Gentleman, Now that the market is softening, I am considering purchasing either a 430 coupe, or 360 challenge stradale. I am not new to exotics, though have never owned an F-Car. I have had the privilege to drive a friend's 430 on 2 occasions and loved it. I've seen, though not driven or sat in, a 360 cs. I love the way it looks as well. It seems like a tough call as on one hand the 360cs is rarer and a bit rawer, however the 430 s I've seen are typically lower mileage and less expensive. Most seem some $30k cheaper (looks like one can find a 430 coupe in the $140-160 range, and cs closer to $175 and up). Also seems it might be more difficult to find a no stories CS in light of the many posts I've read. That being the case, is there a reason the 360 cs is so much more expensive and worth considering that I'm missing ? Are maintenance costs / costs of ownership substantially different for the 2 cars. Thanks !
The 430 is a great car, there are more to choose from, and prices are becoming more attractive relative to a CS. The 430 is also 'somewhat' more civilized and less raw than the CS which might appeal to you if you plan on driving it a lot. However, the reality for MOST owners is they won't drive either their 430 or their CS a lot, but they will buzz around on nice days, go to car events, go on drives with other exotics and take a lot of pleasure in the attention and interest their cars attract. In this regard, the CS overshadows the more common and, arguably less attractive 430. Moreover, when the CS sits in your garage more than you would ever have expected, there's considerable relief knowing that your "investment" is holding value moresoe than 430s which cost more, on average, only a year ago. Finally, in 10 years, the CS will become even more of a collector's item and you'll have the satisfaction of meeting a lot of people who just want to see one in the flesh bc its so rare. Regardless, best of luck in your decision.
I've owned them both and prefer the CS. The decision would be easier if you could drive a CS. The lack of sound insulation might turn you off. On the other hand this is part of the character of the CS. The CS is still holding it's value. In the long run I believe it would be a safer purchase. If you choose the 430 I'm sure you could buy one for a low price. If you decide to go with a CS, PM me. I know of a no stories car. I have no affiliation with the seller.
I owned a Challenge Stradale and have driven a F430. Me, I'd take the F430 for the additional torque. Plus, Ferrari tweaked the setup and a F430 feels more planted, or at least it feels that way to me. I suspect the next post will say the opposite. Ain't life great! Dale
The CS is a raw beast and can be full of surprises! What are you planning on using the car for, tracking, on occasion, daily driver, what??? This would help in the discussion. I would also ask who might be riding with you?? Wife?? She may or may not like the lack of creature comforts in the CS. Personally, I would go with the CS, such a rare machine and would be a privilege to own one. Robert
They are pretty different cars so it depends what you like. The 430 is much more civilized, you can drive it everyday with very little compromise. The Stradale is relatively easy to drive (except in the rain) but it's a pretty wild ride. It's stiffer than the 430, a lot louder and to me gives you much more sensation. I'd say if you want a car that you love to drive/cruise around in and just have fun in you'd be really pleased with the 430. If you want a car that you get out of sometimes, your hands trembling, your pulse over 100bpm and you walk away saying "holy ****" then buy the CS.
After having the F430 F1 Berlineta for a while now, I would vote for the 430. It is superior in technology. Also, I like the nasty snarl exhaust sound of the 4.3L factory exhaust. Just my 2 cents.
All important was said above already. 430 - more comfortable and modern. CS - pure sport machine,more rare and special, much better holding value in future. Different cars, you should try to drive CS to compare. Each to his own. Speaking for me i would never buy 430. But I think i am too CS oriented to give serious advice
All the previous posts have covered the differences between the cars. It really comes down to your preference and driving style. I've owned both and still have two of the four Stradales that have graced my garage over the years. I've owned one F430 and had it for five months. That should tell you something. Resale-wise there's no comparison (as you've noticed). Stradales have depreciated less during our economic crisis (many dropping in price mainly due to mileage). On the other hand F430 prices have come down some 30% in the past year. Also remember that there are less than 400 Stradales in the U.S. whereas F430s number in the thousands.
360 CS all day long I've never driven a 430, have chosen not to opt for one having already invested in the CS. Quite simply put, if you still want to drive a raw Ferrari which has enough technology to compete with the best then a CS is for you. If you want a modern day Ferrari which has good performance but docile enough around town to enjoy them take a 430, but a CS gets the respect vote. There are only less than 100 RHD now in the UK, each one of them different and THAT SOUND - WOW!!! Sorry, but if you want an F1 scream louder than any other Ferrari grab a CS I've had mine 18 months, driven to Montecarlo & back 3 times (through the French & Swiss Alps) and boy does she move No brainer - CS ps - just had to post these Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've owned 2 430's...a 6sp and F1, sold both and now own a CS. Wouldn't consider owning another 430. It's personal preference....not one is better than another. 2 very different cars and experiences altogether. If you like engine noise, stiff ride, race style seating, little insulation from road debris and noise, CS. A more gentrified version of the same experience....smoother ride, insulated - low exterior noise levels, relatively recent technology, etc...430. The 430 produces great sound and can be tracked. The 430 is a very serviceable, dependable and friendly car for everyday use. CS's are very serviceable and dependable as well, but not suited nearly as well for daily driver material. As for future value and speculation on classic status, they are both modern day sport cars and many, many years away from increased value. Buy to drive, own, enjoy and appreciate ownership today. Enjoy.
nearly outdated technology (CS) vs Newer age (F430) When it comes to reliability i'm pretty sure most will say the F430 wins, you might as well buy the car that is going to be working more days out of the year than the other. Also you maintaince cost will be higher with the CS so you will even be paying more than the extra $30K within the first year. On the other hand the CS is more of a sport/track car, more raw, and rarer.
My pristine-no stories Stradale with about 7500 mi (then) will be for sale in early April when 599 arrives. Scuderia red with fact stripe, fact radio and fire ext 3M clear bra on front bumper,entire hood,rocker panels,side view mirrors,and rear engne cover.Belts etc done-new Pirelli P zero corsa's with 2 K mi (no track time since fitting tires.) Price to be determined closer to April.
Gentleman, Thanks for the host of replies. Wow - what a forum. My intention is probably to drive it much on the road for some leisurely, but spirited trips. I'm not really a track driver though a road course would be fun. Does the cs have the same option for user controlled varying degree of traction control/stability control like the F430?
If you are asking about the Manettino switch on the steering wheel, the CS does not have it. And I am very positively sure that a Challenge Stradale will give you loads of fun even if you do not take it on the track
Thread From the Future: Dec 2012 Trying to Decide Between a Used F450 or Scud? Help me decide between the Scud or a 2010 F450? Scuds are a little more expensive and holding their values over the 450 but the 450 is so refined and is a technologically superior but the Scud is just a raw and powerful car! Thoughts? Get the CS (or wait until 2012 and get the Scud)
Having decided on a CS myself, I am biased. I do not want a Ferrari for a daily driver. They are to me special cars and when I am driving them that is my raison d'etre. I ahve other cars for driving while with the family or enroute to work or when I am thinking about other things. In the CS you feel a direct connection to Ferrari's racing heritage. You feel like you are in a GT racer. It is an experience that captivates all of your senses. In the F430 this connection, although palpable, is a bit more distant. I don't want BMW/Aston Martin/Merc creature comforts. The CS has normal "sport" mode, race mode and all electronic aids off mode. I always have it on race as I find the shifting smoother in this mode. I have yet to try launch control or aids off. With wet pavement or, as I discovered the other day, below freezing temps, the car does want to oversteer some (or a little more than some). But in general I find the handling very stable and predictable. Much more confidence inspiring on, or slightly over, the limit than my boxer (at least in my hands).
I didn't mention the aesthetics - interior and exterior. CS' interior is pretty bare-bones and as others have mentioned very little sound deadening material. You hear all the pebbles and twigs hitting the wheelwells and undertray. The CS's exterior is more subdued and sexy IMO. The F430's interior is generally very nicely appointed and much more lavish. The exterior is more gruf and aggressive, abrupt and less flowing. One is not quite the antithesis of the other but they are quite dissimilar. One will certainly "speak" to you more. Both are great cars and won't disappoint, I can almost certainly assure you.
I have owned both a F430 coupe and CS. Traded the 430 for a CS + cash a few months ago before the crash (got lucky for once). The CS has a more "pure" feeling of its heritage surrounding you when you drive it. There is no comparison between the cars as far as driving them - CS all the way. I softened the "edge" of the CS somewhat by adding carpet on the floorboards and changing out the sills for carbon fiber. Also added the 355 air horn for that "Italian" sound! I do not notice gravel or rocks underneath too much - I think that is overblown. Buy the CS and forget the 430 - you won't regret it.
I traded my 07 F430 for a CS and couldn't be happier. I watched the price of 430's sinking 30% while CS held steady. As others mentioned 430 is a much more forgiving but you know you're in something special when you sit in a CS..and that engine sound...is to die for!
I Love my CS, look forward to driving every chance i get. The best way for me to explain the difference is The F430 is comfortable, and its really ideal if you can drive it every day. However, as time passes whether you drive it or not the novelty wears off as it becomes a dated sports car. The CS on the otherhand kicks your ass every time your in it, always full of surprises and the fact that its uncomfortable makes you hate driving daily but begging to drive it more and for longer(CS is awesome for long trips and its actually more comfortable at higher speeds on the freeway). This car has a special way of keeping your excitement. So the perfect analogy: CS= Supermodel, love to F*** cant stand doing lunch or any daily activity. F430= Wife/Girlfriend keeps you comfortable everyday but some how you cant help but wonder; mmmmhhhhhh when do i get to sack a CS(no comparison on looks, CS is a Ferrari and F430 is a Ferryboat) Everytime i get in it feels like my very first drive. No matter what I ever own, my garage would never be complete without a CS.
