488 vs F8 Tributo

I recently traded my 2016 488 for a 2021 F8. Here are some random thoughts about the two cars . First, make no mistake the 488 is a great car. Full disclosure the 488 was a low spec car while the f8 is very well equipped
The F8 dash and controls are better . Specifically, the round air vents offer better directional control . The AC controls are better positioned than in the 488. I am not a fan of the Lexan plastic in the f8. I liked the glass better. I understand its for weight. I do think the rear end of the 488 is insanely attractive , although I am warming to the F8. My 488 did not have racing seats, my f8 does. Racing seats are excellent . The upgraded sound system in the f8 is actually good, while the standard system is not., although who listens to the radio when driving an F car. Both cars drive very well and are comfortable. I added a novitec exhaust and springs to the f8 and it sounds awesome. F8 feels a lot tighter and a little more hyper-in a good way. Probably the bump in HP . Two very great cars , whichever one you may have, be grateful.

 

Appreciate the honest review. I too am not a fan of the lexan plastic, the rear end in general of the F8 (and yes I too believe the end of the 488 is gorgeous!) and the muted sound that requires intervention to improve. Overall I DO like the bump in power, likely improved quality of the turbos, and the fact that it can be labeled with a "last of" moniker. When I bought my 488 I was expecting it like most cars, to be a depreciating asset, and I plan on driving the **** out it and keeping it for many years. But still, I'd expect the F8 will maintain its value a little better than the 488 because of it representing an end of an era. And yes, having dreamt of owning a Ferrari since I was an 8 year old boy from a low income background, I am extremely grateful! Enjoy your F8 in good health!

 

I too made the jump from 488gtb to F8 Tributo. It took me a while to come around but after having my F8 for a year and a half and having the 488 for 5yrs the F8 excels in everything except sound but the torque and drive make up for it. The F8 is way faster. On the other hand my 488 was awesome and ran great as well but that Pista. engine is fun!

 

Why wouldn't the F8 be better than the 488?

It has a newer chassis, revised DCT, and newer iteration of the V8 powerplant.

It would be shocking if the 488 was the better car.

 

So I have a question. Is the F8 a better car from the 488 from a value/cost/experience perspective?
My buddy and I discuss this often. Meaning that on the street , can you truly appreciate the 488- F8 difference and is it worth the cost delta between the two to trade up?
thank you
Vasilios

 

in my opinion the f8 is worth the difference in price . It moves through the gears a lot quicker . The pista engine is about as good as it gets . Frankly, it’s magnificent . The dct is razor sharp . Ergonomically a bit more logical.

 

I did not make the jump - probably because I'm cheap
I was on the fence though (I had a deposit on the F8 - after having had one on the Pista, and also having backed off), and have no doubt the F8 is better than the 488.
But I added a 550 to the 488, with still money saved compared to the cost if I'd traded my 488 for an F8; for me it was a better proposition.

 

Better is in the eye of the beholder. So... yes the F8 is better...all around you can say....LOL! It is not night and day but in various details to me. I never ordered an F*. I had my 488 at the time and the dealer never offered me the car to buy. I even asked and they said they'd let me know, never heard back from them then they got a little upset when I declined an offer for a SF90. Weird! I put 3k miles on my 488 with stock springs then added Novitec springs and drove e till 10k miles. I have not done anything in the year and a half and 2500 miles to the F8 other than dealership service.

Here is what I noticed:

Engine power- F8 wins as this is definitely noticeable big time

Transmission- F8 wins due to the shorter gears and with the Pista engine the car really accelerates noticeable quicker through the gears than the 488

Suspension- 488 is slightly softer. However I really don't notice it cruising slow around the suburbs but in corners the F8 lens less than the 488. I had to add Novitec spring to get my 488 to where I liked the suspension. The Novi (KW Springs) are stuffer but really nice, not jarring, changed the 488 suspension just enough.

Styling - all personal as I really like the muscular 488 looks. I love the F8 aero treatment a lot and that catches my eye.

Percieved Value - a lot value the F8 as it is the last of the mid engine non-hybrid Ferrari's. I've learned that means a lot to most Ferrari buyers who are really into these cars.

 

Since you haven't stated it , I have to ask if you don't mind. How big was that pill that you swallowed ? Around 150 - 200 K . See that pill going into a F8 is a pill I will not swallow.

Apart from that we are all different with what works best.

Most all new releases have 5 spoke wheels. The F8 is with round vents whereas nearly all the modern Ferraris have the rectangular version which I prefer.

 

You are not cheap, you Like I have seen better value with another purchase. For me its going to be a Porsche, As soon as they have their crap together I we know what they are doing with the 718. I wont buy electric either full or hybrid. Word is they will release a petrol version again.

 

You have to pay to play. About 140k . No pill for me , just obtaining the car I wanted with the specs and mileage that checked my boxes. Life is short, enjoy it while you can, especially in a Ferrari. The f8 is the sweet spot for me.

 

I would not hesitate to purchase a Porsche right now. build quality is not suffering just a sales slump. Go check out a 992 Turbo S or a 991.2 Turbo S and you will see ultra high build and drive quality.

 

Agree. Cars are great but pricing and Dealer BS has gotten out of control. I own 2 of them and refuse to buy anymore during this recent ADM stuff….but all of a sudden the dealers are now calling me trying to make deals.