Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO A Simple poll, thats not specific to any car but more to the brand. Or line of cars.
Which brand do you prefer between the two?
- Ferrari for its passion and panache. Every Ferrari is special, and everyone knows it. The charisma (and exhaust note) of a Ferrari is unmatched. Isnt that what supercars are for? But the compromise of unreliability and impracticality.
- Porsche for its precision engineering and reliability. But the compromise in the flamboyance and "wow" factor. A Porsche wont be gasping in bumper to bumper traffic and will serve as a dependable tool for years to come. I remember a regular gumballer saying that he can drive a Porsche at "200+ all day" while a Ferrari would break down in half the time. |
The cliche is that one buys a Ferrari with the heart and a Porsche with the brain. The obvious implication is that the Porsche is more reliable and the Ferrari stirs the blood. While this is true of the earlier cars, it is certainly not a serious issue today. Porsche are more reliable but today's Ferraris are closing the gap. It is a matter of context.
A lot of people here seem to be under the misconception that Ferraris tend to breakdown without a moment's notice. There is a lot of bad press out there (akin to the myth that all TVR's smell of glue and other similar nonsense), some it deserved but most of it not - the owners don't agree with it most of the time.
Referring only to cars post the 360 Modena and with emphasis on Ferrari's current stable - the quote above: "a Ferrari would break down in half the time" is erroneous at best. I would assume the writer means 200 kmph? It would have to be - I know of only one stock production Porsche (being the Carrera GT) that will touch 200 mph.
200 kmph is a mere 125 mph. I have been fortunate to driven and passengered a number of F-cars, and I can assure you that at 125mph a Ferrari is just beginning to get into its stride. The rev counter isn't anywhere near the red. I have seen various F-cars perform for hours at these speeds without a hint of trouble. On the other side of the coin, I have also spent hours (unfortunately) in traffic in cars equipped with f1 boxes and cars with manual boxes. While the f1 cars tend to need new clutches if used in traffic too much, they are completely reliable as a general rule of thumb.
The 355 marked Ferrari's coming of age (in reliability stakes!). While the manifolds and buttresses were areas of concerns (addressed on 360), the rest of the car is solid and well built. Except for the fuse box (which gets wet!) and the air conditioning vents - just awful!
As for impracticality, the boot space in a 355 is enough for two adults going away on a long weekend (I can testify to this). While a 996 turbo has the boon of two additional seats, "practical" is word that should be used with reservation and in some context with any supercar (which the 996 Turbo certainly is). Its hardly as practical as a generic Saab!
Most people who debate owning a Porsche or Ferrari are usually considering a second+ car. With reliability becoming less and less of a factor, it all comes down to the cars capability and what rocks your boat.
That particular topic is something worth serious debate! Historically Porsches get to 60mph quicker, but the Fcar has usually topped out higher. Fantastic machines both. F430 or 997 GT3 - I really couldn't choose!
In conclusion, I say again: today Ferrari's are not like the 348's or 328's of yesteryear. They are supercars that can be used everyday (within reason), and indeed are used as such by a lot of people I am acquainted with! Like any supercar, care must be taken and services kept regular - that is the key to a long, happy ride.
It is worth noting that I am not Porsche or Prosche fan bashing. I have the deepest respect for Stutgart's finest. I own a Porsche myself. I am however currently looking for its replacement - a Ferrari.