The main problem in North America is that you really can't use much of the performance offered by these cars. Therefore, IMO, besides liking a cars style/looks, it is important to enjoy driving the car at any/all speeds. The car should provide a good feeling from the moment you start the engine. The sound, slight vibration, how the engine reacts to throttle inputs or how it feels as it starts generating power, how it reaches its redline etc. Ditto for transmissions - the more delay or innacuracy in their reaction the less pleasure one gets. Handling/braking characteristics, steering accuracy and other aspects are also very important. But the heart of a car is its engine, IMO.
Unless one enjoys street racing, a car length or two, or how many seconds more it takes around the Ring really makes no difference at all.
As for the 458 - the Ferrari showroom here in Manhattan has been displaying a white version for some time, which I didn't like at all. After seeing a red one drive by yesterday, I'm now convinced that the styling just doesn't do it for me.
I've recently returned to high performance motorcyles, which can be utilized much more than cars. I would never dare the same speeds in my Turbo. A car is much more visible and takes up more road space. With a bike, you can hide behind cars, have much more room when passing other vehicles and can use limited space for emergencies. The acceleration and braking offered by my bike are near impossible for any car. Its ABS and traction control also improve my safety margins. Many racing drivers ride bikes for similar reasons - see Michael Shumacher, for example. He has a fleet of bikes. There is no feeling like it.
Yes, motorbikes are more dangerous but that is life. So is doing 275km/h in an SUV with your whole family, skiing, bicycling etc.
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997TT Blk/Blk, BMW K1300GT