Which seats are more comfortable Racing or Standards?

Most people that have driving time in both say that the racing seats are more comfortable.

I chose the racing seats due to:

1. Recommendations of other owners
2. The aggressive exterior appearance of the 458 asks for an aggressive looking seat

 

I've had Daytona's twice and ordered Racing seats this time. I did sit in a racing seat and was surprised how comfortable it was.

Others with back problems have complained that the racing seat is tough on them.

It's really a matter of personal taste. The only real way to know for you is to sit in one. They are the same seats in a Scud so if you can't find a 458 with racing seats, try a Scud.

I chose racing this time because it saves weight (about 50 lbs) and I think looks better.

If you order them, order them large. Very few people order them anything else.

 

I am assuming that racing seats are not electric? Heated?

 

Not electric, not heated. But better shaped IMO than the standard seats. You can spend all day in the race seats and still feel fresh.

 

That's correct. Manual adjustment only.

 

Seats are tricky. One man's comfort is another man's pain. If you possibly can, sit in one for awhile even if stationary. Racing seats look great and weigh less but they are of no use if you can't get comfortable.

 

Really need to sit in them all. I'm 6'5 and wide in the shoulders. I sat in racing seats (too small for me), Daytonas and electric standards. I found the standards were wider, more comfortable, and actually allowed me a bit more leg room.

 

If anyone has a wife!.Ask them first.I had the racing seats in my Scuderia.If I wanted to take her to dinner in that car I had to take 2 cars

 

I had a 2010 458 coupe. The seats had full power/heat/inflatable bladders. At 5' 7" and 145 lbs. they were the worst sport seat ever. No lateral support - bolsters get hard but did not wrap around with inflation. Also, head rest pushed my head forward so neck always at weird angle. Great commodious seat, but NO lateral support. If it was a daily driver, maybe I could recommend the standard seat as easy in/easy out. But that is the only compliment I can give them. Also, and more important to anyone taller than me (most) - the seats are mounted too high. My head barely stayed off headliner. Tall guys have to lean seat way back. My spider is coming through with race seats. They feel like "bucket seats" should. I sat ON the Daytonas. I sit IN the race seats. As everyone has said - go sit in them. And spend more than 30 seconds in them. They are very different. The only downside to race seat is that you have to get height and rake/tilt of seat bottom done at dealer. (Or by someone who can take seat out of car.) Not adjustable on the go. Just seat back angle and fore/aft distance. I wish you the best with this very important decision.

 

Race seats in a car you drive very much are a pain. I have the electric daytonas in mine.

 

I have racing seats in my new spider - the best seats I've ever had in any car. They work for me - but as others have commented everyone's different so maybe you can try them at your dealer first.

David

 

Absolutely, the race seats are more comfortable than the standard/full electric seats IMO.
I drove about 4 hours in the 458, and was rather comfortable. I'm 6'3" 240#.

 

I've had three sets of daytona's that were very confortable. I was unsure about not having all the adjustments of the electric seats. I rode in Street and Tracks 458 and was extremely comfortable. I ordered them and really enjoy them. Afterall the dealer sets the correct height. I believe that there are 3 or perhaps 4 levels. Absolutely no regrets.

 

I had Daytonas in both my F430 and Spider and now have racing seats (large) in my 458. I highly recommend the racing seats. They are superb even for daily drivers with excellent support and comfort. I also think they look the best of the seat options.

 

seats with the electric option allow you to get your back straight up and down, as bmw does with most of their seat designs. The racing seats will force your back into a curve, and eventually for most, gravity will work on increasing that curve. Another way to look at it, are you more comfortable sitting and walking with a straight back or hunched over? going around a track for several laps, no problem either way, but for drives of an hour or more, pour posture can affect you.. I had the racing seats, and drove a 458 at exotics racing with power electric optioned.. Didn't notice the headrest pushing my head forward. And that can be the most annoying thing in the world..

 

I don't know if you saw the R & T test between the 12C, the Vette, and the 458 but the 458 was rated as having the best seats. They were supplied racing seats.

 

No question the racing seats look best, but after driving using both on the track I did not find the power seats to be lacking. In the end I went for the convenience of the power adjustment/memory. Also, based on the women at my track event, the adjustment range is a big benefit for the average female passenger who is looking to raise and adjust the angle of the seat bottom. If you're the only driver and don't have a passenger issue, go for cool. If not, I don't think you'll regret the full power seats.

 

My $0.02 - If you have a choice of seats, pick the one that is most comfortable to sit in...but go sit in them for as long as you can first.

We have racing seats - my wife and I both found them to be the most comfortable, and having now put miles on, they are the best seats I've had in any car

As for adjustments....for her, I had to have a booster pad made to give her some elevation (she is 5'2"). For both of us, setting the seat/wheel and belting up after engine start is our pre-flight routine.