air993

Good afternoon all. I've had my 2005 GT3 for almost 4 years and I love the car. However, I'm considering trading it towards a Ferrari 599 with a dealer installed HGTE package. I am interested in anyone's opinions who has any experience with or around these cars. I realize that the 599 is a BIG car and more GT that back road racer, but considering in the interest of trying something new and owning a v12. Thanks in advance!

pirahna

I would start a thread on Farrarichat. Probably a good chance there are members there that have owned both.

Typerbob

I owned an HGTE. Comparing to a 6-3 is like comparing apples to oranges. That said, I found the 599 to be sterile and quiet with a mediocre gearbox. I don’t recommend it. You’ll enjoy a 430 much more for similar money.

air993

Thanks Bob. Was your car fun to drive? I love driving my GT3 and Boxster equally. They are both different car experiences that have their pro and cons. How long did you have your 599?

Typerbob

I had it about a year, but bought it intending to flip it so I didn’t drive it a lot. It’s a grand touring car IMO. I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. It’s certainly completely different from the cars you own. I am generally much more partial to P cars with the exception of the 430 Scuderia, which I have had for a couple of years and very much enjoy. It’s really the only Ferrari I love.

air993

I'd like a Scud or Stradale but they are a little more than I'd like to spend at the moment. Did you feel that the 599 moved around well. I had an Aston Martin vantage with the small V8 and while achingly beautiful, it always felt heavy and lazy. I'd like to try something new but am sure I will be on the hunt again for a GT3 in the future if I decide to move forward.

Marv

The McLaren might be something to consider. They are light and hellaciously quick.

air993

Thanks, I've considered those too Marv. But I've always wanted a Ferrari since i was a small kid. Cannot remember wanting a Mclaren or even a Lamborghini. Despite being better on paper I feel like the Mclaren may be missing something. Having said that, I've never driven or even ridden in one.

Typerbob

It felt as large as it is. If you want a front engine v12 Ferrari, maintenance aside (which is asking a lot), the FF for similar money is superior to the 599 in every way (except perhaps looks). I think they’re incredible cars for the money. If the maintenance wasn’t so outrageous, I’d probably own one. I think your best bet all things considered is still a base 430.

PumpkinRS

Test drive a gated Ferrari 360. Closer in spirit to the 996 GT3 than the 599…but offers a different experience than the 996 GT3 and in certain aspects better than the 996 GT3 for the reasons I think attract you to the 599 and Ferrari. Which I’m guessing is the sense of drama and the sound.

changster123

355 Berlinetta with the gated shifter is my ultimate Ferrari... the proportions are just perfect.

cgfen

I owned a 2000 360 3 pedal car concurrently with my 6 GT3 for a bit. They did have many similarities. I posted a comparison in this forum many years ago.

Astrix

Not a 599, but I have a 456 GT (Manual) and a 996 GT3 RS.... they are such different cars, both have their qualities, and yes a V12 is really something a car guy should experience, that being said the 996 is the last car I'd sell.

Ideally you'd have both to give you the different experience, but if we are talking a one car only situation and you were trading out a 996 GT3 for the Ferrari grand tourer, dare I say you'd probably be disappointed.

I've also been fortunate to clock some thousands of km's in a friends 360 CS, a mega car! I still chose the 996 to live with...

rodneyr

How about this 599?

sundered

Heard the 599 is more of a GT car. Might be comfier for long trips?