458 Spider, Porsche GT3, and Huracan Observations

I had the good fortune this week-end to drive all 3 cars back-to-back, thanks to the good graces of my leasing buddy.

I drove my 458 Spider to the test drive.

Then we took both the 2015 GT3 and the 2015 Huracan out for a nice Sunday morning drive.

Just looking at the black Porsche and the shocking orange Huracan was quite an event. The Porsche could be nothing other than a Porsche – sleek, purposeful, hunkered down. The Huracan could only be a Lamborghini – orange, outrageous (in good way), wide and low. It looks fabulous. These cars look, and are, polar opposites in their approach to enthusiast driving.

I drove the GT3 first. It felt very much like a typical Porsche (but possibly the best Porsche 911 ever made).
The interior is all Porsche – very well-made but pretty dull, a sea of black, even with the optional cross-stitching. Seats (even the 18 way adjustable ones), hold you in well at track speeds, but are a bit uncomfortable for cruising the streets for the over 40 crowd with bad backs.
The new PDK is excellent. Smooth yet quick. Instantly responsive.
Ride is firm but acceptable. Although it was too cold to push it in the corners, it was instantly obvious that this car handles and holds the road very well. Well planted, yet nimble and responsive.
The car, like all Porsches feels very solid and purposeful. Feels like you could beat it up at the track, or the street without any concern. All the controls are where expected (except for the key of course!), and make sense.
The engine is pretty quick above 6000 rpm, but undistinguished below that point. Mid-range torque is adequate - but only adequate. It sounds great from the outside, but is a bit muted from the inside.
I quite enjoyed the ride, concluding that as expected, Porsche had again created a very good, competent, capable, exceptional-handling car, and I was indeed looking forward to getting mine in the next couple of weeks, but realized when I got out to switch to the Lambo, that I had been concentrating on the driving and analysis and never really felt that the ride was a once-in-a-lifetime “special event”.

Just opening up the doors on the Lambo and getting in, is a special event.
The interior of this new generation is indeed very cool and much improved from the 2009 Gallardo I had . Looks all sci-fi and aero-spacey – and it works! Flicking the levers and buttons to start the car and put it into reverse is very cool. For a minute at least, you imagine yourself as Chuck Yeager.
Whereas in the Porsche, I never really got a smile on my face (since I was too busy concentrating on driving it well), in the Huracan, I had let out many expletives and had a huge grin on my face even before I had gone one block.
The first impression, after driving the GT3 , is that the Huracan is “holy ****” fast! (Easily breaks loose all 4 tires in first gear!). (It feels as fast as my F12!).
Handling is pretty good and feels pretty natural up to 7 tenths, but in brisker cornering the un-natural feel of the 4 wheel drive is evident (much better than the previous generation but still nowhere as natural as the better rear-drive cars).
As mentioned above, the engine is very strong, and torquey, but it surprised me that the really good stuff happens above 6000 rpm. I had expected more in the 4-6000 range. The sound is pretty good, but considering that Lamborghinis have always had one the best sounds, not enough of the really good sound gets into the cabin. It sounds very good flat out, but a bit machinery-like at more moderate throttle application.
The new dual clutch transmission is excellent. Fast and positive and no lurching.
Interior controls look very cool, but are impossible to find and use while driving. Eg. the window opening button is hard to find, is counter-intuitive, and like Ferrari, they have unnecessarily put more controls on the steering wheel, including an absolutely unnatural and ridiculous turn-signal arrangement, which is downright distracting. The seats are very uncomfortable, even after only 20 minutes of driving.
Visibility in all directions is nearly non-existent. (I find that when driving one of these cars I like to keep a very vigilant eye on my surroundings for other drivers and cops), but in the Lambo you just have to go on faith that you are alone, and not being watched, and assume it’s OK to give it some gas .

So having driven both, what can be said?
Well, the Porsche is definitely the thinking-man’s car. The engineer’s car. It is probably the “better” car, but somewhat clinical.
The Huracan is an event –in everything it does – perhaps nonsensical in some ways – but worthy every inconvenience to feel the trill. There is zero clinicality in the Lambo (even though it is 80% German).

So then, I got into my familiar 458 Spider and took the long way home.
To be fair, I have to confess that I cheated (ie. even though the outside temperature was brisk, I put the top down – the 458 is 50% better in everything it does , when the top is open ).
The observations compared to the other 2 cars:
Probably a nice half way between the other two. More roomy and probably more comfortable than both the others. Best visibility of all 3.
Engine sound (with the top-down cheating, or even with the top up), way better than either of the others.
Definitely noticeably stronger and quicker than the GT3, but the Huracan clearly has more power above 6000 rpm. (At mid-range, I’d say the 458 “feels” stronger at moderate throttle than either the Porsche or even the Huracan.)
The 458 easily “feels” the lightest (it is not - in fact it is the heaviest), and the most nimble, at street level speeds, even though the Porsche feels like it will stick better in corners.

For everyday fun at street legal speeds, the 458 easily wins. The combination of the style, “feel”, the engine, transmission, and the sound make it the best all-round “take-the-long-way-home” car, with the least sacrifices to usability and comfort.
If you plan to put 100,000 km on the car, with half of those at the track, the GT3 is definitely the way to go.
If you want every drive to be a “special event”, then the Huracan is the one (but need to be prepared to make some sacrifices).

Bottom line: 3 outstanding cars, best choice depends on what your priorities are. (We are indeed blessed to be living in such a fertile “great cars period” - the absolute best-ever time ever for amazing, and usable cars!).

 

Nice write up!

 

The racing exhaust option on the lambo is a must, its just insane how good it sounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ghyN_36OJw

 

Joe, what a wonderful and precise description of your impressions

I must notice that almost everyone is complaining about huge lack of visibility in Huracan (on press photos it doesn't look that visibility could be problematic). I assume that upcoming RWD Huracan could be wonderful, as you said, special event car.

GT3 depreciation will be very slow! It is easily one of the best cars Porsche made in recent period!

 

Thanks Joe you basically took the three cars I am contemplating and compared them for me, really appreciative. Hoping to add a 458spider end of next year, think it would be an awesome compliment to my FF.

 

IMO, one big problem about Porsche is that when you are driving the top model like GT3, you have many cousins : Carrera, S, 4S, Targa, Targa S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, SSSSS (I'm confused) that look exactly the same in and out. That just feels like 911 is not a super car yet but a sport car. And one thing that makes the price much cheaper is because it is sharing chassis and engine between so many models, just like Audi, Toyota, Honda, etc.

 

Day to day this an advantage not disadvantage where I live.

 

This is a great write up. I have driven all them and you totally put similar thoughts I had to paper. Good job!

 

I agree. It keeps prices more reasonable and the avg. guy on the street thinks that it is "just another Porsche". Getting too much attention gets old.

Great write up. Thank you.

 

Balanced and insightful write-up.

Daily drove a C2S 6-speed for 4 years, sterile and precise like a surgical instrument. Bullet proof reliability and maintenance costs half the price of the F-car.

Daily drove a 458 spider for past 1 year, still an event to drive every morning, interior is like an LV handbag and still has the intoxicating aroma, cab forward view is vital for my narrow parking situation at work and home, and handles like a go-kart at street legal speeds for my daily commute.

Autocrossed a Huracan, steering wheel and interior controls were all over the place and I couldn't see sh-t. I have read that glass engine cover remedies the rear view situation.

 

911s possess a 50 year heritage. A 911 from 1975, while greatly altered from the current models, is still recognized today as a 911. For many, the lineage and the history is a quality that is highly valued. To the trained car enthusiast, the GT 3 is easily distinguishable from a Turbo which is clearly differentiated from a C2. To the untrained, non car person, the F430 and the 360 are identical and the 599 looks exactly like the F12.

And personally, I could care less what the guy on the street thinks.

 

This!

 

We should once and for all state the following Ferrari truism when it comes to reviewing a Porsche with the following comments -" while it is a precise car, reliable and great as a DD, it appeals to reason and logic. It is well engineered in a very German way. All 911s look the same and I see them everywhere I go. The Ferrari on the other hand , is a car that stimulates the senses and gets the heart racing. It appeals to emotion and excitement. Driving it is an occasion, an experience every time I get into it. And everywhere I go, people notice me and want to take pictures of the car and if they could they would make love to it. Unfortunately as much as I love driving it, I want the experience to be special, so I only make sure I put less than 1500 miles on it per year. Otherwise it will depreciate more than $2.06 per mile. But after all, a Ferrari is a Ferrari. Need I say more. Hopefully they will not increase production because everyone will then buy one and I will just be another guy with a Ferrari. I will then need to buy a Pagani or Veyron to stand out from the masses.

 

While I am at it , more Ferrari reviews of other cars-

Mclaren - very clinical, competent but no emotion. Better than Porsche but similar. Like the difference between British cooking and Italian cuisine.

R8 - ok for a car from a commercial, large corporation. Fine as a DD but not much style or soul compared to our beloved Ferraris. Still not too bad if you don' t make a lot of money.

GTR-Japanese mass market. Like Porsche Turbo like a good appliance. Gets you from point A to point B but no one will notice you or think you are wealthy.

 

Coincid, you joined FChat less than 1 month ago and have posted frequently with a multitude of advice and opinions most of which appear to be directed negatively toward your version of a "typical" Ferrari owner. I have found the owners I have met either in person or through this site to be outstanding individuals and extremely helpful regardless of how any of them choose to enjoy their purchase or passion. Maybe I missed the information in one of your many posts, but which Ferraris do you own again? Just trying to understand your perspective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I don't understand this line, do you honestly think anyone cares?

Funny thing is around here you can park a lambo/ferrari and a GTR on a street and which will get all the attention? The GTR of course although it has dropped off a bit in recent years 2008 was crazy especially at fuel stops.

 

I am new to FChat as I have not owned a Ferrari in the past. I joined because I was offered a F430 and asked for some advice. The car is currently at the dealer for a PPI. Upon completion of a thorough inspection including estimate for all repair costs, if all checks out, I will be purchasing it. I have sufficient past experience driving the 360 and 430 both on the street and on the track. I also own a Porsche 997.1TT and TTS Cab. I have just testdriven the BMW i8 and placed an order since I believe it to be a stunning car, great value and performer offering technology that will be the forebearer of the future direction of the automobile.

My posts on this site are not intended to disparage any individuals. They are personal thoughts on why high performance cars should be purchased and why I have little patience for those who are elitists and snobs and buy cars like Ferraris as a statement of status or exhibition of financial wealth rather than because of the pure thrill and joy of driving and owning one. Obviously anyone is free to purchase anything for any motive they may have, but my love and respect for high performance cars causes my negative reaction for those who buy these cars for what I consider superficial reasons.

 

Thank you for listing your intentions, but what you may not have considered is that the members on this forum, those that read, follow or post on this site do so because they actually like cars. Particularly Ferraris. If they were the elitists snobs that you wish to address they probably would not be waisting time on here. Thus your audience may take offense to the constant bombardment. I have appreciated some of your posts when your topics have been about the actual vehicles in question and not their owners. Also, might I say Welcome to Fchat!

Todd


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Todd,

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it. I will confine future posts to avoid any negative references to owners. My apologies if the impression was that I was on some sort of crusade. I and am certain most others on this site, love cars for the thrill they afford by driving and owning them and not for other reasons. Thanks for the welcome.

 

Actually, the reasons people buy cars is, and should be, theirs alone and whether it matches up with your reasons should have nothing to do with a forum or its reason for being. I, as an Fcar owner, bought my cars for some of the more "negative" reasons you have listed in other posts but continue to enjoy my cars and the pride that comes with ownership. Usually, more facts and less web-therapy goes a long way on this forum.

 

Good choice on the i8…Just took delivery of mine….You will not be disappointed…The car is terrific…Beautiful, well made, terrific daily driver and adequate performer. It is a little compromised as an out-and-out sports car with its narrow tyres and weird brake feel, but you won't care one bit. I drive it every day and wouldn't want anything else

 

+100

 

Great write up. Very informative..

 

Great write up by the OP.

Todd, thank you for your posts.

George. i8 question- have you gotten used to the ease of entry? I was considering an i8 as a daily sports car but I found the ease of entry/ egress to be somewhere around F40 territory. As such I passed for now, but I am awaiting the i8S and still wondering about the entry / egress.

 

Curious if you tested the Tesla vs the i8?