First Ferrari ever-F430 vs 599 GTB | FerrariChat

First Ferrari ever-F430 vs 599 GTB

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by alex_bg, Dec 11, 2024.

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  1. alex_bg

    alex_bg Rookie

    Dec 8, 2024
    2
    Good day all. Pretty sure it looks kind of a silly question, but here it goes anyways...I am planning to get my first ever Ferrari. A bit of a classic story-loved the brand forever and really looking forward of getting one now. The issue is I do love older-ish ones and two of my favorite are F430 and 599 GTB. Love almost everything about F430 but the V12 is just phenomenal on the GTB. Price difference on a decent spec is not night and day, so this makes the choice even harder :)
    Anyone here had both? Is there anything that would differentiate both significantly? Not interested how fast they are compared to each other, I have a fast car already. More of a general feeling. Have no access to test drive 599 GTB where I live, just had a proper drive on a F430 for now.
    Many thanks in advance.
     
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  2. mcw

    mcw Formula Junior
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 10, 2008
    480
    For your case and question: what differentiates 599 and 430? You have driven a 430 but seems not a 599. It is rare that I have bought an old car I have not driven because I want driving feel and hands-on sense of vehicle condition. That is separate from whether PPI types of further assessment are desired.

    Where and how you drive may guide choice. Maintenance support becomes important as cars need more with age. Jump too quickly and you may find parachutes are expensive. Take your time to figure out your tastes with test drives, even if it takes a while.

    Consider the old bull which walks down the hill and then savors each choice thoroughly instead of expending its energy running down the hill.
     
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  3. 3POINT8

    3POINT8 F1 Veteran
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    Jan 23, 2014
    5,279
    I agree if you need to drive both. This is a six figure purchase. If there's no 599s around you jump on a plane and go find one. Drive them both then decide.
     
  4. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
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    Apr 28, 2003
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    One is a sports car. The other is a GT. Difference horses for different courses.
     
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  5. mikesufka

    mikesufka F1 Veteran
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    I haven't driven either, but would go "GT" for sure.

    MDS
     
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  6. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
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    Apr 28, 2003
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    I dunno. I haven't completely hung up my dancing shoes.
     
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  7. F1blood

    F1blood Rookie

    Jul 17, 2024
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    Full Name:
    Brad Dinardo
    I remember a long time ago watching a show called Victory By Design with Alan De Cadenet on the old cable channel, Speed Vision. He spoke about mid engine Ferraris vs. front , I recall that he preferred front for use on public roads. I cant say that I remember his reasoning for this. I love both the 430 and the 550 / 575 / 599 series of Ferraris.
     
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  8. mikesufka

    mikesufka F1 Veteran
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    Cross country in a 599 / F12 / 812 …. Sign me up …. Done several on a motorcycle …. Would like to try a V12 :)

    MDS
     
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  9. technom3

    technom3 F1 World Champ
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    The torque of the v12 is unmatched. Also just the outright brutality of speed.

    It is also a nicer riding better gt.

    I would take a 599 over a 430 all day and twice on Sunday.

    That being said .. the 430 is a great car too
     
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  10. alex_bg

    alex_bg Rookie

    Dec 8, 2024
    2
    Brilliant! Thanks everyone for the feedback. Appreciated.
     
  11. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 25, 2002
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    it does depend on what you will be using it for. as people have said above, these are quite different cars.
    i have the 430 and have said it is the best value bang for buck ferrari you can buy. its a great all rounder, good on track and livable on roadtrips.
    i have driven the 599 and it is fantastic, but significantly bigger heavier and less agile than the 430. excellent car for longer drives and the wife will like it more.

    maintenance costs should not be extreme on either example but the v12 will always cost more to service than the v8.
     
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  12. Shark01

    Shark01 F1 Veteran

    Jun 25, 2005
    6,479
    As Ferrari's recent reputation is built on sport models, I would struggle to buy a GT car as a first exotic. A mid-engined car (especially with a MT) is I think what pulled most first time buyers in.
     
  13. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 26, 2005
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    I agree with this, also with ross' observation about the mass of the 599. I was in this exact position in 2021 when a 599 GTB was for sale at Bobileff in San Diego. I tried to generate enthusiasm for the car, because it offered easier ingress/egress, which matters to me. But there was a red F430 Spider that had just been sold and was being prepped for a customer. That customer invited me to sit in the F430, and I instantly lost interest in the 599.

    If I had to choose, I'd go with an F430 coupe. Hopefully with a carbon fiber interior package -- interior plastics on both cars are rubbish.

    If you like classic cars and already have a modern fast car, the 328 is fun, beautiful, and less costly to maintain. A nice one is probably priced similarly to an F430 F1 or 599 GTB. A Testarossa, if you like the looks, is another icon. These are definitely older cars now, with a very different driving experience. Personally, I love '80s and '90s sports cars. My 328 and now Porsche 964 have been my favorite cars. Both properly loud and rare on the roads in 2024, yet not so vintage as to be limited to cars and coffee -- really good to drive.
     
  14. mikesufka

    mikesufka F1 Veteran
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    Actually I just remembered I did drive a 599 for 15 minutes, but it was GTO ( in white ) - lol - not sure how I forgot that one.

    MDS
     
  15. LVP488

    LVP488 F1 Veteran

    Jan 21, 2017
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    France
    #15 LVP488, Dec 20, 2024
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2024
    I would argue with that; one is a sports car (the F430), the other is a GT AND a sports car.
    To me that's what makes the 599 GTB so amazing, its dual personality allowing long relaxed travels as well as having a blast on a race track. The 599 can provide comfort and luxury or thrilling rawness depending on your mood, and that's pretty unique for a single car.
    Maybe the 599 is more difficult to understand than a single minded sports car, but the reward is worth it.

    Another thing to consider though, if showing off is a part of the Ferrari ownership enjoyment (and I have nothing against that, it's just not in my case), the F430 wins over the 599.
     
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