I did it. I traded in my 2005 f430 spyder on a 2017 R8 spyder. As the title of the thread indicates, I am of two minds about this transaction. I have thoroughly enjoyed driving the 430. I owned the car for the better part of 8 years. The car has been absolutely flawless. It has been a great car to own despite some servicing challenges. The two biggest challenges for me was the fact that the closest Ferrari dealership is 200kms away, and there are no indies here in Ottawa that I would trust servicing the car on a regular basis. Being a Ferrari of Quebec customer is also at times a challenge. I am extremely excited about getting the new car. She will be here hopefully mid June. The build of the R8 starts towards the end of this month. If anyone is interested in purchasing a very clean extremely well maintained 430, the car is at Audi Ottawa on Montreal Road in Ottawa. I am not affiliated in any way shape or form (other than being their customer) with Audi Ottawa. I also do not have a financial interest in the sale of the F430.
Mixed emotions is understandable as the r8 will not provide the same driving experience as the 430 (especially if it was a manual)
I suspect that you are right. The 430 is better in some areas (raw visceral feel, exterior looks), the R8 will be better in others (more comfortable cabin, more creature comforts for instance a decent stereo system for longer trips! What a concept on a $250K+ car!).
Congratulations! While not a 430, I'm sure the R8 will give you many years and miles of stress free driving.
I have a gallardo spyder (audi enginerring) as well as a 360 spider both manual, the Lamborghini has its strong points, but i do miss Ferrari steering and overall feel a bit when im driving the lambo.
Try a McLaren 570s. Very responsive in the performance department and unlike my F430 MT (which I love and will never part with), I would have no qualms driving the Mc cross country. Very comfortable cabin, very comfortable seats, can easily listen to the upgraded stereo (with the windows up) with no interfere I got exhaust note. Car is very lovable as a DD.
The new r8 is a beast in performance. Having the older gen 1 and driven the f430 and 360 now, the r8 gives a more "reassuring" feel when you corner it hard. That said though, I just think the Ferrari looks sexier. Love my r8.... especially gated manual and the heated seats, but the f430 exhaust is intoxicating lol
My assessment of the two cars is the following: Exterior: no comparison, the 430 is a much sexier car Interior: the R8 is nicer Performance: the R8 is slightly quicker and slightly faster Creature comforts: again no comparison, the R8 is way ahead of the 430 Exhaust note: TBD, but Ferrari music is difficult to beat. Safety: The R8's quatro drive system makes the car safer Bang for the dollar: difficult to say.
The McLaren is great car but not an option for me. The closest dealership is 450kms and I wanted a NA car.
I am a huge R8 fan... came very close to pulling the trigger on a 3-pedal '10 v10 recently, but I just couldn't justify keeping the 360 3-pedal too, and there is no way I'm selling that! Eventually settled on a '11 Cayenne Turbo for 1/2 the cost of the R8, and kept the 360. While the CTT is no supercar, it's a shload more fun to drive than the old ESV. The R8 will have to wait a few more years when I need less seats for a DD, but if I were in a position to have a two seater coupe as a DD, I go R8 in a heartbeat. The mix of supercar looks, performance, and interior amenities is hard to beat at that price point. Great choice!
Makes a lot of sense. Just thought I would share as I was shocked that the McL made a very good DD. Enjoy your new ride - have fun.
