A co-worker just called my 308 "The Focus of Ferraris." OK, so he never gets to ride in it, but should I hold the grudge? I didn't bother with much of a response (especially since I'm not the one who brought the car up to begin with, that was a 3rd person!), but he seemed smug in knowing that his CBR600 (that he's ridden 300 miles) is faster. I told him so are my shifter karts! The guy's new in our group and already hasn't been rubbing me the right way and now to insult my Ferrari....!
That could be a good thing, The 308 is 1 of the most recognizable Ferraris thanks to Magnum. Maybe it wasnt an insult As to Bike Vs car, thats just dumb.
the Focus of Ferraris.... kind of a c0ckslap isn't he? Tell him his opinion could be more relevant if he had a Ferrari... or anything more interesting than a Honda!
Hmmm... do not really care what others say in a negative sense. What matters is MY happiness. Seem you enjoy the car so simply move along. Don't allow his comments to 'rent space' in your head. And it matters not what he drives. It is YOUR CAR and what matters is YOUR happiness.
On the same subject but in another car, a guy at my work heard I drove a Porsche (911 convertible) and came with all sorts of stupid comments. I figured a) he never got a ride in a Porsche b) he was jealous. So instead of getting in an argument, I offered him a ride, and I telling you he had a grin from ear to ear when we got back. I took him for a ride through a long tunnel in Stockholm, top down, low gear and full throttle... I think a lot of people throwing around stupid comments are just plain jealous. /Peter
Wait 'till he's in the Hospital from the bike...drop in and tell him he should have "Focus"d more, on the task at hand............ Speedy308
I hear remarks like that all the time. As you get older you tend to laugh it off, and understand where its coming from. My wife invited this girl she met (through my kids) with her husband over on a Sunday for swimming and a barbeque. I didn't see what kind of car he had because he parked in the driveway and I was in the back. The subject about cars came up, and he was this "know it all". My garage was closed, so he didn't see the Ferrari or my Jag XJR (soon to be replaced with a Quatroporte), he only saw my wifes 325 convertable and my Excursion, both new. I told him that I'm a car nut and I'm in the process of submitting plans for a 6 car garage. He said car guys don't drive a 325 convertable. Thats true, my wife uses it to go food shopping when shes not with the kids (4). Its easier to manuver in parking lots than the Excursion. I knew I shouldn't of, but....I brought him over to my garage and opened the doors. Both the XJR and the Ferrari are Black and are always shining! He just looked at it and said an XJR is a "hasbeen" and that Ferrari is outdated. The Ferrari is 15 yrs old and has 15,000 miles and is mint and all original. You respect it for what it is. He proceeded to talk about the AMG's and the M5's, and the Z8's, how they are "real cars". And how hes buying an E55 (or should I say looking into it). I finally asked him what he drove. He told me a Sequoia and a Honda Pilot. Enough said! The moral of the story is that people are jealous when the see a Ferrari. Its very intimidating. Its better to laugh it off, then let it eat at you. They are only automobiles. Its not like someone said something about your family. Needless to say, he will not be invited to the house again! In long Island we call people like that "Schmucks".
Tell him the CBR600 is the Taurus of Hondas ... that'll shut him up. In his case though I think his off-the-cuff remark is pretty predictable. Here's why ... If you dont own a Ferrari the images of a F40, Enzo, etc are dominating your thoughts. You dont really think about the smaller Ferraris because you go by $$$ and magazine road test numbers (0-60, etc). When you buy Ferrari (whichever one) I guess your impressions are altered by the driving experience and pleasure it gives you. You emphasis on 0-60 will pale by comparison. So you will be happy whether you own a 308 or 250 GTO..
hehe! I've gotten a kick out of all these responses! I just let it go and resisted the first thing that came to mind being "Better the Focus of Ferraris than the Focus of Fords" (which he also owns)... But I particularly liked the "Taurus of sportbikes" comment! This guy is actually the type that's always got something negative to say about someone else's experience, etc, so I'm not taking him too seriously. But he still doesn't get a ride like all of my other co-workers ask for!
Wait for him to leave his work area. Put a large blob of grease on the receiver of his phone. When he returns, buzz him and ask him to pickup, as what you need to talk about is confidential. Make sure when it's all over that he knows the grease came off of your Ferrari.
Scooter jockeys are known for saying crap like that. Even a GT/4 (not to be derogatory to GT/4 owners; I'm hoping to buy one myself) is better than one of those crotch rockets. You are a Ferrari connoseur, he is just a wise ass punk.
What the hell is a CBR600 anyway. Tell him most people don't even know what a CBR600 is but ask them if they know what a Ferrari is and you'll get the picture.
If the guy has anything remotely related to intelligence, then a deep intellectual "witty" response is required. If he is simply an ******, then just say "blow me"
This happens all the time and the best thing to do is lauph it off. I would have told him that a better comparison would have been a Pinto and be on my way. You should know who you are and what you have and why you have it. Dont let that idiot see you upset at his comments. There is another side to this......there are plenty of people who can barely afford to maintain a ferrari that go out and buy one just to join the rich club. You know the ones, flashing the key chain, wearing the cap just so that everyone knows. That kinda crap makes you an easy target for redicule.
Ever watch Martin? You know how he says, "Get the hell out!" when he's kicking people out of his apartment? That is the correct reply.
"The Focus of Ferraris?" I suppose it's all in how the comment is intended. I have actually used that phrase to describe my 328 to people who are unfamiliar with the product line, who think all Ferraris are exorbitantly expensive, and who may be a bit intimidated by the presence of such a special vehicle. What I have tried to convey by this is that (1) it was the "entry-level" model when new, (2) it's not as expensive and inaccessible as most people think, and (3) I'm approachable, not snooty, and happy to talk cars with them. Generally, I've found this to be a disarming, and effective ice-breaker. When dealing with older folks with a little more automotive memory, I sometime use the phrase "The Escort of Ferraris," as all of the above is true, but neither are in production anymore. Don't worry about what other people think. Their comments reflect more about them than you.
