I've found that classic cars can be a challenge, as they're not "user friendly". But they reward good driving technique -- once you understand them -- far more than modern cars. Case in point: My EVO X has quicker acceleration than my 328, and has more grip in corners (AWD/torque vectoring) -- -- but all that computerized control means that it only has *one* way to get around a corner. Granted, that's the "usual" way you'd drive it alone on a track, but on the streets, there's room for more tools in the box. E.g. late braking off a high speed road onto a side street, exit speed isn't the consideration. BUT: it took me months to get used to the 328, before I was willing to push it. The EVO is fast, out of the box --- but it doesn't really get any faster with skilled technique. Okay, a couple of fair points, there. Brakes on older cares aren't up to modern standards -- mostly limited by wheel diameter. (The rotors on my EVO are larger than the *rims* on my '70s Alfa.) Side mirrors are a relatively recent innovation, where safety overrules aerodynamics. But you're looking at a "classic" as an investment -- where "originality" comes before everything. Side mirrors are easy to add, and brakes can be upgraded. But the best upgrade you can give a classic car is modern compound tires. Tire technology has come a long way. Fear of fires is model specific -- or the result of using ethanol fuel without updating fuel lines. Severe body roll is a bad suspension -- poor design or poor maintenance. Or compromise with ride comfort. Fear of break-downs is also a maintenance issue. I used Alfas as daily drivers for years --- but maintained by an excellent shop. Fear of other drivers is regional -- and is less a reflection on your vehicle than the drivers around you. (Again, this is an "investment" consideration.) But the OP premise was that neither cost nor maintenance was a consideration. A bit of a stretch, for some: I realized, a long time back, that. much as I'd like to experience a 250TR60, I'd be afraid to take a real one out of the garage -- both because of fiscal considerations, and for consideration of preserving the few that remain. And I actually got my 328 at a bit of a discount, as the previous owner didn't really understand how to drive it, so underrated it.
I will be the odd man out given the posts so far. My favorite remains the TR family. I would stick with my 512TR as long as I can. The 550/575 is my second.
Well I'm 63 and have driven and owned 3,what you call vintage,Ferrari's and a bunch of other makes as well. I have been driven in 360 and 430 and wouldn't give you 5 bucks for one in my shed.........ever! I'm guessing you've had vast experience of classic Ferrari's? A classic sports car,say up to about 1975,is one of the most visceral and engaging experiences you can ever have,given the driving conditions you have at the time. It isn't all about sitting in a coffee shop staring at you car..
Sitting in a coffee shop staring at your car....???? I drive my cars.... That is exactly and precisely why I would take a 458 SA over a “vintage” car in the exact scenario proposed by the OP....there is no monetary value to the car...and what I love about a Ferrari is endless driving. I have put over 100K miles on my Ferrari’s combined over the years...458 Italia, 458 Spider, 458 Speciale, 16M, 550 Maranello, F12, and 812SF. Each one a masterpiece in its own way....but on a beautiful sunny day blasting through winding hills...a modern NA 458 SA is pretty hard to beat in my book. Oh...I am in my mid 50s and have driven many carbed older cars...they are indeed special...including older 911s, and I did love my ‘59 Maserati 3500GT...but for pure driving they cannot compete with my 458s...all IMO of course.
I should not have read your post, because my itch for the SA is strongest as ever now after reading it. But, how do I trade in the FF and 458 for the SA? FF is her car.
hey guys, this is not about vintage vs modern or which car is a better driver's car. This thread is essentially the same as which actress you want to sleep with tonight with no strings attached. I pick Kate Upton from modern era, and Aria Giovanni from 2000. Kate Upton is 458 SA, and Giovanni is 599GTO. The car's both bumpers are SO big!
Mitsu EVO X MR -- my DD/winter rat. (Because of the bum knee, I traded an EVO VIII for the Getrag EVO X in case I needed to left foot brake. But my ankle still works, so I can still heel/toe the 328. ) I've never been a fan of big bumpers. But I do like slick styling ... (375P3/4 / Gal Gadot) ... and versatile performance. (3x8 / Barbara Stanwyck) While we're drawing parallels, the more desirable are often also the more costly. (Just ask Elon Musk. )
I think the "vintage" vs. "modern" sorta mucks up the matter. I'll stick with "modern" only for this answer, and I guess I'd have a hard time choosing between: 458 Speciale Aperta 550 Barchetta
456 gt One of the very best designs of Pininfarina... a masterpiece NA manual V12 Room for the family Great for (almost) all occasions Old enough to feel pure... young enough to be reliable, safe and comfortable Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met FerrariChat
this one Slower than a modern Ferrari but I don't care. The beauty and sound more than make up for the speed
288GTO...Selling mine was the biggest mistake of my automotive life Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat
Dont know what the 458 is like but had a 550. Nice car but for me personally to refined. Like sitting in the lounge chair. Everything done for you. Only other car of that era I've had is an F40. Totally a drivers car, and trill/$ factor.