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.
Those are "nice" observations. But you have to get behind the wheel to fully appreciate what really makes the Speciale so Speciale!
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.
+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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sound Italia (the spider is porn) but looks, speciale. Look at my car next to a friends Fuoco speciale.... My car looks feminine/pretty and old while the S is more muscular/racer Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Now I am thinking a 458 spider over a speciale coupe as I am a convertable fan and better sounds options hmm?
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 Kind regards, Nuno.
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
See videos posted....Speciale sounds epic. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/speciale-vs-16m.598317/