fantasma

Background
I’m in the lucky position to buy a new sports car. Right now I’m driving a 996 GT3 Mk1 Clubsport, which is my third Porsche. I’m looking for a car that is fun both on the road and on the track. I used to do about 10 track days a year, but now, with at 6 month old son, it’s harder to find the time to go to track days. There are not that many tracks close to where I live. So I want a car that is fun to drive on a Sunday morning as well as a proper track day tool. I will not drive it on a daily basis, but I don’t want a car that is too compromised for the road. My current 996 GT3 Clubsport is a blast to drive on the track but on the road, driving at less than eight tenths, it is more pain than pleasure.

The alternatives
I have been offered various alternatives from dealers:
Alternative 1: 997 GT3 ClubSport, PCCB brakes, MY07

Alternative 2: Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, MY04

Alternative 3: Ferrari F430 F1, CCM brakes, sport seats, etc. There are a handful of F430 for sale with similar sporty specs (MY05 -07).

The 360 CS is marginally more expensive than the GT3. The F430 is more expensive than the other two. I do understand that the running costs of the Ferraris are higher than for the Porsche.

What are your ideas and recommendations?

Thanks in advance,

fantasma

dan360

I have a 997 GT3 and a CS, both are great, but different. The CS is more "exciting" but not necessarily a "better" car per-se. I've personally passed on a 430 street car, but I have a 430 Challenge (a fab track car). I think the 430 street car is a great car, but its very comfortable in comparison to the others.

You should drive all 3, it really does depend where you want your compromise. With the Scuderia coming out CS prices may move down a little, but otherwise its probably the best long term value play. They made a lot of the other 2 in comparison.

frayed

With limited track time, I'd say the 430.

997gt3north

tt or gt2 might also fit what you are looking for

zicoramone

Alternative 4: 997 GT3 RS

PogueMoHone

Alternative 5: MB CLK Black Series

dan360

I just got rid of my CLK55 Convertible, that was a great car. Softer than a P-car, but suprisingly fast, with good handling. Not really a track car at all due to the gearbox (which is the same on the "black" model).

I however personally would not buy another MB because the service from the dealer locally in MA was pathetic - YMMV.

Sun Ra

so the strad is a wreck? or r u trolling? decent strad at least 50 more, more like 70

peloton

I have a 997GT3, a 997GT3RS, and an F430. I used to own a CS, so I guess I've got direct experience in all of your choices. If I could only have one of the lot that had to be very comfortable on the road and yet still a thrill at the track, I'd go for the 430. And don't worry about running cost differentials - the 430's have chain-driven cams unlike the belt-driven cams in the 360's and earlier that needed an expensive engine-out routine to replace. My 430 has been bulletproof, albeit only 6k miles so far. I do an annual oil and filter change and that's it.

PogueMoHone

I don't think it is and the rear differential is quite something, but I am no techie!

The Black Series is certainly track ready and worthy.

Bill_C4S

Watt - given the mention of the GT3 clubsport, i'd guess fantasma is not from the USA...may be why the proximity of prices on 360CS vs GT3

amaist

997 GT3 Clubsport should do very well. If the roads where you live are not total garbage then it would be a blast to drive.
It is also a little more discreet. To most people it's just a Porsche where the Ferrari will always cause a scene wherever you go.

allegretto

GT-3,GT-3 RS. 360 (non-CS) and 430 experience here.

If you want the most extroverted experience and a kick-a$$ car;

1- 430
2- GT3RS

Low-key guy;

GT-3 (Meteor or AS)

Best collectable;

360 CS, no contest!

fantasma

I think the prices are a bit different here in Sweden. The 360CS is actually in excellent condition.

The 997 GT3 that I'm looking at costs about $170.000 while the 360CS is about $215.000. In my original post I wrote that the 360 CS was marginally more expensive, which maybe was not entirely accurate. Nevertheless if I spend this kind of money on a car I might as well get the one I really want.

Nordschleife

actually you might try the F430 Scuderia

and the Gallardo Superleggera

as you aren't in the US, the situation is different.

The Gallardo is great in the snow

R+C