Considering my first Ferrari , looking for some input

tick, tick, tick................................BOOOOOOOOOM!

 

Todd, I’m going to dinner this weekend. Thinking of the steak or the fish. What makes more sense for me?

OP, go drive both and buy the one that excites you the most. Someone else’s opinion should have no relevance to your enjoyment.

 

Funny you asked bro, I've been putting a lot of thought into it lately.... The fish is excellent and probably better for you overall; it's more refined. Think scalpel vs sledgehammer. But, it's hard to deny the sound of the steak when it's really cookin'. I mean, that sizzle just evokes so much emotion that even though the fish is actually much better in almost all categories, I find it difficult to forget that sizzle noise. What I would do is try to get the best of both worlds and fry the fish. Not quite the steak sizzling sound but it's close, especially if you put your ear up really close to the vat of hot oil.... Remember though, this will only be possible IF the restaurant allows you to customize their menu items.... some restaurants get real sensitive about changing their recipes.

YMMV
FIFY
STFU
DIAGF
IMHO
NASA
ETC

 

Definitely drive both if you can. The F8 is superior in every way: engine / transmission / technology / interior. Yet I passed on the 488 and F8 because my 458 Spider just appeals to me more.

 

Sounds like you have your mind made up…..I for one hated the way the 458 drove, the lack of torque drove me nuts….couldn’t wait to take it back to the dealer for another spin in a Huracan EVO which was better in every way except interior room.

Hear good things about the F8, on my short list to try for a purchase late next year……need to invite more guests to the house so I can get more money searching under couch cushions.

 

It's a 2014 Spider and I bought it in 2017. I put about 1500 miles a year on it (I wish I could drive it more, but I work from home and have several other cars). I think I'm around 13,000 miles total.

To date: new tires at five years / replaced TPMS sensors with the new tires / new battery at eight years / cracked coolant expansion tank two years ago / and a cracked windshield (yesterday). Other than those items, just normal annual service (which was covered for the first seven years).

 

If you’re looking for sound, and don’t care too much about being on the latest tech. Go for an f12. Did the same. Driving is awesome, more than fast enough and the sound is just addictive. On top of that you won’t lose as much on it as an f8 that still needs to take a bigger hit.

 

Definitely something to keep in mind, repairs are not quick or inexpensive. I have a great Ferrari dealer 20 minutes away, but they are predicting a 6 - 8 week time frame to get the new windshield from Maranello (August is not the right time to order parts since the factory mostly closes). I'll be stealing my wife's Portofino M for a while, the front engine turbo V8 is a different, but also great car. I keep thinking about adding a V12, but the styling of the 812 GTS doesn't work for me and I'm pretty much a convertible only kind of person.

 

I have a 458 and love how it drives. I also have an EVO and that is a great car. Definitely check that out if you want torque and sounds. I have an F12 which has a ton of torque but it's also has long gears so it drives much differently. I have driven a 296 on an extended test drive but not the F8. I agree the only real way to answer your question is to get seat time.

 

try a 550. It will blow your mind

 

no. complete bore actually. surprisingly the worst.

 

I had a 458 and an F8. Loved the sound of the 458 but other than that the F8 is better in every way. Way faster, way better looking and updated interior. The last mid engine V8 Ferrari.

 

Long incoherent post with no paragraphs. Buy whatever. Good luck.

 

If you test drive the F8 first, you won't want the 458

If you test drive the 458 first, you'll wonder why 458 owners don't upgrade.

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I was in this EXACT dilemma a week ago. I ended up scouting 488's. Over time the body style started to really grow on me and my lust for a 458 started to dwindle. It's older, slower, etc and as much as I loved driving the F8, the tail lights and rear end save for the plexiglass vents, are ugly as hell IMO. The 488 though, has aged quite gracefully and is pretty much the same price as a decent spec'd 458 right now. So, with an aftermarket exhaust planned to help in the soul dept, I pulled the trigger on a 488 and paid cash! It arrives in 3 days! I'll let you know how I feel after my first drive, it's on the way from Washington!

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Interesting and rare thought processes and opinions. Enjoy the car and congrats!