996 GT3 RS or Ferrari 458

[pocty]

Hi Guys I really love the 458 but have a 996 GT3 RS.

Can't justify having both at the same time but if you had the choice which one would you have.

I mainly do one euro trip and the odd track day a year.

Also is there anything that I need to look out for when searching a 458.

Thanks in advance.
Pocty

[MDL111]

Can't help with your specific question, but I can tell you that I really miss having a manual transmission.

I would look for an extended test drive (maybe rent a 458 for a weekend or two) before committing.

Could you buy a 996 GT3 and a 458 (possibly LHD) with the proceeds from selling the RS - that might be a good compromise

[pocty]

Thanks MDL111
You sound like the voice of reasoning.

Never really thought about a left hand drive 458.
But as you say I need to book a test drive as I've always been a manual man but maybe it's time for a change.

Pocty

[Murcielago_Boy]

Pocty - the two cars are completely and utterly different - you know that I'm sure. Not sure I can advise on which you should keep depending on your real usage.
All I'll say is that I've run both and selling my 996 GT3 RS (admittedly well before the 458 was made) remains a huge motoring mistake. As an out and out drivers car, I've never driven anything better south of £500k (in todays prices).
If you haven't driven a 458 already, you'll think it to be an ultra fast, quiet, armchair by comparison. Yawn.

[pocty]

Agreed Murcielago_Boy the GT3 RS is a wonderful drivers car and I've had some fabulous drives in it in the past. Truly unforgettable moments. But the game has moved on and the world is a different place.

Thanks for sharing your feedback on the 458 as I've yet to test drive one. Will it really feel like an arm chair compared to the GT3 RS. I must admit the RS fits like a glove.

Is the 458 more easily to live with as a daily?

Pocty

[Skittles001]

I went from the 997.2 RS to a 458 with no regrets. I agree the manual is more involving but the 458's engine would not suit a manual and the emotional elements come from different sources from that car. It's also an utterly beautiful thing IMHO.

[pocty]

Thanks Skittles001 What is the 458 like to drive is it pointy, can you lean on it on a corner, does the gearbox feel tight and then loosen up after a few hours. Will I get bored after coming from a 996 GT3 RS.

Pocty

[d16rr]

6 RS - Rare and raw, 458 plentiful (at the moment) and digital,. are you just looking to change for changes sake, if so find a way to keep the rare one and add the other. good luck

[pocty]

Thanks d16rr
Just not practical to have both as I don't use them enough.
I only do one trip a year with a couple of track days.

Like the fact that the 458 is a newer car and don't really care about the dreaded depreciation. In fact I think that they look a bargain.

Coming from the RS is the 458 a drivers car...sorry to ask. but you know what i mean. ie... could you take it on a trip to Wales and fall in love with it.

Pocty

[d16rr]

Think it's a good time to get into a 458, would be my choice of the vanilla cars right now, no more n/a v8. easy car to enjoy on the track and road trips, bonus if you get one with the servicing paid for also. make sure you get lots of pics of the rs before you sell it !