No difference between 10s and 11s, other than getting the bugs sorted out such as initial fire problems. 12s and later come with a 7 year service contract that is worth about $10K or less, give or take, and they also have transmission software upgrades.
largely because of the software upgrades, 2010 and pre-upgrade 2011 coupes have a louder exhaust note and more extraneous noises from the exhaust (burbles, pops, cracks, etc...) than post-upgrade 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 models
12's have software upgrades to make the car kick more between shifts in race mode. Earlier models were criticized as being too smooth. It's like a 5 grand upgrade to have earlier models have the same. The other big chance is the 7 year free maintenance program.
But, ypu are missing the cracks and burbles from exhaust.... But, you can just drop top and let your locks blow in the mountain air.
Well, sorry to tell you this Phil but they took that software upgrade out of the spider. I know, I owned both. After owning the 12 coupe and getting into a 13 spider, I wondered what was wrong with the spider after I picked it up. I think also that over time, they improved the reliability of the DCT's. The 10's and 11's had more problems than the 12's. If you look at F chat today, there are fewer and fewer saying their gearbox needs to be replaced. In 11 it was almost every week we saw someone saying it.
My '10 Coupe kicks plenty on upshift. Looking at the tiny list of "improvements" over the years, Ferrari either got it very right from the get-go or they are kinda lazy. I'm guessing the former.
I have driven a friend's 458 Italia Coupe. It's like kissing your sister compared to driving the 458 Spider. Real men drive Spiders (witness F1) sissies drive coupes (witness NASCAR). If I want to be a sissie I can put the top up. But I can still put the rear window down to hear the engine and exhaust. And you won't have to get your hair mussed. OK. I will have to admit I put the top up 2x just to stay in touch with my feminine side. But I did not drive in AUTO mode. That would be gay. Best
I got a 12' 458 2 months ago. Why?, Upgraded software, 7 year maintenance and 18 months warranty remaining. If one goes out and buys a 10 or 11, adds warranty for 2 years, and factors the 3 to 4 years of maintenance its probably cheaper to just grab a 12', very happy with my decision. Many will argue warranty is not necessary, but, early cars did have some gearbox issues=BIG $$$. I myself, would not drive one of these cars without a warranty... I installed the capristo valve remote (warranty friendly with my dealer ) and the sound now has plenty of bark!
Didnt the upgrade also make it so you have a better feel of the road? Thats what the parts book says.
I own a 2012 and can open valves at will. With them open, I do hear a few relatively low "pops" when letting off the throttle. It reminds me of when I was a teenager seeking attention. To me the "popping" sound is just "noise", a distraction, misplaced in a sophisticated work of art that is the 458. The unique and melodious sound emanating from the exhaust with valves open are like a waltz and the popping like rap music. For those who enjoy the mix, to each his own, and no judgement intended.I own race cars and truly enjoy the loud exhaust and back pressure caused noises, but when driving on a highway or streets, to me, the popping is just noise. I don't get it (obviously). Best
My 12' is JBL, that is what the little emblem says on my door speaker grills anyhow. I thought it was always JBL for HI-FI throughout all model year 458's?
Back in June as I was taking delivery of my spider, salesman told me JBL audio is a brand new, he's just started see them rolling out with it recently.
Given the number of 458s sold in america in 2010, 2011, for someone to post every week or every other week that their less than 18 months old, (likely less than 12,000 mile) gearbox had to be REPLACED ALREADY, is very concerning. Certainly reliability isn't the top reason people buy Ferraris, but c'mon, a practically brand new gearbox going out in less than 18 month/12k miles. That's concerning for a $250,000 car. I don't expect Toyota/Honda reliability, but I expect the drivetrain to last at least as long as a car from Detroit