Discussion
Which GT3 do you have? My 430 was 'GT3 spec' (Carbon seats/CCM Brakes) but was still much more of a GT than a go-kart (and an even bigger difference with GT3 RS 997). It doesn't rev up the way the GT3 does, doesn't steer as direct and definitely feels (and I'm sure is) a fair bit heavier. GT3 feels much smaller and nimbler.
Very different cars and I wouldn't really compare directly. 430 Scuderia would be a more direct competitor but then you are talking a different price bracket altogether.
The standard 430 is a usable car with lots of performance but can do long journeys of several hours with no trouble. It's a lot quieter and more refined. The GT3 is a go-kart and there is probably no better car for a fast B road blast.
The GT3 will cost approx a third of the cost to maintain.
Very different cars and I wouldn't really compare directly. 430 Scuderia would be a more direct competitor but then you are talking a different price bracket altogether.
The standard 430 is a usable car with lots of performance but can do long journeys of several hours with no trouble. It's a lot quieter and more refined. The GT3 is a go-kart and there is probably no better car for a fast B road blast.
The GT3 will cost approx a third of the cost to maintain.
cgt2 said:
Which GT3 do you have? My 430 was 'GT3 spec' (Carbon seats/CCM Brakes) but was still much more of a GT than a go-kart (and an even bigger difference with GT3 RS 997). It doesn't rev up the way the GT3 does, doesn't steer as direct and definitely feels (and I'm sure is) a fair bit heavier. GT3 feels much smaller and nimbler.
Very different cars and I wouldn't really compare directly. 430 Scuderia would be a more direct competitor but then you are talking a different price bracket altogether.
The standard 430 is a usable car with lots of performance but can do long journeys of several hours with no trouble. It's a lot quieter and more refined. The GT3 is a go-kart and there is probably no better car for a fast B road blast.
The GT3 will cost approx a third of the cost to maintain.
I have 997 Gen 1.Non RS It has 24,000 mile, Carbon brakes, extended leather sat nav, aircon, black wheels. Still under Porsche warranty until November 2016. I had this car for 3 years now. Was looking at a 430 before this purchase. I have to admit every time I get in this car I still feel excited and buzzing. Very different cars and I wouldn't really compare directly. 430 Scuderia would be a more direct competitor but then you are talking a different price bracket altogether.
The standard 430 is a usable car with lots of performance but can do long journeys of several hours with no trouble. It's a lot quieter and more refined. The GT3 is a go-kart and there is probably no better car for a fast B road blast.
The GT3 will cost approx a third of the cost to maintain.
Maybe a sign I should keep her.
Hey Darren...
This might help.
I went from 997.1 Clubsport / CCM / GT3. My first Porsche after having 3 Ferrari's previously and was stunned at how good the GT3 was. Loved everything about it, and with the right pipe on full chat - what a sound...
However. Being a huge Ferrari fan, no matter how good I thought the GT3 was, I just couldn't shake the fact it wasn't a Ferrari . I respect the GT3 immensely but to me it didn't give me that 'stop me in my tracks slack jawed' feeling I get when I spot a stunning fezza. So after 2 years I decided to sell it on and bought a 430 Scuderia.
I know the Scud is a step on from a F430 but they are close enough to know I never looked back and I don't think you will either. If you like the more racer type car hold out for one with the carbon race seats / carbon pack / zone and buy a remote exhaust valve - that way you can manage the sound a bit better, valves open is something special...
Good luck on your journey...
This might help.
I went from 997.1 Clubsport / CCM / GT3. My first Porsche after having 3 Ferrari's previously and was stunned at how good the GT3 was. Loved everything about it, and with the right pipe on full chat - what a sound...
However. Being a huge Ferrari fan, no matter how good I thought the GT3 was, I just couldn't shake the fact it wasn't a Ferrari . I respect the GT3 immensely but to me it didn't give me that 'stop me in my tracks slack jawed' feeling I get when I spot a stunning fezza. So after 2 years I decided to sell it on and bought a 430 Scuderia.
I know the Scud is a step on from a F430 but they are close enough to know I never looked back and I don't think you will either. If you like the more racer type car hold out for one with the carbon race seats / carbon pack / zone and buy a remote exhaust valve - that way you can manage the sound a bit better, valves open is something special...
Good luck on your journey...
Did exactly that, 997.1 GT3 to F430 Coupe (via an old 911 as well).
For me and my driving, the F430 makes a better road car by miles. More suspension travel, less 'skippy', more confidence inspiring, better noise. I did find the driving position in the Porsche better though. Would like some carbon racing seats but they're a lot for a small gain if fitting aftermarket.
Never got on with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa's on the GT3, frankly scary in the wet seemingly wanting to aquaplane at the mere sight of a misty morning..made me a bit wary on the road, although on a track they're epic.
The Ferrari is just way more of an event, can't see much tempting me out of it, bar a Superleggera maybe.
For me and my driving, the F430 makes a better road car by miles. More suspension travel, less 'skippy', more confidence inspiring, better noise. I did find the driving position in the Porsche better though. Would like some carbon racing seats but they're a lot for a small gain if fitting aftermarket.
Never got on with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa's on the GT3, frankly scary in the wet seemingly wanting to aquaplane at the mere sight of a misty morning..made me a bit wary on the road, although on a track they're epic.
The Ferrari is just way more of an event, can't see much tempting me out of it, bar a Superleggera maybe.
Had 6 GT3s of various generations . Went from 97 GT3 to Scuderia and then back to 97 GT3 RS.
The Porsche is more tactile, has better steering , handles better and costs as mentioned above a third as much to run
The Ferrari sounds better (Though an X Pipe on the Porsche helps) rides better and is substantially faster. Also a much more special event every time you get in it.
The regular 430 has the X factor still is a more luxurious cosseting thing to drive . More Carrera than GT3.
Personally I found the Ferrari ownership experience good and bad . Rather too many poseurs rather than drivers IME, Rarely see any Ferrari driven on the public road like it could be, GT3s the opposite.
The Porsche is more tactile, has better steering , handles better and costs as mentioned above a third as much to run
The Ferrari sounds better (Though an X Pipe on the Porsche helps) rides better and is substantially faster. Also a much more special event every time you get in it.
The regular 430 has the X factor still is a more luxurious cosseting thing to drive . More Carrera than GT3.
Personally I found the Ferrari ownership experience good and bad . Rather too many poseurs rather than drivers IME, Rarely see any Ferrari driven on the public road like it could be, GT3s the opposite.
Well I'm sure my friend Sone will be along soon to comment, as here is the day we picked up his 430 after he sold me his 997.1 Clubsport / CCM / GT3.
I can only comment from many passenger rides in the 430 vs 9 months driving GT3. Very similar in performance with 430 having the edge on the straights. Personally I found the GT3 to be great when "on it" but at normal speeds I might as well have been in a normal 911. The donkey, is well a donkey, so you feel special even at 10mph. I'm sure that sensation wears off after a while however.
I can only comment from many passenger rides in the 430 vs 9 months driving GT3. Very similar in performance with 430 having the edge on the straights. Personally I found the GT3 to be great when "on it" but at normal speeds I might as well have been in a normal 911. The donkey, is well a donkey, so you feel special even at 10mph. I'm sure that sensation wears off after a while however.
One thing, I actually prefer the 991 C4S cabrio to the F430 Spider.
I found the steering was more rewarding at regular road speeds, the F430 steering felt vague and kind of disconnected, I thought the noise was much better (I am probably in the minority, but other than being exciting due to sheer volume, I don't think the F430 sounds that great - it has no tone, it's just loud), I felt more comfortable driving around in the C4S than the F430 (make sure you are comfortable with a lot more attention getting the F) and I just felt that the C4S was a more enjoyable driving experience.
I found the F430 contrived to drive, it makes so much noise and shakes you all over the place, but it isn't even any faster in a straight line than my 2 tonne M6 V8 was. The F1 gearbox is just terribly outdated now, I found it very frustrating to use and no way near as enjoyable as a DCT - notably the C4Ss awesome PDK. I don't mind a car which gets a bit of attention, but it seemed like the main reason for driving a F430 was to show off. It does have a sense of occasion getting into the drivers seat, but that fades after a little while - especially as you start to notice the creaks if you have a spider. On track however it was great fun, though the outdated Traction Control systems are not amazing.
As such I think it's fair to say I have quite a different point of view to most! I personally do not rate the F430 very highly as a modern day car, however it does have one obvious thing going for it - it's a Ferrari!! If that means something to you I'd go for it, no matter how good another car is it won't scratch that itch of owning a Ferrari. Having finally done that myself after years of dancing around the subject, I am really pleased I did. It was fun to see what being a celebrity feels like for a year.
All that being said, the replacement 458 is a truly exceptional car and I would certainly take over the 991, not that I've driven the 991 GT3 due to stock shortages.
I found the steering was more rewarding at regular road speeds, the F430 steering felt vague and kind of disconnected, I thought the noise was much better (I am probably in the minority, but other than being exciting due to sheer volume, I don't think the F430 sounds that great - it has no tone, it's just loud), I felt more comfortable driving around in the C4S than the F430 (make sure you are comfortable with a lot more attention getting the F) and I just felt that the C4S was a more enjoyable driving experience.
I found the F430 contrived to drive, it makes so much noise and shakes you all over the place, but it isn't even any faster in a straight line than my 2 tonne M6 V8 was. The F1 gearbox is just terribly outdated now, I found it very frustrating to use and no way near as enjoyable as a DCT - notably the C4Ss awesome PDK. I don't mind a car which gets a bit of attention, but it seemed like the main reason for driving a F430 was to show off. It does have a sense of occasion getting into the drivers seat, but that fades after a little while - especially as you start to notice the creaks if you have a spider. On track however it was great fun, though the outdated Traction Control systems are not amazing.
As such I think it's fair to say I have quite a different point of view to most! I personally do not rate the F430 very highly as a modern day car, however it does have one obvious thing going for it - it's a Ferrari!! If that means something to you I'd go for it, no matter how good another car is it won't scratch that itch of owning a Ferrari. Having finally done that myself after years of dancing around the subject, I am really pleased I did. It was fun to see what being a celebrity feels like for a year.
All that being said, the replacement 458 is a truly exceptional car and I would certainly take over the 991, not that I've driven the 991 GT3 due to stock shortages.
The comments on the previous 430 would lead me to believe the car in question was a bit of a lemon. My experience of the 430 is that it's a very nice place to be. It's was my car pictured above with the Gt3 and I really enjoyed this car, very civilised ,noisy when you wanted it civilised and quite classy when you didn't.
Personally I found the Gt3 996 and 997 a little bland, absolutely theiyre very quick and on track a weapon but I've no doubt the 430 is quicker even with its more civilised character. That was my second Ferrari and I've had another three since then the last a 458. So I suppose I'm smitten, that said I'm driving a Lambo at the minute with a GT4 coming in a few weeks as
a stable mate so perhaps I just like to give everything a chance.
But in answer to OP try the Ferrari, they're not that expensive to run if you buy the right car and ignore the most of the horror stories you read especially on here. If you can afford buy main dealer and get two year warranty.
Personally I found the Gt3 996 and 997 a little bland, absolutely theiyre very quick and on track a weapon but I've no doubt the 430 is quicker even with its more civilised character. That was my second Ferrari and I've had another three since then the last a 458. So I suppose I'm smitten, that said I'm driving a Lambo at the minute with a GT4 coming in a few weeks as
a stable mate so perhaps I just like to give everything a chance.
But in answer to OP try the Ferrari, they're not that expensive to run if you buy the right car and ignore the most of the horror stories you read especially on here. If you can afford buy main dealer and get two year warranty.
Would agree with Sone on this, the Ferrari is a fine car., with a great chassis and sharp , delicate steering. Its not an experience for everyone, you will get much much more attention every where you go. The Porsche is smart but even GT models get little attention, the general public can't tell the difference between a Turbo S and a Boxster I'm afraid or between a 996 and a 991, they rather too common.
Ive not owned a gt3 Although have driven my friends 7.1gt3 and I have had a 911 Turbo so here is my 2 pence.
it really depends what you want out of the car. no question they are both amazing cars... therefore for that reason alone I think you need to tick the box and try the F430 out.
Im a massive Porsche fan but for sheer weekend toy fun I don't think the 911 is special enough unless you have a track in your back yard to use every weekend. 2nd gear is pretty long and gt3s therefore are breaking the law before you even hit 3rd gear.
exactly as Sone has said, for me I expect a super car to look like a super car and I like a bit of noise. the feeling is special and doesn't diminish as far as Im concerned.
it really depends what you want out of the car. no question they are both amazing cars... therefore for that reason alone I think you need to tick the box and try the F430 out.
Im a massive Porsche fan but for sheer weekend toy fun I don't think the 911 is special enough unless you have a track in your back yard to use every weekend. 2nd gear is pretty long and gt3s therefore are breaking the law before you even hit 3rd gear.
exactly as Sone has said, for me I expect a super car to look like a super car and I like a bit of noise. the feeling is special and doesn't diminish as far as Im concerned.
Firstly to note, I have driven other F430 Spiders which gives me certainty to say that my car was not defective / a lemon - neither the main dealer who sold it to me, nor the independent dealer who bought it from me seemed to have any issues with it either. The reason for my opinion being different to yours is because it is an opinion - and maybe my opinion is defective - however the car was not.
The only possible reason for the difference in opinions (other than personal preference) is that the cars I am talking about were all convertibles. Not sure if your experiences were all with Coupes, which might make some notable difference.
On the matter of attention, of course the F430 gets a huge amount (unless you happen to live in London I expect!). But do you want that? I enjoy being able to fly under the radar. So I feel a lot more comfortable in a Porsche because of that, but totally understand why people would enjoy the attention. However for a good enough car I'd put up with the attention
I think the 458 Spider is a truly phenomenal drivers car, the F430 Spider I did not rate so highly as I explained before. The best example of this was doing 30+ laps around Castle Coombe in my F430 Spider before jumping straight into a 458 Spider. On the first lap in the 458 I felt more confident and connected with the car than I had in the F430. The whole package is at another level, though not relevant as we aren't considering 458s in this thread, it just highlights the areas I felt were lacking in the F430 - and which Ferrari subsequently improved hugely in the replacement car.
I enjoyed the F430 Spider experience, but if you love the Porsche thing then don't get sucked into buying the Ferrari just because of the brand or because people will say wow. I personally got bored of F430 ownership in less than a year - it was a second car so didn't even get used that much. However, it's all personal preference ultimately and maybe I'm just not as much of a petrolhead as I used to think I was!
The only possible reason for the difference in opinions (other than personal preference) is that the cars I am talking about were all convertibles. Not sure if your experiences were all with Coupes, which might make some notable difference.
On the matter of attention, of course the F430 gets a huge amount (unless you happen to live in London I expect!). But do you want that? I enjoy being able to fly under the radar. So I feel a lot more comfortable in a Porsche because of that, but totally understand why people would enjoy the attention. However for a good enough car I'd put up with the attention
I think the 458 Spider is a truly phenomenal drivers car, the F430 Spider I did not rate so highly as I explained before. The best example of this was doing 30+ laps around Castle Coombe in my F430 Spider before jumping straight into a 458 Spider. On the first lap in the 458 I felt more confident and connected with the car than I had in the F430. The whole package is at another level, though not relevant as we aren't considering 458s in this thread, it just highlights the areas I felt were lacking in the F430 - and which Ferrari subsequently improved hugely in the replacement car.
I enjoyed the F430 Spider experience, but if you love the Porsche thing then don't get sucked into buying the Ferrari just because of the brand or because people will say wow. I personally got bored of F430 ownership in less than a year - it was a second car so didn't even get used that much. However, it's all personal preference ultimately and maybe I'm just not as much of a petrolhead as I used to think I was!
sealtt said:
Firstly to note, I have driven other F430 Spiders which gives me certainty to say that my car was not defective / a lemon - neither the main dealer who sold it to me, nor the independent dealer who bought it from me seemed to have any issues with it either. The reason for my opinion being different to yours is because it is an opinion - and maybe my opinion is defective - however the car was not.
The only possible reason for the difference in opinions (other than personal preference) is that the cars I am talking about were all convertibles. Not sure if your experiences were all with Coupes, which might make some notable difference.
On the matter of attention, of course the F430 gets a huge amount (unless you happen to live in London I expect!). But do you want that? I enjoy being able to fly under the radar. So I feel a lot more comfortable in a Porsche because of that, but totally understand why people would enjoy the attention. However for a good enough car I'd put up with the attention
I think the 458 Spider is a truly phenomenal drivers car, the F430 Spider I did not rate so highly as I explained before. The best example of this was doing 30+ laps around Castle Coombe in my F430 Spider before jumping straight into a 458 Spider. On the first lap in the 458 I felt more confident and connected with the car than I had in the F430. The whole package is at another level, though not relevant as we aren't considering 458s in this thread, it just highlights the areas I felt were lacking in the F430 - and which Ferrari subsequently improved hugely in the replacement car.
I enjoyed the F430 Spider experience, but if you love the Porsche thing then don't get sucked into buying the Ferrari just because of the brand or because people will say wow. I personally got bored of F430 ownership in less than a year - it was a second car so didn't even get used that much. However, it's all personal preference ultimately and maybe I'm just not as much of a petrolhead as I used to think I was!
Irrelevant waffle...The only possible reason for the difference in opinions (other than personal preference) is that the cars I am talking about were all convertibles. Not sure if your experiences were all with Coupes, which might make some notable difference.
On the matter of attention, of course the F430 gets a huge amount (unless you happen to live in London I expect!). But do you want that? I enjoy being able to fly under the radar. So I feel a lot more comfortable in a Porsche because of that, but totally understand why people would enjoy the attention. However for a good enough car I'd put up with the attention
I think the 458 Spider is a truly phenomenal drivers car, the F430 Spider I did not rate so highly as I explained before. The best example of this was doing 30+ laps around Castle Coombe in my F430 Spider before jumping straight into a 458 Spider. On the first lap in the 458 I felt more confident and connected with the car than I had in the F430. The whole package is at another level, though not relevant as we aren't considering 458s in this thread, it just highlights the areas I felt were lacking in the F430 - and which Ferrari subsequently improved hugely in the replacement car.
I enjoyed the F430 Spider experience, but if you love the Porsche thing then don't get sucked into buying the Ferrari just because of the brand or because people will say wow. I personally got bored of F430 ownership in less than a year - it was a second car so didn't even get used that much. However, it's all personal preference ultimately and maybe I'm just not as much of a petrolhead as I used to think I was!
Edited by kbooker on Tuesday 3rd November 04:27
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