The War of the Century! 458 Italia vs 997.2 Turbo S

Damn that is one fast GTR. I know it was a good starting point for the GTR , but DAMN

 

Fun. The puffed up Godzilla was fastest, which I'd sure expect with what has to be big boost and injectors. The rest were very close

 

I notice, as with the McClaren, Ferrari, and Porsche, comparison, the absence of a ZR1.

I am in the market for a new car, considering a McLaren (worrying about where to get it serviced ----anyone have a clue?), a 458 (except for the duel clutch , even after visiting the factory, not yet impressed), and (in the same breath) a ZR1.

As occurred when I had ordered a Mercedez S63 and the factory refused to remove the (imo useless phone that gets in my way), I bought a Caddilac CTS-V, added 100hp, saved $75,000, and never looked back. Great car and lots of fun.

As I, once again, go shopping, considering spending $300,000+, I ask myself why? I have a 430, which, after selling my 360 and getting used to, really enjoy. Owning two Ferrari's does nothing for me and I enjoy the 430 too much to get excited replacing it. So, once again, I am (God help me) looking to GM and buying a ZR1 for about $110,000. When I send it to Caravaggio for a great interior ($20,000), add body panels ($20,000) , and Lingenfelter for another 100hp ($12,000), I am spending about $150,000, and have a bealutiful car able to (I am sure some will take issue) leave the others in the dust.

I hope everyone reading this has these "problems" and nothing more, and hope everyone enjoys the car they choose. Best

 

I wish I had your problems.

The ZR1 is a monster but to me still doesnt have the same thrill factor as a Ferrari. Going fast in a strait line does nothing for me.

But for the $$$, the ZR1 is a great buy.

 

To be honest I do have more/other problems (don't want to sound "exempt" from "real" life).

Back to cars. I found the ZR1 suspension very good for curving roads and tracking, in my view, every bit as good as the Ferrari. I do understand is the "thrill factor". I road race (wheel to wheel) so get my fix that way, so use a street car for the occassional twisty bits, but mainly freeway and highway driving. I use the "power" when passing or when in the mood (and a clear road) to let it loose. The types of cars we are discussing can all do the job. Decisions, decisions. Best

 

Great video. As great as all of the cars are I guess I am biased towards the 458. You can always find comparable performance for far less money but IMHO nothing comes close to the looks, sound, performance, and exclusivity of driving a 458.

 

nice races, i wish there was a 458 down in South Florida to race

 

The F458 Italia acceleration is more an effect of the close-ratio 7-speed transmission, and it has barely anything to do with the DCT or the extra power or the 9,000 rpm redline.

Weight is the enemy, the GTR/997/F458 are heavy cars, the Z06 is relatively light. Despite of the Z06 having a manual transmission with horrible ratios (the car bogs on 5th and 6th gear), just with 480whp, it can keep up with the other 3.

The Turbo S is fast from a stop (0 mph) because of its AWD and launch control, but once you do rolling starts like those videos, or you're on a racetrack (when one doesn't stop anywhere), that advantage is gone. Funny fact is that a 997 Turbo is considered a pig among Porsche enthusiasts, and the F458 Italia is as heavy, but calling the Italia (or 599 GTO for this matter) by any resemblance to a chubby animal, may get banned forever from F-chat.

They are all great cars, unique personalities, if I have to choose one of those 4, I'll take the Italia because is more refined and advanced than all the other ones.

I don't like Vettes, but I personally prefer the Z06 over the ZR1, there is something about a 7.0L n/A V8 and lightweight chassis that runs to 7,000 rpm, rather than a car with a 6.2 + supercharger and plenty more weight. The best ticket (for street use) would be the Z06 with the ZR1 suspension and Carbon Ceramic brakes (new in 2011). A CCB rotor for the ZR1/Z06 costs less than $1,300 a piece. I don't like the stock Vette seats, but there are multiple better alternatives for seats that are even better than any Porsche or Ferrari seat ever made. There is also the Katech Z06 packages, with full coilovers (bye bye leaf springs) and 600+ N/A power on lighter cars, for a nice price.

Great videos !!! wise approach, cross the border, speed, keep your license clean, remember to carry $100 cash in $20 bills if you get pulled over by the Federales, have a sweet talking female friend lower the service fee to just $20 or $40, friends with guns help as well.

 

I took possession of my F458 this morning. Delivered today from my dealer in Chicago. Wow is the car lively, balanced and quick. Very refined. Every modern car I have owned I had worked on to make improvements in exhaust note, acceleration and other areas of the driving experience. Each of the cars were made better because of my intervention. Even the F430 (My first Ferrari) got the treatment. I can say with near certainty that this Italia does not need any assistance.
Oh nearly forgot a own a ZR1 and an R8 Spyder. They are each unique in their own rights and worth a weekly drive at he least.

 

Might help

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V5rY...JdaFk&index=20[/ame]

Best

 

LOL, you certainly wouldn't want to invite any pumped Supra Turbos to this party. They would give perspective on the GT-R.

 

Thanks for the vid!

 

If only they brought back the Supra.....

*EDIT* Just learned Toyota applied for the Trademark back in July.....3 years for it to be valid