FGT vs F430
+1
Two different cars, no different car cultures, including owners. If I could only have one, it would be the Blue Oval. Personally besides the 512, F40, F50 and prefer front engined F cars... personally, although the current series are amazing machines.
I own both a 2005 Ford GT and a 2006 F430 F1. This statement above is so true. The FGT is the first American car I have bought new in two decades. The FGT does not get much appreciation in the exotic car world. I think that is changing as the word gets out! The question on which car is better is difficult because they have such different personalites. I like, no love both cars but let me try to lay out the differences.
FGT versus F430
FGT has more power
F430 is more agressive off the line up to 30 mph
F430 handling is world class and taunts you to drive agressively
FGT has a "Grand Touring" style of handling and will do what you ask but doesn't care.
FGT 6 speed is great, only better and not by much is the Porsche 911 (997)!
The Ferrari 6 speed is clunky, especially 2nd to 3rd shifts.
F car F1 is very quick, but diminshes the hot rod feel of a manual.
I still like F1 as a change of pace
Hard to see out of the back of the FGT. F430 has great all around visibility
Maintance of the FGT is less , annual service $109 FGT, $675 F430
THe sound of the F430 is better, you find yourself playing the throttle while driving!
Strangely both cars feel refined, I did not expect the FGT to be that good!
Side notes:
Both cars draw different admirers
Although both are relatively rare cars I get asked to bring the FGT over the F430 to Concourse D'Elegance shows. The people who do these "by invitation only" shows tell me the FGT is a better crowd pleaser. This is in exotic car shows.
F430 is better and easier to drive around town
FGT is wider and more exiting to drive into a garage of other like cars and bikes without damage
I think the FGT will be worth $1 million in 10 years, F430 unlikely.
Both cars are very refined. The Corvette as a comparison feels like it is a manufactured product while the Porsche feels like it was born that way by the Gods.
My freinds who have many exotic cars prefer to drive the FGT over many others. It is an easy car to drive and enjoy
Which one would I keep?
Very difficult, I will be trading in my F430 next year when my 599 gets in. If this was not the case I would give up with tears in my eyes the FGT and keep the F430! Why. I like the comfort and the handling plus that engine sound.
Other cars owned with comments
2007 Porsche 911 CAB- slow but satisying car to drive. My everyday car
2006 Lotus Elise Sport (#8 of 50 built race cars)- out handles everything including the F430
2006 F430 F1- great car but too expensive
2005 Ford GT- Value of the century, out does most supercars
2005 Mercedes E320- okay car, handles pretty good for a family car
2001 Toyota Highlander- whats to say only 720 miles a year do I drive it
1965 Shelby Cobra (kit car 450 hp/502 Ft-lbs of torque @ 2142 lbs of weight)- unbelieveable power but drives like a garbage truck with a loose front end

1965 Corvette Roadster- all orginal and a good cruiser
2007 BMW R 1200RT- comfortable and great handling
2007 HD Soft tail custom- updated drivetrain, get a 2008, more improvements!
Lee :cheers