First Impressions: 458 vs. GT3, 600LT, 720S, and FGT – A Driver’s Perspective

First Impressions: Ferrari 458 vs. GT3, 600LT, 720S, and FGT – A Driver’s Perspective
Just took delivery of our 2012 458 Spider and put a few hundred miles on it this weekend, so thought I'd do a quick write up based on some of the cars we have. I've found reading other's reviews and impressions have helped us in the past, so figured I throw out my impressions so far:

Porsche GT3:

• Brakes: The PCCB brakes are in a league of their own. No competition here.
• Transmission: The PDK-S transmission is unmatched, offering precise, robust shifts that the others can't touch. PDK-S shifts like a cannon firing when on throttle.
• Handling: By far, the most confidence-inspiring handling-- hunkered down and planted.
• Build Quality: Precision-built, robust, and devoid of quirks. It's like a machine made by perfectionist robots.

McLaren 600LT:

• Handling: More connected than the 720S and the 458, though it falls short of the GT3’s prowess.
• Engineering: Feels like it was crafted by some guys from the McLaren F1 pit crew who wrangled in a couple F1 engineers by offering up a case of beer. Every component is pure, functional art. Nothing extra. Think Collin Chapman with Lotus in the day.

McLaren 720S:

• Speed: Blisteringly FAST, leaving the others trailing in its wake.
• Comfort: A mature design that balances speed with passenger comfort, perfect for everyday thrills. Handling is numb to the point of being disconcerting.

Ferrari 458:

• Aesthetics: Built with passion, the 458 looks stunning and has an enchanting quality. Its quirks add to its charm instead of being annoying. Puts the quirks in any other car and complaints would be nonstop.
• Sound: With valves open, it’s a toss-up between the 458 and the GT3 (with Sharkwerks exhaust) for auditory pleasure, BUT nothing comes close to the FGT with the x-pipe. Nothing.

Ford GT (FGT):

• Driver Experience: The most special, driver-involved experience. It’s visceral and nostalgic.
• Sound: Featuring an x-pipe exhaust, pully, and tune to 750 bhp with a short-shift kit, the FGT delivers an unparalleled "wow" factor.
• Build Quality: Feels like a creation of GT40 ghosts, offering a timeless, incomparable experience.

Each car brings something unique to the table, but they all pale in comparison to the FGT’s driver involvement and the 720S’s sheer speed. For pure engineering marvel, the GT3 stands tall, while the 600LT and 458 capture the heart with their distinctive designs and experiences.

 

Absolutely, the GT3 does everything just right—almost too right, which is why it has just now found a new home. The fun is all between 6k and 9k RPM, so it has to be driven hard to be fully enjoyed. On the other hand, the 458 offers a more linear experience with a broader RPM range of fun.

It's funny how we car enthusiasts often complain about a car's shortcomings, only to find that when a manufacturer perfects it—like with the GT3—we complain that it's too good! The manufacturer just can't win. What a paradox!

And yes, having a home kart track means the 600LT fits right in perfectly!