488 488 GTB vs 488 Spider (plus another question or two)

Personnally I'm against spiders because of the loss of rigidity - although from generation to generation, better engineering reduces the spider's penalty. And with the level of power now reached, the weight is not a real issue. Many of your questions will get very subjective answers (particularly from me, as a 488 GTB owner), but I think it's safe to say the 488 is a lot closer to the F8 than to the 458. The 488 is a different car than the 458 (even though the 488 is based on the 458 platform), while the F8 is an improved 488.

 

I've owned a 488 GTB and driven a 488 Spyder, also drove both a 458 Italia and 458 Spyder.

There is cowl shake in both the 488 and 458 convertibles, but less noticeable in the 488, but it's still there. That said, you only really notice it if you push the car, or when going over uneven surfaces (the bumpy road button helps, but not enough).

The 488 is much much closer to the F8 than the 458. Not just because of the NA / FI difference, but the chassis is better and the handling and steering are tighter and sharper (sorry, 458 owners, but the truth is what it is). The brakes are also better on the 488, there's better modulation even though you do still have that "on/off" sensation.

This isn't to say the 458 is a bad car -- it's not. Just that if you are going to compare it against the 488, it is just not as good. Unless, of course, you worship at the altar of "this is the last mid-engine NA Ferrari blah blah" then the 458 is the greatest thing since the addition of cheese on hamburgers.

 

I have a 2017 488 Spider with 6200 miles and there is zero cowl shake no matter the usage.

 

Spider only if you got a long pimp hand

 

The 458 does sound better than a 488. But at least the 488 sounds like SOMETHING....unlike the F8, which is a decent sound away from being a nearly perfect car.

 

Where in the USA do you live? How much will you drive with top down?

I live in Florida - Tampa. I've had convertibles here before and it's horrible driving with the top down with heat and humidity and end up smelling like exhaust fumes as well. Plus I like to see the engine and the Sypyder hides that. I also like the stiff no flex chassis as the Spyder's cowl shake over bumps.

 

FWIW , my old 488 s is back for sale at F Tampa. The car was perfect with no issues. I traded it 2.5 years ago. It’s back for sale now , and it looks perfect. The car was completely wrapped too. Good luck hunting.

 

Mine was the Nero Daytona . By the way…… black IS the new red.

 

All this usual talk about "rigidity" and "cowl noise" is way overblown and over reported.
Only noise I ever hear is that glorious engine, with my tunes barely having a chance through the so-called premium sound system.
Once you go topless, there's no coming back. It's a much better way to enjoy the cooler Florida months (November-March) and any time evening, night, and Sunday mornings, with the open air simply at your finger tips. And it's not the 'relative horror' of a soft-top convertible or a 'trunk convertible' where you'd have to be on a full stop to open/close. If you want to glass view the engine, can always change the cover. Should no longer be the exorbitant $10K it used to be. Only regret is that the engine has to be on in order to open/close the top.
And don't get me started on the "weight penalty." This is a 670 HP engine! Planning to go at 200 MPH? You lose 0.1 sec from 0 to 124 MPH; let me know next time you do this.
Good luck!

 

1.) How different is the handling? Subtle or monumental? If different what is?
-don't over think it
2.) Acceleration. How bad is the weight penalty?
-see my last post above
3.) Maintenance. Any mechanical major issues to worry about with a Spider vs fixed roof GTB?
-not heard any consistent, major issue
4.) Interior cabin room? How much room is lost on Spider over GTB? I'm not that tall but I have short legs and a tall torso so in most coupes I have to have the seat as low as possible or my head is hitting the roof especially if I'm wearing a helmet.
-no structural change between the two in this regard

Unrelated to the differences of the two cars had a few general questions?
1.) I've driven a 458 Italia and F8 Tributo but never had an opportunity to try the 488. So how's it compare between it's successor and predecessor?
-someone responded to this earlier. Only thing I'd give the F8 is a better looking front. Its weak exhaust note is real. As an F12 owner, you are in an unique position to understand this concept
2.) I've owned multiple forced induction cars in the past from other manufacturers and I know they typically take well to a software tune to turn the boost up. Any reliability issues in doing such (e.g. transmission can take it and motor?)?
-I defer to others to comment
3.) Beyond the typical "sticky buttons" are there any major faults/issues to look for on these cars? Currently an F12 owner but thinking about moving back to the mid engine rear mounted cars.
-sticky buttons, very annoying in a housed price vehicle
4.) How's the difference between sport seats and race seats on this car?
-would go for race seats. They are functionally and visually superior, and, unless you're near the GA border, you don't need seat heat in Florida

Lastly, I'd endorse the 488 Pista, the only reason why I'd give up my open airness!

 

I have two spiders - 458 and F8, and also live in FL. Top down season is at least 6 months. Unless you’re gonna track the car, I wonder how much the difference between the two would make, but the vert adds a whole other dimension. Just my opinion.

FWIW, the F8 is Scuderia red, which I like a lot.

Nero is a fantastic color on the 488, and it might be worth looking at @Cigarsman’s car at F Tampa. Solid Ferrari owner who takes care of his cars.

I had my heart set on red when I was hunting for the 458 and ended up with a white one. Love the color.

 

William , I got news for you…… Florida is 12 months a year top down season unless it’s raining. I have the tan to prove it all year.
Also , I’ve only owned 6 F cars all which have been convertibles. Including my current F8 and Portofino which is my DD.
I just love the open-air feeling.

 

I purchased a 488 spider last month after considering the 458 spider and the 488 gtb. I am very happy with the spider! I was worried about rigidity with a spider but the 488 is quite solid and I am sensitive to the topic. The top is quiet and solid with no rattles or squeaks when closed. Top down is amazing and it stays warm even when cooler with some heated seats and cabin heat. I am 6-2 and fit perfect with the Daytona electric seats. I love the sound with stock exhaust and see no reason to make any modifications. The primary reason I chose 488 spider over 458 spider is additional structural bracing after doing some research ( but have never driven 458 spider to be able to personally compare). Finally, the car has so much power I have a hard time using it. Don’t worry about any slight difference compared to a gtb!
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ONLY comment that i can contribute is that my 488 GTB 18 even after 5 years old still spells brand new. The leather smell is awesome every time we enter the car

 

Us convertible folks have a secret sauce ……… Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

lol

 

I purchased a spider from FLL F back in July. Very enjoyable with the top down. No issues with flex to date.