Please no need to quote Steve Sutcliffe or anyone else for that matter because one minute you guys are relying on their word, saying they've nailed it and in the next breath when it doesn't suit are executing them as if they are an opinion for hire. For me, I just rely on my own observations and driving experiences, sound included. My money would be on 488. 458 is still a beautiful car - no question - with a lot to offer the driver. 488 just happens to have a whole lot more. The real problem going on here is; can certain 458 owners here deal with that? My money says no - but time heals all wounds...well let's hope anyway lol.
Hold the phone Jim. I don't own a 488 (yet) - could quite easily switch to 458 and put my order deposit toward that instead and buy one right now. There are some excellent examples available however at this stage feel comfortable paying the extra and waiting the 488 period out. Not looking to offend any 458 owner - we are all entitled to our own opinions - sure - but as someone with neither parked in my stable at this stage I'm satisfied i'm on the right track even though I will say some here have certainly made me question my own rationalization processes (which isn't a bad thing. The persistent criticisms being repeatedly made over the new car are imo becoming quite childish, and dare I say coming across as rather desperate at times. Insofar as any bashing that has been going on over 488, from my observations the bulk has come from the 458 camp (from what I've been reading since joining here recently). That said, I still appreciate the comments - even be they mostly negative and somewhat overly rhetorical - however, my conclusions remain that for (my) money, the 488 is the better way to go (for me). Cheers.
Okay, sorry, just felt somewhat antagonistic, I probably need to get a few cups of coffee in me in the morning before posting!! To be clear on my part as well, although I own a '14 458, I liked the 488 enough to place an order (if you call dropping a deposit and waiting for an allocation an order). There are certainly noticeable improvements in the 488 (as expected), I just didn't feel there was a night and day difference between the 458 and 488 that some have claimed. I personally still prefer the look of the 458, as well as the NA aspect, but think the 488 has its strengths as well. Both great cars, and it's natural that there will be some that prefer one over the other, and some that like both (like me). Cheers back at ya!
The defensiveness, even sometimes made quite inappropriately personal, of some 488 owners on this forum when the car is being criticized clearly shows their inherent dissatisfaction of the product, imho stemming from its' hopelessly generic nature. very best
458 instant classic. The 488 yes overall is a better vehicle, but I think as years go by it is going to get lost in the midst of all great Ferrari models. I do believe Ferrari will go with a hybrid v8 next time around which will bring back the scream of the v8 and all the aspects we like about it. If that happens, the 488 will be instantly forgotten. The 458 however wil always be known as a great model.
I began this thread curious about the 488 "driving experience". I believe my questions have been answered and maybe, as a result of all the back and forth between those who like the 488 or 458 more, and try to justify their viewpoint, added additional "color", rounding out both an objective and subjective instruction for me. The overall impression I get is the 488 is a "better" driver. Also, maybe, in part,because many of us have transitioned from one Ferrari to another in the past, we have become harsher critics, expecting more making those who provide increasingly challenged to deliver. From my perspective, the I found going from a 360 to a 430 an improvement and the same from the 430 to the 458. I suspect anyone buying a 488 will find it an "improvement" over the 458. Best
Bob, I have done the same progression with the same result as you. I think the 488 (I own one) is yet another step in the progression. My favorite so far was my 430 but I wouldn't go back to one.
This conundrum exists, in part, due to the high level of the 458 - not because anything in particular is wrong with the 488. At this level one is making the change for the sake of having something new and different, not necessarily better in all parameters. If money is no object and you love having the latest and "new to you" then by all means go ahead and make the move. Best...
The 458 and 488 have to be pretty different driving experiences, given that one is turbocharged and one isn't. Neither look as good as the speciale though Ray
I really don't see what the big deal is. I have never seen or heard a 488 in person. You would think there would be at least one to be seen in Aspen by now. Looking forward to it.
Fair enough. One (neutral person) would describe the issue in a few words as follows: 458: Great Car 458 Speciale: absolutely outstanding 488: Great Car, many steps forwards compared w the 458, just the sound not as brillant, still good, different; Bingo!
458 is like the GT3... the 488 is like the Turbo S. Both are great and the turbo is more efficient and faster than the GT3.. even on track. Its easier to drive around town with its fat torque curve as well. Its more fuel efficient too. But i've had high horsepower turbo cars. The lag is always there, you can't argue with the physics of the system. And the sound.. well the exhaust has to pass through two turbines before it leaves the car so its going to sound different. and you've lost 1000rpms off the top of the rev range.
Remember the turbo s is about 200kg heavier than the GT3, 4wd and is intentionally setup as more of a GT car than track car. The 488 is actually lighter than the 458, has superior braking, downforce, stability and handling. As for the turbo's, they aren't all the same - I urge you to try the difference in lag from a 650s to a 488. The differences in lag are very noticeable (650s) to basically imperceptible (488). As for sound, yes it's not as good as the 458, but compared to other turbos pretty impressive. But you do get something for those losses - 100 hp and 230nm.
Have you driven the 488 to be able to say the lag is always there in this vehicle? I would say that is a fair statement for most turbo cars but the 488 seems to be coming back quite different as far as reviews go.
Like I said, drive the 488 and make your decision. If you like the 488 more and it gives you that thrill you want from your Ferrari then go for it. I would never buy a car hoping it retains more value then one model or the other. I would go with whatever one I enjoy the most.
