488 VS R8

NA v. Turbo

AWD (assuming you did not have the RWD R8) versus RWD.

 

Throw my 2 cents in here: I bought a 488 a few months ago. I'm on pace for 6000 miles/yr. So far so good. I too didn't want to pay the $100K difference for the F8, but also, I do think the 488 looks better (don't like the backend of the F8 and super angular front) and definitely sounds better. The extra 50 hp didn't seem worth it to me either but I'm sure over time, 661 hp will feel mundane haha. I've read quite a lot on this forum and talked to other's as well. As long as you stay on top of the maintenance (make sure to get the DCT and gearbox oil changed every few years, this is neglected as it's not done with the free 7 year maintenance so many don't do it which is a crime) the cars seem to be pretty reliable

I did NOT buy from a dealer so not CPO but I could've paid to have the car inspected as it did still qualify for the power15 warranty. For almost $7k I decided to just self insure and put that money and monthly funds into an interest earning savings account rather than give it to Ferrari up front. Sounds like the turbos failing are the most common "oh ****" problem the 488s and F8's have (seems F8's have them less but I don't know if that's because less were made and it's a newer car, or the slightly different turbos in the F8 and pista are made from stronger materials?). So budget $10K for repair of turbos by PureTurbo and a reputable indy, or get the power15 yearly if you want the peace of mind (it'll be $20k-30K at the dealer). I've also read about cam cover gaskets leaking and being a costly repair but that one seems to be less common than even turbos. And I believe leaks are NOT covered by the power15. They may have updated the gaskets for the F8. Let's see what others say but I don't think there are any major cost differences between the 2 other than the big initial one in price. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

The main advantage of the F8 regarding maintenance is that it's newer, so if it has the same potential problems (turbos, DCT, gaskets) as the 488, they happen later.
This being said, if you go for a latest and/or low mileage 488 (with good maintenance records) you also limit the risks; in any case, a money cushion to face random expenses is advisable.

 

One thing to consider, which I think is important with any modern Ferrari, is the spec. The R8 has few options, diamond seats, Bose, a carbon pack etc. The 488 can easily be specd. with $100k of options. Some options are a suprise, parking sensors/camera etc. and all cost way more that you would expect. I would want sensors/camera, drivers LED/Carbon, Upgraded sound, Homelink, Shields, Cavalino's on headrest, probably lift, I like the 2 tone (black roof), prefer Comfort seats for regular use. Then there are unlimited seat/trim color options and combinations. Basic cars are less desirable. Higher mileage brings down the price.

 

I had a 488 and went to an f8. I enjoyed the 488. The f8 is a better car all around . The Pista engine is magnificent which is why the price of Pista’s have skyrocketed. I agree there is a material price difference between the f8 and 488 and understand why someone would opt for the 488. Look for a low mileage high spec car with regular maintenance. Don’t know anything about Audi . If the 488 does not put a smile on your face , not much else will.

 

I came from 7 years ownership of an R8 V10 manual into my current 488 about 18 months ago.

Let me start by saying that they are both brilliant cars but also considerably different. The major differences that I noticed virtually straight away were ;
1) the steering in the 488 is much faster and gives more feedback than the R8.
2) the performance of the 488 is a bit step up from the R8 and I was running circa 600 hp in mine.
3) the 488 is lighter and feels it; more nible in the twisties.
4) relatively minor consideration but the 488 does around 6-8 mpg more than the R8.

I loved my R8 and had intended it to be a keeper, but the Italian temptress got the better of me. The only thing I really miss about the R8 is the sound. That V10 wail is up there with the best of them. The 488 really sounds quite good for a turbo car, but it's a different type of sound and not as thrilling to listen to.

Overall. I don't regret selling the R8 for the 488 because Ferrari has a special aura around it that the Germans have never quite managed to achieve.

 

What's that? I've owned 8 german cars and currently have a vintage one, but reliability is not what I think of with German cars. Just sold my RSQ8. They're fun cars but reliability is a crap shoot. You may get one that is reliable, but then the next 3 aren't. When I think of reliability, I think of Toyota or Lexus, so that's the context I'm coming from.

I've never owned an R8, though I do love the design of them, especially Gen 1. If you put an aftermarket exhaust on a 488, you can get a NA sound from it, more like the 458. Owing a Ferrari is like gaining membership in one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. It inspires a lot of strong opinions either pro or con, so keep that in mind.

 

I had a 2013 R8 and the drivetrain broke in less than a few thousand miles. It Was in the shop for a month. I'm also wondering what German reliability OP is talking about?

 

Something everyone forgets... 488 to F8... is that the 50hp more in the F8 doesn't tell the whole story. The F8 has shorter gears and faster shift and the F8 revs quicker than the 488 engine. The more power plus shorter gears, fast rev's in the F8 is easily noticed.

Nothing wrong with a 488 as I happily owned one for 4 years and 10k miles with zero mechanical issues. 10k is not lot of miles but more than a lot of other drive and there are 488's out there with 10's of thousands of miles still going.

I too test drove 458's and 488's back in 2019 and the looks and how the 488 drove won me over.

 

Wrong thread?

We're talking R8 to 488 (not the other thread about going from 488 to F8)