Track comparisons between 430 Scud and 458

Okay, just came back from the Ferrari driving course at Mont Tremblant. First I have to tell you that it was amazing. The staff is extremely courteous, quiet patient and very professional.

That said, it was a lot of fun! The cars driven included the 599, California, 430 Scuderia and the 458. If you don’t know what this is go here: www.experienceferrari.com

Make sure and look at the video: http://www.experienceferrari.com/track/video.cfm

Any here is my impression (in no particular order) of the 430 Scuderia versus the 458.

- It’s a huge leap in technology, yet again, not unlike the jump from the 355 to the 360. The gear box is just incredible. It is both smooth and very, very fast. With more gears, 7 compared to 6, you could reduce the number of shifts without compromising power.
- Fast, oh my God (as Jeremy Clarkson would say). I would “outpace” the 430 Scuderia easily in the straights. The amount of power is truly incredible. When changing cars, I had to “readjust” my foot to be more sensitive when driving the 458 or I would just go too fast.
- The CST (Ferrari’s traction control) seems to have evolved again as well. It would come in “without being intrusive” and you could easily feel and feather the throttle to maximize your speed around corners. The 430 of course does that too but it seemed “smoother” on the 458.
- Moving all the controls to the wheel is a great idea. Everything is there.
- The 430 seemed to be more “forgiving” than the 458 but I am sure that is due to the amount of power that the 458 has versus that of the 430.

As I think of more I will add them here as well as upload a link to a video of my going around the track when I get the chance.

I am not a pro but thought I would share some perspectives.