458 or GT-R for Tail of the Dragon trip | FerrariChat

458 or GT-R for Tail of the Dragon trip

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Mig7410, May 1, 2014.

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  1. Mig7410

    Mig7410 Karting

    Feb 16, 2013
    61
    Kentucky
    Full Name:
    Mike Martin
    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.
     
  2. RCorsa

    RCorsa Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 5, 2014
    2,102
    West Coast
    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"
     
  3. todo

    todo Formula Junior

    May 18, 2006
    305
    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
     
  4. bigblock737

    bigblock737 Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2013
    711
    Germany
    Full Name:
    Andy B.
    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 ??? :D
     
  5. redcaruser

    redcaruser Formula 3

    Apr 8, 2012
    2,426
    switzerland
    Full Name:
    daniel
    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... ;)
     
  6. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
  7. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 17, 2001
    34,432
    Full Name:
    Joe Mansion
    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.
     
  8. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,608
    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!
     
  9. arizonaitalian

    arizonaitalian Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Oct 29, 2010
    20,505
    Wyoming
    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).
     
  10. Stevenb

    Stevenb F1 Rookie

    Aug 5, 2012
    2,799
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Steven
    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.
     
  11. bigblock737

    bigblock737 Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2013
    711
    Germany
    Full Name:
    Andy B.

    Come on.... He wants to have some fun :)
    And how many Ferraris are being stolen ??? That's what you have insurance for...
     
  12. chouch

    chouch Formula Junior

    Nov 23, 2008
    423
    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 :)
     
  13. redcaruser

    redcaruser Formula 3

    Apr 8, 2012
    2,426
    switzerland
    Full Name:
    daniel
    ...and Mike, invite Andy (bigblock737) with his hot Speciale, then you will have for sure a lot of fun! :)
     
  14. Cav

    Cav Karting

    Feb 27, 2014
    69
    New Zealand
    Four Five Eight
     
  15. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
    40,647
    California
    Full Name:
    Carbon McCoy
    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.
     
  16. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

    Nov 7, 2011
    6,114
    Three Places
    I think you have it right. The Tail is made for light nimble machines. Lots of torque is not what it's about.
     
  17. Hardistyfezza

    Hardistyfezza Formula Junior

    Take the one which gives you the fizz!!

    For me the Fezza - everytime.
     
  18. kverges

    kverges F1 Rookie

    Nov 18, 2003
    3,179
    Dallas
    Full Name:
    Keith Verges
    Care for some cheese with your whine?
     
  19. tortesq1

    tortesq1 Formula Junior

    Feb 6, 2012
    844
    New York
    Full Name:
    Stephen H. Frankel
    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 !
     
  20. ar_es

    ar_es Formula 3

    Jun 6, 2013
    1,720
    Rome
    Full Name:
    Ares
    Since you already own both.. You know them.. Why to ask it? You should decide what to do ;)


    Sent from my F430 using Tapatalk.
     
  21. Twosherpaz

    Twosherpaz Formula Junior

    Feb 25, 2014
    943
    Thermal, CA
    Full Name:
    Private
    I would sleep better with my GTR in the parking lot vs. my Italia. Way better. Any of my cars versus the Italia.
     
  22. synergy

    synergy Formula Junior

    Aug 5, 2007
    522
    Austin Texas
    Full Name:
    Chris
    Sold my GTR last weekend, fast car but no soul and rather boring. Take the 458 - no turbos necessary :)
     
  23. ar_es

    ar_es Formula 3

    Jun 6, 2013
    1,720
    Rome
    Full Name:
    Ares

    You think so? Why do you have a 458 then?


    Sent from my F430 using Tapatalk.
     
  24. REALZEUS

    REALZEUS F1 Veteran

    Feb 16, 2011
    8,427
    Bournemouth, UK
    He means that he would be worried sick if he had his 458 exposed outdoors overnight. ;)
     
  25. ar_es

    ar_es Formula 3

    Jun 6, 2013
    1,720
    Rome
    Full Name:
    Ares

    I already figured out his reasoning:



    My question is still that!


    Sent from my F430 using Tapatalk.
     

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