F8 vs 488

Nothing beats a N/A Ferrari V12 engine. Congrats!

 

To me the F8 is light years ahead of my 458. The only thing the 458 has is the orgasmic sound. But performance on the F8 is so much over and above the 458.

 

Drove the F8 today. Will not dwell on the aesthetics as everyone here has eyes of their own. Personally, the car is inordinately attractive, aesthetically beautifully harmonious and artistically fluidly coherent.

The race seats are exceptionally comfortable, provide a high degree of support and fit the overall feel of the interior. Speaking of the interior, it is very pleasing to the eye and exudes luxe with a mix of excellent workmanship and high quality materials.

It is shocking that there are those who are oblivious to the differentiation of driving dynamics between the 488 and the F8. Personally, the elevation of of feedback with regards to steering and suspension is markedly apparent. The steering is more nimble, yet direct with a more tactile feel compared to the 488. The same applies to the suspension. I can only speak about how the car drove in race mode, but in direct comparison to the 488, the stiffer suspension elevated the sense of driver - car connectivity. Comfort was not thusly not compromised but the feel of the road surface was clearly more evident. Then there is the glory of the speed factor. The F8 feels notably quicker and acceleration is more linear with the virtual absence of turbo lag. This car is clearly a speed demon. The handling was exemplary with the grip being tenacious. Breaking was highly competent, with a predictable feel. Very similar to the 488. The DCT was lightningly quick perhaps a tad smoother than the 488.

Sound is an area of much controversy. The engine noise is within the realm of that created by the 488 but exhibits a slightly more lower frequency dominance. For those who prioritize engine sound to a significant level, might not be excited by what they hear. Those who do not, will be more than satisfied. The dealer advised that the valves can be opened which will appreciably heighten the sound pressure levels.

Overall, the F8 is a more compelling, engaging car. It is furthermore , at a higher level of objective technical excellence and abilities. While the 488 left me wanting, the F8 has moved in the direction that fits my preferences and priorities more fully. It still could use a greater dose of rawness and thrill factor. But make no mistake, the F8 is special.

 

Thanks for the review! Fantastic news that they believe the valves can be permanently opened. Was this at FoO?




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What I really want to know is how does the F8 compare to the HP and are you moving forward trading in the HP for the F8?

 

No . Ferrari of Miami.

 

The HP is still more more compelling and viscerally engaging. The engine note of the HP is in a different realm of sensory excitement. The F8 feels tighter and stiffer and has a more refined driving persona. The F8 handily exceeds the 720s and 488 in its ability to unite objective excellences and subjective involvement. The F8 uncannily succeeds, more so than any other current super car ( excluding the Pista with which I have no personal experience ) in being stellar on virtually every parameter of performance and still capable of igniting passion, albeit not quite up to the stirring level of the Perf.

The comparison between the HP and F8, truly reduces down to personal predilections. At this juncture, I am torn between making a definitive choice between them. Both are are exceptional cars on every level. They are both highly desirable but each with their own innate personalities. I am leaning towards going to the F8 due to the fact that I am a supercar junky who has perpetual wanderlust.

 

When in doubt wait it out. I would keep the HP until you can find a Pista that meets your criterion. Not sure going from a HP to an F8 is a move forward or even lateral. Passion is key and the HP has it in spades.

 

Nice review - thanks.

Apart from newness, I think another big factor is brand attraction, since the HP and F8 end up trading punches pretty evenly, when all is said and done.

I ended up skipping the HP and it was a pretty easy decision, even after the time I spent at Imola with the factory.

Conversely, I am liking the history and passion of Ferrari, which you can feel in the product and from behind the wheel. They are just so "right" and if you have the want and ability to engage with the car, so all the more rewarding. For me Lambo are somewhat tending towards Audi.

 

Wow, what a professionally written review!! Your words describe what I experienced but unable to write like you accomplished! Thank you

 

I do not echo your sentiments. I am still undecided about trading in the HP for the F8. I admire and respect the F8 but still feel a greater sense of emotional attachment to the HP. There is nothing about the Perf that is reminiscent of Audi. Furthermore , Ferrari legacy and history plays a minuscule part for me on making this decision. Ultimately the purchasing decision may be in abeyance until I drive the Pista.

 

I love Lambo had a Diablo SV for a short time. Would love to own another one, Aventador or it’s replacement. However for me if I have to choose one it’s Ferrari every time. There is just something about the story of Enzo Ferrari, the Ferrari racing history and the “Ferrari” factor that can’t be explained.

Of course that is just my worthless .02 cents.

 

You missed my points:

- I said that Lambo was tending towards Audi, which is fact considering ownership and their corporate ethos/direction. You only have to look at Porsche.

- I also said that you can feel history and passion from behind the wheel i.e. they are race developed pedigree drivers products.

If you drive an R8 then a Huracan, while the Lambo influence is measurable, its not possible to ignore the commonalities (engine, drive train, infotainment, plus whatever else under the skin).

..... but never mind, this isn't a Lambo v Ferrari thread and was good to read your words, since I haven't had the chance to drive the F8 yet, so thanks

 

I did not miss any of your points. There is no Audi influence apparent in the Performante in terms of driving dynamics, appearance, interior design and any other parameter.

When I drive Ferraris, and I have experienced them all from the 355 onward and owned a 430, my focus is on the driving experience. I realize for some, heritage and prestige of the marque is highly significant. For me, it is not. Driving the 488 was not passion filled. On the contrary, it was precisely that sensation of emotion and exhilaration that was vividly absent. Happy to report, the F8 has once again captured the excitement of being behind the wheel of a stellar car that excels both technically and subjectively.

 

You were told that the valves can be opened ?

 

Yes. Dealer advised that wound not be a problem. Confirmed that no engine performance downside. Engine sound is noticeably enhanced.

 

Not sure how a Dealer could say and confirm this on a car they most likely had for a couple of days as it traveled to other Dealers for test drives. Sounds like typical dealer/sales talk to me - just my opinion.

 

After an extensive discussion in the other thread, I thought the consensus was that this would not be possible due to post-cat pressure sensors?

My understanding is that the valves on the F8 are unlike previous models which can be “open” or “closed” at any given time. Instead, the valves on the F8 open dynamically with different throttle input, RPM and back pressure levels. The GPF is integrated into this system and will not function properly if anything is changed. Due to this, messing with the valves will require a total ECU re-map (and voided warranty) if one wishes to avoid engine failure.

I am hoping this was just a bunch of overreaction in the other thread and that coincid’s dealer knows what they’re talking about. But there are several members who seemed to be very certain that simply unplugging the valves will no longer be an option moving forward.


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Prudent choice. Agreed the Huracan modern interior/tech with the digital cockpit and driver-centric design is more modern and a nice place to be. The reliability of my Huracan has been stellar which is a benefit from VAG ownership (knock on wood) while I had the usual battery issues on my California and 458 (even though the 458 was only a few months old and both were plugged in regularly with the OEM battery tender). Also had the 458 hardtop folding mechanism fail after only 18 months. Don't have to plug the Huracan battery tender nightly anymore either, battery is far more durable in the 2 Huracan's I've owned.

Thought the GPF precluded permanent opening of the exhaust valves as per ferrarifanatic25's post above?

 

I wonder how the F8 compares to the Pista. I personally think the Pista is the best looking Ferrari in a long time. Looking forward to the special version of the F8. When I saw the F8 for the first time, I wasn’t really blown away.


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