328 ---> 355 ---> 911 ---> C7

Nice write up thanks. I can't comment on any of the four cars, but I get how certain "better" cars can not be as much fun (or as engaging) to drive.

 

Good quick review. Thanks.

 

Enjoy the new Vette. I have test driven the new Vette, and definitely an improvement over previous years. Good bang for your buck (base ones can easily be had under $50k starting).

 

Good summary. For Corvettes, the main things that have always kept me away are:

1. They are very common around here (southern California), so kind of like a BMW 3 series you can count on seeing one at every light.

2. The interiors still don't stack up to the 997, IMHO. I feel like Chevy is still saving money there.

Interesting comments on the 355 as well. I know two 355 owners who switched to 308s or 328s afterward, and their reasons/observations were similar to yours.

On the 997, I agree, they don't make much of a style statement anymore. The 993 was a "pretty" 911 -- the newer ones do look more or less the same. But, honestly, I don't think Porsche buyers are quite as obsessed with exotic styling as Ferrari buyers are. 911s are like the Brooks Brothers suit that you can wear forever, anywhere, and be in good taste. But not much of a conversation starter.

 

It's always good to read comparisons from someone who has owned multiple cars and is therefore in a good position to observe, compare, and contrast.

Thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

Interesting comparison. I can't comment much on the Corvette except that I respect the direction of the car's workmanship and track-worthiness.

I've had numerous 911s and just recently picked up an 89 coupe to drive for a bit. I'd gladly take my 89 over a 997. Nonetheless, neither cars are close to any of the Ferraris in terms of a visceral driving experience. I'd own one as a daily driver though...even the 89.

I also sold earlier this year my second 328 and bought a 355 Challenge. I bought the 355 as I felt bad driving a pristine, original street 328. Instead I wanted a car that I can race and drive without too much aesthetic worries and still have period race provenance. So far so good, but keep in mind that my 355 Ch is void of much of the electronic bits still present in street versions. Time will tell on my 355 experience, but at least I'll have a track worthy Ferrari, which my 328 wasn't.

 

Wish I liked the looks of the C7, the C6 was a C3 incarnate. Thank you for the depictions.

 

Thought your write ups were correct . My first 5 cars were Vettes,last was 73 when I swore off the breed, never to enter an American car showroom until this year. A number of Porches,Loti,Vipers and Ferrari cars ensued. I loved the lines of the new C7. Went in to order a 015 Z51 and came away with a little wait time as I ordered the new Z06 at my wife's direction. Hopefully the A8 production will begin next month.

 

well written observations
I too had a 328, then a 355, and I would agree that as much as I loved the sound and driving experience, the 355 always had me shall we say 'concerned'
i had a manual so didn't suffer the F1 box teething issues, but the engine out service and the shape-shifting interior parts finally sealed the deal for me.....but it was an unbelievable car, never boring
kinda like that hot date you just couldn't get along with

 

Interesting perspective. I work at a performance shop specializing in late model GM vehicles. The C7 is a great performer.

I really love the looks, sound and overall experience of the F355 however. I sold mine a few years back and am buying another one now.

 

The C7 is quite an advance for Chevrolet. It really is a beautiful design, although I did have a problem with the tail lights for a while. It is a whole lot of car and performance for the money. The big downside for me is there are too many of them already. There were lots of them at SEMA. I suspect in another couple of years they will be all to common.

 

Huge c7 fan. Love the looks like an f12. Drove one on track and very impressed. Great steering, clutch/shift, brakes. Not that fast as im used to gtr but better in almost everything else. Z06 should take care of that though

 

I can give you my opinions of the 425 + cars I've owned in the last 25 years but it would probably end up being novel # 4. Though I do think it has made me more understanding of why manufacturers do certain things and for those reason 90% of the cars I own remain stock for the shortest time possible.

 

Whilst I always fancied a Ferrari, my experience from listening to friends who have them is that they are not for me.
I have driven Porsche for many years (often as my only car), and followed the huge progress made by the 911 in the last 4 decades.
What I like most about Porsche is that they can be daily drivers and are generally reliable.
OK, they are common as muck, and not very inspiring to some, but I personally like the continuity in design. When I pick up a new Porsche, I know I am in a familiar environment, and what I can expect from it.
But I still fancy a Ferrari though ... but as a second or third car.

 

The C7 is a great sportscar. I don't really mind that it is popular and relatively common. Just the same as it doesn't bother me that there are a lot of Ipads, Rolex Subs and Armani suits. If its good, folks buy it. Good on GM for producing a fantastic product. Besides, there are plenty of ways to personalize a C7 if the need to be "different" becomes overpowering.

 

I had a contrary opinion. Drove a new one and after 2 hours I concluded it was very much like my C5. Each to his own, but it certainly didn't make feel as though I had to trade.

 

I think the C7 is a great car and I would agree the stock interior of a 997 was not that special. I thought I was done with my Ferrari/Lamborghini days but lately I find myself wanting another 430 gearshift coupe. Might be time to stop by Algar.

 

Well, Chevy being Chevy, I wouldn't put much faith in that interior. Chevy uses the lowest quality leathers this side of a Chrysler.

 

Ferrari leather barely last few years before wears out

 

That is one thing that IRKS me about Porsche. Stainless or Aluminum LOOK Gas cap, and for how much? You can go after market and buy the real deal for less! And the funny thing is I am still a Porsche guy. Why must they use FAUX materials at the prices they are charging?

I'm glad Chevy finally brought their interior in the `Vette up to Snuff. Before their interior's were as cheap as a sub $20K car.

 

The thing about Corvette, and I owned five before graduating to Ferrari about ten years ago, is that it's fundamentally just a Chevrolet. One of the things that's always fascinated me about about Ferrari is that the motoring public, for the most part, doesn't know the difference between a $50k car and a $250k car. When we take our 348 spider to the local Saturday night cruise-in, given the opportunity I will always grab a spot next to a ZR-1, an admittedly superior car in every tangible respect. Guess which car draws the most attention? Correct. It's called cachet. Corvette doesn't have it. Ferrari defines it.

Be nice, tifosi. Tiz the season...

 

And Lamborghini perfected it......