Is switching from a 458 Coupe to Spider worth it?

IMO: no.

They softened it up too much for me after coming from a coupe. It's more GT and less sports car. If you like touring, it's great as it has extra room for bags behind the seat.

If you like driving with your hair in the breeze, you have to ask yourself is it worth 30 grand. Also, I don't think many dealers are giving MSRP back anymore on coupe trade ins.

HVAC is worse on the spider than the coupe also.

So, the big difference is driving with the sun on your face which is really nice -- but it will cost you.

Don't get me wrong...it's a really fine car. I'm just not sure it's worth jumping from a coupe to get in one.

 

The exhaust is quieter, the gearbox software shifts are more smooth with less drama. There may be other things they did with the ECU's.

It's a great car. It's just not the same as the coupe with the top off.

If I were to jump from a coupe, I would jump into the 16M version. But the cost is going to be through the roof so I doubt I would find it worth it.


The big problem: They made the coupe "too good".

 

The big question is if you think driving topless is worth 30 grand or not.

 

No, I mean the 458 version coming out next year. But I bet it's close to 400K.

 

i guess you can fix the exhaust easilly with someting from tubi or another to get more sound.

 

And lose your warranty.

 

I think you won't see them in the US for another 2 or 2.5 years. I've requested to get one. Heard nothing.

Once the 458 Scud version comes out, expect to "see" the replacement 458 about 12 to 18 months after that point with sales in Europe first.

They haven't shown the new Cali let alone shipped any. The new 458 should be about 12 to 18 months after that.

 

Unless Ferrari pulls the codes, which they will do with a major engine fail.

Ferrari holds the right to not perform warranty claims if aftermarket exhausts are installed. For me, not worth the risk.

 

I agree it's much better for LA than a hotter or colder climate. But, you asked and I've given you the trade offs.

 

Aside from what's already been said, there is a trade off on looks with the spider, the back of the italia with engine etc.. is more attractive the the spider. But if you are some one keen on convertibles, the spider is the car for you.

 

actually i think the spider is the first spider that looks better then the coupe

 

I looked at the Spider and saw nothing except the ability to drop the top. After that, we can debate what a great "Spider" Ferrari has made, if you simply compare Spider's or compare it to the Coupe which I find to look much better overall. As with everything, we all have our likes and dislikes . I like seeing the motor (something "special"), and the "lines" of the coupe are "clean" compared to pillar changes necessary for Spider. However, with all said, when the top is down, a very beautiful car. Best

 

I've never driven one, but I have heard from countless people that it lost a lot of stiffness and that it is in fact noticeable. Then again, I find it hard to believe such a thing is noticeable in most driving conditions.

Just go take one for a test drive. I think it's a good looking car, in fact the first good looking exotic convertible ever since they all used to have hideous fabric roofs. Would have never touched one in the past. I still think the coupe is better looking overall, but I think the spider's looks and performance are "good enough" to justify the purchase. It's far from ugly or low performance. I'd probably go with the convertible if I lived somewhere with warm weather.

If you do end up wanting a convertible, but don't like the trade-offs with the 458 coupe, maybe go drive the 12C convertible. Other than looks, it's probably the only convertible that is the same or better than the coupe version. Only a little extra weight for the roof and less cargo space behind the seats.

One thing though: Are you sure it's only $30K more than your coupe? Even if you trade in today and wait for an order at MSRP later, I don't think you'll come out at only a $30K difference.

 

I am biased cuz I think true sports cars are convertibles. I like driving with the top down and it is way more fun on two lane twisty roads IMVHO. On a four or more lane, sitting next to a semi belching diesel smoke and making ear splitting racket is not my idea of driving a sports car. Nor is sitting in stop and go traffic on a freeway. These problems I avoid like the plague.

Having a hard top convertible is like having two cars in one. People don't think it's a convertible when they see it with the top up...which is what I do when I park for an hour or more (unless rain is threatening). Also, when the top is up, you can put the rear window down an inch and run the battery tender cord out the window and can lock the car and keep everything completely secure.

If you have the top up, put the rear window all the way down and you won't believe how great the sound is. Better than the coupe as is the spider with the top down.

I had a Tubi on my two previous Fcars and the stock Spider sounds much better. If I want noise I use RACE mode. In the neighborhood I use WET mode to keep the noise as quiet as possible.

The spider is plenty stiff for me. I have driven the coupe and I can't tell the difference. I have driven convertibles where cowl shake is a big problem, the 458 Spider is definitely not one of them.

Remember spiders retain their value better than coupes.

A/C is not a problem in Colorado where I live and doubt if it will be a problem in coastal California. Death Valley and Las Vegas...does anything work during summer days??

As for beauty, it is hard to pull into a gas station or park without people coming up and saying what a BEAUTIFUL car it is.

Obviously, I think the spider is worth it. Best convertible in the world right now IMVHO.
I believe numerous 458 Coupe owners are trading in their cars for a Spider as fast as they can get an ordering slot.
And based on the premiums being paid and the long waiting list the market thinks so as well.

Good luck and may the Horse be with you.

 

The Coupe has much better overall design than the Spider in my opinion. With the top up or down, the Coupe wins in my book.

 

I would say precisely the same, but in spider favor.

 

Plan on at least $60K to swap to a spider, likely more.