458 vs Huracan (honest) Review/Comparison

So it’s been about a week with the 2014 458 and I have a few thoughts I would like to share.

First for background I’ve owned various exotics and production cars. Huracan, GT3 (15), R8 (two of those), too many 911’s to count, other Lambo’s and a host of other misc fun cars. About 20 in the past 5 years.

So first, let’s clear the record—this is one opinion from a car nut and nothing more or less. If some comments rub you the wrong way, click out now.


Brand:

Huracan – Younger, hip, fresh, quasi nuvo, kinda the rebel kid.
458 – The benchmark, established, a little stuffy, F1, well hell it’s a Ferrari nothing more needed.

Looks:

Huracan: It’s low, it’s sleek, it’s eye catching, very slick, modern
458: Sexy, very proven, ideal lines and purpose, pina did an amazing job—classic to be.

As a side note, Huracan was like driving around like a rock star—people went crazy. 458 is certainly more ho hum, not as much attention to say the least. However, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing at all.

Interior Seats:

Huracan: Extremely comfortable and no complaints
458: Seats are good just can’t get it quite right, but solid

Electronics/Infotainment System

Huracan: Winner period. 12” screen, Bluetooth music stream, NAV that is usable, crisp interface, everything just works with lastest tech
458: Old, hard to use (or at least get use to), nothing special, reminds me of 90’s car

Shifting

Huracan: Transmission was never quite there for me in Huracan. Rough shifts.
458: Smooth, amazing, fast, leaves me speechless

Speed/Get up and go factor

Huracan: Okay, it’s fast and that can’t be argued. Like crazy fast.
458: More subdue but in a fast as **it kinda way. Let’s be honest, this car is faster than street legal and I just love the I’ve got it if you need it factor.

Sound:

Huracan: The various setting make it very loud and the down rev’s are like no other exotic I’ve owned. It’s a head turner on sound and VERY powerful. Clean, loud, it’s all there.
458: Sport is pretty worthless, but Race is quite nice. It’s the Ferrari ‘sound’ and VERY distinctive.

If you want loud—get a Lambo. No question.
If you want sexy and 'that sound you love', grab the 458.

Traction:

Huracan: Owned the 610-4 so the 4 wheel keeps it planted—for good or bad.
458: That back can kick out, but also allows for a little more fun. But not as confident when ‘going crazy’ as Lambo (looking forward to 580-2 to give me some more latitude like 458)

Steering:

Huracan: Fake fell and really hated it. I ordered Dynamic Steering and that is the issue.
458: I feel engaged with the car (like GT3) amazing 'with it' connection.

Tracking: Have not driven 458 out at COTA yet, so TBD. Have a feeling it’s going to be a great thing.

If anyone has any other questions regarding comparisons, feel free to ask.

Net/net. I like the 458 overall without question. Yes Huracan is a modern day high HP beast. Best electronics without question. But there is just something about a Ferrari…we all know that ‘feeling’. Whatever that ‘something’ is…it’s not what I ever felt in Huracan.

Winner (for me): 458. Period.

 

I don't own a 488, so can't. Have you owned both, if so (not merely driven), please feel free to post your own comparison of how it "murders" it.

Like I stated, I sold my Huracan for the 458. Both have strengths and weak points IMHO.

 

Are you keeping 610-4 when 488 arrives? Would be great to have both in the stable.

 

Fantastic! Great position to be able to have the ability for such a diverse selection.

Congrats in advance on SV and 488

 

I agree car is great. I don't have enough in the 'fun money' fund for both, so I had to choose.

 

I have a 580-2 on order (will be tough to let 458 go, but will make that call in April). I think it will be more 'fun' than 610 based upon all of the track reviews I've seen thus far. 580 is getting amazing reviews.

Depreciation is certainly another thing. My 610 stickered for $287, bought for $267, sold for $275 (on consignment in summer last year) and dealer kept difference (so I drove for free--and kept tax credit with dealer, which was rolled from another car anyways). Now they are going for $245 or less. So, like any exotic, yes it can hurt if you buy wrong (or even 'right').

580 came in at $228 sticker (minus a decent discount, but nothing to get excited about). At that price, it's probably a 10-15% hit first year is my guess.

 

Yeah 550 vs 610 is night and day. 610 is very easy DD--almost too easy.

Completely different in every way from 550.

Enjoy the 488--should be a fun ride!

 

Wow they dropped even more than I thought. Thats a lot of car for $219!

Make sure if you buy one it has a lift. MANDATORY on 610. I don't have on 458 and fine, but 610 is so low, would scrape even over small bumps or angles.