I don't really see these as genuine rivals.
..... at 45 I'm now too old to drive a Lambo, so my realistic choice is now down to the the 3.
No they are not at all and but that's not why I am asking, rather my reference point is the GS and if we go to a 3 car family making a 430 a viable option, I am trying to get a feel from other owners on just how much of a step up this might be. Before moving to the UK my daily was an Evo Ix with some light mods, sure the look, image and even sound were not ideal but the fun I had in that car over 3.5 yrs of ownership made it worth it. The handling was staggering. The GS is one of the prettiest cars on the road and sounds good but doesn't come near the IX for driving fun, it delivers pleasure through different how it makes you feel not what it delivers.
I'm 43 and had never thought for a second about being too old for a Gallardo. I would however steer towards the more subtle colours and the same would apply for the 430, the last thing I want to own is a red Ferrari. Greys, blues etc are more my preference.
Back to the subject.
The 430 would annihilate a GS. Not a massive fan of Ferrari but the 430 I would have, black coupe not Spyder with dark tan interior.
My mate has had 2 and I have been in it a few times and its totally different to a GS.
Not knocking the GS, its just fact.
That is what I was expecting (hoping!) to hear. Never had the pleasure of being a passenger in much exotica at all, owning a GS and a v10 M5, plus one short ride in a 911TT is it. IN Australia the 430 was an impossibly dream, in the UK its within reach so you find yourself wondering
GT3 RS is really a safe bet because it is universally hailed as about the best drivers car, running costs too are much more reasonable plus the renowned Porsche reliability. It would surpass my Evo IX experience in every way and that holds a lot of appeal. But so does the opportunity to own a Ferrari....
Thanks for all the thoughts, appreciate hearing from like minded enthusiasts who are not blinded by brand loyalty.
Cheers
mondie