Expensive Italian Cars

[carbuyhelp]

Which among these 4 most expensive Italian cars would you like to have based on performance, reliability and technology?

1. Pagani Zonda
2. Maserati MC12
3. Lamborghini Murciélago
4. Ferrari 599

You don't need to own one of them to give an opinion, LOL. I'm not so keen on reading reviews so I want to know what experts here think. Thanks.

 

[SLCraig]

Ferrari 599.
As far as I'm concerned Ferrari is the ultimate supercar brand.
Also, the 599 is disgustingly gorgeous.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Do people really buy expensive exotics based on their reliability?

 

[J. A. Rizzo]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Do people really buy expensive exotics based on their reliability?


You can probably expand that out a little bit and ask whether people buy any Italian cars based on their reliability.

 

[d00df00d]

The Maserati MC12 and Ferrari 599 aren't available with manual transmissions. That knocks them off the list right off the bat for me; I want to be involved and engaged, not to have an easier time driving the car or to get the fastest possible laps.

Between the Zonda and the Murcielago, the Zonda would be my first pick by far. Lighter, faster, more agile, shoutier, and IMO much more special. Aside from aesthetics, which are obviously completely subjective, the Lamborghini has no advantages over a Zonda that I would consider meaningful for a car like this as I would use it (i.e. never on snow and only when I want to be engaged and have fun).

The only problem is, the Zonda is not street legal in the US. So, if this is for the US market, the Murcielago is the only option out of those four for me.

 

[bepperb]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Do people really buy expensive exotics based on their reliability?


The NSX was a great car, but probably mostly bought for it's reliability. I would. I don't get buying a car I'd feel bad "putting miles on".

 

[OneEyeJack]

How many young drivers, today, do not know how to drive a car with a manual transmission where they have to use a clutch pedal?

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: OneEyeJack
How many young drivers, today, do not know how to drive a car with a manual transmission where they have to use a clutch pedal?

More and more every day.

 

[SteveSRT8]

If you really dig into the manufacturing and quality you'll only love Ferrari even more.

The absolute driver's car. A symphony for the senses.

 

[cp3]

I'd have to go Ferrari as well but not based on anything but love....lol

And if I had my pick, although the 599 is a beauty, I would have the new 458! Gorgeous car and I might be able to get a Maserati Quattroporte for winter with the money "saved" over a 599!!

 

[shrooms]

The 599. Meh. The 458 on the other hand, is phenomenally beautiful.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: shrooms
The 599. Meh. The 458 on the other hand, is phenomenally beautiful.


I think it's the other way around, but I do think the 458 is pretty sweet too..

 

[shrooms]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Originally Posted By: shrooms
The 599. Meh. The 458 on the other hand, is phenomenally beautiful.


I think it's the other way around, but I do think the 458 is pretty sweet too..


The 599 looks too 'carish'. Front engine, long nose, doesn't give me that 'exoctic' flav. The 458 has that "I'm ready to pounce", 'in your face' bad boy attitude, mid engine snob vibe.

 

[andrewg]

No question the Ferrari 599. One of THE most beautiful cars on the planet and of all-time. Elegant lines with awesome power.
Reliability? I have no idea but I assume it's not horrid. Just to own a beauty like that with the name and history behind it.....ahhhhhh.....bliss.

 

[d00df00d]

AFAIK, Ferraris are quite reliable in that they tend not to break. They just require relatively frequent and very expensive maintenance on items that would last much longer in more everyday cars (e.g. clutches, valve adjustments, etc.). Newer ones are better in this respect, but still a different universe from everything else.

 

[Chris B.]

I'd have to take the Lambo.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
AFAIK, Ferraris are quite reliable in that they tend not to break. They just require relatively frequent and very expensive maintenance on items that would last much longer in more everyday cars (e.g. clutches, valve adjustments, etc.). Newer ones are better in this respect, but still a different universe from everything else.


Well, technically you are right.

A good friend of mine with a famous last name just purchased a Modena 360 for peanuts from an owner in Dade County. The guy simply could not pay the 10K plus that the service was going to cost!

But you have to balance that against the unbelievable amount of pure Formula One tech in that car! For what it is it may actually be crazy reliable. Plus their fit and finish is absolutely mind boggling. They can withstand the closest most detailed inspection and keep their value as well.

599 for me.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Also, the 599 is disgustingly gorgeous.


Whaaaaaaaaat?

I'd take the Merc, or a car that isn't on the list, the 458 Italia.



I think Clarkson is SPOT ON in his review of Ferrari styling.

 

[dwcopple]

Ferrari hands down...they are just simply remarkable.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Ferrari hands down...they are just simply remarkable.

They all are. I would imagine that was the point of the question.