I was wondering what some of you thought would be a great 2nd fun sports car. I have a 430 and love it. I keep thinking about another Ferrari, but what. I'm not a GT cruiser type guy. I'm leaning towards a 997 GT3, or maybe a Ford GT. I've owned 911's and know what they can do. I would track the car a few times a year along with the 430 from time to time. Any opinions or experiences would be welcome.
I have a 328 GTB and Subaru STI to go with the 430. Actually, the 430 goes with the others since it came last. Dave
I love to drive, have driven Rolls Royces and modified Volkswagens, and everything in between. I have owned Ferrari's, Porsches, etc. (have a 430 on the way), and still race wheel to wheel in SCCA, own 7 cars, and surprise myself, by putting the most miles on my 2006 Z-06. The Z-06 is a real surprise. Fast on the track and stays with almost anything from 2nd-4th gear. You can lose the back end or four wheel drift at will. Today's Porsche's are no longer drivers cars, compared to the old 930's (that you could scare yourself driving). The Z-06 still depends on your skill. The car is mechanically solid (where it should be). If not wedded to a "badge" try it -you'll like it. Best
All depends on your price and opinion, but my short list would be - Lamborghini Gallardo, 997 GT3, 997 Turbo (or even a GT2 when it comes out), Z06 or Ford GT. And an even shorter list would be Ford GT or Gallardo, as they are a bit more exotic and rarer. We had a 996 GT3 though, and there are a lot of fun, espcially when you drive it hard and on the track. A Ford GT would be nice in the future though (after the F430 if we dont go back to a Ferrari). Try and few and see what you think, if money isnt the deciding factor, looks (down to your opinion) and performance is likely to be them.
I appreciate the input guys. I'll listen to more if its out there. I know personal preference is what it all comes down to. But we all justify our decisions some way.
Not as fast as the cars above but fast enough,fun to drive and very comfortable. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've heard, from very capable drivers, that the Cayman is an absolute blast on the track and very rewarding to drive hard.
cheap fast and modern .... a cayman very fast .......... a GT3 porsche a clasic and xtremelly funny to own ... a air cooled 993
The Ford GT is a phenomenal car to drive and when it comes to servicing there is are no major costs involved. Residual values are holding up quite well due to the limited production. 06' Corvette Z06's are a blast to drive as well but the sound of the supercharger just over your ear in the Ford GT is something that will keep your foot on the go pedal often!
what about a bmw m6, anybody have feedback on this car ? i have a 2004 360 modena couple and was thinking of getting an m6 as well or maybe even getting the m6 and selling the 360 (have a 430 on the way mid to late 2007)
You might want to go "old school" and get a car from the 50's or 60's to complement your modern high-tech F430. Perhaps an AC Cobra, Jaguar E-type, or better yet, a 275 GTS. I have a black F430 F1 and a red 65 Corvette convertible. The old Corvette is not much of a track car but it is great fun on a sunny weekend. It has a 327 with 350 hp, 4-speed, and no power steering. It handles like an apple cart which makes it a thrill on old country roads. Having a back-to-the-basics kind of car is a real treat. It is like going back in time. Old style gauges, big thin wooden steering wheel, and the rumble of side pipes.
Go with a Murcie! Drove one over the weekend, what an incredible car with tons of power!!!! After I sell my 360, I'm definitely gonna get one!
I switch between my F430 and an original '69 Z-28. Very different, but both very fun! In fact, the Z-28, with its' short stroke 302 V-8 revvin at 8500 RPM, is as close to the Ferrari feel that I've been able to find.
I came over here because I'm thinking of picking up a 430. I currently have a Ford GT, and it is a phenomenal car! With a simple pulley change, I'm making over 700hp, and it is incredibly linear and smooth! Hell of a first post, huh?
For track use, The 997 GT3 RS sounds good for you. It's an absolute beast, but now that it looks like Ferrari is coming out with a "F430 CS", you might want to hold out for that.
As to a M6, its a great car, but its not even close to a substitute for the visceral feel of a Ferrari. On the one hand you can say its got a lot of the M5 tech for a 15k or so premium so why bother. On the other hand, it has different styling (if you like it) and it was more fun on the track than the M5 (surprisingly more stable at 140+ speeds). As to a 2nd car from a F430- I have a friend who has a Ford GT and he loves it. He tells me it can be modified to make crazy power numbers (gotta love forced induction). He says driving the car is a mix of good excitement (joy of driving) and bad (fear!). He will not sell it, but is just aware that the car has to be respected. In one sense the FGT seems very much like the F430- mid- engine 2 seat sports cars. In another sense they seem to have different personalities: Ford GT: kind of old school, no traction control, beefy V8 with forced induction, retro styling. F430: high tech all the way and while you can defeat the traction control it is there to help you. I have not driven the Z06, but from what I read (continuing here) it seems like quite a deal, and the performance seems excellent regardless of price. Another thought if you want hard core is the Noble. That car has some serious performance numbers to it. Just some thoughts. best regards, Jerry
Yes, I do have some pictures of my 65 Corvette. I bought it about 10 years ago and have been slowly fixing it up every year (engine rebuild, gauges redone, suspension, etc.). I'll probably keep it forever. Both young kids and old folks start up conversations with me when I take it to a gas station or restaurant parking lot. Most of the kids have never seen a mid-year and the older folks have stories of owning or riding in one 40 years ago. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have a 430 coupe and a 997s Cab, waiting for my local dealer to call me to test drive a M6 convertable. If I like it I am going to buy one.
I suspect it is much cheaper to restore an old corvette than an old f-car. All the parts are readily available (including interior & exterior trim pieces), every town has a shop or two that specializes in it, and it only takes a total of about $20k to make several major upgrades. Mine is considered a "nice driver", not a NCRS top flight show car. This means my car has almost everything original but some upgrades where it counts (modern radial tires, bright headlights, stronger battery, etc.) I drive it about 3000 miles a year. They made a lot of these cars so it isn't too hard to find a nice one. Here is a pic of my other toy: Image Unavailable, Please Login
One that hasn't been mentioned yet, but really shines on the track, not so good for daily use: Exige S. Solves my only real complaint with the Elise, lack of power. Gary
