458 Italia vs 458 Speciale | FerrariChat

458 Italia vs 458 Speciale

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Staj, Jan 8, 2017.

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  1. Staj

    Staj Karting

    May 25, 2016
    66
    A more intra-model competition. Which do you prefer for sound, which for looks.

    Sound - Italia. Though the Speciale is louder, the Italia has a more rumbling sound.

    Looks - Speciale. It has a more updated look and nicer angles.
     
  2. Dolceexte

    Dolceexte Formula 3

    Dec 20, 2015
    1,008


    Agree on both!
     
  3. Eilig

    Eilig F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 31, 2001
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    Cavallo
    Those are "nice" observations. But you have to get behind the wheel to fully appreciate what really makes the Speciale so Speciale!
     
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  4. AlfistaPortoghese

    AlfistaPortoghese Moderator
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 18, 2014
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    Nuno
    458 Italia or 458 Speciale?

    My answer is: yes, please!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFlwpCJ1RWQ

    I honestly can't decide. Can't find anything on either than would make me prefer one over the other.

    Purely in terms of design, I'm just too in love with the triple pipe exhaust à la F40 and the aeroelastic winglets and that's why I love the Italia over the Speciale. The only point in which I manage to have a clear preference.

    In terms of sound, both sound great: between the awe-inspiring rumbling of the Italia and the sharp, higher scream pitch of the Speciale at near 9000rpm, either one is a life's dream.

    Owning a 458, regardless of variant, is owning a dream supercar and a piece of Ferrari's history (already clear now, even clearer in time). Any single one of them is fine by me: as a Ferrari enthusiast, love them all (as with the 355).

    Kind regards,

    Nuno.
     
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  5. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    10,860
    +1 to Nuno. I love both. But in my case, I slightly prefer the more clean Italia. But you really can't go wrong with either.
     
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  6. dustman

    dustman F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 12, 2007
    8,930
    My Speciale was certainly more raw and engaging than my Italia.

    Looks are subjective, but the interior of the Speciale was fantastic compared to Italia.

    Sounds...well, Italia is a 10/10 while the Speciale is a 7/10. (our 650s I would consider a 3/10 for comparison sake).
     
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  7. Red Sled

    Red Sled Formula Junior

    Interesting. What drives your lower rating on Speciale's sound?
     
  8. Bas

    Bas Four Time F1 World Champ

    Mar 24, 2008
    41,299
    ESP
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    Love the Speciale. Wasn't much of a fan of the 458 GTB though that has changed somewhat, still not my favourite though...

    I generally prefer cars in proper sport spec anyhow, I love alcantara, sport seats and more aggressive looks. So Speciale all day for me.
     
  9. MaseratiCorse

    MaseratiCorse Formula Junior

    Nov 13, 2014
    472
    Melbourne, Australia
    Full Name:
    Nicholas
    I think that the 458 sounds and looks better but the Speciale is a better car in every other way.
     
  10. DavidJames1

    DavidJames1 Formula 3

    Mar 6, 2010
    1,677
    Bangkok, Thailand
    Had both the 458 Spider and now have the Aperta, for me no comparison, the Aperta is just that little better in every area and that adds up to a big difference overall. Given the choice wouldn't think twice would take the Speciale over the 458 any day.
     
  11. 458italia2014

    458italia2014 Formula 3

    Aug 3, 2013
    1,048
    agreed
     
  12. dustman

    dustman F1 Veteran
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    Jun 12, 2007
    8,930
    Speciale lost the high pitch wail characteristic of fabulous ferraris.

    It is a louder and deeper exhaust, just not as pleasing.

    Many posts and a few threads from orig owners with same concern.

    Overall both are exceptional cars and speciales can be had around msrp now which makes them attractive again.
     
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  13. 458dreamer

    458dreamer Formula Junior

    Jul 3, 2012
    762
    Dubai
    I would say the Italia wins on both sound and looks. If you a want a more luxurious car the Italia would be the best bet.

    But for a more fun driving experience, greater agility, sharper handling, faster shifts etc.. the speciale wins. For that reason I would pick a speciale. Also better resale.
     
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  14. ibesuc

    ibesuc Formula Junior

    Jun 16, 2009
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    NY
    Full Name:
    Steve
    +1
     
  15. tekaefixe

    tekaefixe Formula 3

    May 10, 2012
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    NSXLuvr, spyder625, IloveGT and 4 others like this.
  16. Surfah

    Surfah F1 Rookie

    Dec 20, 2011
    3,135
    Fuoco is my favorite red. Photos dont do it justice, stunning IRL.
     
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  17. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
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    Jun 11, 2013
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    Very nice, but I don't think your car looks old at all.
     
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  18. tekaefixe

    tekaefixe Formula 3

    May 10, 2012
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    Eheh thank you :)
    I still love it though, for aggressive looks the Pista is the car to buy.
     
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  19. ajc

    ajc Rookie

    Aug 8, 2005
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    uk
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    AJC
    Now I am thinking a 458 spider over a speciale coupe as I am a convertable fan and better sounds options hmm?
     
  20. dustman

    dustman F1 Veteran
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    Jun 12, 2007
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    I had coupe, speciale and spider.

    Best sound by far is spider 458. Lots of shimmy and flex sadly.
     
  21. AlfistaPortoghese

    AlfistaPortoghese Moderator
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 18, 2014
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    Europe, but not by much.
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    Nuno
    I always thought/felt the Italia and Spider sounded the same, with the Spider being naturally more audible. The Speciale sounds great too, but imvho more high pitch, less gutural and burbly classic V8.

    In terms of design, I follow the less-is-more philosophy, I don’t enjoy visual pollution in the way of scoops, ailerons, etc, so again I prefer the Italia or Spider.

    Unless someone feels all Christmassy beforehand and wants to donate a Speciale to me :cool::D

    Kind regards,

    Nuno.
     
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  22. MANDALAY

    MANDALAY F1 World Champ
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    May 23, 2013
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    ANGELO
    If the Speciale was the actual Italia I would have bought her. Those whiskers :( and the curved ends of the front bumper are not attractive at all
     
  23. j34

    j34 Karting
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    Jun 13, 2019
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    With a custom exhaust on the Speciale do you think sound can get close to Italia?
     
  24. j34

    j34 Karting
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    Jun 13, 2019
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    To clarify- close in terms of quality of sound. I know it won’t sound the same.
     
  25. italiafan

    italiafan F1 World Champ
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    Jul 19, 2006
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    Stickbones Swagglesmith
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