gto/458 comparison

Trust there is a difference between what one reads as: "paper" and actual reality...

 

+100 Many ways to judge a car besides numbers.

 

The 458 is the most useable V8 that Ferrari has ever made. The NAV works, it drives beautifully when driven slowly in full auto, it's fabulous on track when driven right at the limit.

The 599GTO solves the problem with the original 599, which was in my view neither fish nor fowl. It wasn't as nice to swan around in as a 612, and it was understeery and not as pointy as a 430. It has a magnificent engine noise, and its about as aggressive a turn in as any front engine street car that I've every driven.

I sold a 458 to buy the GTO. I think that the performance difference between them on the road is kind of moot, since they deliver that performance so differently. Playstation, instantaneous gearshifts vs immortal V12 and last of the clonky F1s. In either you overtake almost anything else on the road. However a Veyron SS would annihilate either of them, the point is feeling, styling, sound, and utility, you pays your money and takes your choice and can rationalize it however you please.

 

Had a 458 and have a GTO. Dan says it clearly but I would add the following:

The 458 is a mass produced car, the GTO is a limited edition

The 458has enough gizmos to keep most people out of trouble, while to get the most out of a GTO you have to have an idea of what you are doing....

A V 12 puts hair on your chest

The GTO will be remembered long after the 458 has been forgotten

Finally, the GTO is a road going version of the XX....believe me I know

So, in conclusion the two cannot be compared

 

Peter, you do indeed--my absolute favorite, by a large margin, is # 27--

Congrats!

 

Thank you! T-14 to Laguna Seca

Abu Dhabi #27 quickest
Infineon # 27 quickest

 

I took my GTO to the track for the first time yesterday. it was an incredible experience to say the least. Posters that have said that all the electronics rob you of the sensation as well as control of the car are sadly mistaken.
This Ferrari can and will hurt you if you are inexperienced. I found myself almost unconsciously attempting to push both its limits and mine. Combine that with the howl of a 670 hp 12cylinder pounding in your ears. While being slammed into the back of your seat. As you shift gears at 8500 R's is an immense rush and extremely dangerous. There is not an electronic nanny in the world that will save you. If those rear tires break loose at speed. Finding and riding that sweet spot with tires squealing and chattering. While the sensations coming from underneath your seat are screaming at you to lift before the backend of the car breaks loose and slams you into a wall............Well........ That's the GTO.
.....On the way home from the track I had to stop and pay a toll. The toll operator was all smiles. He told me that in all the years and all the thousands cars that have gone past his booth. My car was the finest automobile he had ever seen. He then look down at the Ferrari badge on the side of the car, shook his head and with a huge grin looked at me and said. "God bless the Italians".

 

you said it...on-paper numbers vs real world sensation are entirely different things. it all depends on your needs/wants. and like 99.999999% of people on this planet, the GTO and Veyron are both out of reach financially for me...but having said that...just the sound alone makes the Veyron a big disappointment and turnoff. it sounds like a powerboat (not that i don't like powerboats)...the last thing i think a super duper car should sound like is a boat. i love the stonking howling ripping GTO...would be a dream come true to simply be able to drive one

 

Speedracer, you broke the GTO track cherry - tell us more!
I too am taking mine out for the first time, at Fiorano, this coming week

 

Amen Peter. You certainly are in a position to compare and I fully agree with your observations.

 

Told you so. Glad you had a great day at the track my friend

 

To heck with the statistics "on paper". There is absolutey ZERO comparison between the two. At this moment in automotive history.....the GTO is KING!

 

Sorry for the late reply Andrew. I think you will be very impressed with the GTO's dynamics. My last horse was a Scud and the GTO is a Scud on steroids. Steering and handling is very precise at speed. Tons and tons of torque, horspower and noise. It just keeps wanting to give you so much more. The constant feedback form the tires and suspension tells you that this is a drivers car meant for the track. It is the most complete package I have ever had the privilage to drive. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy your track day and we all look forward to hearing from you very soon.

 

thank you

well that about sums it all up, me thinks