Which would you prefer and why?
If your budget can cover a F430....then go with the F430. It's a newer, more powerful, more advanced car than the CS and it's warranty is still valid.
Depends... what type of driving do you do. I've not owned a CS, but I did have as 360 and now have a 430. I struggled with this same question, CS or 430. You need to drive a CS before making that decision. According to what I could find out... the CS is more a streetable race car than a raceable street car. You should ping SanGuru (josh) and ask him about his CS to 430 transition and find out, first hand, what the differences are. Frank
I would choose the 430 over the 360 CS. Why? Unless you are going to be doing lots of track days then the 430 is going to be the nicer car to live with on a day to basis. Dont get me wrong both will still feel very special. But the 430 will offer such extra luxuries as carpet But ultimatly I would take both out for a test drive and then decide.
I already own the CS - and am thinking of buying another to put at a "vacation" home so that I don't have a boring ride while I am there.... Since I've never driven the 430 - I was wondering what the difference would be between the two cars from a "seat-of-your-pants" experience.
CS. Clear winner. Think about it. In the US: THOUSANDS of F430's. ony HUNDREDS of CS's. Which one is more exotic.......duh!! If you are concerned about carpet, comforts and cup holders go buy a Bentley. If you want what a F-car is meant to be, which is an amazing performing race inspired rocket ship, the CS is the real deal.
So either a CS or no Ferrari?? And I thought the CS was extreme! No doubt the CS is more exotic however, for most there's a bit more to consider. Although the CS is truly an amazing car its also not for everyone. For those that prefer a Spider, or manual gearbox or just want one of the greatest 'all around' sports cars the F430 is hard to beat.
In that case... the 430 is way more "plush" than your CS. My 430 is down-right comfortable. Windows up, the noise goes away... you can have a conversation and actually hear the stereo (not that the stereo is any good, but at least you can hear it). HVAC controls work just fine and your kidneys don't hurt after a long ride. If it's a vacation home, I'd think you'd want something vacation-like... like a 430 Spider. Nice problem to have... Frank
Went too far there. The CS HVAC controls are phenomenal... best I've had in any car, ever. I set them on 70 on auto in the summer, and never have to touch them... it adjusts and always keeps the cabin perfectly comfortable, even adjusting for the amount of radiant heat hitting me from the sun. Amazing. And I've driven many, many miles in my CS... my kidneys have never hurt... and in fact, my CS is a great cruiser. Although the seats seem hard and stiff at first, they really cup your body well, and support it well. I'm usually getting stiff after six hours in my "plush" cars, the seats being too "cushy". Never in my CS. With that said... it is loud. Damn loud. Windows up... noise goes down... a little. You can talk... though you better speak up. For music, I recommend headphones and an iPod. But although its loud, its an awesome sound that I enjoy hearing. But your ultimate point is true... Ferraris are about a lot more than racing. They are rolling works of art. They are luxury GT's. They are about the driving experience. What driving experience do YOU want. I like a lightweight car, with awesome lateral G's, and huge brakes. Others like awesome torque on tap at any moment. Others like the ultimate in luxury, all at high speed. Others... I'm glad Ferrari makes different cars for different people.
Unless you've got arthiritis, back pain, are seriously overweight, or are prone to noise inspired ear problems, I don't think the professed 'creature comforts' of the 430 vs. the professed rawness of the CS are relevant. Most owners drive their ferrari's very little, with <3K miles the norm, sad as that may be. Each time they drive their ferrari's, its an EVENT, they are "on stage". Driving the CS happens to be both an EVENT and, relative to the 430, a STATEMENT. Nowadays, a CS will draw more viewers than a 430 at a multi-car F meeting. And if the two depart from the same location, under wide open throttle, you can be almost certain 95% of the heads in the peanut gallery will be looking in the direction of the screaming CS when it hits 4500rpms. That banshee wail is to die for. Now thats an event.
Perhaps I should have been more clear. I wasn't saying the CS doesn't have great climate controls (I don't have one, so I wouldn't know)... but I was saying the 430 is plush and very comfortable. Regarding my "kidney" comment, I yield to your in-car experience. My comments were based on conversations with other CS owners who complained about the harsh ride and knowing that my wife didn't like my 360 with sport mode on, I made the 430 decision (over buying a CS) knowing that she'd likely hate the CS suspension. Take care, Frank
I would have to chime in here. I had a CS (with 430 teflon coated shock pins ) and I am from Northern CA -we got some very bad roads out here. I had my CS for over 9 months. Put almost 7000 miles of it. I drove it! The CS is an incredible car in terms of handling, feel, sound and one of the most fun track cars I have ever had. But it's not a car for bad roads and sure as hell as some of you a blow out on the tire will leave you in a pretty bad situation since - 1) the car is way too low to get on a flat bed even with 2x4's, 2) Tires are not always available. The suspension and noise will beat you up on long drives. The seats are comfortable but the lack of insulation again on bad roads doesn't jive too well. I've had my F430 (6 Speed/Carbon Ceramic and Race seats) for 2 months and put over 3000 miles on it. THIS CAR IS DAILY DRIVEABLE. It's extremely plush, the mannetino puts you in a great position even in bad weather where as the Corsa Systems on the CS is a complete hazard in the rain. With the 6 speed, I can row my gears, execute perfect heel and toes, etc. The F430 is also by FAR barnone a much faster car. GaryB can probably chime in but he was keeping up with Johan Rohr in his CS at Infineon. Both cars are just as capable on the track with Ediff'ed 430 actually have more of an advantage in tight corners. I wonder how many of those who responded actual owned and have driven both cars or are the comments simply heresay and 1 sided with no real tangible experience on both ends?
Josh is right on with his observations, and it's valuable to hear from someone who has owned both cars. It's all about what you want from your Ferrari. The F430 is fully as fast on the track as the CS (even a tight handling track like Sears Point) and provides much more low end torque and creature comforts for everyday driving. If you track a lot I would think the compromises the CS poses are probably worthwhile from a track driving experience standpoint (it is much lighter than the F430), otherwise I think the F430 is very hard to beat. The CS probably wins in the "collectible" area, but as an all around world class Ferrari experience the F430 is right there at the top of the list. Gary
1 huge distinct difference Stuart: TORQUE... it's night and day. Another point. If you are only looking at an addition this wouldn't be a concern but I sold the CS when the warranty expired and the F430 is about a reliable and low maintenance Ferrari as you can get.
Just to keep things interesting, I'll throw my 2c in. I own a CS and I spent 2 days with a 430 at Mont Tremblant in June. I actually prefer the CS, even though they are probably similar in track times (the 430 has more torque and will open up a gap on straights, but the CS might carry a bit more speed through the turns; net it depends on the tires, track and driver). After driving the 430, I actually lost interest in it as a replacement for my CS. Now a 430S would be another story.
Okay..... While I hate to use the word "investment" when it comes to modern cars - which to you feel will hold it's value better over 10 years? The CS or 430? Hmmmmmm? S
Alot of good points here but aside from the issues of drivability (daily versus weekend warrior) - the CS is more enjoyable for me to drive. I am fortunate to own both and have driven both in multiple conditions. If I had to part with one ... the F430 would be the one to go. The CS is a keeper!
