599 vs. 430

Hey guys. So, it looks like i may be taking a plunge on buying a 599 next week. It is a beautiful car, sounds amazing, and drives phenomenally. Unfortunately, i havn't been able to push the car to it's limit yet, so i don't know exactly what it is capable of. However, I have pushed a 430 to the limit and all i could say is WOW. I love everything about the 599, but does it have the same aggressive drive of the 430. Is it as fun to drive? I'm sure somebody on here owns both and could give me a great comparison.

 

You took a 430 to the cars limit or yours?

 

For 599 money the Scuderia seems to be the more popular and lighter 'performance' choice.
CH

 

Ask M-individual.

He has experience with both.

 

Not really. Bigger, heavier, more understeer, etc... Great car, but if I had to choose, I would say get a 430 Scuderia, which is much more fun to drive over a 599 hands down.

 

Got to agree. I sold my 599 after almost 3 years and recently bought an 09 Scud. The Scud is definately much more fun to drive. Its almost 1000lbs. lighter,much more tossable and lower to the ground. A real confidence builder with absolutely no body roll that lets you dig really deep in and out of corners. On the other hand I miss the mega horsepower torque and top end from my 599. I miss the sound of that V12 at 8500R's most of all. If I could, I'd own both.

 

Anyone have any real world experience with the HTGE? Just curious if the kit or car itself has addressed the "heavy" feel. Just from laps around the lot I can say the HTGE certainly feels alot stiffer.

 

Just finished a track day with one.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285887

 

I drove a friends f430 through the canyons and just loved it. It was very fun to drive, and had a great tone all throughout the powerband. I've always wanted a v12, and was contemplating getting an lp670 lambo. Currently have an lp560, so i figured i would give ferrari a shot. From what i have experienced from the 599, it is all around a perfect vehicle, and i think i just may make it an everyday driver

 

My dad was not sure about trading in his 430 for the 599 but after he drove it (...and placed an order for the 458) he was sold. It is definitely more of a luxury car but it is an absolute monster and the F1 Superfast is so much nicer than the 430 gear box.

 

"There's no replacement for displacement." Bringing a knife to a gun fight.
Awesome pics. It stayed rather level through the twisties. I bet the straights were a slaughter.

Thanks for the info!!!


DB

 

It very much depends on the car's intended use. If you like driving your Ferrari to work or a night out, the 599 is the perfect choice.
On the other hand if you plan to use it only for the weekend blasts or the odd trackday, buy a Scuderia.

For the money nothing comes close to a Scuderia for fun (I might change my mind when my 599GTO arrives).

If the choice is between a regular 430 and a 599 I would probably go for the 599 (if cost is not an issue)

I have owned a 599GTB and a Scuderia and I admire both deeply. However I sold my 599GTB after 6 months and the Scuderia is still with me after 2 years...Says it all...

 

For me my 599 HGTE provides me more "all round" fun compared to my F430. The F430 is a toy. I used it quite often (not a weekend car) but it is not very practical, certainly around town. Having said this, it was a blast to drive it and I found the handling to be very good. I've driven F430's to the limit (and beyond) but only on a track where it was safe to push and go off. From experience ... the F430 can handle quite a lot (but can't be compared to the Scud ... different league).

The 599 is much more usable, has tons of power but it's heavier, more body roll and dives more under heavy braking. The HGTE is a considerable step up compared to the GTB and addresses the body roll and pitching under heavy braking (to some extent). Nevertheless, the car is very, very usable. It isn't too stiff imo and I love its gearbox. It's V12 with all the power and torque is a masterpiece and it is very, very usable (around town and on long trips). It also provides plenty of fun on a track. Imo, the steering is very light and direct. Overall, I enjoy it much more than my F430. Is it a match to the Scud? Having driven the Scud a couple of times (road and track) my answer is ... NO. That is, if you are looking for adrenaline, raw sound and superb handling. What's your intention with it: Use it quite often ... get the 599 HGTE. Use it on weekends and take it to the track ... Scud (no doubt). When it comes to usability ... Someone I know uses his 16M every day (winter, summer, rain, hail and snow). He thinks it is very usable (he put 120,000 km on his F430 spider). So in the end ... this is very personal.

I'm hoping the "fun-toy" factor will be back in my stable with the arrival of my 599 GTO. But, I love my HGTE. That is a keeper for now I did not regret going from an F430 to a 599 but the 599 is not as aggressive as the F430. Having said this ... do not underestimate the 599 and its capabilities. Good luck with your choice.

 

I have heard that the 599 is simply not as fun as the 430, more of a comfort cruiser, but I have only driven the 430 so I can't back up that statement.

Steve

 

Have a 599 and a Scuderia----apples and pears.
599= prettier (IMO),great linear acceleration,comfortable,a great car for long drives or everyday use.
430 S= raw,loud,uncomfortable seats,feel every rock and cranny in the road,fantastic road holding-great for the track and short trips.
Love them both but at my age (76) if I had to keep one it would be the 599.

 

Excuse my french, but i got to drive the **** out of the 599 today. I am sold. What an unbelievable car.