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Farewell Digital, Hello Analogue...

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by W. MITTY, Sep 17, 2013.

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  1. W. MITTY

    W. MITTY Formula Junior

    Oct 18, 2005
    297
    #1 W. MITTY, Sep 17, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I special ordered both my first and second 458, and I enjoyed them both immensely. Coming back to the car the second time with a year's pause in between gave me a few insights that I don't think I would have otherwise obtained. The 458 is simply a wonderful car and arguably a high water mark of user-friendly exotics.

    I recently had the opportunity to buy a Porsche Carrera GT, and reluctantly decided to trade my 458 as a part of the transaction. This inevitably resulted in a comparison between the two cars. While I will resist the urge to engage in a long winded dissection of the 458 vs. the CGT, it certainly got me thinking again about the tiresome debate concerning analogue vs. digital sport scars. Having owned a number of paddle shifted/computer assisted cars (the 458, GTR, SLS AMG, F430) and three pedal cars ( the Ford GT, Carrera GT, GT3RS, Zanardi NSX,) I have agonized over which is the "better" driving solution. Is it possible that in our quest for ultimate speed around the track and driver convenience that we have lost the essence of what makes driving enjoyable? Hmm...Sitting here writing this, I just realized that of the 5 sporty cars I own right now, every one has a manual transmission. Heck, even my wife's Jeep is a manual. All the paddle cars have come and gone, and I can honestly say I don't miss them. I have no interest whatsoever in the heavy (and blindingly quick) battery powered 918. Interesting.
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  2. 458trofeo

    458trofeo F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2013
    4,426
    City of Angels
    Full Name:
    101 aki
    #2 458trofeo, Sep 17, 2013
    not a porsche fan but the carrera gt has to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made,
    congrats!
     
  3. spyderman

    spyderman Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2003
    1,622
    Toronto - Canada
    Full Name:
    Spyderman
    #3 spyderman, Sep 17, 2013
    You have a wonderful collection sport cars and agree with you on the manual vs paddle shift, manuals are more fun. :)
     
  4. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

    Nov 7, 2011
    6,114
    Three Places
    #4 Noblesse Oblige, Sep 17, 2013
    I personally enjoy the endless debates between two- and three-pedal advocates and the digital v. analogue overlay. Nostagia and traditional satisfaction vs. raw speed and technological advance. Some of the opinions get pretty heated, but I personally have a place in my heart and head for both. And making the choice of what to drive on any given day is one of life's pleasures.

    So here is yet another thread. I look forward to the posts once again. :)
     
  5. Gated

    Gated Formula 3

    Dec 21, 2009
    1,117
    #5 Gated, Sep 18, 2013
    You're not a fan of one of the most beautiful cars ever made?
     
  6. Rcktrod

    Rcktrod F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2010
    3,946
    USA
    #6 Rcktrod, Sep 18, 2013
    I think this is very much a personal "taste and feel" decision based on how the car is used. I can understand wanting "more" driving emotion/feelings even with owning a 458, which is an amazing car. I have learned that I personally would like even a brief 20 minute spin to be memorable and for me that means more raw sounds and driving feedback. Hence, I'm looking at the 458S.

    Your GT looks amazing and I'm certain that it drives the same.
     
  7. Woppum

    Woppum Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    677
    #7 Woppum, Sep 18, 2013
    I fully get it. Love the cgt, mate has one and would never part with it for anything. What it ain't is an every day Supercar. I had a gt3 rs before the 458 and for me 90% of the time I get more fun out the fezza. Especially in London. When you get out the city and find a clear set of roads at 5am , well the fezza is good, but its no gt3. I have been told the cgt is like an rs on roids. I hope that's true. Considered one when bought the 458 but it would have been the same again, as I said needed a usable Supercar.

    Enjoy with the best if health, I do hope to own one someday - that looks just like yours ! ;)
     
  8. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,633
    #8 Caeruleus11, Sep 18, 2013
    Congratulations. The CGT is a modern classic. There is no doubt. I think the 918 actually has caused it to hold its value a lot better than had they not made a follow up supercar. Its a great drive thats for certain.

    As to the debate, I'm with Noblesse Oblige. I own both types and I enjoy both types for what they are. Where I come down on the debate depends upon which one I'm driving. For at that moment, that is the best car in the world-- to me. I think so long as that's how you feel about any car, you know its the right choice for you.
     
  9. 4RE Bob

    4RE Bob Formula Junior

    Feb 7, 2004
    567
    Muskoka, Ontario
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #9 4RE Bob, Sep 18, 2013
    In a recent edition of EVO, about analogue super cars, they said modern tires (Michelin Super Sport, I believe) tamed the CGT's propensity to be a bit crazy at the limit. A must read if you just purchased one. A truly great car.
     
  10. Woppum

    Woppum Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    677
    #10 Woppum, Sep 18, 2013
    Yes and apparently Porsche and Michelin are working together on a new tyre for the 918 which will fit cgt.
     
  11. RobD

    RobD Formula 3

    Nov 10, 2003
    1,182
    USA
    #11 RobD, Sep 18, 2013
    Congrats! Great car!

    I've never been in one, but I hear the engine response is fantastic.
     
  12. W. MITTY

    W. MITTY Formula Junior

    Oct 18, 2005
    297
    #12 W. MITTY, Sep 18, 2013
    Yes, the first thing I did when the car was delivered (with a whopping 1700 miles on it!) was put new Super Sports on it. It was painful to throw away the "old" tires with so few miles, but they were ancient and long past their lifespan.

    The EVO article was great!
     
  13. wang

    wang Formula 3

    Feb 23, 2004
    1,998
    Brunei
    Full Name:
    H. Wang
    #13 wang, Sep 18, 2013
    Good move and an even better investment to your safety and fun package :)
     
  14. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

    Nov 7, 2011
    6,114
    Three Places
    #14 Noblesse Oblige, Sep 18, 2013
    My rule is 5 years and out, no matter what the mileage. I really can't say that it is absolutely necessary but I feel better about it. Also tire technology is advancing so quickly that there is always a performance gain in the changeover.
     
  15. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,633
    #15 Caeruleus11, Sep 18, 2013
    This is a good rule. You can often push it longer but why take the chance.
     

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