Test driving a Ferrari F430 today...

[Jas667]

So after testing the Audi R8 and being very impressed with it I have a test drive of a F430 today at 3pm. The audi was a fantastic car but if Im being honest, already the ferrari is getting to me. Im excited and there is still 4 hours to wait! Gonna pop into the Lambo garage whilst Im there as Im meeting someone about the Gallardo as well. Will fill you all in when Im back...

[enfield]

I would go ferrari if I had the cash....

Above my pay grade

[Jas667]

Ok, so Im just back from driving the F1 F430...
When I turned up I got the usual 'your too young for THIS garage attitude' but Im getting used to just breezing that off now. Had a look at the Spyder and Coupe. Really dont like the lines of the Spyder with the roof up, just looks odd, although the coupe is stunning.
The guy started the car and shivers went through my whole body, the sound was just amazing. The interior is fantastic(as you would expect for 130k), everything has a very strong and expensive feel. Visibility is reasonably good, alot better than I expected. AT this point the guy told me that Carbon Ceramic brakes were now standard. But the cost of the car had gone up 8k!! So not exactly standard in my opinion!
The thing which surprised me most regarding the Ferrari is that, if driven like one, it will act like an everyday runaround. The noise dissapears, it is comfortable and didnt feel that different from my current car(Z4M)...and then you press the loud pedal! The noise is sensational, the pull is addictive, and the grip just seems limitless. It blew the audi out of the water in that respect. Although the audi was much more spacious and dare I say it...felt alot more planted.
The F1 gearbox is unbeatable when pressing really hard, upshifts are seamless, downshifts automatically blip the throttle. A bit strange getting used to after a manual for so long but it is a very impressive system. Whilst driving normally however, I fount it quite slouchy, and on upshifts quite jerky, downshifts were still perfect. Once I got used to it a bit I noticed that blipping the throttle on upshifts helps alot and takes away alot of the jerk.
I have to say I fell in love with the ferrari and I didnt think I would! I also went through to Lambo as I was meeting a guy there with regards the Gallardo. It is a beautiful car but ALOT more cramped, visibility is awful, the boot is crazy small(the ferrari's was about Porker size/z4 size). And the interior, whilst looking impeccable and I would say nicer than the ferrari at first look, was a letdown when I looked properly. I fount alot of cheap plastic and flimsy parts.
So right now the Ferrari has surprisingly taken pole position for me, the audi has slipped into second(although I cant help wondering if this is because it was a v8 R8 instead of the V10) and Ill be testing the Lambo next month.
Hope you liked the review guys...

[enfield]

Stick with Ferrari!

Or try the Porsche 997 Turbo....

[Jas667]

Would LOVE a 997 turbo. Even on driving terms it blows everything else I have driven out of the water...my Dad went and bought one though

[Adam D]

Would LOVE a 997 turbo. Even on driving terms it blows everything else I have driven out of the water...my Dad went and bought one though

Borrow his

[Jas667]

Would LOVE a 997 turbo. Even on driving terms it blows everything else I have driven out of the water...my Dad went and bought one though

Borrow his

I frequently do

[561design]

So which one are you going to buy?

[Adam D]

Would LOVE a 997 turbo. Even on driving terms it blows everything else I have driven out of the water...my Dad went and bought one though

Borrow his

I frequently do

Is there a smiley for envy

Drove a 996 turbo convertible last year... what a machine!

[JBZ4]

Unfortunately I was only the passenger. The the driver was Vic Elford, we did a few runs on the tarmac at 160 MPH. The car was incredible!
That was probally the closest I will ever get to a 997.

[Adam D]

Lovely car - anybody want a kidney or two....

[Jas667]

The 997 is such a capable machine, I totally love it. And after being in the fezza I have no doubt the Porsche is faster, would eat it alive through twisties and is much much more spacious...just doesnt give me the same shiver down my spine when I see it.
561design Im still undecided, gonna wait until after test drive in the Lambo first.

[Wondermike]

Hmm nice reviews. Before you make a decision, I would also try a 997 GT3. There is a new version coming out this year with 435bhp and a 7-speed DSG gearbox