CAR Magazine GT3 vs 458 Speciale
#46
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I still think the writer, likely because he cannot afford either, did not prepare a story that takes into consideration cost. The price of a car is absolutely a factor that should be considered since it is a common denominator with all vehicles and a measure of worth across everyone. At a price of 208,000 pounds or $339,785.00 for a 458 Speciale, it costs as much as a $150k GT3 and a $190k GT3RS. Is the 458 S superior to a GT3 and a GT3 RS? Is it that much better?
I think the whole ownership thing being discussed is what highlights the weaknesses of magazine reviews. It reminds me of internet posters that post on forums and magazine race based upon the stats of cars in the back of a magazine. These kids have no concept of actual ownership or a true point of reference and, I think the article did basically the same thing except the writer had a chance to drive the cars. Now, if he wrote from the perspective of actually buying and owning the cars, that would be a valuable opinion. As is, the writer may as well be a 13 year old kid with pimples who went on a joy ride.
Dan (thinks the writer did a poor job of assessment)
I think the whole ownership thing being discussed is what highlights the weaknesses of magazine reviews. It reminds me of internet posters that post on forums and magazine race based upon the stats of cars in the back of a magazine. These kids have no concept of actual ownership or a true point of reference and, I think the article did basically the same thing except the writer had a chance to drive the cars. Now, if he wrote from the perspective of actually buying and owning the cars, that would be a valuable opinion. As is, the writer may as well be a 13 year old kid with pimples who went on a joy ride.
Dan (thinks the writer did a poor job of assessment)
While I agree it should not be just glossed over, and I mentioned this upthread previously, for some the price difference really isn't an issue. Y'know the 1% of the 1%?
But seriously. For some people, they just want the best track-worthy car that's out there. Not the best track worthy car at decent quality-to-price ratio.
Let's take an example with dive watches. Let's say a professional scuba diver just wants the "best and most utilitarian" diver's watch he can by, regardless of price.
Two watches that might come to mind, are the Rolex Submariner and the Doxa Sub 5000T. The former is about 3x the retail price of the latter, yet it would not be ridiculous to compare the two -- or cross-shop them -- if one were simply looking for a utilitarian tool for diving.
Same is true here. If a person were to simply look for the best out-of-the-box track weapon, it's not irrational to compare the 991 GT3 with the 458 Speciale -- regardless of the price delta.
Of course, the only people who would buy the Ferrari over the Porsche are the same folks who buy the Rolex over any other "better" diver's watch. Bling.
Which, of course, isn't to say that I am saying a Porsche is similar to a Doxa.
#47
Three Wheelin'
Regarding the price delta.
While I agree it should not be just glossed over, and I mentioned this upthread previously, for some the price difference really isn't an issue. Y'know the 1% of the 1%?
But seriously. For some people, they just want the best track-worthy car that's out there. Not the best track worthy car at decent quality-to-price ratio.
While I agree it should not be just glossed over, and I mentioned this upthread previously, for some the price difference really isn't an issue. Y'know the 1% of the 1%?
But seriously. For some people, they just want the best track-worthy car that's out there. Not the best track worthy car at decent quality-to-price ratio.
The 1% have a minimum net worth of $6 million, the 1% of 1% have a net worth over $20 million. You don't need to be either to own a GT3 or a 458 S. For those of us who can afford these cars, many of us will look at cost of ownership. For the truly wealthy, they're not going to care what is said in the article.
#49
Actually the best dive watch is a dive computer. I do own a Sub but it this day and time not much good under water.
Some Ferrari's are bought for the bling, some Porsche's too but most are bought cause they are fun to look at in garage and drive.
GT3 is like a great wife who is sporty. A Ferrari is like a hot but sometimes crazy mistress. What are you in the mood for?
Neither car is a bargain.
Some Ferrari's are bought for the bling, some Porsche's too but most are bought cause they are fun to look at in garage and drive.
GT3 is like a great wife who is sporty. A Ferrari is like a hot but sometimes crazy mistress. What are you in the mood for?
Neither car is a bargain.
#51
I think the whole ownership thing being discussed is what highlights the weaknesses of magazine reviews. It reminds me of internet posters that post on forums and magazine race based upon the stats of cars in the back of a magazine. These kids have no concept of actual ownership or a true point of reference and, I think the article did basically the same thing except the writer had a chance to drive the cars. Now, if he wrote from the perspective of actually buying and owning the cars, that would be a valuable opinion. As is, the writer may as well be a 13 year old kid with pimples who went on a joy ride.
IMO.
#52
I still think the writer, likely because he cannot afford either, did not prepare a story that takes into consideration cost. The price of a car is absolutely a factor that should be considered since it is a common denominator with all vehicles and a measure of worth across everyone. At a price of 208,000 pounds or $339,785.00 for a 458 Speciale, it costs as much as a $150k GT3 and a $190k GT3RS. Is the 458 S superior to a GT3 and a GT3 RS? Is it that much better?
I think the whole ownership thing being discussed is what highlights the weaknesses of magazine reviews. It reminds me of internet posters that post on forums and magazine race based upon the stats of cars in the back of a magazine. These kids have no concept of actual ownership or a true point of reference and, I think the article did basically the same thing except the writer had a chance to drive the cars. Now, if he wrote from the perspective of actually buying and owning the cars, that would be a valuable opinion. As is, the writer may as well be a 13 year old kid with pimples who went on a joy ride.
Dan (thinks the writer did a poor job of assessment)
I think the whole ownership thing being discussed is what highlights the weaknesses of magazine reviews. It reminds me of internet posters that post on forums and magazine race based upon the stats of cars in the back of a magazine. These kids have no concept of actual ownership or a true point of reference and, I think the article did basically the same thing except the writer had a chance to drive the cars. Now, if he wrote from the perspective of actually buying and owning the cars, that would be a valuable opinion. As is, the writer may as well be a 13 year old kid with pimples who went on a joy ride.
Dan (thinks the writer did a poor job of assessment)
peter
#53
Race Director
So much of the excitement derived is relative to one's previous experience also. If you've owned many nice/exotic/fast cars, then maybe you would feel equally excited to purchase a speciale or a gt3; in fact we read ab quite a few guys on this forum who have ordered a speciale, driven it, but acted more excited ab getting their gt3. the "return on investment" isn't just based on a linear relationship to performance, there are certain brand attributes, design features and details which can't be exactly quantified, but which intrinsically make the Speciale "worth" double the price of a gt3 to some. Personally, I'm probably more excited to be able to access $3-500k car performance for $150k... the "deal" is what appeals to me... As every $10k counts to my account. Maybe if I was in the market for $300k cars, I would convince myself that a speciale is worth it, but I would have to really think ab it when a gt3 already exists in the market.
A magazine writer on the other hand has the luxury to flippantly claim "yes, this car is definitely worth $1.2million" after climbing out of a Mansory modified monstrosity for example, Because he can't dream of shelling out the cash anyway.. So his value proposition becomes wildly skewed.
Money matters for most of us.. And what makes this car so exciting is that we get to taste what is basically the best there is, while not feeling like we are getting bent over by the man.
(Except for the extended door leather option.. That **** makes me ANGRY!!!)
A magazine writer on the other hand has the luxury to flippantly claim "yes, this car is definitely worth $1.2million" after climbing out of a Mansory modified monstrosity for example, Because he can't dream of shelling out the cash anyway.. So his value proposition becomes wildly skewed.
Money matters for most of us.. And what makes this car so exciting is that we get to taste what is basically the best there is, while not feeling like we are getting bent over by the man.
(Except for the extended door leather option.. That **** makes me ANGRY!!!)
#54
CAlexio is right, it's ultimately all relative. While I'm going for a GT3 I'm sure there is someone on a Corvette Z06 forum as we speak, who is saying the same thing about the Z06 and GT3. No matter what our circumstances, we are lucky to be living in a time with such exciting cars. As someone who made it through the 70s, we should not take that for granted.
#56
Race Director
Agree above- I would love a Speciale but I also do not want all the stares and concern where I drive it ect- a little too much attention for me. Also- not a cheap car by any means
#57
Rennlist Member
I grab my Silverado and bmw 530 keys much more often than those of my 6gt3, too. I also drink water and beer much more often than I drink single malts.