F40 wins over CGT! | FerrariChat

F40 wins over CGT!

Discussion in '288GTO/F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari/F80' started by stradman, Dec 2, 2007.

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  1. stradman

    stradman Formula 3

    Jan 8, 2004
    1,284
    London UK
    Full Name:
    Stradman
    So guys just got back from my day out and have chosen the F40! I suppose from the start, when I walked into the showroom(despite having numerous other distractions present i.e. SLR, enzo, 599 etc), my eye was constantly drawn to the F40 over the CGT. Dont get me wrong, the CGT was also mightily impressive too. Its just that the F40 has that slight intangible, that gives it the nod in the "presence" department. Anyway I had to have a go in both, despite unfortunately terrible driving conditions i.e. wet and windy. I was almost guilty getting both cars out, because they were truly in shiny clean pristine condition and it was sort of a shame to get them dirty!
    As a parenthesis, I handnt driven either car up to now. Anyhow tried the F40 first. It's certainly a physical car by modern standards. Everything requires just that much more effort- steering, clutch, brakes. And even more noise inside than my -now defunct- CS. It was quite civilised in the lower speeds however and not at all harsh. The only thing I found slightly disconcerting was that the accelerator pedal felt slightly sticky in its travel for the first few centimeters. The awkward, and flat angle of the steering wheel also needs getting used to. The car however does fly it must be said! Once 4k rpm kick in it takes off! All the noise of the turbos and wastegates make for a very special feeling. OK the build quality is like sh*&t, and the doors when you shut them feel like a kit car. But hey it certainly sounds entertaining. As the conditions were not ideal, and as I was not really familiar with the car, I didnt get a chance to "gel" or feel comfortable as I would have liked by really pressing the car in the 1/2 hr drive. It's certainly not a car you just get in and drive fast. I believe you have to learn and assimilate the cars various nuances before you feel comfortable. At least that's what I think(maybe all you owners out there can confirm this for me!?)
    The CGT on the other hand, I am afraid I did stall on my first start(predictable I'm afraid). But after that it was a piece of cake. I felt comfortable with its brakes and handling very quickly and immediately appreciated it's engineering. I must say however that somehow I was expecting it to feel quicker than the F40(I suppose when you hear 612hp it should be a rocket!) but in truth it did not. In fact if I was pushed to say which was faster I would say the F40 because, at least, it FEELS quicker- I'm sure the turbos delivery actions contributes to this. Of course that might not be borne out by the stats.
    In the end, I think it was my curiosity to master the F40 that made me go for it. It was almost like a girl that you first meet, who looks beautiful and sounds interesting, great body etc. and that you just know is very likely going to be fantastic in bed....but who is also playing hard to get. You know you want her more then but that you'll just have to try harder!!

    Anyway should get the car in about a week. I'll let you all know when she arrives and of course post relevant pictures.
     
  2. WCH

    WCH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 16, 2003
    5,186
    Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your F40 as much I've loved mine. Look forward to the photos.
     
  3. ferraridude615

    ferraridude615 F1 Veteran

    May 4, 2006
    5,836
    Texas
    Nice choice and enjoy the new toy :D
     
  4. Andy348

    Andy348 Formula 3

    Nov 4, 2007
    1,252
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Andy
    Smart choice! I would take the F40 over the CGT any day, better styling imo. I'll be waiting for the pictures too.
     
  5. stradman

    stradman Formula 3

    Jan 8, 2004
    1,284
    London UK
    Full Name:
    Stradman
    BTW to all you F40 owners, are all F40 gearboxes somewhat stiff? You got to get it just right. I suppose it's part of the learning process!
     
  6. coachi

    coachi Formula 3

    May 1, 2002
    2,108
    SC USA
    i wouldnt say stiff: i would say typical Ferrari. Certainly not the smooth and quick shifting Porsche gearbox.
     
  7. supraman55

    supraman55 Formula Junior

    Jun 16, 2006
    579
    Full Name:
    Vladislav
    Congrats. You have made very clever choice. Best.
     
  8. menoy

    menoy F1 Rookie

    Mar 12, 2005
    2,661
    PL
    Full Name:
    MRodziewicz
    BRAVO!!!
     
  9. BrianZuk

    BrianZuk F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2007
    4,607
    NorCal (Bay Area)
    Full Name:
    BrianZuk
    Congrats, cant wait to see some pics!!
     
  10. RufMD

    RufMD F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Jan 31, 2004
    3,246
    USA
    Full Name:
    Jas
    Congrats man, well done ! If it was cold and rainy outside, the gearbox was just cold....once it gets some heat in it, it shifts fine...just shift 1st to 3rd when starting out for the first few shifts and second engages much easier.

    Congrats on the F40, post up some pics when you get a chance.
     
  11. rossocorsa13

    rossocorsa13 F1 Rookie

    Jun 10, 2006
    2,557
    Nashville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    M
    Congratulations!! Going with your gut is always the best thing (at least when purchasing a car). No matter what the build quility. :)

    Enjoy the car, and do post pics when you get it.
     
  12. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
    8,046
    SFL
    +1! Congrats!!!!!!!!
     
  13. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
    Newport Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Jeffrey
    I don't think you could have gone wrong with either choice. I would have probably said "good choice" regardless of which one you chose! :)

    F40? Good choice! :D Enjoy it in good health!
     
  14. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,511
    West Coast
    Full Name:
    A
    Well done! The F40 is truly one of the modern icons. You will enjoy it, especially if you treat it like a car and drive it whenever you feel like it.
    But don't completely discount the CGT either. They make a wonderful pair together :)
     
  15. RufMD

    RufMD F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Jan 31, 2004
    3,246
    USA
    Full Name:
    Jas

    +1 indeed....
     
  16. rodsky

    rodsky Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2003
    1,601
    Los Angeles
    Either way, you would have done well. But I feel you made the right decision. Congrats!! The F40 is an icon. The CGT is a great supercar but I dont think its quite what the F40 is.
     
  17. shill288

    shill288 Formula Junior

    Feb 24, 2005
    900
    West Coast
    Full Name:
    Steve Hill
    Not all Ferrari gearboxes are stiff. Try a nice gearbox in a Daytona, C/4, etc. It's like a hot knife through butter, even when cold (if set up right).

    On the other hand, my GTO, F40, 512TR, etc. were/are not as nice. The 512TR is better than the F40 and GTO though.

    Steve
     
  18. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

    Jun 24, 2004
    10,117
    The Netherlands
    Full Name:
    Marnix
    I have no experience in either a F40 or a CGT, but I am still inclined to say: You chose wisely!

    Does the F40 have stock brakes?
     
  19. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
    12,313
    At Sea Level
    Congrats. Welcome to the club! You won't regret your choice.
     
  20. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
    10,244
    U.S.A.
    Full Name:
    goth
    Congratulations!!! ...........the 'rawness' of an F40 would be my choice over a 'comfortable easy to drive sports car'...... :eek: .....

    Certainly the CGT is no Lincoln Continental, but it is more refined than an F40.... ;)
     
  21. LuisGT3

    LuisGT3 Formula Junior

    May 16, 2006
    423
    Orono, MN
    Full Name:
    Luis
    Congrats.
     
  22. 512Tea Are

    512Tea Are F1 Rookie

    Apr 22, 2004
    2,742
    Dear Comrade Stradman,

    My heartiest congratulations on attaining F-40 status. I feel quite certain that you will be absolutely delighted with it.

    I have sent you a PM.

    All good wishes.

    With kind regards,

    512 Tea Are
     
  23. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
    12,313
    At Sea Level
    You PM'd the diagram of the official Ferrari F40 Owner's handshake I presume...
     
  24. 512Tea Are

    512Tea Are F1 Rookie

    Apr 22, 2004
    2,742
    Dear Comrade Simon F-40,

    You presumed correctly!

    It's sunny in England today and no doubt Stradman will be out and about in it having an absolutely wonderful time. He won't sleep for a week of course! I am certain it will be even better than he ever imagined it would be. Great!

    With kind regards,

    512 Tea Are
     
  25. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    Send that to me too pls!
     

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