Apologies in advance. I did try a "search" exactly as titled with no luck. I will buy a car sometime after April. My "debate" has been whether to buy a ZR1 (to be heavily modified inside and motor) which would save allot of money and be "fun", the "technological" state of the art Mclaren MP4-12C (but every report suggests a lack of "soul") and the Ferrari 458 (given I own a 430, not sure if this is worth the trade up). I am eliminating the ZR1 at this time, for a few reasons, not the least of which is I enjoy the of the Ferrari motor and want no less (love driving below underpasses with the windows open). I suspect the McLaren will sound good (have only seen video and wonder about "interor" noise, it seems pretty loud), but have placed myself on a waiting list to order a 458. While I have the chance to keep my 430 and buy the next car, I am wondering if I will regret giving up the 430? I would like to know from those who have owned (not just driven) a 430 and have had the 458 for a few months (putting on some miles) have you found any reason to regret the decision? Helpful, for you and just those who have "lived with both cars", how would you compare the experience? I could keep the 430 and buy the 458, a bit of a stretch if not money then garage space, but could play it "safe".
If you don't test drive the 458 (extended drive a must) you will continue to enjoy every minute in your 430. If you try the Italia,your enjoyment with the current car will be gone,forever....
Although I really feel your pain, not helpful.............It might help to think 5 years from now when you are "waiting" for the next one and this one is history. Enjoy while you can. Best
I currently own both f430 and 458. The only part you may miss of f430 would be the exhaust noise. But i'm not saying that 458 is quiet. When you put 458 in race mode, it sounds amazing. Just f430 sounds bit more "raw" and menacing. YOu may regret tiny bit but 458 will grow on you. But nothing to lose sleep over. Just my 2 cents!
I saw this thread over on the ZR1 section of CF...will be interested to see the responses here compared to there........
As of now I plan to keep my 430 spyder and will recieve my 458 sometime in May. The 458 is a major step up after spending some time in the 458. You will make the right choice that suits you best. Good luck.
I own a 458 and a ZR1 among other cars. The 458 has been softened compared to the 360 or F430 both of which I have owned. Try for a manual 360 or 430. You will enjoy the car plus it will have resale value. I love to drive the ZR1 but in my view the looks are dated. A new model is coming in mid 2013. If Gm does as normal the Z06 , convertible and ZR1 will come out years later past 2013. The workmanship is worldclass even by ferrari standards. My Ferrari forum members will disagree but the ZR1 handles as well as the 458. The sound of the exhaust is too quiet. The manual shifter is great with only the Porsche gaving a better feel. The 458 has much better looks and a great exhaust note. I find myself playing with the throttle to hear the exhaust The transmission is a 7 speed padal shifter. It is smooth and very quick. The newer Ferraris are much less expensive to maintain compared to past models althought still not cheap. Ferrari does not offer a manual shifter anymore. Good luck to you wehatever you do. If you buy a ZR1 leave the motor alone it is really fast as is. The only car I have sriven that is faster is the Mosler 900 MTS Lee
I agree, the one thing that does not need modding in that car is the engine...it's already traction limited at 638hp/604lb-ft. The interior..nows thats another story
I appreciate input. I do not feel compelled to touch the motor of the ZR1 , just thinking out loud, however, the interior would immediately go to John Caravaggio (would look for black exterior and Cuio interior). I like the linear power curve of the ZR1, but really miss the "sound" of the Ferrari at full song. I have yet to tire of my 430 and risk change for change sake. I need to drive the 458 for a full day and see how I "cope". Best
the difference between the 430 and the 458 is like night and day. same jump up as the 430 was compared to the 360.
Arnie, I'll answer the question for you as I am now qualified as my 458 is in the garage. NO CONTEST!!! ... Rephrase... Different world!!... The 458 rocks! Just needs to be lowered and driven in race mode! Rb
I can only repeat what other people have said and the reviews so far, but soul or no soul the MP4 is meant to sound pretty good under full throttle, yet on a motorway cruise interior noise has been placed on a par with a Merc E-Class. Personally I'd get a 458, if the MP4 turns out to be spectacular you'll be able to switch cars without derepciation on the 458 killing you, and in the mean time you've got an awesome car. Win win!
I was able to hear a 458 at the dealership last month and it sounded incredible, even when it was just scooting along. When the valves opened up, it was a whole 'nother story. What a beast.
I want to thank everyone for public and private input. I agree that the ZR1 does not require engine modifications and since I have had to rely on video's and reports to get to know the McLaren, clearly have to wait until able to drive it later this year. As for my decision, I am still wondering. I have received polar opposite views of the 458, both on this forum and from others, including owners who have put some miles on their cars. Some, understandably, do not want to criticize the car in public and others still want to compliment the car in private. I have been told the 458 is "sedate", and "much less satisfying" than the Scuderia and even the (regular) 430. Some suggest, as has happened with other cars, the 458 has moved from a drivers car (until you hit the track at 9/10's) to a car easily driven by anyone with as much excitement. No one mentioned the dual clutch improving shifting (I wonder if it matters all that much daily driving). Personally, I like the sound of the 430 better, and cannot quite get used to the looks of the 458 (beauty is in the eye of the beholder), and don't know about all that "stuff" on the steering wheel. In order for me to find out if the Ferrari 458 is right for me and improves my pleasure quotient enough over the 430, requires me to spend a full day with the 458. Thank you again.
I, like you loved the 430. And I was not going to jump blindly on the next car. Instead I went to Montreal and did the Ferrari Driving Experience. We got to drive 430 Scuds and 458s back to back for two days. The FDE lets you know what kind of car each can be and whether it fits your tastes. But let me warn you. Until you put a lap together in the 458 where you run the revs continuously in the 7K to 9K range, you really haven't experienced the 458s ability to be engaging like the 430 is at a much lower RPM range. And regardless of my opinion or anyone else's, you need to experience the 458 in a safe environment to really test the waters so to speak. Bottom line, the 458 is an absolutely phenomenal car. It covers the entire personality spectrum from a luxo cruiser to a flat-out race car. But with that said, you have the right idea already. You need to spend a day or two with the 458 to know if its many personalities are for you. Maybe going up north or over to Italy to do the Ferrari Driving Experience is one way to do that, but you have been warned, at least for me, my 430 is gone now and the 458 is due in this week and I have already signed up for 5 track events this season
It really comes down to what YOU want from driving/owning a Ferrari. As Street&Track pointed out, regardless of what anyone says, if the 458 doesn't give you a woodie, then perhaps it's not for you. With a lot of things, the latest and greatest doesn't always translate into a better overall ownership experience. For between $400-1,400 you can hit up one of the Exotic Racing School locations in CA or NV and get some track time with the 458. Maybe that will help you make up your mind. http://www.exoticsracing.com/Racing-School/find-your-exotic-car-driving-experience.htm [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKCOoZKFa1Q[/ame]
Just to chime in, I gotta say, in the beginning I was all for 3 pedals, that raw feeling you get from the F430, but the 458 is just a ridiculous car. With an exception for "manual only" or "nostalgia" people, the 458 wins over in every possible way. It's probably one of the most dramatic jumps in technology/performance/quality Ferrari has ever made. The progress from Lambo's LP640 to the LP700 seems pitiful compared to the difference between the 430 and the 458. It's kind of absurd.
I did this 3 weeks ago and it was a blast! Did 5 laps each in Lambo Superleggera Lp-570, 458 Italia, 430 Scud and Audi R8 ( Murcielago was out for service) only problem is that 5 laps goes by too fast...I would suggest 10 laps to compare the 2 or 3 cars you are REALLY interested in...check out YouTube for videos of the line and braking/throttle points before going so you don't waste laps learning these
I would probably get the Ferrari 458 Italia over the McClaren. But I have to drive both cars first to decide. Anyways, I have time to save up for few years. First I need to buy a house with 2-4 car garage! You guys are encouraging me as I am not filthy rich yet but saving up and investing.
