Does anyone on this site own both a 599 and 430 coupe? I have owned a 360 and now a 430, and chose the latter over a 599. Price wasn't an issue. I am wondering about the subjective "feel" of a 599 compared to a 430. I have read the stats and seen the videos, and only once heard someone, who tested both cars, state a preference (purposely not stated to avoid a meaningless debate) - Best
Joker owned both. You might want to PM him or wait for him to reply here. He sold the F430 because it had some quality issues but he was loving it. Im fairly certain he loves the 599 as well...
I don't think much has changed since people wondered whether they'd prefer the 360 or the Maranello - still a GT v sportscar decision. For me, a lot of the difference is tied to engine and cockpit location: in the 430, you feel (and are, I suppose) closer to the ground, closer to the front, you can imagine you have one foot planted over each tire, it's a very nimble, on top of the action feeling. It's more like driving a formula car, to stretch the analogy a bit. The 599 offers so much, the torque, luxury, sound - as with the 430, an improvement over the prior model - and space to store things, a trunk. I am very ambivalent about the 8 cyl v 12 cyl cars, I think perhaps the ideal mix for me is an 8 cyl challenge car for the track and a 12 cyl car for the street. As always with Ferrari, the answer to "which?" is "both!"
I know someone who owns a 430 and drove a 599 last week. His opinion and the passengers was that the 599 was a far superior car, especially in terms of performance.
On stats, a superior car - in terms of subjective feel, as RBK asked .. IMO different, "superior" depends on what you want from a car.
I appreciate your comments. Could who drove both cars elaborate on his personal and subjective experience? Daily driver, handling, comparitive performance, and cockpit feel, roominess, etc. "Impressions" vary, but it would be interesting to hear. For example, my supercharged SL 55 offers the feel of a rocketship from 30-80, while my 2006 Z-06 feels like a hot full of torque and going past legal speed limits before I can catch it. By comparison, my 430 is plush and sophisticated, gives me the feel of driving on the ground (the car is significantly lowered), but I need to actually read the speedometer to know if I am going 70 or 110mph. I have raced SCCA Trans Am Cars weighing 2400lbs with 700hp, and would not recommend them for street use even if they could pass EPA/DOT requirements. Best
Having driven a 612 and 430, I'd take the 612. The 430 just feels too "twitchy" and not torquey enough to me. The 430 was not very confidence inspiring. A 612 with a 599 motor would be excellent.
"Could who drove both cars elaborate on his personal and subjective experience? Daily driver, handling, comparitive performance, and cockpit feel, roominess, etc" OK, I'll try again. I don't have that much time in the 599 yet, but: as a daily driver, the 599 wins, no question - because of the roominess in the cockpit, the trunk space - just far more practical IMO. To me, the 599 is more comfortable for two people, even without luggage. The 430 is more of a car one straps on. I really like the handling of the 430 - I don't find it is as twitchy as the 360 - in fact, I feel it reacts more quickly than the 599, that it feels lighter and more nimble. What the 599 has is immense, wonderful torque, which you appreciate every time you push the accelerator pedal. The 430 has noticeably more torque than the 360, but it can't compare - not even close - to the 599. And I'm not complaining about the 599's handling - in fact, it's great, but I think I would prefer the 430 for the track. I have no track time in the 599, and haven't pushed it hard, so I can't give you the detailed, "pushes at turn in, oversteers at power on" sort of feedback you may be seeking. I gather there are some who feel that, with the arrival of the 599, there's no need to consider the 430. I disagree - I think the two offer very different driving experiences. Again - I'd choose the 599 for my own street driving, because of its superior practicality. I have raced formula cars, sports racers and sedans, and own a 430 Challenge car - though nothing with quite so much horsepower as a trans am car - and if you want the rocketship feel, in a refined, beautiful package, then the 599 is your baby. Hope that helps. No doubt others will speak up.
FWIW I have had every iteration of the V8's from the 308 to the 430. My 599 simply is the best Ferrari I have ever owned, from the POV of it being usable on a daily basis AND, and it's a big AND, the performance of the 599 is so superior to any of the V8's including the 430. The primary reason for this is that the torque available in the 599 makes the car feel ready to accelerate in almost any gear, instantaneously, whereas the 430 requires you to downshift to a gear where you can get the revs up into the torque band. This is a major consideration for me. The 599 is deceptively agile as well, far better than the 575 and my current Superamerica. It simply goes where you point it when you decide. The CC brakes are marvelous and the whole car is completely confidence-inspiring. You know you are in something special at any speed. Regarding the V8's, my favorite remains the Challenge Stradale and given a choice between a CS and a 430, the CS gets the nod every time. The real tell here is every morning when I am standing between the CS and the 599 I choose the 599 every day so far since I got it. The 430 lasted in my garage less than 60 days. It just didn't do it for me. I enjoyed tracking the 430 at the Ferrari Driving Experience at Mont Tremblant, but even there I kept of wishing I had my CS at that magnificent racetrack.
I'd rather have a maranello than a 599 but as for this VS deal I'd want one of each (a maranello and a 430) but if I had to choose.. probably a 430 spider.
interesting...can you elaborate...the on road differences in steering, speed, handling, etc...your take on them? how bout the fit, finish, interior quality, design differences? or is your preference for the Maranello a matter of looks? IMO, the 599 sounds much better, and looks more aggressive. i like the interior design more also. and it's been documented that performance wise, the new car is multiples ahead. just wondering why the maranello takes the cake for you, no right or wrong, just curious...
Have you driven all three? I have driven the Maranello, 360, and others, and presently own a 430, which I think is a very user friendly car. But, from all reports, including posts on this thread, the 599 sounds like it is preferred by the majority of those who have driven it. I suspect the power has a lot to do with it, but clearly the handling is outstanding. Best
I know someone that owns both and he preferrs them for differant reasons, the 430 has a more racey feel to it than the 599......he has a 430 spider so that adds another dimension, I think a 430 spider and a 599 would be a differant story.
I assume you have driven both extensively to come up with such definitive answer. Could you elaborate and explain what were the advantages of 550 in your mind?
I felt a lot less conspicuous in my '03 575 than I do in the 599 - that's the only relative "advantage" of the Maranello I can think of. Of course, one might simply prefer the Maranello's looks over those of the 599; I find the 599 much more attractive. I love the Maranello, but I'd choose the 599 over it, and also am curious as to why you'd choose the Maranello.
According to Josh is 18 and unless on fast forward and pretty wealthy, just sharing his opinion based on looks and stats, but how many of us can claim to be 18? - Best
+1. The 599 is superior to the 430 in every way. I also agree that the only V8 relatively recent model to own is the CS (my F40 and 288 GTO are exempt). However the CS transmission is agricultural compared with the 599 and I have big hopes for the 430 Pista Light or whatever it will be called which will come out at the end of this year or Q1 08
I had a Maranello and I have a 599. The Maranello became a classic car when the 599 came out. The gap between the Maranello and the 599 is revolutionary. The gap between the 360 and 430 is evolutionary
