600+ miles

Ferrari have really changed the equation with the 458. We have all watched the videos, read the articles and posts from Europe. All of this stuff is true. I can't explain the 458 and its systems better than Evo so I'll take a comparison approach using my own cars as a reference.

I drove the 458 for 20 minutes then switched to Scuderia for 20 minutes. Amazing how Ferrari marginalized the Scud so quickly and seemingly with little regard to the Scuderia image & name. Scud felt like it was running on 6 cylinders, I checked gauges, it was fine.

The 458 is nearly F40 exciting. The F40 leaves you coming down from an emotional surge 15 minutes after you shut it off. Sights, sounds, power. The 458 is so fast your interaction with the car demands attention to shifting, braking and careful decisions about where you're steering the car. With rear tire temps at 120F the tires will break loose into 2nd gear, caution is required. Driving F40, you think what prompted Ferrari to build such a car? With 458, it makes you wonder how Ferrari can legally sell such a thing?

Though the Scud was disappointing, the follow up drive in the 599HGTE was still wonderful. No worries about the V12 being trumped, didn't happen. 599 and 458 are so different but I was curious as to the initial feel of 599 after the Italia. They each have place and 599 is still the power play.

The 458 is just amazing, nothing modern compares. If you're on the fence, don't be. If you're torn by thought of selling your scud, don't be. It's worth the wait. More to follow.

 

I'm keeping my scud and will drive her occasionally. I think you should test yourself before selling but I am not exaggerating this point. The 458 is faster, handles better, sounds better. Someone else will back me up on this point.

 

No way! The GTO and F40 are still my favorite drivers (on Sunday mornings). The 458 is top of the class for the modern V8, the 599 HGTE pulls harder and is just as rewarding of an experience. The big shocker for me was how it made the Scuderia feel in comparison. Because the Scud is less comfortable than F430, if I were to sell a car, I would sell Scud and keep F430 for daily drives. The F430 isn't trying to be more than it is, it's a wonderful and comfortable supercar. The Scud lost this fight in the first round by KO.

 

I'm thinking about taking different route, buying a challenge car for track days. For once, if someone said they needed more car than the 458, I would say "seriously?". It's hard enough to keep this car planted on the road. Physics has got to be the next priority for Ferrari. Overcome physics with systems. I never had my Scuds hot tires break loose in 2nd and 3rd gear. I have a track weekend with 458 coming soon.

 

I need to read the manual and then report back to you. I can't seem to turn radio off. I do turn it off and then it comes on by itself in 10 minutes. And I don't like where they put the fuel door/bonnet release switch. It's right on the inner sill where you get in and out and is prone to being hit.

As far as options, I'm very happy and feel you do not need to overly option this car. If you love carbon fiber, that's a personal thing but no passenger will ever comment on the carbon once the stoplight turns green. I'd save the money for tires .

I also think the engine bay and lid are better presented (more pleasing to the eye) in the F430. That's a little knit picky on my part.

As far as driving, I'm waiting for it to rain to test more. You're gonna love this thing. But your F430 is still incredible by comparison, the scud has simply lost its value proposition.

 

In race and sport mode the car will throw itself around before it gathers itself into a straight line if you put gas pedal to the floor.

 

I think LEDS are actually quite useful in this car, the other options (Rims and Racing Seats) are more for personal taste and don't think they are must haves.

 

I wouldn't be so concerned on weight, it's got plenty-o-power. Agility, Grip & Braking? On road, amazing. Turn in weight and feel is much sharper than scud. I will put the car on track once or twice to feel my limitations with car a little better. Neither scud nor 458 is a suitable track car IMO, expensive to fix and short on safety for both of them. For a track day here and there, sure. Start up and idle, Maser GTS sounds much better. In race mode, the 458 will wake the neighbors at 15MPH. Maser GTS loses it's thunder at 50MPH IMO, the 458 just comes online then.

 

I got the pictures, thank you. Hey, I thought you were banned from this website. And on a serious note, what set up do you use that will allow a Viper to turn a corner at 40+MPH anyhow PS you owe me some tire tread for the 458. What was I thinking...

And when I get tickets to Monza in September, Craig will say "Watkins Who?"

 

The GTO is a rear-mid-engine (1985 288 GTO) and not 599 GTO. I would love to drive the 599 GTO, maybe someday!