But someday! Someday I'll have my F-car, damnit! | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 276 Registered: 10-2002 |
The HK dealer also told me that 456 is one of the most reliable models. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 274 Registered: 10-2002 |
Budy, If you think cars like Aston Martins and AMGSL55s etc. are boring, then the 456 is not for you. Nebula Class, BRAND NEW 2000 models for 50 under? WOW! | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
Junior Member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 139 Registered: 5-2002 |
NebulaClass -- You must be damn lucky to have driven and owned Ferraris at such a young age especially you are still studying. I agree with you the 456 is relatively cheap and it is definitely a good bargain for a practical Ferrari. Also, Rudy is asking for practicality and luxury not "an ape's d*ck up it's ass" all the time. | ||
| Ronald C. Steinhoff (Buylowsellnever)
New member Username: Buylowsellnever Post Number: 8 Registered: 9-2002 |
"The engine will warm up, and it will howl like a rabid dog with an ape's d*ck up it's ass when you hit the street." Thanks for starting my day off with a laugh! | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Intermediate Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 1565 Registered: 4-2002 |
rudy not to knock your interest in a 456, but my 2 cents, a comfortable car to drive, but BORING, doesnt even look like a ferrari, but im a testarossa man, so what do i know, but if you ever drove a tr, those 12 cylinders will convince you theres no looking back to any other f-car' good luck.. bruce | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 273 Registered: 10-2002 |
456, of course! | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
Junior Member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 136 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rudy --- I really recommend you to test drive all three models as they are totally different species. All I could tell you is 456 and 355 are more pracitcal because of the power steering. Please do a search on all these three models on F-chat. I am sure you could probably get some insight. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 97 Registered: 11-2002 |
456: Fun to drive, especially the manual. Very comfortable, very plush, and very S-Class-ish. Don't let that fool you, though. The engine is sliky smooth, powerful, and sounds great. The best thing? They are CHEAP! Well, relatively cheap. When I was at Ogner (I left in Sep 01), we had two BRAND NEW 2000 models. They were both red/black, and had been on the lot for over a year. The GM would have gldaly sold them for 50 under sticker. I also bought a 96 from a guy for 70K....it was in pristine condition. 355: I'm a purist, and I only dig the coupes, which are a blast to drive. Totally different from the 456, very smooth, very raw, very powerful, and you feel like you've got a 12" prick while behind the wheel. TR: What can I say? For the bread you are going to shell out, you can't beat a mid-engine 12 popper. This car is amazing. It's older, so it feels more "traditional." The engine is a beast. The tranny is great. But you gotta drive it the right way, or else you won't like it. Turn the car over, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The engine will warm up, and it will howl like a rabid dog with an ape's d*ck up it's ass when you hit the street. Go on the freeway and slam the gas down. It's amazing. When you begin to pick up speed (which is right away), the air around the car gets caught in the side grills, and you can literally feel the car get sucked another inch or two towards the ground. Also, ensure that the car is always near empty before you take her out, because one of the best feelings in the world in pulling into a gas station in a scorching red TR to get gas. Either way....you won't make a bad choice! | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
Member Username: Mojo Post Number: 254 Registered: 9-2002 |
Rudy My opinion, only because you asked for any input is 456's are so boring, they don't even look ferrari to me, just to tame. But thats just my taste. | ||
| Rudy Marsh (Acrobatic_dog)
New member Username: Acrobatic_dog Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2003 |
I'm thinking about getting a 456 GT because of the practicality and luxury aspects. My question is, how much fun are they to drive? My other two choices are the 355 and the testarossa - how much performance (handling-wise mostly) would I be giving up to these two cars? Thanks for any and all input! |