Ok, I realize this is a Porsche board, but I also posted this on the Ferrari board as well. Just curious on what your thoughts are. The Carrera GT is dropping in value fast which is good because it makes it more affordable, but a little scary because none of its competitors (Enzo, SLR, S7, etc) seem to be getting hit nearly as hard. So on one hand I have a great opportunity to purchase a brand new one at one hell of a price, but on the other hand I worry that if I try to unload it I will take a bath. Why is it the Porshce resale value has been hit so hard? Is the supply outpacing the demand that much?

The F40 is more a an icon that defined supercar exotic about 15 years ago. It still has amazing performance, even compared to today's super exotics. I think it has a fairly timeless look and is already a collectible. I am not sure the CGT will ever reach this status.

Any thoughts?

 

F40 is a special car and no i doubt the cgt will ever reach it's status. the cgt will cream the F40, but the F40 is one of the last pure driver's cars. the service costs are insane though if you plan to drive it much. then again, i expect the cgt to drop more in both % terms and absolute #s than the F40 from here on out.

 

Who cares? Though the F40 is on my all-time favorite list of cars, the Carrera GT is simply the finest sports car in the world today.

If you can truly afford a CGT, you really won't give a **** about depreciation. God knows, if you break something, it will cost the amount of a year's depreciation on a C2.

 

I have some comments from personal experience.
The CGT is something close to perfect for the purpose for which it was conceived. A perfectly fitted out pseudo race car that does just about everything right. My only real gripe about the car is that there is literally zero storage space in the car with the roof panels stowed up front. It really has unbelievable "WOW" value. no-one who sees it up close can be calm around it it. WOW! is the least they say. It is a competent street car, despite many people having issues with the clutch (I don't), and it shines on the track. It is way more car than I am capable of driving really fast around a track, but the thrill of feeling the immediate acceleration amd neck-snapping braking is very special. I really enjoy it and enjoy how much people love to be around it. I'm certain that Porsche simply won't have enough demand to build all 1500 that they claim they will, so in the long term it will remain rather rare.


Now to the F40. Simply put, If I had to get rid off all of my cars and keep only one, the F40 stays. This car is truly iconic. It has history in that it was head and shoulders above anything else built at the time, it was brutally efficient, raced with great success for several years and is just unbelievably fast. The turbo rush is like nothing I've ever felt before. It is downright terrifying on a track and if you don't keep your foot on the gas, you'll be introduced to your *** in very short order.

It still looks great, and I'm not sure that a Carrera would really smoke it as was suggested by someone earlier. It weighs a lot less and is very agile. In case you didn't get it, I love this car!

I'm very fortunate to haver them both and they are really different from each other. I would imagine for anyone trying to choose between the two that the answer should reallly be obvious to each individual. One surely stands out above the other based on how dramatically different they are. For me the number one choice would be the F40, but luckiliy I didn't have to choose.

 

FYI - the F40 smoked the CGT on BBC Top Gear
I would go for an F50

 

haha i knew alex or someone else was going to post that picture

the F40 will always be the daddy of all supercars, simply because it is THE last ferrari supercar that enzo endorsed himself, not to mention the sheer brutality of it all.

the CGT is no slouch either, but after driving both, some of the 'emotion' is certainly not present, as is in the F40.

words cant describe the feeling of when the turbos kick in, and the power just slams you against the backseat.

i would still take the CGT though - its a difficult decision that is very personal and different for each person.

 

you sure? i've never seen them test it though they had one on the show once. and, they have no laps times for it on their site which they do for all cars they actually test:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps/

 

Tyson, the reason I brought up the depreciation is that PMs with 02TurboX50 make clear it is a concern of his. There is nothing wrong with that if there is. Just because somebody has the money doesn't mean they have to like pissing it away. Many would be CGT buyers are on the sidelines today (you included I bet) waiting for boneheads like me to eat big first couple year costs so they can pick one up with low miles for sub $300k. There's nothing stupid about that and it doesn't reflect in the least on their ability to afford the car.

 

In last months Dupont. The very first f-50 to roll of the production line was for sale for 199,999.00 which in my opinion was very cheap. Maybe I am not to keen on f-50 prices but I dont recall ever seeing one so cheap, especially of the first or last production car....

 

I'm familiar with the car and that was most definetely a typo!

 

Oh, figured it had to be I was freakin when I saw it, I even called POPS to see if he would swing it.. He laughed and said I have to get back to work.....

 

Maybe my opinion does not mean too much because I have not driven either, but here is what I think...

The cars are very differet in that they are 15 years apart! yes they are both supercars but the similarities end just about there. On one hand you have a NA V-10 on the other a turbocharged 8! Both cars will excite you in acceleration and I believe even though the CGT is faster the F40 is probably close behind! However, once again you are dealing with a 15 year old car which means that when it comes to all around performance I would surprised if the F40 could keep up with the CGT on a track(given the same drivers). Again I am not saying the F40 would be killed! When it comes to looks it is a matter of opinion. The F40 is a timeless classic and will always be known as one of the cars that started the whole supercar trend(along with the countach), the CGT however in my opinion is a perfectly molded car! It is prupose built and the looks are stunning! The CGT is also a capable daily driver or at least more drivable than the F40 therefore I guess it depends on what you really want to do with the car and how much you will be using it! Whatever you pick, i will envy you because you are getting one of my favorite cars. Up until the release of the CGT the F40 was my dream car and in many ways still is so I would be torn just like you are.

 

Both Alex and Ben have the experience to discuss these great cars. Since I have never driven the F40 and only drove the CGT for a short time my comments will be directed to what has not been discussed.

As Ben indicated the F40 can be very expensive to maintain especially since it is over 15 years old. The CGT is also very expensive but it has a full four year warranty. Over a course of four years maintainance could be substantial.

Also, I believe and I believe Alex and Ben would agree, the CGT is the better everyday car especially if you wish to drive it to work on occasions. The F40 is just not designed for that use.

Finally, regarding depreciation, you ask why do Porsches get hammered on value. The answer is simple. They over produce and really do not care that their dedicated customer base is left "holding the bag". They make their money and move on. If there is one reason why I will not buy a Porsche is when you factor in its substantial depreciation, it could be the most expensive sport car on the planet.

 

actually that title probably belongs to lambo. the ferrari 12 cylinders don't often seem too far behind though - then comes porsche.

 

For those who want to see the Top Gear show with Enzo, CGT, F40, XJ220, Zonda ... etc etc etc
-> right click Save As
http://www.crownvic.us/movies/topgea...percars_hi.wmv

BTW, it's a tough call, and I have to admit I'd lean towards uh ... damn, I dunno. I've changed my mind 3 times over the last minute.
I can't wait to have to make that decision!!!