Having a hard time deciding.... F430 or 458?

Hey all,

Looking to get a Ferrari this week, but I'm having super hard time deciding what to buy....

I can't decide between a F430 or 458 Italia....

I'm not super sure that it'll be worth spending the extra $100k on the 458 over the 430 since I'm not trying to track the car or anything.. Just want something fun to take out on nice days that'll be exciting.

My Daily driver is a Brabus CLS63 AMG Rocket...

Any thoughts?
Sasha

 

458

 

Ditto. Nothing wrong with a 430 but the 458 is the car!

 

The 430 would be plenty entertaining, but the 458 is $100K better to some. If not to you, get a 430.

 

I'm guess if the 458 is 100k more, then you're considering an F1 430 rather than a manual... ?

 

Correct

 

I guess the first thing I would ask is why do you want a Ferrari? Do you plan to leave it stock? I ask these questions because there are a lot of cars that are fun and exciting that do not cost as much as a Ferrari (I own a few of them), or cost as much to maintain. If you are new to the brand, and as much as I like the 360/430 cars, I would advise going with a 458, they are newer and it will probably be a lot easier to find a low mileage no issues car. I was not a fan of the 458/488 looks at first, but they are growing on me. The other reason I would suggest a 458 is your daily driver, a torque monster with tons of low end grunt. Ferrari is more of a high rev car you (the sweet spot is much higher in the RPM's than the AMG), and you might think the 430 feels underpowered unless you push it high in the band. If possible I suggest driving them both but try and pull that paddle between 5500 and 6500 RPM's. Good luck

 

Awesome response.. thanks!

I had a 360 about 10 years ago and loved it.. but I've been on a Mercedes and Audi kick ever since and just haven't gone back to a sports car in quite some time.. it does occur to me after you wrote this how distorted my torque expectations are these days... the merc puts down an impossible amount of torque all the time.

I guess mostly I want to go ferrari because I'm nostalgic for the good times I had in my 360... but I guess I wouldn't be opposed to other brands depending on the novel aspects..

 

Big issue to consider between the 430 F1 and 458 is the difference in smoothness and sophistication between the 430's F1 transmission and the 458's DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). There is simply no contest. The 458 is light years beyond the 430 with respect to its transmission.

 

Very true. They may be light years behind the DCTs, however at the time when the F1 transmission in the 430 were launched, they too were miles better than those from the previous generation. The newer cars will almost always be a significant leap from it's predecessor.

End of the day, both are amazing cars and you really can't go wrong.

 

As mentioned, the 458 DCT is better than the F1 in the 430. Some people however say that the Scuderia is quite a lovely car and priced about the same as a 458 these days (give or take). The slamming of the gears in the F1's is a different experience allegedly.

 

Having owned a 360, 430 and now 458 Spider I can tell you without a doubt the 458 is the way to go. I loved both my previous F cars, especially the 430, but there is no comparison in performance or ride quality to the 458. The 458 shifts with unreal quickness and rides like a dream. If the price isn't a concern go for the 458.

 

Quoting myself here (from last December):

To which I'll add that, despite the 458's DCT being newer and quicker-shifting than the 430, the car is simply too smooth. One of my friends described it (shortly before going "back" to a 430) as akin to driving a Buick. A very fast Buick, no doubt, but you take the point.

I'm still very happy with my decision to resist the 'newer is better' pull of the 458. All else aside, I've always preferred the looks of the 430. So, is all this simply a case of confirmation bias? I don't believe so, but who can ever self-assess with perfect objectivity? If nothing else, it's another data point for the OP.

 

I went from a 430 spider to a 458 spider and having never driven a 458 spider or coupe I purchased it anyway. Now , the whole time I’m thinking will it be 100k more fun ? I pinkie promise it is worth the money. The upgrade is so worth it and then some. I’m sure you will find many more people who also agree with my in this forum. Best , Kirk.

 

430 with a stick shift versus a 458? That would be a tough call. 430 F1 versus a 458? No brainer 458.

 

Great replies. I would add I love the 430, Ive owned 3 of them, still own one. And I also love the 458. I own one. I think the 430 is more sports car while the 458 is more junior supercar. If you are a little bit more old school in what you like in sports cars, you might appreciate the 430 better. If you like fast response, fast steering, fast throttle, fast brakes, fast everything, then that is the 458. I also thought the 458 was too soft when I first drove it. Its just more advanced than the 430 and is a bit more comfortable, but once you drive with a little gusto the car wakes up. My opinion is its a high water mark for Ferrari. I have to disagree a little bit that shift times always get better- true. But going from F1 single clutch to DCT is a big big change. Best advice is to try them both.

 

I realize where I am but the differences between your old 360 and the 458 are so vast that there will not likely be much of a feeling of nostalgia when you get in it. As you said your expectations have changed, and if that is truly the case, then you should go test drive a 997/991 TT (or dare I say C7 ZR1) . Plenty of torque, fast and AWD to allow you put the power to the ground.. I look at cars differently than most (it is the way my brain is wired not a skill I developed), I see them as tools. Tools that work differently, and when driving cars that give you most of your torque at 2000rpm and below, high revving cars tend to feel slow (even though they may not be but the don't give that pushed back in the seat thrust), and over the years I have seen plenty of people either push the rear end out (because they think they need to floor it to get that thrust) because of a heavy foot or claim the car is too slow and no good in real world conditions. I have a neighbor with a modified 996TT that drove a 430 and though he loved the steering, he thought the car seemed slow. I am making assumptions that may not be true but since you refer to your AMG as a rocket, I think I might be on the right track. Good luck.

 

I currently own a 488 and a 458. I used to own a 360 spider. The only reason I would buy a 430 over a 458 is if getting a 3 pedal was important to me (then get the 430 3 pedal manual). Otherwise the 458 all day long.

 

I own a 2011 458 and used to own a 2006 430 F1.

I recommend you either get a 458 or a 430 Scuderia.

If a Spider convertible is of interest, then get a 458 Spider or 430 16m Spider.

 

I own a F430 F1 (also 328) and had a gated 360. The OP wants a good value on Ferrari excitement- why not a 360 Challenge Stradale? Plus it is sure to appreciate as well!

 

The 458 is an easier car to own and a better drive IMO.

 

458 hands down

 

430 is raw and mechanical and you are bombarded with senses. 458 is faster more comfortable refined and much civilized as your every day car in comparison. Depends on what you are looking for. Some “upgraded” from 458 to 430 for its raw and direct feel.


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I would do 458 if you can afford the extra $100k. When I bought my 430 3 years ago I couldn't and have to say I loved the 430, but you know what you are getting: a more raw/rough car with not as many comforts or technology. Either way you are a winner!

 

agreed.
if you want a smooth fast car, drive your merc.
if you want a raw thrill that kicks you in the ass and shouts for more, then get a 430, and use the 100k saved to buy another toy.
then in 3 years time, sell the 430 for nearly what you paid for it and buy the 458 for 20k more......