| Author | Message | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Junior Member Username: Dom Post Number: 172 Registered: 11-2002 |
As the owner of a "lesser" ferrari (308 GT4- the lowest of the low) I guess I'll chime in. The general public seems to feel that "a ferrari is a ferrari is a ferrari. All ferrari's are expensive, and how did you manage to afford one?" It seems like I always have to explain to friends that "no really, it didn't cost an arm and a leg" With the GT4, however, many people don't recognize that it is a ferrari (it's been mistaken for a pantera a couple of times, one guy called it a lamborghini, etc.). And of course, some people think it's a dino and not a ferrari. Most of the tifosi I have met have treated me nicely, and have been interested in the car. I've yet to get the feeling that I have a "lesser" car. There was only one not positive experience when I pulled up next to someone in a black 360, gave him the thumbs up, and was ignored. My guess is that he had no idea what kind of car the GT4 was... My take on all of this: I bought the car because I am a fan of all italian cars, esp. ferrari. I have loved the design of the GT4 for years (yes, I'm a little strange). Also, it was nice that I could buy it without having to get a loan, or worry that I would be depriving my kids of an education, etc., etc. I can also take more than 2 people for a ride (Yes, I have fit 4 adults in the car). In other words, it was the right car for me at the time. And no regrets. I realize that it is not in the same class as a 360. It has nowhere near the performance. Heck, a Nissan Maxima will probably out accelerate, brake, and handle this car. But, I have more fun driving it than I would driving a nissan maxima. And, in the words of Forza magazine: "The 308 GT4 is a drivers car in the extreme" Dom | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 976 Registered: 10-2002 |
Armen, you just opened a can of worms: The debate over whether the last real Ferrari was the Testarossa. Thereafter Enzo died. Similar to the argument, the last real Ferrari was the Daytona, thereafter Fiat took over. Personally I don't see any lesser Ferraris (including the Dinos). And I'm pretty sure I would say the same even if I'd owned a more expensive one like a 360. As people said here before, it is all relative. I just saw a show about a 275 GTB, which at some point was the rave of the time and was surprised to learn, that it only had 250 HP. That's about the same what my 308 has and I don't feel too good about it. But that put things into perspective. There is always a better, faster, more prowerful, more expensive Ferrari. Or as Enzo used to say: "The best Ferrari is the one, we haven't built yet." | ||
| Armen Gugasian (Ag512bbi)
New member Username: Ag512bbi Post Number: 36 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ferrairs are all the same. Created by one god!!!!!!!!!!! ENZO | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 975 Registered: 10-2002 |
Not to start a whole new debate, but I feel closer to Fiat with the whole Dino engine in the Fiats history than to Maserati. But that's just me. Maybe I'm not a car enthusiast, but 'only' a Ferrari enthusiast. So be it. | ||
| Craig A (Milo)
Junior Member Username: Milo Post Number: 114 Registered: 4-2003 |
Andreas, Actually a "lesser" Ferrari is a Fiat.  See... "F-Car" works for Fiat too. | ||
| David Stoeppelwerth (Racerdj)
Junior Member Username: Racerdj Post Number: 162 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mark said: "People who see others as having 'lesser' cars are not car fanatics but rather snobs. A true car enthusiast appreciates all cars, even if they would not personally want to own another marque." WELL SAID I TOTALLY AGREE!! | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 974 Registered: 10-2002 |
Isn't a 'lesser' Ferrari a Maserati? ...sorry, couldn't resist | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 474 Registered: 2-2001 |
Personally, I'm into cars, not status or snobbery, and happen to own 308 right now. Used to have a 240Z and 911. I attend car shows of all types and can chat with a low-rider as easily as a muscle car owner as easily as a F car owner. There are no 'lesser' cars, as each person has their own personal values and preferences. There are those who believe that the last 'real' Porsche was the 356 series, the last 'real' Ferrari the Daytona etc. If your passion is 1968 MGBs, then they are the end-all of cars for that person. People who see others as having 'lesser' cars are not car fanatics but rather snobs. A true car enthusiast appreciates all cars, even if they would not personally want to own another marque. | ||
| Collin Hays (Chaysintexas)
Junior Member Username: Chaysintexas Post Number: 110 Registered: 4-2002 |
Who cares what somebody else thinks about YOUR car? Pride can be a dangerous thing. | ||
| David Stoeppelwerth (Racerdj)
Junior Member Username: Racerdj Post Number: 160 Registered: 1-2003 |
Just viewing the 50 Years of Ferrari on DVD, I realize that how special all the past Ferrair's are in the history of the car. Had it not been for the 308, my Ferrari flame might not have been born. Had it not been for the past owners taking the time to talk about their cars, my passion might not be as great. I really enjoy the stories of the younger first time owners. It took me 48 years of age to realize my dream. My admiration to all the younger owners and to those are dreaming as I was. | ||
| Kristoffer Hansson (Maverick)
Junior Member Username: Maverick Post Number: 109 Registered: 3-2001 |
I agree to mister Jones. One of the main reasons that I go on with school is so that I one day can afford a Ferrari. Every time the studying feels hard and boring I think of the Ferrari I will own. Wheter it is a 308gt4 or a 355. It keeps me inspired to go on. Living in the central of Stockholm, I see a Ferrari almost every day its sunshine. The few times I talk to the owners I feel most are nice but not all. Last summer a lovely black 360 parked in front of me. I asked if I could take a picture and his reply was: "A ferrari fanatic.." and then he just walked away. Very nice. Calling me a fanatic, like I was part of the al-qaida or something. Some owners just dont get it. | ||
| philip capner (Philjay)
New member Username: Philjay Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
As a UK resident it's interesting to note that we here are car snobs, Its a sad state, it's not who you are but what you drive ! I had and took the opportunity to buy a Mondial, it was all I could afford, it is known as the poor mans Ferreri here (along with some others)but I love every minute I drive it. All other Ferrari owners that I have come across so far, but one (and that was at Le mans !) have been interested and helpful, but the market is changing and the 360's etc are now becoming an alternative to Merc's etc, then attitudes will change ! | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 566 Registered: 11-2001 |
Just don't act like that guy in Fast and Furious, the guy in the blk 355, man that was bad, that could make F owners to become stereotyped. | ||
| K.Saul (Kms)
New member Username: Kms Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2003 |
Last winter I had my first drive in a 2001 Lamborghini Diablo SV. Coming in the opposite direction was a 360 Modena and the guy waved catching me by surprise but as I wasn't going that fast (yet)I did manage to wave back. I asked the Diablo owner what that was about..I thought Ferrari and Lamborghini owners didn't see eye to eye. His reply? "We're both Italian." | ||
| David J. Smith (Darkhorse512)
Junior Member Username: Darkhorse512 Post Number: 214 Registered: 10-2002 |
Lesser Ferrari? I dunno If somone asked me if I wanted drive a 308GT4 or an Enzo, my answer would be yes. | ||
| Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member Username: Eilig Post Number: 139 Registered: 8-2001 |
"Lesser" is just not a relavent term when it comes to ANY Ferrari. Heck I'd have one of every single model if I could afford to! Each and every Ferrari I have ever seen has many things about it which I truly love! But since most of us here are mere mortals, and can, at best, only afford ONE, we must pick and choose the one model which we see the MOST things we like! Not unlike many people, I happen to see many things I like in the 360... the styling, power, handling, design cues from past models, etc. And I think some of the most popular models are ones that pull together various elements of multiple Ferraris... allows some of us Ferrari lovers to "get the most bang for our buck"... since we can't have one of each! But to say one is "better" than the other, well, that in my opinion is ludicrous! | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 398 Registered: 1-2003 |
We all need to understand that a 'Lesser Ferrari' is an Open GT. | ||
| Mister Jones (Davey_jones)
New member Username: Davey_jones Post Number: 11 Registered: 9-2002 |
Sorry to burst your bubble guys, there really is a lesser Ferrari! It's called a Kitcar!!! Looking back, it's kinda funny actually what these cars have done to me (and others I'm sure). I had a dream and worked my a** off!! Built a good company and I'm finally going to pull the trigger this year! yippeee!!!! | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 285 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well said Stephen. I've always wanted one and I feel pretty lucky to be able to have one. Owning one of these great cars is a pretty big commitment, no matter which one. Let face it, they are a luxury that can come with many surprises. In my mind mine is like a hobby not unlike anyother. Hobbies are thing you enjoy, have a passion for. I feel sorry for those with these "greater" Ferraris who look down upon others. I bet they don't enjoy their car as much as we do. There are "lesser" ferraris, if you think in terms of performance. But, remember, one day that 360/550/575 won't be the top performer. I still get very excited when I see a GT4, or a 308, or a 328. Those are the cars that I grew up dreaming to own. I had the posters and everything. Hopefully I'll have one of each someday to enjoy. I also wnat to enjoy a 355/360/...........you get the picture. | ||
| Robert Davis (H2oquick)
Junior Member Username: H2oquick Post Number: 236 Registered: 8-2001 |
I have a 308, I never have had anybody considering it a "lesser" Ferrari. I have been told that of all the Ferrari's built that it is the best looking in their opion and the most known. The best line is the Magnum PI car. I was looking at buying a TR when I bought my 308, but always wanted a 308 as long as I can remember so I purchased it instead. I am currently looking at buying another Ferrari over the next few months...I want a 328, kinda the best of the new and the old in one car. But I guess to some somewhere that is a lesser Ferrari too. Who cares I LIKE IT....Screw the rest, at least I can work on it and enjoy it. | ||
| Stephen A. Thompson, II (Sat4re)
New member Username: Sat4re Post Number: 30 Registered: 2-2003 |
People who believe there is such a thing as a "lesser" Ferrari are nothing more than pretentious jerks with no concept of history or class. One needs only to open any car magazine from the early 80's to find the motorworld press just as enamored with the 308's as they are with the 360's, today. Furthermore, the 308's (to keep with this example) were very expensive in their day. I've got a copy of, I believe, a Road and Track from around 1980, that has a write-up on the then 308GTSi. The writer comments on the big price tag of $29,000, and says unless your a doctor, etc., keep dreaming! Oh, how quickly we forget! Seriously, who out there thinks a 1963 Split-Window Vette is a lesser car than a new C5? Is a '69 Boss 429 any less cool than a new 'stang? Is a Porsche 356 Cab. just an old clunker compared to the new machines? Do you watch a P-51 Mustang at an airshow and say, "That's kind of neat, but it's no F-22!" Get a freak'n clue, people! Pull your head out of your stuck-up @$$ and realize that cool isn't always the newest and most expensive! Cool is timeless grins, something every Ferrari inspires!!! | ||
| TWA (Exoticars)
Junior Member Username: Exoticars Post Number: 104 Registered: 8-2001 |
I'm opposite of most here as I tell it like it is. There are definitely lesser Ferraris. 308,328, Mondials, 348's etc... are in NO way the same car or quality or price or performance as the upper end Ferraris. The only similarities are the name and the heritage. I do, however, agree that all exotic car enthusiasts should show respect and appreciation for all other exotics. Ferrari has such a vast line of cars over such a long time that, of course, there are 'lesser' Ferraris. Time and technology are mnostly responsible for that. I guess I'd equate it to driving a 911 GT2 TT and having a boxster roll up next to me........ not the same at all | ||
| Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Junior Member Username: Teenferrarifan Post Number: 79 Registered: 2-2003 |
I can't speak for everyone but I get just as excited about seeing a 308 as I do a 360 and I actually would rather see a TR then a 550 because I rarely see them anymore. Even though a TR is worth a fraction of the 550. A Ferrari of today is just as cool to see as one of old. I would actually probably have a heart attack if I saw an enzo though. Erik | ||
| Lee Hamner (Tennlee)
Junior Member Username: Tennlee Post Number: 64 Registered: 2-2002 |
I sure wish I'd meet another Ferrari, "In the wild!" My area has very, very few Ferraris. I love my 308GT, and hope to meet friendly fcar drivers in it some time! I'll happily talk with whoever I meet that wants to shoot the auto-breeze. Doesn't matter if they are in a Honda, a Porsche, or a minivan at the gas station. | ||
| Bill Steele (Glassman)
Junior Member Username: Glassman Post Number: 229 Registered: 4-2002 |
Lesser Ferrari's are only lesser when in the company of other more exotic and expensive Ferrari's. | ||
| Ken A (Zff)
Junior Member Username: Zff Post Number: 58 Registered: 12-2002 |
I used "lesser" in quotes because I knew it didn't *really* apply, but I didn't know how else to point out the difference between something like a 308GTSi and an Enzo in a single word. As the owner of a 308, I'll probably never know what it's like to bump into another Ferrari owner who would prefer my car over his own. Still, meeting any Ferrari "in the wild" is so rare that I think even if I owned an Enzo, I would be thrilled at meeting a 308. Maybe even more so. A 308 owner would appreciate an Enzo far more than your average Camry owner. It's a shame that some Ferraris are owned by bazillionaires who could care less about the marque. | ||
| Ton Visser (Lion315)
Member Username: Lion315 Post Number: 556 Registered: 12-2002 |
The "snobbish" people mentioned here have no clue what it is all about! They have no passion for Ferrari. Just leave them in their own small world and enjoy "la passione Ferrari" with the rest of us! just my 0.02c Ton | ||
| Craig A (Milo)
Junior Member Username: Milo Post Number: 95 Registered: 4-2003 |
I'm willing to give anybody a ride, gives me a reason to drive it (like I need one). I've even offered to let closest friends and family a chance to drive it. Not one person has taken me up on the offer for fear they will be in it when the clutch burns out. Shortly after purchasing it I had a cookout and I felt like the 348 was an amusement park ride. I gave no less then 10 rides that day. I gave about six rides the day I bought it. My dad is a big wig in the American Veterans (AMVETS) and I've offered it up for parades, little league and charity events. He mentioned that he didn't think the other veterans would like a non-American car at an AMVETS event. Not sure if he was joking or not. | ||
| Sean F (Agracer)
Junior Member Username: Agracer Post Number: 123 Registered: 2-2003 |
When I got a ride in an F-40 I was driving a '94 Accord at the time (and still am) so even us non-Ferrari owners can take solace in the fact that there are some damn nice Ferrari owners out there. | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1197 Registered: 3-2002 |
andrew hit it on the head. when ferraris went from being exotics that only really committed people would own, to being just a higher echelon merc or porsche (in terms of maintenance and liveability), is when it stopped being a club of cognoscenti and enthusiasts. oh well. i don't lose much sleep over it, and try to counter it by behaving in the opposite manner. | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 725 Registered: 12-2001 |
Some people are idiots. I think all F-cars are wonderful and beautiful machines. Most F-car guys and gals are very gracious and pleasant. Snobby people are only advertising their own insecurities. | ||
| Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Member Username: Ronsupercar Post Number: 777 Registered: 5-2002 |
Being a nose in the air snob to anyone is really uncalled for. If you own a Ferrari you have to expect that people will always stare. When I get one, I shouldn't think I'm better then the next man or woman??. I would just be amongst the few fortunate able to buy an exotic "toy". This really suprises me that we would do this to a fellow Ferrari owner.. Does this means you have to get a later model Ferrari to be part of the "in crowd". That's just too bad then....  | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 872 Registered: 10-2001 |
I saw a GT4 in person for the first time last summer at Fox Valley and was amazed at how pretty they are in person. It's a Ferrari. | ||
| RockStar (Remix)
New member Username: Remix Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2003 |
I just snicker and pity them for being too poor to afford a new Ferrari...I usually just smile to make them feel better but that really wears me out. Just kidding! That first guy sounded like a jerk, Ziff. I'd be proud to own any of them. REMIX | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 1498 Registered: 1-2002 |
There are no "lesser" Ferraris. | ||
| martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Member Username: Mw575 Post Number: 939 Registered: 5-2001 |
Believe it or not there are A-holes driving Ferrari's of all types,tho most are great people who enjoy sharing their enthusiasm and love for the marque. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 1570 Registered: 6-2001 |
I always wanted a 308. By the time I could afford a Ferrari, the 348s had come out, and from a driving point of view, they were a better car for my purposes. However, I still want a 308 or 328, and at some point in my life, I will own them. There are no lesser Ferraris, just older and newer ones. I've yet to run into jerks driving them, most of the people I've me driving them have been enthusiasts, and from what I could tell good people. Art | ||
| Drstranglove (Drstranglove)
Member Username: Drstranglove Post Number: 282 Registered: 4-2003 |
I have yet to meet any ass's in F-Cars when driving mine. But I am sure it is comming. (I have however met some real dickheads in f-cars when I am NOT driving mine. Why is that I wonder.) DrS | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1237 Registered: 8-2001 |
I like ALL Ferraris. Some people seemed surprised that I take interest in their "non-current" Ferraris. I grew up dreaming about these cars so it's a big deal for me to see them even when driving my 360. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 255 Registered: 1-2002 |
Hard to think someone could consider the 512TR a "lesser Ferrari" in any camp!? My guess is some of these new owners are just clueless. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Intermediate Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 1094 Registered: 5-2002 |
Regardles of whih one I am driving, I respect the other Fcars and give the drivers the respect of "membership". Even the Gt4's. | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 870 Registered: 10-2001 |
I also agree with Ross . It seems the 360 and 550 ranges have brought a new kind of Ferrari owners who just bought the F car as a status symbol ( they existed before but in much fewer numbers since the F cars werent so driveable , so easy to use as they are today ..). Instead of getting a Merc Sl/CL or a P 996 , they bought a 360 F1 or a 550 M. Very sad . | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1195 Registered: 3-2002 |
in london, i actually find a great deal of snobbishness towards my 512tr by drivers of 360's, 550's. drivers of all other (read older) ferraris, will respond to my wave, but these guys usually ignore my gestures to the ectent that i don't even bother much anymore. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4554 Registered: 5-2001 |
A lesser Ferrari is one that does not have a Cup-Holder! just my opinion! | ||
| David Stoeppelwerth (Racerdj)
Junior Member Username: Racerdj Post Number: 151 Registered: 1-2003 |
I view all other Ferrair's as works of art and enjoy engaging in conversation with any others who will take the time. I will talk at great lengths of time with all other sport's car lovers. If only Ferrari's were made how would we compare our car to others. Having had 15 Corvette's or so I'm used to talking at gatherings. I only wish there were more Ferrari's in Central Indiana. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Intermediate Member Username: Jay Post Number: 1230 Registered: 10-2001 |
Just remember, the 355's and 360's will eventually be the "lesser" Ferraris in time. But I've found that most Ferrari owners are very gracious and don't look down their noses. Many have owned 308's and GT4's at one point in their lives, because those were THE cars to own at the time. | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Junior Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 91 Registered: 1-2003 |
I remember a few years ago driving my TR when I saw a Mondial driving in the opposite direction. I turned around and caught up to him and asked him to pull over. He did. We spoke for a while and realized that we lived in the same town. Its nice meeting new Ferrari people. I was also able to refer him to the Ferrari service shop that I use. | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Junior Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 90 Registered: 1-2003 |
I feel the same as Craig and Andrew. All Ferrari's are beautiful works of art regardless of year or model. There should be no "snobs" here. | ||
| will h (Willh)
New member Username: Willh Post Number: 32 Registered: 3-2003 |
Here in the Washington DC area we hardly ever see Ferraris on the road. A couple weeks ago I zipped through a parking lot to try to catch up with a beautiful 308, but somehow missed him. I'm always happy to see a fellow owner, and I wish I could own one of each .... Some of the Porsche guys seem to spend a lot of time worrying about what is a real Porsche, one finds on the Porsche forums endless sad debate about this. | ||
| Craig A (Milo)
Junior Member Username: Milo Post Number: 94 Registered: 4-2003 |
I don't see any Ferrari as "lesser". They're all beautiful pieces of art in my book. I enjoy seeing a 308 as much as I like looking at my 348 as much as I like to look at someone else's Maranello. Just because it was built in a different era doesn't make it lesser. | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 867 Registered: 10-2001 |
Flashlighting them and giving the thumbs up is what i would do. | ||
| Ken A (Zff)
Junior Member Username: Zff Post Number: 55 Registered: 12-2002 |
A few days ago, I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself following a beautiful 360 Spider in my 308. When we got to a stoplight, I pulled up alongside and I complimented him on his car and jokingly (or seriously ) asked if he wanted to trade. I asked if he had the F1 tranny (he did), etc. He was very friendly and complimented me on my car. This is the second time I've come across another Ferrari while driving mine. The first one was also a 360, but it was a coupe. I'll reserve comment about that owner, but let's just say he wasn't nearly as friendly. I'm curious. For those of you who own 360s, 575s, F40s, etc... what do you do when you come across "lesser" Ferraris? |