Porsche owner - interested in Ferrari switch

Others with more experience will certainly have more valuable insights, but here are my two cents:
- the first two questions for you are budget and intended use
- the answers will be very different if you intend to use the Ferrari for (even occasional) track use of just for relaxed road touring
- for road touring, I'd go for an old generation manual car (NA V8 or V12)
- if some track use is considered, I'd avoid the NA V8 (their lack of torque results in an actual lack of power and speed, no matter what the claimed peak power is) and would go for a turbo V8 (or V6 with a 296, if money - for buying and maintaining - is no object).
Another thing to consider (that's my opinion, which may not be very popular here) is that the so-called track oriented versions of Ferrari are more focused on exclusivity than on actual track use (so that's a very different approach compared to the Porsche "GT" cars). A Speciale or a Pista will look nicer, but will not be significantly better on track than a 458 Italia or a 488 / F8 - specially if the brakes (which are a weak point on Ferrari, unlike on Porsche) are modified on the "base" versions.
The 296 is blisteringly fast on track, but the reliability and the cost of operation are still relatively unknown.
I've read that exotics racing in LV have introduced a 296 in their fleet of track cars, it would be interesting to know what is their plan to limit their costs (typically on their cars they just go for steel brakes instead of CCM, but on a complex hybrid car I don't know what they could do).

 

The F8 is a modern car with the associated performance and comfort. As an evolution of the 488 I do not think it has any flaw for (even spirited) road driving.
For pure touring and classic charm, a 550 - which is manual and V12 - is interesting, but it's already an old car, which limits its performance and dependability.
For the record, I currently own a 488 that I occasionally use on track, and a 550 which is used for touring (mainly FOC events). None of these cars is my daily driver.

... just thinking over it, another option to consider is a 599 - it has a magnificent V12 (derived from the Enzo), and combines serious performance with grand touring comfort. The F1 gearbox is dated compared to a DCT, but it's part of the personality of the car.

 

458

 

Welcome aboard. I can’t offer any advice regarding the Porsche-Ferrari comparison. I have an F1 430 that I use occasionally. Certainly not a daily driver. It’s more “raw,” I believe, than the DCT cars that followed, but it’s still a modern car.

Don’t forget maintenance in your budget. Stuff comes up from time to time.

 

just get a 458, it's all you really need - 296 is very fast but suicidal on the road to push the limits of the car

 

458 GTB.

 

former 997rs, 991 gt3 and 718 gts 4.0 owner -

Which Ferrari to start with ? V8 NA or Turbo? V12?
458 if you want na but older dct and slower shifts (slower shifts speeds than any modern porsche, neutral to first shift is clunky)
488 if youre ok with turbo and faster/crispier shifts (feels like 991 gt3 shift speed)
430 scud if you want the harshness of a 997 rs
old school or new ?
458 and newer if you want reliability
348/355-430 if you want a 993/996/997 feel, less reliability
308/328 if you want to wrench yourself and feel like you're in an air cooled 964/930
driving difference Porsche vs Ferrari (from experience)
sticking with modern only - 458/488
the biggest delta I've noticed is that they don't stick to the ground like porsches. I think its mostly due to the additional power and softer ride. the 458 and 488 are multitudes more comfortable to tour. They have wider adjustability for suspension compliance. If a gt3's natural suspension harshness is 70%, the suspension button only adds 10% to make it 80%. A 458/488 in race setting is maybe 60%. but then sport makes it 45% and then bumpy mode makes it 30%. its more adjustable depending on what you want.
general advice?
drive as many as you can before deciding. before committing to my first f car, I drove the 488, 488 spider, pista, 488 challenge, 458, and f12. they're just different.
cost of ownership vs Porsche ?
expect and budget for 3x the cost. ext warranties beyond the new cars are only powertrain, so its not as all inclusive as a p car. if you have to deal with a trans/eng problem, its 30k. there will also be far less indy shops who are able to work on the car.

 

If you don't care about dealing with the gremlins associated with the older models go for one. If you want reliability go for a 458 or 488. The Turbo cars are fast and reliable but IMHO don't deliver the visceral experience gained by a NA engine. Porsches are bullet proof and solid (I've owned quite a few including the models you mention). Ferraris deliver an exhilarating ride and show stopping looks. Every 911 not matter what the variation looks basically like a 911. As a daily driver a Porsche is a better choice. As a weekend and evening ride Ferrari stands out. Solution: you have to have one of each

 

That's a tough choice, since it never existed
You have the 458 Italia (the glorious sound with anemic power) or the 488 GTB (evil turbo providing decent power to the same brilliant platform).
Then you have the spiders with marshmallow stiffness.

 

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/2014-ferrari-458-italia-white-w-black-carbon-race-seats-16k-miles.698009/#post-149864819

 

Come on. You gotta be true to your school.

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/2009-ferrari-scuderia-for-sale.698258/#post-149843545

 

I'd say the 599 GTB. It's an aging platform but provides a very different experience than what you currently have, and it's a bargain price purchase-wise. At that budget you can put 50K+ back for problems.

Full disclosure: I haven't owned or even driven one, but it's on my future ownership list. My cars are a 328 GTS and a California T. The 328 is perfect old school, but SLOW by modern standards. The California T is a great road car but less hardcore sports car, and it doesn't sound like that's what you're looking for.

 

I dunno. I'm a Debbie Downer. A 599 is a great car, but I have seen one with rust forming on the roof where it meets the window. Rust.

 

Or, if you really feel like diving into the deep end:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-ferrari-testarossa-59/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_2648438

 

Moe,

I've owned two 550 Maranellos (12 cylinder) gated cars. Wouldn't recommend for a first time Ferrari buyer. An F12 is a great choice and on a whole different level than the older models. As far as the F8 goes short story. I went to test drive one once and took my 458 to the dealership. It was really nice, fast and had modern technology. When I got back in my 458 to leave the dealership I realized that the 458 is all I need. Period.

 

F8 is better than the 488 on virtually all metrics (I would give a special mention to the smaller steering wheel). However, it's just a (good) evolution so the current price difference may seem excessive.
The 458 and 488 are far more different, for a price difference that's typically lower; so discussing 458 vs 488 makes more sense.

 

What was said above is true. F8 is a pista engine in a slightly updated interior/exterior'd 488 with even more regulatory chokes on the exhaust. Driving wise it'll feel similar to a 488. I'd only consider it if you wanted that newer feel of interior.

 

F12, and you can get a pretty solid one for ~250k.

 

I don't recall seeing a $250k F8 yet, which is I assuming why folks aren't mentioning it? If I'm spending $250k today, it's a 488 or 430 Scud. Two completely different driving experiences... The Scud is loud, raw and brutal. You hear every grain of sand hitting the wheel wells, and feel every shift smack you in the back. 488 is a confidence inspiring beast that's great for a little cruise with the wife or an absolute track weapon. I could personally daily a 488, but not so much a Scud. I'd just try to get a drive in each model that interests you prior, so you can buy the one that speaks to you. Lol and get ready for all the dudes who'll want to talk and take pics of your car. Contrary to what some may think, these are not chick magnets

 

Rest assured, you’ll be glad you made the switch. I know I am