The cars performed pretty differently, even to me. Some thoughts - keep in mind I've had my 2005 GT for some 5+ yrs and have put about 12,000 miles on it. The 2010 458 is fairly new to me, having put about 1,200 miles on.
On the road course, the GT felt more planted and stable around the curves than the 458, though I was quicker in the 458. My GT has a Whipple putting out 735+ rWHP, but it didn't matter on this tiny course as I just kept it in 2nd gear most of time. It also has a really cool custom traction control system (from Shadowman) that let me hit the curves a little harder than I normally would have without it. I am still experimenting some with it. I have to say I really prefer the GT's brakes to the 458's carbon ceramics. The GT brakes bite so hard, and are much more consistent feeling. The 458's feel a bit softer with more pedal travel.
The dual clutch tranny in the 458 is so amazing, it's a bit mind boggling. Although my GT has 200 more rWHP than the 458, the 458 just feels very quick. In part it may be because I don't have to fumble with gear shifter at all (like I usually do) or worry about spinning the wheels in the 458. The short gearing, dual clutch, and fancy electronics in the 458 make it pretty darn quick on all but the longest straight aways. The 458's steering is a bit more precise feeling to me than the GT's. Around this road course, the 458 felt a little light around tight corners, almost like it was bumping up/down some when hitting them quickly. It could be the electronic nannies kicking in, or just lesser aero or suspension. It's hard to beat the GT's stability at speeds up to and beyond 200mph. With all the Ferrari's electronics set to race mode, on this small course, I was able to run it consistently a little faster in the 458. A more skilled driver could probably exploit the GT's power and handling better.
Overall, the 458 is more comfy for me at 6'5", with lots of head, leg, and shoulder room. The dual clutch is pretty fantastic and the advanced electronic nannies on the car allowed me to really take the turns quicker and more confidently than I would in the GT. The exhaust note is that high pitched Ferrari shriek. In race mode, when you hit the gas, it wails pretty amazingly. A driver in a near by car told me his hair stood up when I floored the 458. My GT's music is a bit subtler with its Ford (Borla) Racing muffler giving it a low end growl that many folks there preferred. Certainly a different exhaust, or lack thereof, on the GT would make it more dramatic. I intentionally didn't go with an X pipe or similar, as didn't want it to be too loud as I drive it often.
In summary, I'd have to say:
- Transmission - the Ferrari's dual clutch is a pretty amazing piece of technology. Can't directly compare it to a 6 speed - more a matter of personal preference. In general, I prefer the interface of the driver with a 6 speed. The paddle shifters are obviously faster, and an automatic mode exists for it when tooling around town in traffic.
- Brakes - GT brakes were MUCH nicer to my foot than the 458's standard carbon ceramics. I have to say for me, this was the biggest overall difference.
- Steering - 458 more precise feeling, not to say the GT's steering doesn't feel great to me.
- Suspension/aero/overall sense of stability - my GT with its stock suspension felt more planted around this relatively slow speed road course
- Exhaust note - totally different, thus to each his own. Some folks loved the 458's shriek in race mode, others the low end grunt of my GT with its Ford Racing muffler. I prefer the GT's sound 95% of the time, except at the occasional wide open throttle where the 458 is pretty spectacular. During routine highway cruising, the 458's exhaust note can be a bit annoying and too high pitched for me when in Race Mode. It's a little softer in Sport Mode, though still a little less desirable to me than the GT's.
- Interior space - a lot more room for 6'5" me in the 458. In addition, if you are taller or bigger than most, the 458 has a few seat options which can affect space quite a bit. After getting to sit in all 3 seat options one day at the Ferrari dealer, I found the 'standard' electric seats roomiest, Daytona seats a bit less, and sport/racing seats the least.
- Interior styling and ergonaumics - the stock GT's interior is clean, spartan, and has controls that are very intuitive and user friendly. Of course, there are lots of cosmetic upgrades available for the GT's interior out there. My nicely optioned 458 is awash with fine Italian leather, carbon fiber, colored stitching. The 458's electronics are very confusing in that you have to go through various menus on the 2 LCD screens to perform some functions. Just changing radio stations is very tricky for those of us who don't like to read owner's manuals.
- Storage space - 458 has a nice sized front trunk (boot) where I could fit 2 helmets, track bag, water etc... There is also a small glove box and some space behind the seats. In GT - just a few towels in the trunk.
- Daily driveability or special occasion usage - for a weekend getaway or a quick trip out for dinner, the 458 is roomier, has a bit better rear and side visibility, more storage space, and easier doors to get in/out of when parking. For that unique feeling of being in a 'race car' or for special occasions, it is hard to beat the GT.
