Used 458 Spider vs New F12 | FerrariChat

Used 458 Spider vs New F12

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by williams1, Dec 18, 2016.

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  1. williams1

    williams1 Rookie

    Dec 15, 2016
    28
    New York
    I have decided to finally purchase a Ferrari. I have narrowed it down to a 2014 458 Spider with 1,400 miles and a brand new 2017 F12. They are two different cars, but each is remarkable. 458 is significantly less $$ than F12 but is 3yrs old vs brand new F12. The expected use is pleasure only but with no obsession to keep mileage low. Both cars have Alcantara race seats, and I would consider the 458 highly optioned while F12 is moderately optioned. F12 has lifter while 458 does not. I live in NYC and that could be an issue with driveways and speed bumps, etc.
     
  2. tobewiser

    tobewiser Formula Junior

    Dec 23, 2015
    347
    Acworth, GA, USA
    The only problem you will have is to decide which one to drive every morning. I had seriously considered the F12 but had settled for the 458 solely because of the 458 being mid-engine. Is the 2017 F12 the new version since production had stopped with 2016 model year?
     
  3. bobhitch

    bobhitch Formula Junior

    Jun 28, 2014
    324
    UK
    Full Name:
    Bob
    I have had both - currently have an F12.
    I would say that one isn't better than the other,they are just very different cars.
    Try to spend some time in each and see which you prefer.
    For me the F12 wins hands down but others will disagree.
    Either way , I'm sure you will enjoy your new car.
    Cheers,Bob
     
  4. williams1

    williams1 Rookie

    Dec 15, 2016
    28
    New York
    Thanks for replies. F12 is MY 17 per window sticker. I am not aware that 2017 includes any updates over MY 16 fof the F12. Would appreciate confirmation.
     
  5. mik458spider

    mik458spider Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2013
    1,386
    IMO, the F12 is going to drop soon because they will release the new facelift F12 in few months. As for the 458 spider, the price won't go anywhere from here, because the successor is turbocharged and not everybody wants it, unless the 488's successor (won't happen soon) will be NA hybrid.
     
  6. Need4Spd

    Need4Spd F1 Veteran

    Feb 24, 2007
    6,678
    Silicon Valley
    They are very different, so it's a matter of your preference and intended use. The 458 is more high strung and feels more connected with the road. The F12 is as fast or faster, but the feel is more refined, more GT-like. 12 cylinder cars historically depreciate more steeply, but the F12 seems the exception compared to the past 599, 575 and 550.
     
  7. tobewiser

    tobewiser Formula Junior

    Dec 23, 2015
    347
    Acworth, GA, USA
    I recommend you to discuss with your dealer about the new F12M. The '17 you are looking at most likely is among the last production cars produced in late 2016. Some of the last cars may be dealer allocations without pre-orders. It happened with the last 458's in 2015. The question is whether to 'invest' in a F12, at sticker price, with the knowledge that the new one is out in a few months. Even if you don't care about money, the new version has substantial improvements: more HP, all wheel steering (from TDF), suspension changes, and possible new paint colors to mark the occasion, etc. I've been waiting for the new spec's to be finalized before I put down the $20K deposit for a 488 (my allocation is coming up). I wasn't able to get a F12TDF but the production model should be a great alternative. The new aero exterior will make the previous F12's look dated in comparison. I strongly suggest you to check it out before a final decision. By the way, the F12 wait list is much shorter than the 488: 9 months vs. 3 years.

    The F12 is indeed a different animal by design. A true GT with refinements that spoil you. If you like the seemingly physics-defying handling of the mid-engined V8 cars, then you'll find yourself in agony - choosing between a wife and a mistress. I don't mean ownership (as you can own both); I mean your 'affection.'
     
  8. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,201
    Vegas baby
    F12 if depreciation isn't an issue. The motor and interior are just amazing.
     
  9. rockitman

    rockitman F1 Veteran

    May 31, 2015
    5,989
    Upstate, NY
    Full Name:
    Christian
    The 458 w/o a lift is a no go in NYC. I own both. F12 if I could only have one.
     
  10. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,201
    Vegas baby
    The F12 may be the last of the normal V12's that aren't in the Enzo and La Ferrari limited edition class.
     
  11. williams1

    williams1 Rookie

    Dec 15, 2016
    28
    New York
    Thanks for all your comments. I have researched updated F12 and find some info conflicting. I will speak to both dealers that have the two cars I am considering for additional info. I prefer naturally aspirated if given a choice, so am leaning towards 458. It's the last of the naturally aspirated mid engined cars (and convertible). Agreed no lifter is a problem. It seems that later version of F12 (updated F12M or it's replacement) will remain a naturally aspirated V12 (and possible electric assist) and include desirable updates over the current car I am considering. If my info on next F12 is not correct, please post. Thanks.
     
  12. williams1

    williams1 Rookie

    Dec 15, 2016
    28
    New York
    Any additional info on naturally aspirated future F 12 and successor versions is appreciated.
     
  13. SiSc

    SiSc Rookie

    Jul 22, 2016
    32
    NYC
    Full Name:
    Knor
    If you're here within the 5 borroughs, I would recommend F12. It also is a bit less of an attention hog which is a very good thing.

    Also driving without lifter is a NO NO. Oh my..... the nightmares. In my opinion all tristate area buyers should put that on the top of the list if you're going to regularly drive the car around here.
     
  14. SiSc

    SiSc Rookie

    Jul 22, 2016
    32
    NYC
    Full Name:
    Knor
  15. saraojo

    saraojo Formula 3

    Mar 9, 2015
    1,275
    Northeast
    F12 for the sound, power and refinement. 458 spider for the open top experience, tighter chassis and mid engine looks. I have driven one and own the other. If I had to choose one to drive every day I would go with a preowned f12 in a silver or gray color
     
  16. 458italia2014

    458italia2014 Formula 3

    Aug 3, 2013
    1,048
    The f12 is def faster in a straight. See if you can spend some time driving both and see which appeals most to you. If I was to buy a brand new f 12< I would want the facelift version, why not buy an f12 used and then trade it in for the facelifted f12 if you go the f12 route.
     
  17. Cigarzman

    Cigarzman F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    The F 12 is a great rig until you try to put the top down. :)
     

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