Need Help! Which to buy: 488 vs F12 vs 458 | FerrariChat

Need Help! Which to buy: 488 vs F12 vs 458

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by robdaddy, Nov 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

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which to buy

  1. 458

    16.7%
  2. 458 spider

    16.7%
  3. F12

    58.3%
  4. 488

    8.3%
  5. 488 spider

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  6. Portafino

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. robdaddy

    robdaddy Rookie

    Friday
    3
    Full Name:
    Rob Daddy
    Hi Friends! I am new to this forum as I am about to purchase my first Ferrari and I need help deciding which would be the best to buy from all of you have more experience in this world than I do. My budget is around 250 so at this price point I have come across 488 gtb and 488 spider - the issue with the ones I found they did not have the front camera nor suspension lifter (are these necessary to have on the 488?).

    I found a really clean nice F12 with cameras. I understand the engine is different than the 488 and many are a fan of the NA engines.

    I found some not so great specs of 458s since the price of these have gone up too much in the last 1-2 years so I am not sure if they are worth purchasing such an older car 2011-2014 for 250-280K 458 or 458 spider. I plan on using the car almost like a daily, so about 3-4 times a week. I live in a nice climate so top down would be a bonus but not mandatory for me. I plan on keeping the car for at least 3-5 years. So the ability to sell them fairly quickly is a factor as well (without losing too much).

    Lastly my local dealer has a Portafino that he recommended would be great as a daily driver (has front and rear camera) and it's at 200K so it's a lower price point but I'm not sure if it's a good buy?

    Any advise would be greatly appreciated as I'm looking to make this purchase fairly soon!
     
  2. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,723
    virginia usa
    It really depends on what you want a sports car in which case the 458 would be best . Or a V12 GT .. in which case the F12 would be best ..
    One of each of the 2 would be perfect..
    For me The F12 is a great car… thats what I have and would choose
    Welcome and good luck
     
  3. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,746
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    This has to be a candidate for understatement of the year !!!
     
  4. robdaddy

    robdaddy Rookie

    Friday
    3
    Full Name:
    Rob Daddy
    Thank you for your input! I am leaning towards the F12, mainly because of the NA V12, it simply sounds AMAZING!!! and I feel it's easier to drive daily and park it, compmared to the 488 or even 458. I will update the chat once I make my purchase.
     
  5. robdaddy

    robdaddy Rookie

    Friday
    3
    Full Name:
    Rob Daddy
    Thank you!! I am indeed torn between the two different engines as owners of each type give me the pros of each engine!
     
  6. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 13, 2009
    16,631
    Charleston, SC
    Full Name:
    Curt
    Buying a Ferrari isn't an intellectual decision.. it's an emotional one. Which one of the three sets your heart aflutter when you look at it parked and then when you sit in it. THAT's the one to get. With the more vintage cars, they will have problems and that passion for the car gets you through it.

    If it's a "I have a Ferrari!" thing.. then it's going to be a letdown because nobody cares...
     
    MacNugget, anunakki and Graz like this.
  7. anunakki

    anunakki Eight Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2005
    80,096
    Las Vegas Nevada
    Full Name:
    Jerry
    Drive them and you will know which one speaks to you. Our opinions are (or should be) meaningless.

    I would take the Portofino without hesitation as I like GT convertibles.
     
  8. WashingtonFerrari61

    WashingtonFerrari61 Formula Junior

    Jun 26, 2022
    513
    Northern, VA
    The F12 to me is the best V12 made to date. I am not an 812 fan.
     

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