Decisions decisions....

No way you should downgrade to a low-power V8
I know I would be crucified for saying that in a 458 forum but we're in the 612/599 forum here so I may be safe...
I had a 599, my plan was initially to replace it with an F12 but eventually I went for a 488, to get a brand new Ferrari - downgrading to a V8 was only possible because the turbochargers addressed the blatant (and painful, coming from a 599) lack of torque of the 458.
I like the 488, it has some benefits compared to a relatively heavy front-engined V12; but I was so missing the V12 that eventually I had to add another one: the 488 is now complemented by a 550.

 

I say stick with the 599.

On the other hand, I wouldn't mind seeing your wife hit you with a cast iron pan!

 

V12, what else

You could buy 2 iron cast pans, so it could be 2:1 for you.


Talk to her, what else would you do with the money.
You will not loose soooo many $ the next years adding the 458.

Daniel

 

I've owned a GTB and currently own a GTO and also an Italia and you all here will probably want to yell at me, but, Im going to say it anyway: I would take the Italia. Yes the 599 V12 engine is a masterpiece, but when I think about stand out Ferraris of the past 25 years, I don't think the 599 is one of them. Its still special, its still a Ferrari I think they really improved the car with the GTO. Keep in mind, I would take the 599 over just about anyone else's car, but against a stand out car like the 458, I would take the 458 Italia over a 599 GTB ever time. And aside from the sound, I think the 458 engine is actually more fun - or maybe I should say its the package of engine and gearbox- it just revs so freely and with such force. With the one caveat if you really are just so blinded by the V12- and who would blame you? As a whole, I think the 458 is a ground breaking, game changing, and one of the best looking Ferraris- ever. Thats all just my opinion. I also agree that the 458 likely won't depreciate very much going forward, and I doubt the 599 will depreciate too much either. But there is a break in the market between the older automated cars and the dual clutch based cars.

 

Go with the 599. Most wives think bigger is better.

 

If I had to gamble on the two for depreciation I would ALWAYS bet on the 599 holding value better. It has the edge by pure numbers. The 458 is made in such large numbers it will go the way of 308 and others before. The great examples will appreciate but the poor examples will pull the others to the floor. Sure, there is a time both will appreciate but that's really far off even for someone who plays the long game.

 

The only things that could not be upgraded to early 599s were F1 related except maybe (not sure) the shock/body ECU, so you could easily make an HGTE 3 pedal with a little effort. Some dealers may still have partial HGTE upgrade kits in their inventory that they would be really happy to discount.

 

I own both a 599HGTE and a 458. Just two different cars. If I had to choose the 599 keeps the garage spot. Nothing replaces for me the V12 feel and raw power. On the other hand the canyon runs in the 458 are loads of fun as well.....


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