alexb76

IT IS BETTER, I don't know why, maybe it's just mid-engine setup that helps it, BUT, if you see the 991 GT3 review by Evo, they do say that *finally* there's a transmission that is getting close to 458. So, it's not just me.

I only used it in manual mode, so not sure how it compared to auto-mode. Again, the 5 lap is so short you barely get to try different things/settings.

russo

I agree with your assessment on the 458. I had the opportunity to drive a 6 speed Gallardo, Murci and the 458 on the track and I can honestly state that the 458 would be the only non RS Porsche that I would definitely want to own.

fskof

A friend of mine has a Ferrari 458 and a 997 GT3 RS 4.0. He says they are is most favorite cars and loves them both for different reasons. So when I win the lottery those two will be in my garage sitting next to a dozen other porsche's....lol

Para82

That sounds like an excellent pair.

wheeler

Sh'ya...those are each my favorites as well! That was powerful!

rodsky

Here's the R8 I rented - with my son in it! OP - Where are your pics

Ynot

And??? What's your opinion?

Carrera997re

Can you even compare a 458 to a R8? I mean two diffrent animals but a 458 i think is just a a-z machine. I been in a F430 and there is no other car that can compare IMO cars i been in not many but gt2 gt3 galardos and so on. Got to respect the F-car. Just my .2

Targa Tim

Good post!

I'm going to Vegas next weekend and have booked 458 for 5 laps already. Don't think I will ever spend so much on a car, so I thought might as well try it out.

Jaws1

5 laps won't be enough. I guarantee you'll add more once you're there.

rodsky

Go up a few posts and you'll see. I really liked it except for the single clutch gear box. I'd probably get a 6MT with this car or the dual clutch they introduced in 2014. It draws a lot of attention (too much for me). If you're considering getting a TT, this would be a good alternative. Its a bit heavier, more GT like, with a screaming V10 engine that sounds great and it moves well and handles very well.

Para82

Screaming V10...

*drools

911targa4s

I drove the 458 and the Turbo S at Exotics last year. My girl drove the A8 having driven the Turbo S last time. Our overall consensus was the Turbo S hands down, no comparison. We both left shaking. She cried after driving the Turbo S, she was so full of excitement.
To me, the 458 is excellent - however, there was sooo much more interference with the 458 vs the Turbo S. With the Turbo S, it let me get the tail out and flick the car around a lot more before I felt anything kick in... and even then it was very subtle. In contrast, the 458 was invasive, disjointed and didn't let me "play" as much as the Turbo S.
Since then I've purchased my first P-car and couldn't be happier. Always wanted one, new I couldn't afford (yet) a Ferrari or the Turbo S but my daily driver is now the Targa 4S and I smile everyday. LOVE IT! Can't wait to buy a Turbo, Cayenne and some classics in the future.

Targa Tim

Will not happen.
I track a .2RS. I don't expect any cars in their lineup that will give me more pleasure that tracking my own that I know really well.
If it is not for my group of non-tracking friends that really want to try tracking in Vegas, I probably will save my $399 on food instead.

alexb76

What setting of traction control did you have it on? There are like 4 settings, including Sport and Race.

458 can only be compared to GT3 RS or higher end Porsches. Turbo S is great, but I don't think it can come close to 458. I've been in Turbo S, and while it's very fast it's not anywhere close to 458 raw performance and feel as close to a race car as you can get.