Were you at Ferrari Silicon Valley last week? We may have met...

 

The sound on the turbo ferraris is disappointing price in an exhaust. That being said I did an exhaust on my gt3.

 

I think all enthusiasts that want a Ferrari and can make it happen should experience it. And you can always switch back to a GT3 if Ferrari is not for you.

I had a 458 Italia and 488 GTB from the ones you mentioned. They are different enough that it really depends on what you’re looking for. Either one, be prepared for lots of attention. I had no issues with mine and I think new Ferraris are solid (like all cars, there are some known issues and risks, parts & labor can be expensive).

The GT3 engine scream is amazing but I have to say the 458 is even more intense! 488, while turbocharged, has an engine that’s as responsive as it gets given current technology. The “bumpy road” setting makes the ride great for regular street driving. Ferrari is also one of the best at making you feel like it’s the most special experience when you go for a drive.

 

Life's short. If you want a Ferrari, just get one. That way you'll never wonder what it would have been like...

 

I drove the new Portofino M last week. Local Ferrari dealer had a demo day. It has a twin-turbo V-8 with 612 HP with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sounds absolutely awesome and drives like a dream. Zero turbo lag. Thinking about ordering one...

 

Just street. I agree,if track is involved GT3.

 

unfortunately no. I live in the south east.

 

To each their own. I think a 488 sounds great.

 

I agree...I also love the look of the 488.

Almost bought a black spider earlier this year. Big fan of the 488 and I also owned and really enjoyed the 458.

 

Thanks for the insights. I've had the opportunity to street drive / track a friend's Speciale, which is a sensational car and pretty much ruined anything else for me at time- had most of the positives of the 997/991 GT3 but none of the harshness. Last summer I drove a '17 488 at my local dealer and second other's statements here about it being superior to the 458 in almost every way, except perhaps exterior aesthetics. The 991.2 GT3 remains more of a scalpel than the F-cars making it a great track instrument but not quite as enjoyable on the street where driving it can feel like "work". Perhaps I'm getting softer with age (50, ugh) but whereas I used to seek the maximum degree of driving interaction (ie heavy clutch, stiff manual, harsh suspension, minimal steering assist, high-rev powerband of the 996/997 GT3, slightly less so on the 991 GT3), I'm now looking for a somewhat different experience and my time with the Speciale / 488 seems to check all the boxes. My primary concerns are cost of entry (and depreciation to some degree) + reliability / maintenance. The ability to extend the CPO > 10 yrs is very attractive and limits nasty repair expenses (buddy's Speciale fuel pumps failed 3 months out of warranty and cost > $20K + weeks to replace).

A somewhat less important consideration...the wife will absolutely not be happy about another car switch. Not happy at all = trip to Tiffany to smooth things over

 

I'll buy your GT3 (since i should've bought your 997) and you can take my C4S manual to scratch that itch, while still fitting kids in the back!

 

I would run, not walk, to a Ferrari dealership if faced with this conundrum. At my gym there is always a collections of Macs, AMGs, P-cars, Lotus, and the odd Huracan but when the dude with the silver 488 GTB pulls into the parking lot those other cars disappear. In all my years of reading about reviews of this car I've never come across one that is negative or heard a single indicator of buyer's remorse. Sorry, I know I am just the peanut gallery here but WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CAR, and yes they sound good, turbo or not.

 

Haha, thats pretty funny…I try to stay away from dealerships to avoid impulsive acquisitons…unfortunately live 3 miles from Napleton Porsche and walking distance from Continental Ferrari so am forced to check out their inventory 2-3 times day driving to and from work.

Perhaps adding an earlier ‘’12-13 458 to the GT3 would be better / less risky than trading in the GT3 for a 488 / F8…

 

Personally, I think if you like how the 488 drives and looks, the 458 will feel like you "settled" for something.

That's just me, of course.

 

Come on man ... this can't be a serious post. The 488 is an amazing car by any measure. Not to mention the OP was looking at his GT3 plus $100K on top to make the move happen, and he specifically spelled out he wasn't going to track the car. A Pista (track focused car) is $500K+ and an F8 Spider is right around the $450K mark as well. a 458 Speciale (track focused car) is what, $400K give or take? For driving on the street, and having the Ferrari experience, the 488 is just about perfect, and even it is WAY too much car. Not to mention they're still relatively new, and have proven to be somewhat reliable.