This weekend I'm going to the Tail of the Dragon "near Gatlinburg TN". To get there I have to take I-75 for about 250 miles. I really dislike driving my 458 on the interstate, wasted miles and car papparazzi. And also having to let it sit in a hotel parking lot overnight. I really enjoy the GT-R also, its a great highway car and great handling, but it's just a little less exciting to drive. So, which one should I take? I know first world problems.
Not sure if there is such a thing as "wasted miles" in a 458. I'm sure the answer on this forum will be a resounding "458"
Can you post what exactly would be your route? If possible post a google map - I am interested in driving on this also? Thanks in advance
I don't own a GT-R, so the question does not arise for me A Ferrari is a car, and cars are made to travel from A to B... So, what was the question ???
Only to go from A to B take a train, a plain, or in your case, a comfortable limousine, therefore take the GT-R. This one will also not be stolen out of the parking...
Gatlinburg. A Ferrari is definitely overkill there. If you drove a pick-up truck you'd fit right in. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deals_Gap,_North_Carolina
Drive the one you enjoy the most. If you think the highway is wasted miles, take the b roads and make a real trip out of it. 250 miles is nothing.
Agree. I understand your comment about the car papparazzi- thats the worst part about driving one of these cars but it just comes with the territory- or as Andrew says take B roads. It would be fun. Personally, I'd take the 458. You are making an automotive adventure so take the Ferrari!
Actually, there has been a very interesting discussion on F-chat about some cars being "A to A" cars...I actually would put my CS in that category. Worth searching for (I found it interesting anyways).
take the 458! put as many miles on it as you can. its the last of its breed and you will regret not living it up to the fullest. besides, highway is a great territory for a ferrari. and dont mind the paparazzis. one downshift and they are gone.
Come on.... He wants to have some fun And how many Ferraris are being stolen ??? That's what you have insurance for...
It's a joy ride with US129 as a goal, I'd go with the 458. Also, I don't know if you are familiar with the Dragon, but I think all the hype over this road a little bit overrated. On weekend (and even some weekdays), it's often packed with RV's, slow cars, bad drivers, and a LOT of motorcycles often grinding knee pucks. Also, the speed limit is pretty damn low, and cops are heavily present. I did the trip last year with my Ducati from Montreal, and after 2.000km down, the Dragon itself was a little bit of a let down. I found the roads around (cherohala pkway, blue ridge) way less crowded, more interesting and far more pleasant to drive on. Well at least on those you can shift to 3rd... Enjoy the trip and take pictures
...and Mike, invite Andy (bigblock737) with his hot Speciale, then you will have for sure a lot of fun!
I've driven the Tail many times, and I've driven both the 458 and the GT-R (but neither on the Tail). I would definitely take the 458. The general attitude way out there near the Tail is completely different than that of more urban areas; I think your 458 will be completely fine in a hotel parking lot overnight. You're coming from Kentucky, whereas I used to go from Atlanta. I didn't have to spend more than 45-60 minutes on the freeway before getting off onto a side route that would eventually lead to the Tail. It's low speed limit driving, but it's not the highway and it led me through two different national forests - a beautiful drive day or night. Hopefully you can get off the freeway sooner and take Rt. 129 down to the Tail. Whatever you decide, I'm certain you'll have a great time. But, honestly, the GT-R seems a bit bulky for the Dragon; the 458 will own those hairpins.
I think you have it right. The Tail is made for light nimble machines. Lots of torque is not what it's about.
458 without hesitation. I love taking my beastie on the highway as she is very comfortable and a top gun daily driver. IMHO the GTR is also a great daily driver with numerical performance equal to the 458 (give or take a few hundredths of a second or g forces), but fugly and boring (just my opinion and again I will readily admit thats it has tremendous performance). The 458 is exciting and a different level of emotion. If you don't want to put "highway miles" on her your crazy ! The 458 was meant to drive 10K-15K miles per year. Use her. She wants you to use her !
Since you already own both.. You know them.. Why to ask it? You should decide what to do Sent from my F430 using Tapatalk.
I would sleep better with my GTR in the parking lot vs. my Italia. Way better. Any of my cars versus the Italia.