Challenge Stradale

Wow! It's nice to see that the Stradale can still stir some deep emotions against Ferrari's latest and greatest! While I have not driven a 599 I can only imagine what an impressive machine it is. That being said - I have always loved my Stradale! It's a keeper regardless of what follows.

Your short lived drive gave you a mere taste of how truly special this car is. I am fortunate to own a CS and a 360 Modena. Two cars that look so similar could not be more different! The CS is truly a work of art in every respect. It begs (and thrives) to be driven in "race" mode 100% of the time! If you drive it normally you might as well be driving a four door sedan. You won't even experience what the car is all about until you DRIVE IT! Click race mode, stomp on the peddle, shift through the gears and you'll be grinning like a fool!

If you have a chance - track the car at least one time. I know many enthusiasts shy away from the track for fear of ruining their prized possession. If you're careful your car will come away totally unscathed but you will have had the opportunity to really see what this car is all about! Those that won't even consider tracking their car have no idea what they're missing. Ferrari bred this car to be tracked. It is more a race car than it is a street car.

All in all it is truly a remarkable machine! Enjoy it in good heath!

 

Hay Jeffrey could i ask you how different the modena is compared to the CS. Im after getting a modena (F1) and it will be my all the time car the reasoning behing getting it is because of price (its alot cheaper than the CS) and the interior looks more user friendly and on long drives i can see the CS getting uncomfortable.

I no its a little off topic but it would help.

Thanks

 

Jorge,
Good choice, they are very special cars and one of the most exciting total driving experiences out there.


Simon, I currently own both and would agree with your reasoning completely. The 360 is a great car and does not give up that much to the cs, is easier to live with as an everyday car and more appropriate. The cs is more specific in its intention and while accomplishing that with style, is not as well rounded for daily use, imo of course!

I hope both you guys enjoy your new choices.

 

Man!! Your 599 looks awesome!!
Please post pics when you get your CS please!!
Good luck with it.

 

Simon - As an "all time car" that you plan to use often - I would say that the 360 Modena will certainly not disappoint! It's really a compromise and boils down to your type of driving style and what you prefer. The CS feels race bred compared to the Modena. Even in "sport" mode on the Modena the car is softer all the way around. Part of that is due to the carpeting and creature comforts.

It's really a combination of sound, feel, and other sensory inputs. While the CS might only be marginally quicker in acceleration - all the inputs make you feel like you're going MUCH faster. The suspension, brakes, and overall handling are significantly better and really prove the point on a track. I followed a 430 around the track for a couple of laps and you could see the 430 pitching and rolling in the corners whereas the CS was flat and hunkered down. The 430 was no match for the CS in the corners and only showed its power on the straights.

I would say that if you love spirited driving from time to time, are single (this last point is important), and have the financial means to buy a CS over a Modena - buy the CS. If you like to drive but don't really push the envelope often - the Modena will more than suffice. Also, if you are married - make sure you take the wife for a ride in the CS before plunking down your money. I"m not married but I can tell you that my last two significant others both prefered my Modena over my CS. They didn't like the hard seats, the lack of creature comforts, the noise, etc. For me (since I'm not married) I didn't care if they liked it or not. If you're married ... that kind of carefree attitude will end up costing you some pain at home!

 

If you want Stradale impressions, read this post;

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143297&highlight=devil+viagra

 

Great choice. I love my Strad and I enjoy it enormously on the track.
The huge difference you will find, already owning a 599 is that the torque factor is planets away in the Strad versus the 599.

You really have to keep the revs up in the optimum torque band to enjoy the Strad, which is why it is a great track car. It will drive around on regular streets just fine, but there will be no fire unless you get on it, which is tough to do in traffic and hard revving in lower gears gets a little obnoxious on public roads.

It looks great however and if you are getting a red one with a stripe, it will be an attention grabber everywhere you. Enjoy it!

 

I never received any complain from my wife about riding in the CS. Actually she always enjoy the sensation when I am doing full throttle (the G force + Sound) ..

 

The Challenge Stradale is a very special car and a real modern production Ferrari sports car you can flog at the track on Sunday and then drive to the office on Monday. FYI, my wife really enjoys driving the CS!!

 

I do have a girlfriend and i would like to hold on to her so i think the 360 is the best option, maybe wen the bank lets me i will get a CS aswell hehe

 

I purchased my Stradale new in 2004 and have put about 8000 miles on it. I have used it in three Ferrari NA rallys each totaling 900 miles and you will be hard pressed to find a better car for that type of event. Yes the ride is hard especially in race mode which I use all the time but the handling at high speed on a tight road is impressive. I will again take my Stradale to this years rally in Virginia in September.
Just recently I attended the Ferrari Pilota advanced drivers school at the Fiorano test track in Maranello. For two days we drove both new 430's and 599's hard and got to understand the difference between the two cars. Both cars are just incredible machines but each in my opinion has it's place on the road. For the track the 430 was a winner making the driver one with the road in terms of handling on a tight course. Fun to drive quick, responsive and glued to the road. The 599 was pure comfort and brute force massive acceleration but not quite as agil in the turns as the 430. For everyday driving it is a close call but I would take the 599 especially on a cross country drive, luxury at the speed of light. On the track or a good rally the Stradale would be my choice.