2014 vs 2015 458

Looks like you’re in California, buy the spider and be done with it. Personally I’ve never owned a coupe. Best ,Kirk

 

Recent first Ferrari 458 Spider owner and love the drop top option. Best of both worlds and with the back window down is a great option when to cold to put the top down. I don't know any difference between those years as mine is a '13. I did some digging researching 458 before I purchased and found no mention of changes after the ECU flash or clutch tweak after year 2010/11.

 

Personally I kinda like to have a solid structure over my head when traveling over 130 MPH, but that's just me. I always opt for the coupe

Ray

 

+1 on the coupe. i think they look way better than the spider.

 

Spider all the way! With the top down the sound is way better!

 

Being a coupe kinda guy, I did say to myself that I would consider a 458 Spider because of the hardtop. Well fast forward a few years and I have one. Do I regret it? Not in the least! It is simply an intoxicating experience.

 

I do like the lines better on the coupe and initially was looking for a coupe but with the top down the 458 spider with the double hump looks stunning and takes on a second personality.

 

Coupe guy here, don't like sunroofs even, but I drove both and went for the Spider.
The the experience more in the spider and preferred the slightly different tuning.
I'm more the type of person that rates experiences and how the car feels as opposed to the extra 1 mph etc fir the coupe.
Both great. Hard roof down option sold it to me.


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14/15 is the same car

 

Weren't there some subtle upgrades? ECU, power suspension or similar?

 

Coupe!!! Sound? Roll the windows down.. It also look way better!!

 

Ummm... Nah.

 

Don’t think there were any upgrades between 2014 and 2015.

One interesting feature unique to the spider is the third power window at the rear of the cabin.
I find it really useful when wanting to ventilate the car while moving with the top up because you don’t get the same level of buffeting as you do with the side windows. In fact if you put down the side window and the rear third window, you get nice airflow inside the cockpit. Also dropping down the rear window let you hear more engine music! And dropping the rear window is a much safer way of keeping the interior cooled off compared to leaving a window slightly open while parked,

 

I too have always liked coupes better.... I’ve had two Porsche 911 cabs and did not really enjoy driving them with the top down...
Then I bought a 2015 458 Spider and I always drive with the top open weather permitting....it sounds incredible with the top open...
It really is more like aTarga type top anyway....

 

Make up your own mind, each to his own here, and ask your GF !

No mention of vehicle changes since 2012 imo.

 

There is a difference in structural rigidity between the coupe and spider. Only you know if this will matter to you. For a long time I preferred open cars (not Ferrari). My first Ferrari was a spider. I thought it was amazing. Then I drove the coupe and realized how much I appreciate the stiffer structure. I am sensitive to these things and I could easily tell the difference between the 458 Italia (coupe) and Spider. BUT, you are in an area with good roads / this might not really matter much to you. I don't think there is any real difference between the 14/15 458s. Get the best example you can. You won't regret it- they are fabulous cars!

 

completely agree!!

 

Coupe: different lines, engine window, slightly stiffer, lower cost; Spider: different lines, no engine window, open top experience including sound, hardtop is less of a compromise than a soft top would be, higher cost. I went with the latter and don't regret it.

 

Watch the review on Fifth Gear with Vicki and you'll get the spider!

 

I have a 2014 458 Spider here in San Diego, it is the perfect car. The local San Diego Ferrari/Maserati dealer is great. for both sales and services.