Buying advice: Audi R8 V10 vs Ferrari 360
Discussion
I know this has come up before, I've read through every page of the other threads comparing the two cars and still very undecided.
I am in NZ so I will never get to test drive these cars before buying (manual examples just don't come up here). I am hoping someone can give some real world comparisons if they have driven or owned both and what they would go with.
Audi R8 V10 - Manual only: 50-60k
Ferrari 360 - Manual only: 65-75k
65k will be the absolute limit of what I can stretch to. Here is the info I have so far:
Audi is obviously cheaper, but having driven a TT RS I know it feels a bit hitman-like. Just point and shoot and everything is all too easy and clinical. No real sensation of feedback and speed. You can look down at the speedo and be genuinely surprised. The V10 with gated manual looks like amazing value for money, I'm not sure if the sound is as good as the Ferrari but it does sound pretty good. Like the TT RS, I do worry it will lack personality or feedback though. I also hate the look of that side blade but wouldnt get the convertible due to lack of storage behind the seats. In terms of ownership, its obviously a much newer car and would likely be more reliable and will almost certainly resell here better here than the Ferrari.
With the Ferrari, its difficult to justify the price. It wouldn't be as fast as the Audi but that doesnt matter to me, after owning a bunch of Lotus cars I prefer usable power and feedback to 600+hp straight line monsters. The sound seems to be either obnoxiously loud with a Capristo exhaust or very muted on factory? But I just absolutely adore the sound of a Ferrari V8, that is one of the main reasons it's in my top 2. I wouldnt want to be disappointed to find out its quite muted in the cabin though. I expect the car would have far more character and feedback to the Audi, and be pretty reliable as long as its treated with some care. Either way I only plan to drive whatever I get 2-3k KMs per year. One of the other concerns is obviously people judging you everywhere you go or potentially even damaging the car if you stopped somewhere on a road trip. But people seem to absolutely love this car and you see reports of them keeping one for 5+ years all the time. There must be something someone can elaborate on there.
It's a difficult decision to make, I feel like the V10 is just a better car in almost every way, and also costs less and likely more reliable. But the look, sound (and probably) feel of the Ferrari makes me want to make a silly decision (on paper).
On paper this works out to be something like this. 30k is quite a big difference and you could some decent cars with that, M3/Vette/RX7/370Z/Elise. I run a 135i as a daily so not interested in a third car.
Audi: 120-130k NZD
Ferrari: 160k+ NZD
Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback. Cheers!
I am in NZ so I will never get to test drive these cars before buying (manual examples just don't come up here). I am hoping someone can give some real world comparisons if they have driven or owned both and what they would go with.
Audi R8 V10 - Manual only: 50-60k
Ferrari 360 - Manual only: 65-75k
65k will be the absolute limit of what I can stretch to. Here is the info I have so far:
Audi is obviously cheaper, but having driven a TT RS I know it feels a bit hitman-like. Just point and shoot and everything is all too easy and clinical. No real sensation of feedback and speed. You can look down at the speedo and be genuinely surprised. The V10 with gated manual looks like amazing value for money, I'm not sure if the sound is as good as the Ferrari but it does sound pretty good. Like the TT RS, I do worry it will lack personality or feedback though. I also hate the look of that side blade but wouldnt get the convertible due to lack of storage behind the seats. In terms of ownership, its obviously a much newer car and would likely be more reliable and will almost certainly resell here better here than the Ferrari.
With the Ferrari, its difficult to justify the price. It wouldn't be as fast as the Audi but that doesnt matter to me, after owning a bunch of Lotus cars I prefer usable power and feedback to 600+hp straight line monsters. The sound seems to be either obnoxiously loud with a Capristo exhaust or very muted on factory? But I just absolutely adore the sound of a Ferrari V8, that is one of the main reasons it's in my top 2. I wouldnt want to be disappointed to find out its quite muted in the cabin though. I expect the car would have far more character and feedback to the Audi, and be pretty reliable as long as its treated with some care. Either way I only plan to drive whatever I get 2-3k KMs per year. One of the other concerns is obviously people judging you everywhere you go or potentially even damaging the car if you stopped somewhere on a road trip. But people seem to absolutely love this car and you see reports of them keeping one for 5+ years all the time. There must be something someone can elaborate on there.
It's a difficult decision to make, I feel like the V10 is just a better car in almost every way, and also costs less and likely more reliable. But the look, sound (and probably) feel of the Ferrari makes me want to make a silly decision (on paper).
On paper this works out to be something like this. 30k is quite a big difference and you could some decent cars with that, M3/Vette/RX7/370Z/Elise. I run a 135i as a daily so not interested in a third car.
Audi: 120-130k NZD
Ferrari: 160k+ NZD
Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback. Cheers!
Edited by BespokeNZ on Wednesday 5th August 11:00
360 with stock exhaust is not muted at all. It's a loud car - and if you force the exhaust valves open (unplug the connectors by the rear lights) it's even loud at low revs. It really doesn't need an aftermarket exhaust.
I'm not sure I'd agree the V10 is going to be better in almost every way, although I'm sure they're very good cars. I've never driven one - but I would say that my 360 (sold a month ago) was better at some things than my 6 year old McLaren. Sure, the McLaren is better at lots of things - but for me, the Ferrari turned into corners better, sounded better, had just the right balance of power / weight for the UK roads etc.
360s can throw big bills - mine did last year - but are generally fairly reliable if you're careful when you buy. For me - particularly taking into account their age - they're amazing cars.
Having said that though - if your absolute max budget only puts you in the cheapest 360 around, it might not be the best idea - you need some cash in the bank for unexpected problems. It sounds like you'll have that with the R8, and I'm sure it will be an amazing car.
I'm not sure I'd agree the V10 is going to be better in almost every way, although I'm sure they're very good cars. I've never driven one - but I would say that my 360 (sold a month ago) was better at some things than my 6 year old McLaren. Sure, the McLaren is better at lots of things - but for me, the Ferrari turned into corners better, sounded better, had just the right balance of power / weight for the UK roads etc.
360s can throw big bills - mine did last year - but are generally fairly reliable if you're careful when you buy. For me - particularly taking into account their age - they're amazing cars.
Having said that though - if your absolute max budget only puts you in the cheapest 360 around, it might not be the best idea - you need some cash in the bank for unexpected problems. It sounds like you'll have that with the R8, and I'm sure it will be an amazing car.
I have not owned a 360, have driven a few but do own a gen1 R8 V10 Manual Spyder - It all comes down to (as usual) personal preference, they are, to me, chalk and cheese. For me the 360 provides a little bit more "theatre", climbing into the R8 is little different to climbing aboard any contemporary Audi - well built, a classy feel to most of the controls etc - but not really "special". However it all changes when you fire up that brilliant engine and reach for the gear lever in its alloy gate. By contrast the Ferrari's interior and controls feel a bit more special if not fragile and of course provide that aural pleasure upon startup, that is unmistakable.
Once on the move both provide rapid (for their respective eras) acceleration and speed - certainly enough for my needs - the 360s I've driven have always sounded louder than my R8 and some of the aftermarket exhausts can be tiring on longer trips. The Audi feels more planted, probably because of its 4 wheel drive (although it provides plenty of feedback) and thus probably more relaxing for long trips - I have the standard seats in my R8 and find them very comfortable for long journeys, luggage space is a bit compromised but my wife and I have learned to pack small bags for some of the "tight fit" cars I have had over the years!!!
The 360 generally feels a bit more nimble and alive - I've not driven an F1, my experience being solely in manual cars - I have a 996 GT3 and feel the 360's I've driven probably compare more to that than the R8, although the 360 is probably a couple of notches "softer" all around than the GT3, if that makes sense.
I can't comment on running costs or common faults with the 360, but the R8 seems to have few issues, the magride suspension seemingly being its main Achilies heel - servicing costs seem reasonable and at least here in the UK there are now some good independent garages that understand them so you are not stuck in the clutches of the Main Dealers.
Both are great cars, neither eill disappoint and I wish you well with your reseach and purchase. .
Once on the move both provide rapid (for their respective eras) acceleration and speed - certainly enough for my needs - the 360s I've driven have always sounded louder than my R8 and some of the aftermarket exhausts can be tiring on longer trips. The Audi feels more planted, probably because of its 4 wheel drive (although it provides plenty of feedback) and thus probably more relaxing for long trips - I have the standard seats in my R8 and find them very comfortable for long journeys, luggage space is a bit compromised but my wife and I have learned to pack small bags for some of the "tight fit" cars I have had over the years!!!
The 360 generally feels a bit more nimble and alive - I've not driven an F1, my experience being solely in manual cars - I have a 996 GT3 and feel the 360's I've driven probably compare more to that than the R8, although the 360 is probably a couple of notches "softer" all around than the GT3, if that makes sense.
I can't comment on running costs or common faults with the 360, but the R8 seems to have few issues, the magride suspension seemingly being its main Achilies heel - servicing costs seem reasonable and at least here in the UK there are now some good independent garages that understand them so you are not stuck in the clutches of the Main Dealers.
Both are great cars, neither eill disappoint and I wish you well with your reseach and purchase. .
If you hate the Audi side blade, which is one of the cars most distinctive features, do you really want an R8?! I guess you can match the blades to the body colour?
Theatre/drama/attention/higher running costs/older car = 360
Less theatre/attention/lower running costs/more modern car = R8
Theatre/drama/attention/higher running costs/older car = 360
Less theatre/attention/lower running costs/more modern car = R8
PompeyReece said:
If you hate the Audi side blade, which is one of the cars most distinctive features, do you really want an R8?!
I must admit, I'm with the OP on that one. I think the R8 is a pretty good looking car - but I'm not entirely sure they got that bit quite right. Some colours I think it works OK, but usually I think it looks a little odd.I currently own a V10 R8 manual but have no experience of a 360.
I wasn't overly fussed about the sideblades prior to purchasing and actually had the top halves wrapped in body colour shortly after buying. Long story short; the wrap looked wrong as there's no definate line to follow so I removed it and now actually like the look of the sideblades. They have to be carbon fibre though imo.
They most definately need an aftermarket exhaust to give them their voice and I have a Capristo that is no louder than stock with the vales closed but smile-inducing with them open.
I know where you are coming from when you say the car can feel 'a bit clinical', but a more aggressive suspension geometry set up using shims to increase the camber goes a good way towards making the car more playful. Additionally, a RWD conversion is only around $500 and can easily be reversed come selling time.
As for running costs, the 360 as already mentioned could be wallet-raping. The R8 can also throw up some eye-watering bills, however, but warranties are not silly money if that's your thing, or alternatively keep an emergency fund.
My only criticisms of the R8 are the mag dampers and the stock seats. The mag dampers will fail at some point and there's no reason they cannot fail a second or third time. I changed mine to passives from an R8 Plus and imo they give a firmer, more planted ride. The stock seats lack lateral support when you are pressing on. I swapped mine for the optional wingbacks and haven't looked back.
I'm sure the 360 is a superb car and likely to be more of an occasion, but as others have already said, it's stretching your budget and not leaving anything in reserve for unexpected bills.
I wasn't overly fussed about the sideblades prior to purchasing and actually had the top halves wrapped in body colour shortly after buying. Long story short; the wrap looked wrong as there's no definate line to follow so I removed it and now actually like the look of the sideblades. They have to be carbon fibre though imo.
They most definately need an aftermarket exhaust to give them their voice and I have a Capristo that is no louder than stock with the vales closed but smile-inducing with them open.
I know where you are coming from when you say the car can feel 'a bit clinical', but a more aggressive suspension geometry set up using shims to increase the camber goes a good way towards making the car more playful. Additionally, a RWD conversion is only around $500 and can easily be reversed come selling time.
As for running costs, the 360 as already mentioned could be wallet-raping. The R8 can also throw up some eye-watering bills, however, but warranties are not silly money if that's your thing, or alternatively keep an emergency fund.
My only criticisms of the R8 are the mag dampers and the stock seats. The mag dampers will fail at some point and there's no reason they cannot fail a second or third time. I changed mine to passives from an R8 Plus and imo they give a firmer, more planted ride. The stock seats lack lateral support when you are pressing on. I swapped mine for the optional wingbacks and haven't looked back.
I'm sure the 360 is a superb car and likely to be more of an occasion, but as others have already said, it's stretching your budget and not leaving anything in reserve for unexpected bills.
Fellow kiwi with a v10 manual. Also previously owned a 135i coupe!
My wife had both gen 1 & 2 TT and I can tell you an r8 is nothing like a TT. Initially I thought it might be too clinical but a test drive dispelled that pretty quick. It’s probably the only car I’ve driven where everything seems spot on, steering, brakes, gearbox etc. There is a lovely balance to it and thought it is Quattro it is definitely rear biased. Sounds great as well although I am tempted to do the exhaust at some point, for both sound and weight benefits.
It is a car that you can use daily, I did for the last 3 years, now it’s only for quick blasts and road trips. Overall public response has been great, kids love it and lots of heads turn. On a good road it’s an intense experience and I get a good buzz from it every time.
I’d say a Ferrari is more of an event and for the little driving you’re looking to do it might be more special but for $150k I’d get a gallado.
Also I was told there is only 5 v10 manuals in NZ. I brought mine privately from the UK, a pistonheads ad
. In the last 4 years the only one I’ve seen for sale is a twin turbo one running 900+hp.
My wife had both gen 1 & 2 TT and I can tell you an r8 is nothing like a TT. Initially I thought it might be too clinical but a test drive dispelled that pretty quick. It’s probably the only car I’ve driven where everything seems spot on, steering, brakes, gearbox etc. There is a lovely balance to it and thought it is Quattro it is definitely rear biased. Sounds great as well although I am tempted to do the exhaust at some point, for both sound and weight benefits.
It is a car that you can use daily, I did for the last 3 years, now it’s only for quick blasts and road trips. Overall public response has been great, kids love it and lots of heads turn. On a good road it’s an intense experience and I get a good buzz from it every time.
I’d say a Ferrari is more of an event and for the little driving you’re looking to do it might be more special but for $150k I’d get a gallado.
Also I was told there is only 5 v10 manuals in NZ. I brought mine privately from the UK, a pistonheads ad
. In the last 4 years the only one I’ve seen for sale is a twin turbo one running 900+hp.Been some really helpful responses here. Im picking up some key bits of information. Sounds like it's smarter to go for the R8 as it's a better allrounder and less likely to smash holes in the wallet especially during a bit of an unknown time for the economy. Really suprised that there is a comment from a 360 owner saying they wouldn't go back to one after going to the R8. Perhaps the R8 provides about 80% of the theatre or thereabouts?
I currently have an Exige V6 S so obviously interiors are not too high on my priority list, the only reason to move on is that it is just stupidly impractical, you can't go anywhere with a passenger for any real amount of time and you really aren't taking anything with you besides a small backpack stuffed into the 'boot'. The driving experience is about as pure as it gets though, I'd like something that can maybe come close but sounds better with a little bit more grunt. R8 V10 and 360 seem to be the only ones around the >160k (65GBP) mark. I'm not really into Porsche's and the Gallardos ive seen with a manual are closer to 70 or 80k GBP.
How would people compare the stock soundtrack of the V10 and the V8? I think the V8 has an amazing F1 soundtrack and from what people said is plenty loud enough with the valves open. The V10 from what I've heard on Youtube clips seems to be pretty up there as well, but sounds like it's missing about 2k revs.
How are the pedal placements and the shift feel when comparing both cars? From the feedback so far it seems that maybe the R8 isn't that far off in terms of a pure driving experience to justify the extra 30k (NZD)
I currently have an Exige V6 S so obviously interiors are not too high on my priority list, the only reason to move on is that it is just stupidly impractical, you can't go anywhere with a passenger for any real amount of time and you really aren't taking anything with you besides a small backpack stuffed into the 'boot'. The driving experience is about as pure as it gets though, I'd like something that can maybe come close but sounds better with a little bit more grunt. R8 V10 and 360 seem to be the only ones around the >160k (65GBP) mark. I'm not really into Porsche's and the Gallardos ive seen with a manual are closer to 70 or 80k GBP.
How would people compare the stock soundtrack of the V10 and the V8? I think the V8 has an amazing F1 soundtrack and from what people said is plenty loud enough with the valves open. The V10 from what I've heard on Youtube clips seems to be pretty up there as well, but sounds like it's missing about 2k revs.
How are the pedal placements and the shift feel when comparing both cars? From the feedback so far it seems that maybe the R8 isn't that far off in terms of a pure driving experience to justify the extra 30k (NZD)
BespokeNZ said:
Sounds like it's smarter to go for the R8 as it's a better allrounder and less likely to smash holes in the wallet
Some people do use the 360 as a daily - and having used mine on some long trips, I guess it is capable of that. I used mine to drive down to Italy for a couple of weeks, and it was great - even sitting on French motorways at 80mph for hours on the way back.However - I did feel the car was a bit single purpose and you really had to be in the right mood. Less so than your Lotus I'm sure, but even so - it was a "fun" car, and I didn't always want that kind of drive.
When I test drove my McLaren, I initially intended to part ex my 360 - however, I didn't think the McLaren had quite the same raw uncompromising feel of the 360 and so I didn't think it was a suitable replacement. So I kept the 360.
But 10 months later, the 360 just wasn't getting used (it wasn't getting used much for a year or two before that, but it had really dropped in the last year). The McLaren was very good at trundling around and could be a lot of fun / very fast too. I think I still enjoyed the 360 on a twisty road more - but I just couldn't be bothered to get it out the garage when the McLaren was parked on the drive. Plus - and this will be relevant to you - despite 6 years of mostly trouble free ownership - the big bill I had last year always made me think another might be around the corner. Which I didn't want for an occasional car.
Given your most recent post - and that you've already had a very single purpose car - it sounds to me like the R8 would probably suit better than the 360. (Although I'm making assumptions having never driven an R8).
Not sure a 360 would feel quicker than an exige S? V10 definitely. Love the gearshift on the r8, it isn’t super short, it is deliberate and I love the open gate.
V10 sound is good, I have a mate with the gen2 and sports exhaust and that is sensational, so worth factoring in an upgrade. The readers car r8 column from a few days ago perked my interest in the top gear exhaust, looks great bang for buck.
If you’re in chch happy to show you my car.
V10 sound is good, I have a mate with the gen2 and sports exhaust and that is sensational, so worth factoring in an upgrade. The readers car r8 column from a few days ago perked my interest in the top gear exhaust, looks great bang for buck.
If you’re in chch happy to show you my car.
BespokeNZ said:
I know this has come up before, I've read through every page of the other threads comparing the two cars and still very undecided.
I am in NZ so I will never get to test drive these cars before buying (manual examples just don't come up here). I am hoping someone can give some real world comparisons if they have driven or owned both and what they would go with.
Audi R8 V10 - Manual only: 50-60k
Ferrari 360 - Manual only: 65-75k
65k will be the absolute limit of what I can stretch to. Here is the info I have so far:
Audi is obviously cheaper, but having driven a TT RS I know it feels a bit hitman-like. Just point and shoot and everything is all too easy and clinical. No real sensation of feedback and speed. You can look down at the speedo and be genuinely surprised. The V10 with gated manual looks like amazing value for money, I'm not sure if the sound is as good as the Ferrari but it does sound pretty good. Like the TT RS, I do worry it will lack personality or feedback though. I also hate the look of that side blade but wouldnt get the convertible due to lack of storage behind the seats. In terms of ownership, its obviously a much newer car and would likely be more reliable and will almost certainly resell here better here than the Ferrari.
With the Ferrari, its difficult to justify the price. It wouldn't be as fast as the Audi but that doesnt matter to me, after owning a bunch of Lotus cars I prefer usable power and feedback to 600+hp straight line monsters. The sound seems to be either obnoxiously loud with a Capristo exhaust or very muted on factory? But I just absolutely adore the sound of a Ferrari V8, that is one of the main reasons it's in my top 2. I wouldnt want to be disappointed to find out its quite muted in the cabin though. I expect the car would have far more character and feedback to the Audi, and be pretty reliable as long as its treated with some care. Either way I only plan to drive whatever I get 2-3k KMs per year. One of the other concerns is obviously people judging you everywhere you go or potentially even damaging the car if you stopped somewhere on a road trip. But people seem to absolutely love this car and you see reports of them keeping one for 5+ years all the time. There must be something someone can elaborate on there.
It's a difficult decision to make, I feel like the V10 is just a better car in almost every way, and also costs less and likely more reliable. But the look, sound (and probably) feel of the Ferrari makes me want to make a silly decision (on paper).
On paper this works out to be something like this. 30k is quite a big difference and you could some decent cars with that, M3/Vette/RX7/370Z/Elise. I run a 135i as a daily so not interested in a third car.
Audi: 120-130k NZD
Ferrari: 160k+ NZD
Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback. Cheers!
360 every time,only because every time you see one you will have wished that you had scratched that itch ,the R8 is a better car no doubt and will be more reliable and probably better put together but it's a emotional decision and you buy these types of car with your heart not your head .German cars do everything so well which is great for your every day transport ,sitting in traffic ect but lack that character that's dialled in to most Italian cars ,I have a manual Gallardo which is close to the R8 and a F430 and overall i prefer the Ferrari .just my opinion, I am in NZ so I will never get to test drive these cars before buying (manual examples just don't come up here). I am hoping someone can give some real world comparisons if they have driven or owned both and what they would go with.
Audi R8 V10 - Manual only: 50-60k
Ferrari 360 - Manual only: 65-75k
65k will be the absolute limit of what I can stretch to. Here is the info I have so far:
Audi is obviously cheaper, but having driven a TT RS I know it feels a bit hitman-like. Just point and shoot and everything is all too easy and clinical. No real sensation of feedback and speed. You can look down at the speedo and be genuinely surprised. The V10 with gated manual looks like amazing value for money, I'm not sure if the sound is as good as the Ferrari but it does sound pretty good. Like the TT RS, I do worry it will lack personality or feedback though. I also hate the look of that side blade but wouldnt get the convertible due to lack of storage behind the seats. In terms of ownership, its obviously a much newer car and would likely be more reliable and will almost certainly resell here better here than the Ferrari.
With the Ferrari, its difficult to justify the price. It wouldn't be as fast as the Audi but that doesnt matter to me, after owning a bunch of Lotus cars I prefer usable power and feedback to 600+hp straight line monsters. The sound seems to be either obnoxiously loud with a Capristo exhaust or very muted on factory? But I just absolutely adore the sound of a Ferrari V8, that is one of the main reasons it's in my top 2. I wouldnt want to be disappointed to find out its quite muted in the cabin though. I expect the car would have far more character and feedback to the Audi, and be pretty reliable as long as its treated with some care. Either way I only plan to drive whatever I get 2-3k KMs per year. One of the other concerns is obviously people judging you everywhere you go or potentially even damaging the car if you stopped somewhere on a road trip. But people seem to absolutely love this car and you see reports of them keeping one for 5+ years all the time. There must be something someone can elaborate on there.
It's a difficult decision to make, I feel like the V10 is just a better car in almost every way, and also costs less and likely more reliable. But the look, sound (and probably) feel of the Ferrari makes me want to make a silly decision (on paper).
On paper this works out to be something like this. 30k is quite a big difference and you could some decent cars with that, M3/Vette/RX7/370Z/Elise. I run a 135i as a daily so not interested in a third car.
Audi: 120-130k NZD
Ferrari: 160k+ NZD
Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback. Cheers!
Edited by BespokeNZ on Wednesday 5th August 11:00
davek_964 said:
Some people do use the 360 as a daily - and having used mine on some long trips, I guess it is capable of that. I used mine to drive down to Italy for a couple of weeks, and it was great - even sitting on French motorways at 80mph for hours on the way back.
However - I did feel the car was a bit single purpose and you really had to be in the right mood. Less so than your Lotus I'm sure, but even so - it was a "fun" car, and I didn't always want that kind of drive.
When I test drove my McLaren, I initially intended to part ex my 360 - however, I didn't think the McLaren had quite the same raw uncompromising feel of the 360 and so I didn't think it was a suitable replacement. So I kept the 360.
But 10 months later, the 360 just wasn't getting used (it wasn't getting used much for a year or two before that, but it had really dropped in the last year). The McLaren was very good at trundling around and could be a lot of fun / very fast too. I think I still enjoyed the 360 on a twisty road more - but I just couldn't be bothered to get it out the garage when the McLaren was parked on the drive. Plus - and this will be relevant to you - despite 6 years of mostly trouble free ownership - the big bill I had last year always made me think another might be around the corner. Which I didn't want for an occasional car.
Given your most recent post - and that you've already had a very single purpose car - it sounds to me like the R8 would probably suit better than the 360. (Although I'm making assumptions having never driven an R8).
Yeah I think this applies to me the most, I have the same situation with my Exige, I have three cars at the moment with the 135i and a C6 Corvette, while the Exige is amazing to take out for a b-road challenge, most of the time I just cant be bothered getting it out of the garage. I would take the Vette for a road trip or the BMW for errands. I want something that I can just get in and go whenever I want without having to convince the mrs to get in with me or worrying about where I'm taking it or for what purpose. I picked all three of those cars as they have an analogue driving feel, manual transmissions, fun to drive and have a bit of character. If im going to double down and get rid of both the Vette and Exige I want to make sure what Im getting is quite special and I dont feel like I cant be bothered getting it out, or that it's a bit clinical to drive. However - I did feel the car was a bit single purpose and you really had to be in the right mood. Less so than your Lotus I'm sure, but even so - it was a "fun" car, and I didn't always want that kind of drive.
When I test drove my McLaren, I initially intended to part ex my 360 - however, I didn't think the McLaren had quite the same raw uncompromising feel of the 360 and so I didn't think it was a suitable replacement. So I kept the 360.
But 10 months later, the 360 just wasn't getting used (it wasn't getting used much for a year or two before that, but it had really dropped in the last year). The McLaren was very good at trundling around and could be a lot of fun / very fast too. I think I still enjoyed the 360 on a twisty road more - but I just couldn't be bothered to get it out the garage when the McLaren was parked on the drive. Plus - and this will be relevant to you - despite 6 years of mostly trouble free ownership - the big bill I had last year always made me think another might be around the corner. Which I didn't want for an occasional car.
Given your most recent post - and that you've already had a very single purpose car - it sounds to me like the R8 would probably suit better than the 360. (Although I'm making assumptions having never driven an R8).
I should really go for an R8 as I can't afford to be constantly worrying about an upcoming badge-tax when it's due for a service. Maybe if it gets stale then I will go for the 360 later on. This theory is based on the assumption the 360's wont keep going up in price, which they easily could. Same thing with the Gallardo and its also out of my range. But I prefer the sound of the 360 anyway. There is also the matter of resale where any car over the 150k mark here leaves the seller vulnerable of taking a huge bath if some rich guy or ignorant dealer comes out of the woodwork and lists the exact same car for stuff all. This has happened to me several times but I've been somewhat lucky enough to be able to ride out the waves.
Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff