Owning both 488 and 458

My 458 and my F8 are not an exact comparison, but close. I purchased a 458 Spider in 2015 and had the same question about purchasing an F8. I did finally decide to order an F8 in 2021. My rationale was that the 458 was a Spider and that I would order the F8 Coupe. They have paired extremely well for me over the past three and one-half years. The Coupe and Spider combo have worked superbly, giving me two different driver experiences. And, I find the the two cars affect me in very different ways. I am quite a few decades beyond being a teen, but the 458 just makes me into a hooligan ( instant regression as soon as I start up the 'Banshee" (pet name for the 458). Don't think I will ever sell it. The F8 (FATE) just feels fast, competent, and refined. I have come to put a lot of trust in the F8 over the past three years. Don't think I will ever sell it. So I can't give you a direct comparison for the 488. I would suggest driving the 458 as much as you can to see what it does for you. Best a of luck in your decision!

 

Here is a review you might be interested in by someone that owns both.

 

I would say they are too similar. I have a 458 and an F12 and they compliment each other well. I bought a lambo Huracan and even that is similar to the 458 in some regards. I'm not sure they would be different enough to justify both unless you really liked them.

 

+1 - i would agree having a front 12 ,rear/ mid 12 and a rear v8 would be best stable

 

I come straight to comment section.

 

Apparently most owners go for one or the other (458 or 488/F8), and (more in the case of 458 owners...) are very eager to justify / rationalise their choice.
To me that's an indication that the cars are indeed different, since their respective characteristics/perceived advantages appeal to different people.
So they provide different experiences, typically enjoyed by different people, but I suppose someone more curious or open-minded than the typical owner (of which I'm an exemple, btw, since I'm happy with my 488 and would never consider a 458) could appreciate both...

 

I owned a 2019 488GTB for 5 years. I test drove 2- 458's and picked the 488. I have friends with 458's and I preferred the 488. I currently own a F8. If I was adding another Ferrari I would be looking at a 812 Superfast or F12.
To me 458 and 488 are different but not as much as the F12 and 812 which offer a totally different drive and look experience and still get that special Ferrari feeling.

 

Judging from the comments, some 488 owners are a little bit salty with 458 owners.

 

I'm shocked this thread has made it this long with devolving into a civil war.

 

Looks are subjective. When I watch review videos of enthusiast cars, I focus in on the facial expressions of the reviewers as they drive a car. I feel those non verbal cues are more reliable a gauge than whatever is said about a car.

 

I have a 488 GTB and would consider a 458 spider as an addition.

 

We are all different.

I have a 488 GTB original owner.

I didn't buy the 458 because I didn't like the look. Simple as that

I liked the Speciale 458 look but was denied buying one.

I don't buy second hand cars.

 

I’d just buy the 458, drive them back to back for a few months, and see if it makes sense to keep both or if you find that you prefer one more than the other.

It’s not like the 458 will depreciate much over a couple months ownership if you decided to let it go.