digits

I guess I’ve never driven a modern Ferrari by that definition. I’m curious about the steering in the modern ones. I have an F12 and love everything about it except the steering - too light, too quick.

I didn’t like the suspension initially, but I’ve come to appreciate how dynamic it really is. It’s firm and controlled even in “bumpy road” mode. I agree it sets a bar for Porsche (and my 911s have had PDCC - I haven’t experienced the DSC controller). It always amazes me that a front-engined car doesn’t carry all the weight up front - it’s actually > 50% biased to the rear.

The Atari UI really is terrible, as you said, and it doesn’t matter that much - when driving nearly everything important is at your fingertips, there aren’t even any stalks for turn signals or wipers. I don’t even need a tach with those LED shift indicators on the steering wheel I do wish I could see oil/coolant temps at the same time as tire pressures/temps - Porsche can’t do that either, only my Audi lets me do that - but I’ll still take Atari over ANY modern touchscreen UI.

krinsky1965

I love the sound of a Ferrari engine, when I was a kid our neighbor drove a Dino and I can still remember listening to that car start, roll down the driveway and take off down the road. I swore that I would own one when I grew up but I changed my mind in 1989 when my Dad drove home a 928 S4. From that day until his death I watched him go through Porsche after Porsche and the desire of owning a Ferrari disappeared just like their classic lines. In my opinion the Ferrari exterior went bad a long time ago and this Roma is aesthetically amongst my least favorites. I recently bought my first Porsche and did so because of the classic design, it just feels so genuine, like Porsche hasn’t lost it soul like most of the Italian counterparts.I haven’t second guessed my decision since bringing my 991.1 GTS home. I still love looking at Ferrari’s but lost the desire to own one.

P.S. What the heck is with the giant paddles? Am I seeing something that others don’t or am I behind the times?

1Carnut

It is the 12cyl cars that I always liked the sound of best. My neighbor has a FF (it had a 412K sticker 18K just for the paint), and I had a 575 back in 04( the same year I took apart a new Gallardo and made it RWD it was terrible in AWD). I owned 3 360's and 2 430's (a gearshift and F1 in both models) among others including a modified Calf T and 458 spider. The old F1 gearshifts like the Egear, SMG, CC (had that in a Maserati coupe), were not among my favorite transmissions. The Ferrari gearshift was also not that great, I would take a Miata's or S 2000 or Evora 400 over it. I am not affected by marketing and I see all cars as merely machines, some better than others, but all can be made better (especially the Gallardo). I have been on Ferrarichat since November of 2003 (longer than here), and while the member there mostly respect my experience, they do not always like my opinions. They like to imply that their cars have soul while implying a Porsche cannot. I am always quick to point out that saying your car a machine has soul is like saying your weed whacker does. I found that each Ferrari I bought I kept for less time, and finally realized that as a machine I enjoyed my 4C, my Evora 400 or even my Abarth more that any of them. Algar is a few minutes from me and they are trying to get me over the take a drive in the F8 spider, I told them I have no interest in it.

Guards_Red_991

And this is why I'll keep my 991 forever. I don't see it as "dated" I see it as classic.

97supratt

Don't they use magnetic ride for suspension?

drcollie

If you're a true "Car Guy" you like them all, or at least you should. Let each model stand on its merits, and you won't know if it can until you drive one, regardless of how many on line reviews you study or watch. Approach with an open mind and experience what that maker has to offer. Since I've been an HPDE Instructor for over two decades, I get to be in a lot of cars, and even drive my students cars to show them the track line if they like, so I get into a lot of different marquees. Expand your knowledge base and you will find that Shelby Ford has the chops to run with your twice-as-expensive Porsche for pure performance (in spite of the largely cheap interior). Air Cooled Porsche something special? HA! I've owned three and my last one, a 993 4S was primitive, slow and has a crap factory suspension, that ship has sailed.

That Roma is so wonderfully balanced and capable as a street car, its by far the best I've ever driven. Try one out if you get the opportunity - its eye opening how good that machine is.

Porsche_nuts

I set up my Roma test drive Oct 20. Looking forward to it. Thanks for review - will be looking out for things based on it.

KWP1911

I think you guys saying it looks like an Aston are missing the inspiration for it.

I believe the Roma is paying homage to this.

luv2sleep

That makes sense. Back in the day, I'm sure it was/still is a work of art for many. I'm not knocking it because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's just not my cup of tea. To me it looks like a stretched Datsun 240Z with a hint of 80s Toyota Supra. I guess I'm not sophisticated enough. My wife loves Hermes, Chanel, Rolex, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and the list goes on. I fail to see the beauty in them but that's what attracts her. She's been bugging me that I should own a Rolex watch. I wouldn't be caught dead with one. I hate wearing anything on my wrist or on my fingers. I can hardly wear my wedding ring. To each his own.

Bud Taylor

And it felt like the GT3 would wax the 488.

Big Swole

I can't afford one, so it makes Zero difference what I think of the car, but glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks for sharing.





David

ipse dixit

Based on personal experience?

I've owned both and can tell you what it is actually like, but it looks like you've already made up your mind.

Spyerx

I’ve not driven a Ferrari on track at the limit. But around town and canyons i like the feel of Porsche much better.
458 i drove felt very darty off center, the dampers were over sprung and bouncy and much worse when not in bumpy road or comfort mode. And the overall chassis calibration had an overly delicate vs solid feel of the Porsche. It didn’t inspire the confidence Porsche does for me
Haven’t driven a 488 yet.
that Roma will never end up in my garage based on looks alone.
The newer sports cars I’d have to try.

MidEngineRules

Pretty pathetic attempt to disguise a Ferrari infomercial on a 991 message board. There is a General Discussion forum for this.

ipse dixit

Dude, relax.

Your insecurity is showing.