ATL Fahrer

Hey guys. Have recently started the process of switching from my '03 C4S to something with a little more track capability. For me, it comes down to effectively two cars - the 997 based GT3 vs. the Ferrari 360/F430. The '07-08 GT3 and the '03-04 360 is roughly the same price point as is the case for the '10-11 GT3 vs. an '05-06 F430.

While I will ultimately make up my mind on the characteristics of each car, my reasoning on the separation is this - The early model 997 GT3 and 360 have experienced the lion's share of depreciation and are very similar in performance characteristics. For the late model GT3 and F430, again, similar performance characteristics (read refinement of a solid platform), but, are on the front end of the depreciation curve.

I'm reaching out to the forum to get your personal opinions. I know there may be some bias here in a Porsche forum, but, hey,*its where I hang out!

Have any of you driven the Porsche and Ferrari on the track? What are your impressions? Any specifics I should consider (other than maintenance cost)? Any criticism of my logic?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to the feedback!

911SLOW

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...hlight=360+430

If you are bored to read the thread just get a GT3 and call it a day.

Serge944

You're on a GT3 forum - you already know the answer. I can't think of a reason to buy a ferrari for the track other than "it looks cool, it sounds cool, it'll probably turn more heads."

cobrien

I've had a 360 and a 430. They are not track cars, period. I've seen more than a few 430s end up with broken F1 transmissions and huge brake bills (20K +) from just one track day if you're running the ceramic brakes. If you want to track the car, get the GT3, no question.

NJ-GT

Get a GT3, unless you can get a Scuderia and change the brakes. Lap times are very similar.

Ritesh

If you are going to track it then GT3!!

If you aren't and want a date night car/wknd cruise car then.....GT3!! LOL. well maybe the Ferrari F430.

aussie jimmy

gt3, no question.

gt3 is a solid workhorse. 360 is a flimsy showpony.
only a stradale comes close, but the bills will eat you.

jenk12m

You can pound a GT3 on a 3 day weekend in 100 degree temps and it will run like a champ all weekend long and then drive home with a smile on your face. Or tow it home and continually look in the rear view mirror, thinking about how much fun you just had

tford

I have a 2005 F430 and have driven it extensively on and off the track, have over 20k miles on the car. recently took delivery of a GT3 RS because I wanted a more track oriented car. Here's my overview:

Ferrari Comments:
-More visceral than the GT3 RS, but it's close
-Ferrari is much easier to drive, less rewarding though
-Wouldn't ever consider putting a roll cage in my F430
-Absolutely no issues with carbon ceramics
-F1 clutch is absolutely worse trait of the car
-Makes an ok driver a good driver


GT3 RS (early feedack, still a newbie)
-Ferrari doesn't even come close in handling department
-Much more fun and rewarding to drive
-Much bigger track community, when I track the F430, I'm almost always the only one
-Too early to tell, but I'm pretty sure the GT3 RS will be much more reliable
-Have to be a good driver to become a great driver
-Got flipped off last week in the GT3 RS, and got flashed in the Ferrari last year (both true).

Hope that helps. PM if you have any questions or if you want to buy my F430. Cheers.
-Tford

ATL Fahrer

Everyone, thanks a bundle for the feedback. Comments on the tracking and cost are most appreciated! tford, I will PM you and try to get a little more info on your experience, much appreciated!

I especially appreciate the comments on the F1 transmission. I guess I should have mentioned that I was only interested in the gated 6.

I have to say that I'm a little surprised with the responses, since most of the press almost always gives the edge to the Ferrari's.

I did read the thread and didn't really see any comps with the GT3. I've been trolling for a while over here and was really hoping to get some discussion going. My head really tells me to go w/ the GT3, my heart says Ferrari

I do know that this is a GT3 forum, but, was assuming that GT3 drivers were a little more knowledgeable and objective bunch, thus bringing up the question here.

kaamacat

Had an 01' 360 (f1) with about 10K miles on it, and the first 1000 it left me stranded in the mountains, and about 3K later it was back on the road with an F1 failure. (and that was for parts only). If you can find a gated 430 that might not be bad, but if you get into F-Car ownership be prepared to have a checkbook handy.

For any of the recent Porshe I had, 04C4S Aero, 09'C2S and now the 11'GT3RS I am 100% confident that you can drive it 24x7 and is totally reliable. The RS is purely spectacular!

Another item I'd add to the GT3RS (and I am sure its the same for the GT3). The car gives you back what you put into it, and the feedback
is almost like being a friggin Vulcan. You hear and feel everything that is going on, and for me that is the biggest selling point for the car.

TRAKCAR

Ferrari top pick up the girls and maybe event take them to the track to do a few laps. You get to tinker too!

GT3 if you are all set on girls, and or plane on leaving them home when you go beat the crap out of the car weekend after weekend.

stevecolletti

Before buying my 997.1 RS, I did the trade study versus the 360/430. Ferrari won looks, sound and mid-engine... lost everything else.
If you want to own a Ferrari (nothing wrong with that), buy a vintage one.

carcommander

I own both. Both are fun to drive and handle great. You will need your check book with either of them. The Ferrari has a much higher level of trim. My experience is that women, at lease the ones I date, don't care what you drive. They just want to make sure you are not in hock up to your ears to have them. Buy the one that gives you the most wood. I own a 2011 gt3rs and a 2007 f430. I have owned a 360 and enjoyed it too.

Ritesh

Can you explain why you didn't like the F1. I have lately been jonesing for a F430 F1 or a Scuderia.