Coupe vs. Spider F430

I chose the coupe as I agree the spider doesn't look great with the top up (to me). Since I'm not in a climate such as yours, the spider would only be valuable 1/2 the year. Given where you live I'd get a spider and just never put the top up!

 

One of the biggest reasons I bought a coupe is that I can't stand the amount of attention this car attracts. Constant pics being taken wherever I go and frequent video as well. Likely won't be as much an issue in So Cal but if Ferraris are rare where you live, it's something to keep in mind.

 

+1. I live in NJ and I have a coupe. The reality is though for the most part you usually only take the car out when the weather is nice. So no matter where you live the convertible can be a good option. I bought the coupe for track purposes as well so it made sense to buy one. The blind spots in the 430(coupe) are horrendous. I sometimes wish I had bought a convertible. I can't comment on the spider blind spots with the top up but I can't imagine that its good. As far as your location you should get the spider. The extra sound is worth it alone, not to mention the weather you will enjoy it in.

 

def get the spider...the marginal difference in performance isnt noticeable in 99% of the driving a person does. 430 spiders are awesome.

 

Very little compares to driving down PCH with the top " down ". I think that the pictures and stares are part of ownership of a particular vehicle and you learn to live with it. I had a light tint installed on my 360 Spider and works quite well in minimizing the exposure mentioned.

 

I have a 09 Spider and never even thought about the coupe. I live in Chiago so the 7 months of the year I get, the top is down and only up when I put it in the garage do I put the top up. Enjoy the fresh air and the sound is wonderful.....

 

I never owned a convertible of any kind before my Spider. Now I wonder why I waited so long. Although you didn't mention, you're probably at least a two-car guy? Just make your other car the coupe. Driving a top-down Ferrari is one for most people's Bucket List. You'd be fortunate enough to do it every day.

Mike

 

OT, but I average ~ 1 picture being taken per 15 minutes of driving.

 

No offense to many here, but personally I never understand why any driving enthusiast would buy a spider over a coupe. The loss of chassis rigidity completely ruins the driving experience. You want open air, get a bike!

-Just my opinion!

 

If you were running the Targa Florio the difference in stiffness might make a difference, but not normal street or even light track driving. Living in Santa Barbara like you do, that is almost perfect weather for a spider.

Where I live we have too much of a good thing, sun, and at our high altitude you would bake your brains and get a good start on skin cancer without a hat and a chin strap.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

I prefer the look of the coupe, but if I lived in S. California, I'd get the spider and never put the top up.

 

I live the San Francisco Bay Area and I have an F430 Coupe and a Gallaro Spider... guess which I drive more? The Spider. Top down is the only way to go.

If I were you, I'd go for the Spider as I think you'll enjoy it more.

Frank

 

Definitely get the Spider.

 

Spider.....I have a coupe, but next car is a spider for sure, top down all the way .......Steve

 

because the rewards of open air driving more than make up the difference in chassis rigidity - which is really not that important unless you're driving the car 10/10.

 

When I drive a convertible in Los Angeles, the top is always down! Because I can.

 

I agree the diff in rigidity won't make much of a performance difference on street or light track, but I am sure anyone can *feel* that difference. The chassis flexing and steering wobble drive me crazy, not to mention safety issues. But I know that may not be important, or as important, to other.

 

Spider. No question.

Why? You can do 99% of what you can in a coupe as you can in a spider but a coupe can never pop the top on a nice day.

If you live in a place with nice weather, the choice is easy.

 

easy answer spider

 

I've got a coupe and just love it.
It was only yesterday I was sitting in a spider and I couldn't get over the difference in the lack of head room with the top up against the coupe.....I'm 6'3".

For me the coupe is so Ferrari and the fastback design is to die for.

For our summers downunder, the spider is just too hot with the roof off and they look pig ugly with in on.

Not regretting the coupe decision one iota.
Rob.

 

I drive a Spider and I wouldn't have it any other way. Unless it is raining, the top is down doesn't matter how hot or cold it is. In my old p-car the top was down sometimes even when it was raining

 

Spider. I rarely drive unless it's a top down kind of day. Fortunately for me, that's most of the time. I never considered a coupe.

You're either a coupe or spider guy, nothing wrong with either.

 

I beg to disagree. You don't need to go 10/10. You take your f car on some scenic mountain road (what your coupe or spider is built for!) You see a nice tight curve ahead. Then you just as you brake and turn in you hit a bad patch of pavement. You mean to tell me you need to be 10/10 before you feel the chassis flex, the steering wobble and, worse, the geometry get loose? I wouldn't trust a spider in that situation. Heck, I am not even happy with the rigidity of the coupe!

The issue is smooth v. imperfect pavement. Not 10/10.

Sure, for leisurely weekend drive, spider is great. But is that why we buy f cars?