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

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

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Voda, Jul 8, 2024.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Voda

    Voda Formula 3

    Oct 10, 2013
    1,808
    Seattle
    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.
     
  2. ferrefeh

    ferrefeh Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 8, 2020
    181
    Illinois
    Full Name:
    Feh H
    I’ve had two of those personally (991.2 GT3 and 600LT) and I felt like the Mc had the best steering feel. Only tracked the GT3 and agreed it had the best pedal feel of the 2. The Porsche bored me after a couple of years since it was very perfect and predictable to the point the engine sounded the same every time I drove it at exactly the same RPMs.
    The LT had a crazy lightweight go kart feel that’s unlike any car, for me at least. Superbike engine revs. I miss it a lot.
     
    willcrook and Voda like this.
  3. sampelligrino

    sampelligrino Formula 3

    Apr 16, 2017
    1,245
    This thread is useless without pics!!! Half kidding

    Interesting take on the PDK, I had a 991.1 3RS & 991.2 GT3 PDK and tbh the PDK felt like it lacked emotion...it is most certainly the most precise DCT I've ever experienced, but I grew to love and appreciate the Ferrari DCTs for far more emotion "umph" and fun behind the wheel.. German vs Italian approaches!

    Enjoyed reading your reviews and thoughts :)
     
    Thecadster and Voda like this.
  4. Shark01

    Shark01 F1 Veteran

    Jun 25, 2005
    6,479
    Congrats on your new purchase....

    On the FGT sound experience, going muffler-less and cat-less makes for the ultimate exhaust....

    Agree the FGT is a driving experience not found in cars built since.....and just think, from the people behind the magnificent......Ford Escort, LOL.
     
    Voda likes this.
  5. willcrook

    willcrook F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 3, 2009
    2,696
    UK
    I agree with that, the 600LT is super good to drive and feels like a real drivers car, there's something special about the 458 though too ofc :)
     
    Voda likes this.
  6. 3POINT8

    3POINT8 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    Jan 23, 2014
    5,275
    so that was awesome. thank you so much.

    What year is your GT3?
     
    Voda likes this.
  7. 3POINT8

    3POINT8 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    Jan 23, 2014
    5,275
    and now you got me FGT shopping
     
    Voda likes this.
  8. Art138

    Art138 Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 22, 2007
    1,534
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Great cars with GT40 inspired interior. Well built and as bullet proof engine as they go.
     
    3POINT8 likes this.
  9. Ivan Drago

    Ivan Drago Formula 3

    Jul 14, 2021
    1,256
    Midwest
    Full Name:
    Ivan Drago
    Ford GT is sweet. The abbreviation is really something
     
  10. Shark01

    Shark01 F1 Veteran

    Jun 25, 2005
    6,479
    If you love visceral cars with great driving feel, great choice.

    Always feel like I should mention that it takes real driving skills to keep it between the hedges, it has NO electronic aids on a RWD car with a lot of torque. It is a handful.
     
    3POINT8 likes this.
  11. Voda

    Voda Formula 3

    Oct 10, 2013
    1,808
    Seattle
    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!
     
  12. ferrefeh

    ferrefeh Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 8, 2020
    181
    Illinois
    Full Name:
    Feh H
    100% ... I agree if you want a pure track car with no street driving, then you want Porsche levels of perfection and predictability. But for the street I think I want something a bit more exciting. I adore GT Porsches, but choosing between a 488 and a GT3RS for street duty, taking the 488 all the time, every day. It just has more character and appeal. I'm just strange and want cars that excite me and have some sort of unpredictability I guess.
     
    paul_howey and Clembo like this.

Share This Page