Which to buy: F430 or 996 GT2?

I just got out of a 06 997S Cab with X51 Pkit.. for a 07 430 FI.
While X51 is no GT2, have owned 930s in the past and have driven several 997TT's.
Had a deposit on a MY10 TT till the FCar
Simple...THere is no substitute for Ferrari

 

These are in my opinion two very different cars, the 996GT2 is one of the most unfogiving machines I have ever driven, it takes reall skill to drive it the way it is meant to be driven. The 430 is a much easier car to drive, and if given the choice, I'd go for the 430.

 

I haven't driven a 996 GT2, but I did have a 996TT. The 996 GT2 is a highly capable performer, but for street driving I would recommend the manual 430. Both cars are plenty fast, yet the 430 has more character. You didn't say whether you track or not, if so the GT2 is great for that (with proper set-up). The 430 is too, but probably less so. For extensive track use, the GT2 is likely a much less expensive proposition.

The TT was ok, but I never really loved it. It sounded like nothing.. a flat exhaust note and barely audible turbo sounds. An aftermarket exhaust helps, but the GT2 will never sound amazing. The 430 sounds amazing.

Also, there was turbo lag between shifts. You can blip the throttle to keep the boost up, but it's a pita. The GT2's larger turbos are even more laggy. The TT had impressive torque and thrust, but accelerating in the 430 is much more enjoyable. The 430's high compression, NA motor provides instant response between shifts. Plus, its light weight flywheel allows for superfast throttle blips during downshifts (they, too, sound amazing). Blipping/downshifting the TT was nowhere near as enjoyable. The TT lacks character almost completely, it' an appliance for speed.

Of course, the GT2's suspension is much more sporting than the TT's, and that does instill some character (the RWD does too). Ultimately though, unless you're a die-hard Porsche guy, the 430 is the one that enthralls.

 

430 nuff said

 

Nice save..I forgot to mention the excessive turbo lag in the 996 series.. And yes No Porsche factory or aftermarket exhaust will ever rival the 430

 

I have track time in both. not that much in 997 Gt2 though. Gt2 kills the 430 as a track car. It´s as good as a daily driver but has the flinta stick, i prefer the f1 transmission. A Gt2RS with pdk would be the best possible street car for track so far.

The cars are so different. Porsche is fast as few, Ferrari looks, sounds great and have F1. You should compare Scud to a Gt2, not a regular 430.

I would still buy the 430, looks better, sound better, has F1 (no matter what you say that is more fun and better), is alot of fun at track and can still be driven every day.
Only problem is the Gt2 is so much faster.

Oh sorry, was the 996 Gt2 I see now. easy choice, 430.

 

With the current prices of 996 GT2's I think you could get one plus a 360. That's what i'd do, best of both worlds.

 

No brainer ! a 430 a must; easy decision - just try both then you know the answer !

 

GT2 doesn't feel as nimble as a GT3 but all that torque is addictive. Excessively heavy clutch is a complaint.
430 is a Ferrari and thus a more special experience...
CH

 

I've been driving a 997 GT3 for the last 2 years and just got a Scuderia. Ride in the Ferrari is better, handling and feedback is better. Don't know about the standard 430, but the Scuderia is even easier to drive around town. I'd definitely go for the F430. Going from the Ferrari to the Porsche is a let-down.

 

I went from a 997 GT3 to an F430 coupe. The only thing I like better about the Porsche is its anvil-like rigidity and solid feel in general. The 430's pretty solid too, but not like the 997 series. The Ferrari's got some minor creaks when traversing inclines (similar to my old 996tt), and the doors aren't as solid when closing.

Overall though, the 430's a fantastic car. The new F500 is really gonna be something.

 

$55-70k.

A few rough examples have sold for low $40's at auction.

 

i have and love them both, maybe love the 430 a bit more. Its really going to be tough to let go one or the other.
My clubsport full-caged GT2 is sometimes too exciting to drive but i love it like that.
But if i can do it again, i'll just get the 430. I got the GT2 first and just hate to let it go now.
i think most will be happier with the 430, i just need both.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/johnsk6/936.jpg
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http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/johnsk6/006.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/johnsk6/022.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/johnsk6/886.jpg

 

911 GT2 in any of its iterations is going to be a more extreme performer then the standard 430. Maybe a more accurate comparison would be the 996GT2/Challenge Stradale............or 997GT2/430 Scuderia. Both sets of examples being the top performer in their respective marques.
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You want to get a hard on...........you get the F430.

 

lol......always such a refreshing point of view from you my friend

 

One lucky night i was able to experience back-to-back a 996 GT3, 996TT with chip and 430.


Buy the 430, there is no substitute, it was the much more passionate and involving car. It also rode better than either the super stiff GT3 or Turbo. The interior is also more inviting.

 

LOL ...I tend to agree....I think!

 

lol! That says it all!

 

I thought it was "Porsche, there is no substitute".........Ferrari really doesnt need a slogun, does it???

 

...........

 

Glad you caught the pun on the slogan..

 

I owned a 430 (six speed actually) for a few years, and have driven a 996 GT2.

The 996 GT2 is a great car, I really loved it. However, for me, the 430 was in another league, in just about every way - the look of the exterior, the look and feel of the interior, sound of the engine, the liveliness of the engine, and the handling and responsiveness. I had the 430 on the track, and it was an incredible joy, but it is also an experience to savor on the street as well, whether you are just heading down the highway and relaxing, or digging through the mountains.

If money is no object, I'd go for a six speed 430 over the 996 GT2.

If you are debating paddles vs. 6 speed, that could make the decision tough, but all the people I know with paddle 430s love them. I'm still old school, but I have to admit a recent drive in a Gallardo SL with paddles did start to sway me.

In any case, both excellent cars. I'd rate the 430 more special, and better handling (and less likely to bite you), more beautiful, and with a better sound (although truth be told I prefer the 360 or 355 sound to a stock 430 - but there's always Tubi and Capristo!)

-- Gordie

 

Having owned both cars I think I can speak with some authority. The GT2 was an absolutely amazing performer. Head snapping performance. Worst, I mean worst gear box ever put in a car. Missed shifts all the time. The GT2 felt souless. The GT2 would spin out in an instant if not careful. No PASM. For one of 14 cars produced in 2004 it felt like a mass produced car. Paid over $200k for the Porsche brand new. Sold it recently for $125k with just a couple of thousand miles on it. Ferrari has that personalized hand built feel. The F430 is not as fast, however, it is an continues to be an amazing driving experience. The F430 is a much more stable platform. Always draws the looks that the GT2 never did. For me its a no brainer. Ferrari....
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