430 Spider vs. Coupe

I have heard that the spider has almost the same performance as the coupe.

 

Don't know where you're getting your information from but I wouldn't use the term "weak" in performance in comparing the two. Per my understanding, the spyder practically equals the coupe in performance in every way. Check out the Top Gear review here: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM6jHK8iIvA[/ame]

 

I have a feeling this has probably been asked many times before

At the end of the day isn't about what you want ?

 

Unlikely you are a good enough driver to get more than 70% out of the car anyway,... so...

 

Thanks for that! Now all us spider owners need do is go out and swap tires! (Just kidding. There have been advances in tire design since that film was made and while the OE Pirellis might have been faster than the OE Bridgestones, that difference might no longer hold true. And in my case, any 430, whether Pirelli or Bridgestone-shod, would out-perform my 360.)

Back to the topic, the performance is so close (true as well between 360 coupes and spiders) that it's really a matter of preference. Some say there are more blind spots on the spider and you do look through a plastic window with the top up, hindering visibility, though I've not found blind spots a problem. The only other issue is that a spider top can require maintenance (and the cloth will require eventual replacement) while the coupe roof, of course, will need neither. There is more a vandalism, security issue with a spider, too. But all of that is the cost of fresh air motoring.

People also say the lines of car are more beautiful with the coupe roof, especially compared to the spider with the top up. While I agree, note that they look pretty much the same from inside the car. The coupe is still better on the track, and there are some organizations that will not let you on the track with a spider/convertible, if that is important to you.

Bottom line. Get what you want. Don't worry about the performance differences.

 

+1

Under tightly controlled conditions with an experienced professional driver pushing both cars to the sharpest edge of performance, the coupe is faster. Unless that's what you're doing, don't kid yourself into thinking there is enough difference in performance to matter.

 

If you're driving on U.S. roads, you wont notice the difference. Even at a racetrack, if you're not experienced enough, you won't notice the difference.

Spider is 200+ lbs heavier, but both cars are very capable, fast, and either one is fun.

 

Once you hear a Ferrari exhaust with the top down you will never buy another coupe. The experience is sublime. The 430 exhaust is a little deep, maybe Capristo can get it to scream like the 355 and 360, but everything I have heard from the race exhaust just sounds too deep. Most people love the sound though and driving a Ferrari Spider through a tunnel or under an underpass is an experience you have to have. Most people don't ever drive in the winter anyway, and unless you plan to autocross it, get the Spider hands down.

 

When faced with a choice one or another I would say both. With the spider you get both.

 

I'm a coupe guy, but here are the considerations:

1. Performance, very slight edge to coupe. Basically a non factor. However, if you ever plan to track the car you should know that some tracks do not allow spiders. Some clubs don't either.

2. Looks: I think the coupe is much better looking but that is just me.

3. Price: Coupe wins here.

4. Experience: depends mostly on where you live and what your tolerance for being gawked at is. As far as exhaust noise, I think it is plenty loud enough in a coupe.

Dave

 

To the OP:
I have been looking to get a F430 for about 3 months now...and will most likely get one finally in 2-3 weeks. Anyway, I was looking at both coupes and hardtops...Coupes are about 10k less, and of course i am semi-worried about the convertible top needing service (which is pretty normal it appears). I drove a spider about 2 weeks ago (I live in So Cal), and all I can say, is it would be tough for me to buy a coupe now...I had a convertible 02' M3, and loved it...having the top down is just really nice in the right geographic area!

 

I have the coupe. I regret not getting the spider at times, more often than not actually. Being that most of us drive only when the weather permits, the spider makes more sense, unless you track and dislike convertibles of course. Since these cars 'usually' only see the sun and warmth, the spider is a great choice. Not being able to really use the car to its full potential anywhere but the track, you will not notice any differences between the two in normal to even spirited driving. And if you can tell us what they are . The noise and visibility are also major points to consider. The coupe is by no means quiet, its just that you hear more with the roof chopped off. On the visibility aspect the coupe is horrendous. I have never owned/driven a car with worse blind spots than the 430. You won't be disappointed with either car but you have to drive to decide. The worst thing that can happen is that you drive one of the two cars after a purchase and wish you had bought the other option.

On the price topic.. Although the spider costs more initially, the resale is also higher. Just take a look at 360s, the topless choices are more expensive across the board for the same car with a fixed roof.

 

I'm a coupe guy too, but just bought a 430 spider, and with 3 pedals; it's sacrilege to me buying a Ferrari any other way < he he>. Needless to say, this is my first and last Ferrari, as no more manuals from now on. My main worry with the spider is vandalism, but don't plan to leave the car out of my sight anywhere where that could happen, so probably a non-issue. The other thing that disappointed me was the plastic window, adding to the maintenance. Third is top mechanism reliability, but hope that doesn't become a problem <knock on wood>. And fourth, which would have applied to a coupe too, is closest dealer is 400 miles away. Car was supposed to have a Fabspeed muffler, but it only has Fabpeed pipes (with no valves) and tips; hope it's not too noisy on the freeways and such. Also hope a drive makes me forget all the above drawbacks .

 

Buy what you like, I bet the Spider is a lot of fun when the top is down. I prefer the looks of the coupe and the rigidity and I keep my hair long, plus I think the coupe looks better. But anyway I bet the top down in a F430 could be more fun. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

Get what you REALLY want, be happy with your decision, then get in it and DRIVE.

 

+1

Having used a coupe 430 for a week while my spider had touch up work done to the bumper (lady driver with a tow bar parallel parking...) I can definately scream that I made the right choice! First drive near a high wall or through a tunnel and there really is no other experience like it. Even for tracking, you might get slightly better performance but will that make you enjoy it more?

 

i personally like the open air experience of a whailing mid V8.
performance is the same unless you are an expert driver.

 

Haha! It's great watching how much Clarkson used to love that car, whereas now (after driving the 458) he says people who bought the 430 will feel like idiots.

 

You can't hear anything but the roar if you are on the gas with the top down. Forget about having a conversation, you have to yell to be heard by the passenger. But that's OK, save the talking for after you get out.

 

I agree 100%!!!

Tim

 

I have given a ton of friend's, including some lady friend's that are over 50. All have commented how little wind feeling / noise there is with the top down. The Ferrari is louder than the Porsche by far due to the engine and exhaust, and depending on which exhaust you get, but really, if you are cruising with a friend in a Ferrari Spider with a friend, the only conversations you will really have are silent, just smiles.

 

With top down I put the windows up when we are on the interstate at 80 or so. There is little wind buffeting and quite comfortable.

You are brave to cruise at 100+ for extended periods of time. The state troopers around here frown upon that behaviour.

 

Here is a great example of a good car IMO, if you like silver like me. Comes with everything except the car cover, which can be purchased on EBAY for less than $500.

http://www.lamborghinihouston.com/vehicle_details.aspx?id=1175&CAR=Ferrari-360-F1-Spider