Exotics: Is the fantasy better than the reality?

[MMMMM3]

I forgot to add: you only live once, don't pass up the opportunity to drive a Ferrari if you can afford it. Do it when you're young, old men look ridiculous driving Ferraris.

[adc]

The do's and don'ts of Ferrari ownership, I'm compiling this list just in case I'll have one someday:

• Do not wear any type of Ferrari clothing apparel
• Do not rev to attract attention in crowded areas
• Do take your SO with you when you can, so they see there's nothing to compensate for
• It doesn't have to be sparkly clean all the time - a little road crud might give it more cred
• Treat it like a normal car when in use - not too much care, not too nonchalant either
• Don't name drop your car in random conversations
• Offer rides to as many people as practical - spread the gospel my friend

Anything else?

[W///]

I'm in absolutely no position to buy an exotic right now. The M3 IS as exotic as I can get...

To me the 911 Turbo does have the performance of an exotic, but really isn't one. I'll gladly own one of those.

What I'd be interested is the first gen Gallardo. I know everyone and their moms had one of these in Miami and LA, but I love it. Somewhat attainable in the future, some German engineering and who doesn't love a good V10.

As for the R8, I wouldn't really touch the R8 with the V8 mostly due to the carbon build up issues. Does anyone know if the V10 suffers the same issue?

Keep in mind I'd plan on DIY'ing and maintaining all these cars myself.

/Daydream.

[FormulaMMM]

Nice post.

I recently read a comparison article in C&D or Motor Trend (don't recall) between the M3, RS5, C63, and Cayman.

I'm paraphrasing, but the article identified these vehicles as being in the performance for dollar sweet spot. Spend any less and you'll get less of a car, spend more and you'll face diminishing returns on your money. Sums up my feelings on the M3 perfectly.

I've been fortunate enough to experience some of the world's best cars on track, but most often I'm with an old friend who drives a 130k mile E36 M3, and my brother with an R8 V10.

The R8 is an incredible machine, but with every experience I don't emerge green with envy. On the flipside, the old E36 M3 has so much god damn charm it's ridiculous. It feels light, poised, balanced, the engine is still sweet.

Point is, we all have an equally good time. If you're talking about the joy of driving, "pure driving" as Ayrton said, then I don't find supercars to be markedly more enjoyable than M3s or similar in any driving environment.

Plus, the M3 is superior to most supercars in the majority of driving circumstances. Some (emphasis on some) supercars tip the scale in their favor on a dynamic/performance basis, but the gap is probably not as significant from the driver's seat as most would imagine (or as the price disparity would indicate). And that gap is not enough to negate all of the other advantages offered by the M3. Money being no object, I can honestly say that from a driver's standpoint choosing the M3 over a number of exotics makes perfect sense.

Supercars certainly have their appeal, but I think most who fantasize and posit them as an altogether different and superior driving experience are mistaken.

DISCLAIMER: I have not driven a 458 Italia

[CPB]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

maybe an M3, overall, is as good as it gets??

No, it's not.

[Optherion]

OP, Have any of you actually owned a Ferrari, Lambo, or anything that is a one off platform supercar for that matter? That is an entirely different ball park. I partly agree and partly disagree.

Op, I can see where you are coming from, but I have to laugh inside after owning a Carrera GT, Ford GT, 458, GT3, M6, a 360 CS and a few e92 M3's. Some people want exotic sports cars and some are happy with something in the middle the does everything. The only thing I could possibly agree on is driving the Carrera GT. I literally got so tired of every stop light and being constant attention. If I had the roof off the car or even the windows down someone would ask "what car is that?" "How much did you pay for it?" Constant stares and too much attention. I got the windows tinted, and I almost hated to take it out because of every valet lusting to drive it. I would worry at dinner. It drove me nuts.

Even in the GT-R I get that. It will get annoying time and time again. I think that is why the M5 and AMG model cars really appeal to me now. However, if I look back on it, those were the BEST cars I have ever owned, and I wouldnt regret it. The 458 I also took on the track once and regret it because of the front end being completely rock chipped now.

You dont look at costs/usage factor. I recently asked my business partner how much it costs every time we flew on his private plane to Vegas. Well, factor in fuel and pilot hours and you have a number. But wait a minute, hold up right there. What about storage costs? Inspections, maintenance, fuel that goes bad from sitting or gets moisture, hourly flight inspections, insurance, hanger storage. You come to realize it costs about $25,000 a month just to keep whether you flew 5 hours or 0. Some things you, can not look at the cost because to him it saves us time. That one time we use it a month gives him complete enjoyment, ease of planning, relaxation and convenience. Yes, he dreads having to think that he might have only used the plane once that month and cost $30,000 but his mind set is in the %0.0001

Having the means to buy something and not buying it is the most respect I have for people. Some close friends are multimillionaires and billionaires. They are the wealthiest people in our country, and probably some of the cheapest too. If you drove the car and didn't enjoy it, then its not for you. If you constantly look at the price everyday as my father does with his vette wondering if he should trade it in or keep it, then sports cars are probably not your thing. But if it is your dream car then go for it. Get it. You will either enjoy it or you will let it sit. Lets not even go into the numerous amounts of race cars I have totaled without insurance lol. A story for another time.


Funny analogy I heard a guy say on here about swapping his M3 for a Porsche. Horsepower and car shopping is like shopping for TV's. We always want the biggest TV or bad ass theater system. No one buys the biggest screen and takes it home to wonder what the smaller one is like. But when you buy the smaller one, you will always wonder what the bigger size is like

So no, the M3 is not as good as it gets and very far from it.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

Originally Posted by Optherion

OP, Have any of you actually owned a Ferrari, Lambo, or anything that is a one off platform supercar for that matter? That is an entirely different ball park. I partly agree and partly disagree.

Op, I can see where you are coming from, but I have to laugh inside after owning a Carrera GT, Ford GT, 458, GT3, M6, a 360 CS and a few e92 M3's. Some people want exotic sports cars and some are happy with something in the middle the does everything. The only thing I could possibly agree on is driving the Carrera GT. I literally got so tired of every stop light and being constant attention. If I had the roof off the car or even the windows down someone would ask "what car is that?" "How much did you pay for it?" Constant stares and too much attention. I got the windows tinted, and I almost hated to take it out because of every valet lusting to drive it. I would worry at dinner. It drove me nuts.

Even in the GT-R I get that. It will get annoying time and time again. I think that is why the M5 and AMG model cars really appeal to me now. However, if I look back on it, those were the BEST cars I have ever owned, and I wouldnt regret it. The 458 I also took on the track once and regret it because of the front end being completely rock chipped now.

You dont look at costs/usage factor. I recently asked my business partner how much it costs every time we flew on his private plane to Vegas. Well, factor in fuel and pilot hours and you have a number. But wait a minute, hold up right there. What about storage costs? Inspections, maintenance, fuel that goes bad from sitting or gets moisture, hourly flight inspections, insurance, hanger storage. You come to realize it costs about $25,000 a month just to keep whether you flew 5 hours or 0. Some things you, can not look at the cost because to him it saves us time. That one time we use it a month gives him complete enjoyment, ease of planning, relaxation and convenience. Yes, he dreads having to think that he might have only used the plane once that month and cost $30,000 but his mind set is in the %0.0001

Having the means to buy something and not buying it is the most respect I have for people. Some close friends are multimillionaires and billionaires. They are the wealthiest people in our country, and probably some of the cheapest too. If you drove the car and didn't enjoy it, then its not for you. If you constantly look at the price everyday as my father does with his vette wondering if he should trade it in or keep it, then sports cars are probably not your thing. But if it is your dream car then go for it. Get it. You will either enjoy it or you will let it sit. Lets not even go into the numerous amounts of race cars I have totaled without insurance lol. A story for another time.


Funny analogy I heard a guy say on here about swapping his M3 for a Porsche. Horsepower and car shopping is like shopping for TV's. We always want the biggest TV or bad ass theater system. No one buys the biggest screen and takes it home to wonder what the smaller one is like. But when you buy the smaller one, you will always wonder what the bigger size is like

So no, the M3 is not as good as it gets and very far from it.

Great post. I think this is partly why so many who drive M3s like to say, "oh our engine or this aspect or that aspect compare to this Porsche in this way or to that aspect of that Ferrari in that way". They want to compare to the bigger screen as you put it.
Fact is, money no option, I doubt anyone here saying the M3 is the ultimate for them would be driving one.
I dont think you can ever regret owning a CGT, GT3, 458 etc.

[amaproracin]

Originally Posted by Optherion

OP, Have any of you actually owned a Ferrari, Lambo, or anything that is a one off platform supercar for that matter? That is an entirely different ball park. I partly agree and partly disagree.

Op, I can see where you are coming from, but I have to laugh inside after owning a Carrera GT, Ford GT, 458, GT3, M6, a 360 CS and a few e92 M3's. Some people want exotic sports cars and some are happy with something in the middle the does everything. The only thing I could possibly agree on is driving the Carrera GT. I literally got so tired of every stop light and being constant attention. If I had the roof off the car or even the windows down someone would ask "what car is that?" "How much did you pay for it?" Constant stares and too much attention. I got the windows tinted, and I almost hated to take it out because of every valet lusting to drive it. I would worry at dinner. It drove me nuts.

Even in the GT-R I get that. It will get annoying time and time again. I think that is why the M5 and AMG model cars really appeal to me now. However, if I look back on it, those were the BEST cars I have ever owned, and I wouldnt regret it. The 458 I also took on the track once and regret it because of the front end being completely rock chipped now.

You dont look at costs/usage factor. I recently asked my business partner how much it costs every time we flew on his private plane to Vegas. Well, factor in fuel and pilot hours and you have a number. But wait a minute, hold up right there. What about storage costs? Inspections, maintenance, fuel that goes bad from sitting or gets moisture, hourly flight inspections, insurance, hanger storage. You come to realize it costs about $25,000 a month just to keep whether you flew 5 hours or 0. Some things you, can not look at the cost because to him it saves us time. That one time we use it a month gives him complete enjoyment, ease of planning, relaxation and convenience. Yes, he dreads having to think that he might have only used the plane once that month and cost $30,000 but his mind set is in the %0.0001

Having the means to buy something and not buying it is the most respect I have for people. Some close friends are multimillionaires and billionaires. They are the wealthiest people in our country, and probably some of the cheapest too. If you drove the car and didn't enjoy it, then its not for you. If you constantly look at the price everyday as my father does with his vette wondering if he should trade it in or keep it, then sports cars are probably not your thing. But if it is your dream car then go for it. Get it. You will either enjoy it or you will let it sit. Lets not even go into the numerous amounts of race cars I have totaled without insurance lol. A story for another time.


Funny analogy I heard a guy say on here about swapping his M3 for a Porsche. Horsepower and car shopping is like shopping for TV's. We always want the biggest TV or bad ass theater system. No one buys the biggest screen and takes it home to wonder what the smaller one is like. But when you buy the smaller one, you will always wonder what the bigger size is like

So no, the M3 is not as good as it gets and very far from it.

Any room on the board???

[adc]

Originally Posted by amaproracin

Any room on the board???

Most of the time there's room, if you have the right skillset or bring the correct value to the organization. That's why I didn't ask the question.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by IFX

I don't understand how someone could say they would never progress from this car?

I look at each car i own as a stepping stone onto something better. An exotic in particular (Lamborghini) would the pinnacle vehicle for me to own someday. I don't care for "practicality" or if it's a capable daily driver... It's an exotic, owning something that many can only dream about. The styling of these cars is worth it alone to me.

Hence my statement, in bold lettering, that when it comes to exotics, it is more about owning it, than actually driving it. It represents a kind of auto enthusiast's achievement. A trophy of sorts.

[Giggs]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Hence my statement, in bold lettering, that when it comes to exotics, it is more about owning it, than actually driving it. It represents a kind of auto enthusiast's achievement. A trophy of sorts.

[Team Plutonium]

Originally Posted by Optherion

OP, Have any of you actually owned a Ferrari, Lambo, or anything that is a one off platform supercar for that matter? That is an entirely different ball park. I partly agree and partly disagree.

Op, I can see where you are coming from, but I have to laugh inside after owning a Carrera GT, Ford GT, 458, GT3, M6, a 360 CS and a few e92 M3's. Some people want exotic sports cars and some are happy with something in the middle the does everything. The only thing I could possibly agree on is driving the Carrera GT. I literally got so tired of every stop light and being constant attention. If I had the roof off the car or even the windows down someone would ask "what car is that?" "How much did you pay for it?" Constant stares and too much attention. I got the windows tinted, and I almost hated to take it out because of every valet lusting to drive it. I would worry at dinner. It drove me nuts.

Even in the GT-R I get that. It will get annoying time and time again. I think that is why the M5 and AMG model cars really appeal to me now. However, if I look back on it, those were the BEST cars I have ever owned, and I wouldnt regret it. The 458 I also took on the track once and regret it because of the front end being completely rock chipped now.

You dont look at costs/usage factor. I recently asked my business partner how much it costs every time we flew on his private plane to Vegas. Well, factor in fuel and pilot hours and you have a number. But wait a minute, hold up right there. What about storage costs? Inspections, maintenance, fuel that goes bad from sitting or gets moisture, hourly flight inspections, insurance, hanger storage. You come to realize it costs about $25,000 a month just to keep whether you flew 5 hours or 0. Some things you, can not look at the cost because to him it saves us time. That one time we use it a month gives him complete enjoyment, ease of planning, relaxation and convenience. Yes, he dreads having to think that he might have only used the plane once that month and cost $30,000 but his mind set is in the %0.0001

Having the means to buy something and not buying it is the most respect I have for people. Some close friends are multimillionaires and billionaires. They are the wealthiest people in our country, and probably some of the cheapest too. If you drove the car and didn't enjoy it, then its not for you. If you constantly look at the price everyday as my father does with his vette wondering if he should trade it in or keep it, then sports cars are probably not your thing. But if it is your dream car then go for it. Get it. You will either enjoy it or you will let it sit. Lets not even go into the numerous amounts of race cars I have totaled without insurance lol. A story for another time.


Funny analogy I heard a guy say on here about swapping his M3 for a Porsche. Horsepower and car shopping is like shopping for TV's. We always want the biggest TV or bad ass theater system. No one buys the biggest screen and takes it home to wonder what the smaller one is like. But when you buy the smaller one, you will always wonder what the bigger size is like

So no, the M3 is not as good as it gets and very far from it.

Quick, trade lives with me.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Hence my statement, in bold lettering, that when it comes to exotics, it is more about owning it, than actually driving it. It represents a kind of auto enthusiast's achievement. A trophy of sorts.

I think owning a Carrera GT or the likes are just as much about the drive (power/habdling/sound) as they are having a pinnacle of engineering in owning one so long as you actually drive it and don't let it sit.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Hence my statement, in bold lettering, that when it comes to exotics, it is more about owning it, than actually driving it. It represents a kind of auto enthusiast's achievement. A trophy of sorts.

Well I left out the part where I would beat the piss out of it daily. It definitely wouldn't be in my garage sitting, that's for sure.

[SlOE90]

This is getting very Interesting....I was just wondering....Why do you guys always leave Aston Martins out ? I know they are not considered exotics....but how the hell u leave a DBS or anything like that out this topic.

[e92involved]

Originally Posted by SlOE90

This is getting very Interesting....I was just wondering....Why do you guys always leave Aston Martins out ? I know they are not considered exotics....but how the hell u leave a DBS or anything like that out this topic.

I would consider an Aston Martin an exotic, not a supercar, but an exotic.

[Giggs]

Originally Posted by Team Plutonium

Quick, trade lives with me.

lol i was thinking the same thing

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Optherion

OP, Have any of you actually owned a Ferrari, Lambo, or anything that is a one off platform supercar for that matter? That is an entirely different ball park. I partly agree and partly disagree.

Op, I can see where you are coming from, but I have to laugh inside after owning a Carrera GT, Ford GT, 458, GT3, M6, a 360 CS and a few e92 M3's. Some people want exotic sports cars and some are happy with something in the middle the does everything. The only thing I could possibly agree on is driving the Carrera GT. I literally got so tired of every stop light and being constant attention. If I had the roof off the car or even the windows down someone would ask "what car is that?" "How much did you pay for it?" Constant stares and too much attention. I got the windows tinted, and I almost hated to take it out because of every valet lusting to drive it. I would worry at dinner. It drove me nuts.

Even in the GT-R I get that. It will get annoying time and time again. I think that is why the M5 and AMG model cars really appeal to me now. However, if I look back on it, those were the BEST cars I have ever owned, and I wouldnt regret it. The 458 I also took on the track once and regret it because of the front end being completely rock chipped now.

You dont look at costs/usage factor. I recently asked my business partner how much it costs every time we flew on his private plane to Vegas. Well, factor in fuel and pilot hours and you have a number. But wait a minute, hold up right there. What about storage costs? Inspections, maintenance, fuel that goes bad from sitting or gets moisture, hourly flight inspections, insurance, hanger storage. You come to realize it costs about $25,000 a month just to keep whether you flew 5 hours or 0. Some things you, can not look at the cost because to him it saves us time. That one time we use it a month gives him complete enjoyment, ease of planning, relaxation and convenience. Yes, he dreads having to think that he might have only used the plane once that month and cost $30,000 but his mind set is in the %0.0001

Having the means to buy something and not buying it is the most respect I have for people. Some close friends are multimillionaires and billionaires. They are the wealthiest people in our country, and probably some of the cheapest too. If you drove the car and didn't enjoy it, then its not for you. If you constantly look at the price everyday as my father does with his vette wondering if he should trade it in or keep it, then sports cars are probably not your thing. But if it is your dream car then go for it. Get it. You will either enjoy it or you will let it sit. Lets not even go into the numerous amounts of race cars I have totaled without insurance lol. A story for another time.


Funny analogy I heard a guy say on here about swapping his M3 for a Porsche. Horsepower and car shopping is like shopping for TV's. We always want the biggest TV or bad ass theater system. No one buys the biggest screen and takes it home to wonder what the smaller one is like. But when you buy the smaller one, you will always wonder what the bigger size is like

So no, the M3 is not as good as it gets and very far from it.

Please go back and read the 17th and 19th (last) line of my original post.
It isn't just about the car, it is about the ownership experience in whole, which a lot of people have to consider. You are obviously in a more financially privileged position.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Wolfinwolfsclothing

I think owning a Carrera GT or the likes are just as much about the drive (power/habdling/sound) as they are having a pinnacle of engineering in owning one so long as you actually drive it and don't let it sit.

Agree totally, however, the reality is that most of them do, in fact, just sit.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Optherion

OP, Have any of you actually owned a Ferrari, Lambo, or anything that is a one off platform supercar for that matter? That is an entirely different ball park. I partly agree and partly disagree.

Op, I can see where you are coming from, but I have to laugh inside after owning a Carrera GT, Ford GT, 458, GT3, M6, a 360 CS and a few e92 M3's. Some people want exotic sports cars and some are happy with something in the middle the does everything. The only thing I could possibly agree on is driving the Carrera GT. I literally got so tired of every stop light and being constant attention. If I had the roof off the car or even the windows down someone would ask "what car is that?" "How much did you pay for it?" Constant stares and too much attention. I got the windows tinted, and I almost hated to take it out because of every valet lusting to drive it. I would worry at dinner. It drove me nuts.

Even in the GT-R I get that. It will get annoying time and time again. I think that is why the M5 and AMG model cars really appeal to me now. However, if I look back on it, those were the BEST cars I have ever owned, and I wouldnt regret it. The 458 I also took on the track once and regret it because of the front end being completely rock chipped now.

You dont look at costs/usage factor. I recently asked my business partner how much it costs every time we flew on his private plane to Vegas. Well, factor in fuel and pilot hours and you have a number. But wait a minute, hold up right there. What about storage costs? Inspections, maintenance, fuel that goes bad from sitting or gets moisture, hourly flight inspections, insurance, hanger storage. You come to realize it costs about $25,000 a month just to keep whether you flew 5 hours or 0. Some things you, can not look at the cost because to him it saves us time. That one time we use it a month gives him complete enjoyment, ease of planning, relaxation and convenience. Yes, he dreads having to think that he might have only used the plane once that month and cost $30,000 but his mind set is in the %0.0001

Having the means to buy something and not buying it is the most respect I have for people. Some close friends are multimillionaires and billionaires. They are the wealthiest people in our country, and probably some of the cheapest too. If you drove the car and didn't enjoy it, then its not for you. If you constantly look at the price everyday as my father does with his vette wondering if he should trade it in or keep it, then sports cars are probably not your thing. But if it is your dream car then go for it. Get it. You will either enjoy it or you will let it sit. Lets not even go into the numerous amounts of race cars I have totaled without insurance lol. A story for another time.


Funny analogy I heard a guy say on here about swapping his M3 for a Porsche. Horsepower and car shopping is like shopping for TV's. We always want the biggest TV or bad ass theater system. No one buys the biggest screen and takes it home to wonder what the smaller one is like. But when you buy the smaller one, you will always wonder what the bigger size is like

So no, the M3 is not as good as it gets and very far from it.

Sorry to quote your whole post, but what you said right there is 110 percent true. It's kinda like the whole 335 thing, when people trade UP to the M3. You never see M3's owners making posts about going DOWN to a 335.

[fuzzybam]

The M3 is kind of my reality dream car, but it is my fault for choosing public sector. My exotic that I lust for is a GT3/GT3 RS and I know that a true exotic/supercar is not within my reach for a very long time, if ever.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Agree totally, however, the reality is that most of them do, in fact, just sit.

Totally agree with you on that! Most of these people dont get to enjoy what these cars truly do best. Its a shame to say the least.