Here's Why The Ferrari 488 GTB is a Better Buy than The Mighty 458 Italia

[@motorconcierge]

Man I really wish these kind of choice problems are part of my life one day, lol.

[@mukhtar__]

u never know

[@FinanzNerd85]

Yeah... 😅

[@PauloSouza-fu3cl]

same! i’m sure it will

[@verde629]

I know right? Impossible in our lifetime to own one. Best thing normal ppl can do is rent one lol

[@keithjackson4985]

They can be. Never doubt yourself.

[@Rendaro]

I'm sure the 488 is the better overall package, it is the successor to the 458 after all. I just can't get over the looks though, not saying its bad looking at all, but the proportions seem a little off to me. The 458 had a perfect mixture of modern design elements with classical curves and lines. Whilst the styling of the 488 to my eye looks like someone butchered a 458 with an after market body kit from ali express.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

How can you like the design of the 458 more then that of the 488? The 458 looked so wrong from so many perspectives. They did everything they can to do a similar style but overall better design then the 488. I wish there was a 488 with the engine of the 458...

[@tobias_k01]

​@@Gentleman...Driver I agree. And well, there was a one off, the 458 MM Speciale, and that one kind of does that.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

488 has a better rear. The taillights on the 458 were awful. The 360 had a better rear.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@tobias_k01 Yeh, the Speciale is quite alright. In person even better then at pictures.

[@Billn1971]

I don't know...for me. I love the 488 style.

[@JackieLanceTenor]

The only super car I've ever got to drive is a 458 a few years ago. My mom got me one of those exotic car experiences at a track for my birthday and it was one of the most special and memorable experiences I've ever had. I was nearly in tears getting into the car.

[@retrac3147]

That’s so cool. My brother is doing that but with a huracán cuz I think he’s a lambo guy. I can’t wait til I’m old enough and do the same thing… 458 would be my choice I think

[@jo05dk]

I would take a N/A Ferrari over any of the mentioned McLarens, but when we move to a turbocharged Ferrari i'm looking towards McLarens and finding great value. To me it's a question of going for the thoroughbred N/A Ferrari, or take whatever turbo car that fits your economy best.

[@amarjit_singh_]

Careful with McLaren's. 675LT is the sweet spot.

[@ftboomer1]

Ferrari's have a interesting place as something you can spin wrenches on if that is your thing. (It is mine) Is that true for the McLaren? I've heard no

[@Celticsamuraiblue]

@@amarjit_singh_Build quality is poor

[@s.k.4111]

I have a 488 GTB and made 15'000km with it. It's a great car but had some small issues with it. It's perfect as a daily and as a "monthly" car. Overall I'm happy with it but now I want to switch it with a 458 spider just because I like the design more, the engine sounds better and I never had a cabrio yet.

[@thepurplesband]

The Spider is epic. You won’t be disappointed!

[@antonis5999]

I don't think I am exactly qualified to say this (I have never owned either of them), but the torque defiency of the 458 will probably make you regret the switch. This is just my assumption though

[@s.k.4111]

@@antonis5999 well I live in switzerland and you don‘t need any fast car here. I just want a good sounding cabrio and I think the 458 fits good for me.

[@mcsykes9718]

I owned a 458 spider. It was a great car.

[@s.k.4111]

@@mcsykes9718 may I ask why you sold it?

[@Spheredalai]

as a person who prefers regular cars, James is one of the few people who can convince me to watch a video about ferraris 👏

[@resnonverba137]

Perhaps he could also persuade you to use capital letters?

[@francispowell1811]

@@resnonverba137 😅

[@Spheredalai]

@@resnonverba137 ?

[@bimbettocavallo]

He hasn't persuaded me to watch a video about Jags though

[@vytas5584]

Same. I drive a £2000 Daihatsu. That’s all the car I need.

[@Marcustx23]

Edit: September 2024. I have added a 488 Pista to my lineup. Wow. What an amazing car. Still doesn't sound better than the 458 but it's better in most other ways. Looks fantastic. Fast as all get out. It has the looks. The 458 is still art, though. (Note: I no longer own the Exige S. It wasn't getting driven. Rule in my house is that if it doesn't get driven, it gets sold. It's gone.) I own a 2014 Ferrari 458, 2019 Porsche GT3 RS, and a 2007 Lotus Exige S. All three great in their own right. I think the 488 is a fantastic car - if you want a turbo. I’m a fan of naturally aspirated motors, so I ended up buying the 458 over the 488. I’m not in denial, though. Technologically the 488 is a step above the 458. But the 488 just doesn’t provide the same experience for me. I just can’t get past the sound differences, either. I know you think the 488 actually sounds better than the 458, Jay, but you know you’re in the minority. I’m positive that most people disagree with your take there. I added a cat-back exhaust (S-Line) to the 458. It has given it just the right tone for me. I think you’d like it. My GT3 RS, meanwhile, is completely outfitted with Dundon Motorsports headers, crackpipe exhaust, high flow cats, throttle body, air box, etc. It’s a riot. None of my cars, past or present, come close to the sound that comes from the RS with the Dundon goodies. Amazing. The Exige? What can I say. It’s a go-kart. Raw. Not fast but it’s certainly a joy to drive. I won’t be selling it any time soon. But let me get back to the 458. It’s a thing of beauty. The 488 does not compare when it comes to looks. The 458 is a thing of art. The body lines flow logically and beautifully. Very well thought out. Jay, comparing the 458 and 488 will almost always come down to preference. There are pros and cons for both when you’re analyzing them. I prefer an NA motor. I prefer the clean body lines of the 458. I prefer the front end of the 458. But I prefer the interior of the 488. The suspension is improved in the 488 but that’s something I’m willing to live without because there are some things I love more about the 458. In the end, there is no definitive answer. It’s opinion. You have yours and I have mine. I love the 458. You love the 488 (and the 355 even more). Whatever the case, the key is that both of us are going to be happy with our choices. Thanks for providing the high-quality content that you routinely put out. Keep up the great work, mate.

[@TML34]

In summary, get the Porsche. 😂

[@Marcustx23]

@@TML34 Or in my case, keep them all. The Porsche will always be a keeper. It’s reliable, well built, and a fun car to drive. I love it.

[@jeremyn6726]

agree with everything you said. I couldn't get over the turbo and had to go 458. Sounds like the dream garage set up! All that as a landscape photographer? Damn, nice work sir!

[@Marcustx23]

@@jeremyn6726 Jeremy, I was a landscape photographer from 2011-2018. Since then, I’ve been doing other things. I’m a commercial real estate investor (hospitality industry emphasis). Nothing but passive income at this point. Meanwhile, congrats on your 458. We could’ve done much worse! 👍👍

[@noelstevens6190]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@jovar.3649]

I just don't agree. The 488, as fast as it is, marked the beginning of the end for the allure of the Ferrari mid-engine car. Slow or no, I'll take a 458 and its naturally aspirated goodness any day of the week. Put it this way, if I need a getaway car, I'd take a 488/F8, but if I want to have fun driving it's the 458, no matter what you say.

[@jovar.3649]

@Richard Harrold I think a 430 is up your alley, and I understand

[@funemployed468]

The 488 is better in every way except for the sound, which is still very good and distinct from any other v8.

[@Corvolet5]

And even then the 488 was slower than similarly powered McLarens. Even a 570S would keep up at times. The 458 wouldn't be my first pick but alongside the F12 it's in my opinion one of the last glorious Ferraris.

[@funemployed468]

@Richard Harrold a car is a package. Unless you have a 430 with a stick, the cars simply aren’t really meant to be driven hard, a 488 however can be beaten on reliably and does sound nice. Rubbish is simply an overstatement.

[@funemployed468]

@Richard Harrold you clearly have no lived experience and are simply blabbering on at this point.

[@only1stefan]

488 for me all day long i bought the spider last year did 13k around Europe and enjoyed every little bit it just seemed to do everything well and now with some miles on it the exhaust noise has really opened up a lot. never missed a beat .

[@alansilver3482]

I just acquired a 488. Must agree with you in everything you say. People that say 458 last v8 proper Ferrari much better than 488 just obviously never driven the 488. I think your reviews are excellent as you say it as it is. Not what people want to hear. Head and shoulders above most of the you tube muppets out there!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks, always good to get owners feedback!

[@alansilver3482]

@@JayEmmOnCars keep up the good work. Glad your taste in cars better than your taste in shirts. I would donate your shirts to shmee. I think they may be perfect for him !

[@TheJustaviewman]

458 for me wins over the 488. Better looks, better sound and normally aspirated.

[@Hello_there_obi]

Exactly. This guy doesn’t seem to get it at all. I don’t care if it’s slower. I’ll take the one that makes me feel more and enjoy more.

[@gabillionaire]

Personally I prefer the looks of the 488. But then the engine..... dealbreaker...

[@Hello_there_obi]

@@gabillionaire on what planet is the nose in particular of the 488 better lol

[@gabillionaire]

@@Hello_there_obi I like the nose of the 488, the twin vertical lines look like the nose of the F1 cars of Michael Schumacher's era. The nose of the 458 looks like a smiley face with the mouth open

[@Hello_there_obi]

@@gabillionaire aren’t you thinking of the 430? The whole reason people love the front end of the 458 is because it’s so chiselled and the opening/mouth is narrow. The 488 has a larger more guppy mouth. The 430 is ridiculous though. Hammond’s parody of it was perfect lol.

[@MVD792]

The 458 Italia is a much better looking and sounding car...

[@remstesthd6784]

i had ride on country roads in a 488 GTB what a car ! pulls really hard from low rev to max rpm and the sound of the V8 behind your ears is really good too suspension on normal mode isnt harsh at all

[@thewaywardgrape3838]

I really like your channel James. You leave out the pretentiousness and constant air-of-money that many youtubers show, when discussing purchasing something in the six figure range. You focus more on the real-world application; ownership & driving experience. 👍👍

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

Like Shmupid150

[@JohnFromAccounting]

Had a guy rev out his 488 next to me at the lights today. Whatever the complaints about the engine were, I have no interest. It is certainly an exciting spectacle.

[@MM-xr6tz]

Sounds like my wife's Audi S3 James. I'd go 458, as I'd take soul over perfection every time.

[@AB-80X]

Interesting. So you think the soul is in the sound rather than how the car actually feels and drives? Maybe you are better off with the S3.

[@brrrrr9999]

Rare take that I disagree with. Driving etc. aside, the main reason people go for the 458 is because the sound matters to the experience. lol

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I get that, but like I said from inside and out of the box, these are better. And a 355 wipes the floor with them both!

[@AB-80X]

That's what is wrong with people. So many talk but don't have a clue. Here's a fun observation I have made over the later years. The more involved with motorsport and the better drivers people are, the more they tend to gravitate towards the 488 rather than the 458. As an actual rewarding drivers car, the 488 is leaps and bounds ahead of the 458, and that at any speed.

[@Normanchoong]

@@AB-80X Drivers will still want the 458 for street use due to its complete package and use other brands if they want a serious speed machine. Isnt gt3 rs way more popular as drivers car, what about the Mclaren lighter and super capable 600LT, 675LT, or even the 720S, these are all better than 488 and similarly priced, Ferarri is not the only brand, i think comparing 458 and 488 is missing the whole picture, they serve different needs. 458 for looks, sound, reasonable price but less headache than, say 355, still reasonably fast. 488 is turbo, hence it has to compete with all other brands, and it instantly fell short. The SF90 is a mighty car in this category compared to the 488 which looks pale in comparison to other brands.

[@AB-80X]

@@Normanchoong Let's get one thing out of the way before we move further. As a drivers car, thereøs absolutely nothing about the 458 which makes it a "complete package". Before we get into a discussion about this, I need to ask you this. How much experience do you have as an owner or driver of the cars in question, and the other cars you mention? I don't ask this to be condescending in any way, so please don't take it as such. I ask because I personally find it hard to discuss a car in detail that I had either not owned, or at least not spent a fair bit of time with on both road and track.

[@Normanchoong]

@@AB-80X I own 458 and 911.1 GT3 and, before I purchase the 458 I have tested 720s, huracan, and 488. The 488 is definitely not as good as 720s, perhaps only more reliable. 488 pista would be nice but it's double the price. I have sat in a SF90 with dealer driving too, totaling insane, hybrid will kill all turbos only.

[@neblolthecarnerd]

I never really liked this car when it came out since I was a 458 fan and wasn't a fan of the design changes. However over time and after seeing a few in person I've started to like them more and more.

[@JasonMilner]

What an excellent, balanced, thorough and fair review. I'm reminded again why I subscribed to your channel. Many thanks!

[@GuusvanLienen]

Well, the problem with the McLarens is that it is a 'one recipe fits all'. Carbon tub, Ricardo V8 and some different bodystyles (exaggerating a bit). But there are only a few people who can see the difference between a 540C and a 720S...

[@sanjayskaria9467]

Wonderful video. Long awaited to have a full review of the 488. Waiting for the pista video.🏎️

[@Shwnm1490]

488 appeals to engineers and those of the same mindset, 458 ,appeals to the soul.

[@DFWsCars]

with downpipes and a cutback exhaust they sound really good too.

[@AB-80X]

Right. I'd say the 488 appeals to drivers, and the 458 appeals to poseurs.

[@a.c.vermillion]

​@@AB-80X because if you're into a more classical looking car you're instantly a poser.. ok noted ✍🏻

[@AB-80X]

@@a.c.vermillion No. I say that because as an actual drivers car, the 488 is a much better car. So many now buy 458’s, de-cat them and cruise the city streets.

[@cheng2006]

@@a.c.vermillion what classical looking lol, they clearly look very similar to each other.

[@neilmiller6214]

I had a 458 Italia in red and I adored it, choosing between a 458 and another incredible Ferrari is like choosing between Margot Robbie and Katy Perry, you win either way!

[@alexbooth1982]

Loving the content as always James. I’m currently looking at a 458 against a 488. I can’t get into the 488 though, I can’t get past the noise of the turbo engine. I think it has to be the 458 to go alongside my FF - which you helped convince me to buy with your videos!

[@BrianCorish]

You’ll also have the benefit of zero depreciation. The 488 is depreciating the same way the 360 did after the 355. 458 values appear to be going the other way. I’m interested in a FF to go with my 458, how have you found it reliability wise?

[@alexbooth1982]

@@BrianCorish it’s been absolutely solid, I daily drive it and it’s amazing. I want the 458 over the 488 as I just prefer that era of Ferrari - the noise etc. I’d highly recommend getting an FF to go with your 458! Completely agree with you on the depreciation too. I can’t see the FF or 458 going down, they’ll keep climbing.

[@jafooli]

​@@BrianCorish I think the FF will disappoint if you're a 458 owner. No race seats or race mode, sound is good from outside, but more distant sounding from the inside. Interior is not as interesting. Feels heavier, more like a boat. Only benefit is if you really want the 4 seats.

[@BrianCorish]

@@jafooli I have two kids and our current family car is a Tesla which I hate. I’m trying to convince my wife the FF as a family car is a good investment (she’s not buying it!) ideally I’d keep the 458 too if I can afford it.

[@jafooli]

If you don't mind adding the miles and the risk of expensive repairs, FF would be a good family car.

[@adamgamble8386]

Yes future classic people who have a 488 will be worth more more in 10 to 15 years no doubt about it 488 and pista is very soilds car for ferrari and will become dieserable due to having a turbo and better to drive. The 458 will go up in value aswell and both cars have a strong GT racing win history, but as the years roll on it will show which ferrari fans want more 458 or a 488.

[@Gibbo205]

Noise aside I found my drives in the 488 at legal speeds boring, the chassis was too planted, whereas the 458 felt alive in comparison at legal speeds, the chassis is more loose. Biggest improvement for me with the 488 was the brakes over the 458, something I note you did not mention, gearbox my 2014 Italia seems spot on can't really say it really any different. For me the 458 was and is a far more fun car, yes the 488 is a better daily, the 488 is also faster on track too, but the 458 is just a special car, whereas the 488 was just not for me.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

We do not see eye to eye on the 458, maybe I've just been unlucky with the two I've driven but they were just both boring. In terms of "playfulness" neither of them is even close to coming unstuck at road legal speeds, but the 488 to me talks a lot more.

[@mcsykes9718]

I owned a stock 458 spider it sounded great. Went great, looked great. The car guys were owners of both and did a comparison. They still have the 458. I sold my 458 during Covid wish I had kept it. That car was a low mileage car. I think it would be easier to find a good 488 at a lower price in todays market.

[@FrankG-nd7tk]

Hi Jay I love you videos and usually agree with you . But not on this one . I have driven them back to back on track and at the dealer when I was contemplating which one I wanted . And I bought a 2013 458 spider . It’s a more raw drivers experience and sounds way better than a 488. There is a certain way to drive a 458 to get the most out of it and you need a few hours to get the most out of it . Race and manual mode , and use those paddle shifters at the right time . Sounds epic at 9000 rpm . Cheers mate 😃👍

[@benpenagonzales6014]

The few people I know who’ve had both say the 488 is just miles better. But prices don’t reflect that and I stupidly want a 458 having test drive one on a driving day. If I ever get the money I may go NSX as a Honda it’ll just work and not fall to pieces

[@ClarkeMunford]

You make so many excellent points, and I found myself nodding in agreement for 30 straight minutes. Particularly the fact that the 488 can be more fun in normal driving situations, and not just when screaming to redline. One of the best vids I’ve seen on your channel, and thank you for continuing to deliver fantastic content!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@molotovdk]

I'll agree the 458 might sound by default unspectacular at low speeds, but when it screams sweet jesus does it scream. The 488 just sounds like a generic turbo v8, the cabin noise is "enhanced" by a sound symposer.

[@Fioravanti.80]

The 488 needs just an exhaust system that makes the engine scream a little more. Fabspeed exhaust system for this car sounds the best to my ears.

[@martinthomas7578]

The engine is better than you think, I heard you say the turbo has virtually no lag and pulls from low rpm. Just saying the the turbo's don't even kick in until 4,000rpm, and only provide boost from 4-8000. So below 4000, the engine is naturally aspirated. Which is stunning as the car will pull in 7th gear at 20mph, no turbo. stunning engine.

[@N4CR]

Can do that with an LS as well lol

[@nighthawk0077]

Absolute nonsense. Peak torque is at 3000rpm. That means the turbos start spooling and begin to make boost as soon as there is sufficient exhaust flow.

[@shadowsystemproject]

the 488 is one of the better ferrari's good looking good road car good solid race car aswell just something about it that is 458 but better and more solid

[@scottthomson9813]

When I saw the title I thought "Well, it's happened. He's finally lost the plot". However, much as nostalgia yearns for the 458, I'm fully aware the 488 is the better overall car. Still, it hurts a little to admit it out loud. Great video as always. Much appreciated!

[@garysandberg3259]

Can't disagree. The challenge I have is that as the cars are becoming more advanced the driving experience is also diminishing. I have test driven an F8 Tributo and have and currently have a 2011 458 Italia. The 458 is great fun to drive and perhaps gives a better feel than the 488 or the F8. But for those early morning drives on the back country roads - nothing beats my 328 GTS.

[@daveb5211]

The simple lines of a 458 are unbeatable for me.

[@nickorette]

The variances you are experiencing in Ferrari steering are due to the condition of the examples. The steering feel can vary drastically between a high mileage car with aged out bald tyres that are four generations old and in need of new ball joints, steering fluid and an alignment, vs an example that has fresh PS4S, and properly taken care of

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Some of it is that, some of it is not

[@AB-80X]

@@JayEmmOnCars Very true. There is one thing you need to factor in between the 458, 488 and F8 though. It is unbelievable how inconsistent the alignment is from the factory. I have taken delivery of about 12 new Ferraris over the past 7 years, and ALL of them needed an alignment. My 488 was so far out it was a joke. The 488 does feel slightly heavier, but two things needs to be addressed here. One is that it went from a 235 boot to a 245. Then you need to make sure the alignment is on point. I ran my 488 with 10 minutes of negative toe vs. 5 minutes of negative toe, because I wanted a faster turn-in. This also added to the steering getting heavier though. So when you test cars back to back, this really needs to be sorted in order for you to know exactly what the differences are.

[@computerhelpcc]

Wow, so many good points and perspectives I have to re-watch and take notes. Oh, funny Brit insults to USA crack me up; 10:45 “…most of those people are either American or 12.” Reminds me of TG AM review and Clarkson noted annoying door alarm sounds were to remind Americans they were in a car. Nice work Jay, if I ever move up to this league of car, your reviews will be essential.

[@christschool]

So many Brits are jealous.

[@n0cturnalgamer]

It seems the market would disagree. 458's are quite streeply climbing the value hill, 488 is flat to down..

[@JayEmmOnCars]

458s are subject to market forces, driven by what people are told rather than what they've experienced

[@francispowell1811]

Give it some time. The shine is temporarily off the 488, as is a fairly typical trend.

[@AB-80X]

As per usual, the market is as was said, hyped up. Now 9 months later, and the party is over. The 488 hit its plateau, and now the 458 is coming down, hard. As was also implied, people value something based on an idea, not fact. And mind you, some of the prices you see on 458's are nothing but hot water. There's a difference between priced to look cool, and priced to sell. A lot of the cars that was priced high, sat for ages. The 488 is becoming more and more popular as we speak, that's the cold hard truth.

[@SandeepSingh-tp8xh]

⁠​⁠@@JayEmmOnCarsbut surely the people buying the 458s at the uplifted market cost are seeing value at their purchase price hence it holding at its value. Many people are test driving 488s and 458s now there isn’t much in price between them. Very rare for you but I think you got this one wrong Jay. Market always dictates the overall desirability of the car. I’m a v10+ owner and will be focusing my next purchase on the 458 or a 600LT/720. I will however try the 488 too just for the giggles

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@SandeepSingh-tp8xh the video is all about what the cars like to drive, and for me the 488 is just better!

[@beaky84]

I actually bought a 488 off the back of your previous review over Turbo S 🙌🏾 Thank you sir!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That's amazing! How is it going?

[@futurecat]

When I was a kid, I was floored when the ninja racing bike beat three seconds. Now, there's 300mph cars, wheels rotating 68 times a second, tires enduring 5,300 Gs.

[@sveeny]

I've experienced a 488 on different occasions (from the passenger seat though) and it is immensely quick. I just don't think it has the emotionality I'd expect from such a car. The noise it makes is just... It's no comparison to a Huracan or a 458.

[@AB-80X]

You need to drive them. The 488 is a much more engaging and capable car as a drivers car.

[@sveeny]

@@AB-80X I understand… but from the 488 model generation I would‘ve opted for a GT3 RS or RWD Huracan anyday. I‘ll always pick the naturally aspirated option if there is one. It‘s so much more rewarding to me.

[@AB-80X]

@@sveeny As a former GT3RS owner, that would surprise me. You will have to look long and hard to find something that is as useless as a road car. I’m guessing that you have not driven one. Those cars only work well on GP tracks. I don’t care what reviewers say as there seems to be some kind of agreement that a GT3RS is great no matter what. Reality is, they aren’t. I had my 991.2 GT3RS for 18k km, and when it sold, I was just glad to be rid of it. I’m a driver first and car guy second. I choose by what works as a road car. I live in a place in Northern Europe where the roads are good, so it is not because of road conditions. If that engine is what you think you want, fine. But unless that car will live on a track, being it a 991.2 or 992 GT3RS, the regular 992 GT3 is a much better car. As for the Lamborghini? Not even remotely close to either the Porsche or Ferrari as enjoyable drivers cars. If you ever get the chance, don’t count the turbo cars out, and do yourself a favour. Try the 812 Superfast.

[@sveeny]

​@@AB-80X I actually was lucky to drive a 991.2 GT3 RS quite extensively for two days. As a weekend car it would be just fine on well maintained Swiss roads (suspension wise etc.). The one thing that bothers me about the N/A Porsche GT models is that they're all so long geared which essentially means if you want to hear the 9000 RPM redline you're usually way too fast for extremely strict Swiss speeding laws, haha. So you have to restrain yourself all the time. But I don't have this kind of money so I'm not in a position to decide on such a high end car anyway. If I could get one car in this price range it'd definitely be a Mercedes SLS though. I drove that one too and it'd be my first choice. By the way, I'm car guy fist, and driver second. I care about the engine's noise and the way it unfolds its power, the mechanical feeling of a manual gearbox, the look of a car and how it feels to sit in it etc. Have a good rest of your sunday!

[@williamc9578]

The whole shift-paddles on the column vs the steering preference must surely come down to the turning ratio (and not lock-to-lock). The whole idea of the paddles on the steering is you never have to shift your hands from the 10-n-2 or 9-n-3 o'clock positions if you want to shift up or down mid-turn. The problem comes if the turn is sharper and requires you to cross your hands. Now, there's a problem, as the paddles are no longer where your hands are.And you have to not only shift your hands, you also need to know which paddles is up or down on, which side. Usually shifting mid-turn is not something people need to do, unless you're on-track going at speed, and/or turning on a slope. With the paddles on the column, there's no uncertainty. Sure, you will need to take your hand (one hand) off the steering, but where to shift, up or down (left or right hand) is never in doubt, it is always where you expect it to be. Now, what's wrong with my little bit of reasoning?

[@AB-80X]

Do you ever track any Ferrari with paddle shit? If you need to shift in a turn that is so sharp that you need to move your hands, you're doing something odd. Granted, I'd say the paddles found in Pista are better as they are quite long. Bug generally the fixed paddles work.

[@williamc9578]

@@AB-80X say you are coming up to a turn, 120deg, not hairpin, but it's an upslope 10-15 deg, not extreme, you're in 3rd, you want to accelerate out of the turn in 2nd. The thing to do is to downshift. Granted this is unlikely on most tracks, but not uncommon on public roads.

[@AB-80X]

@@williamc9578 If you go into a 120 degree turn, which is a very sharp turn, you better have the right gear before you enter. You should not put yourself in a position where you need to downshift in such a sharp turn. Can't remember that ever happening to me, not even climbing the Carrara mountains in my F8 last spring. A 120 degree turn in 3rd gear? How huge is this turn? If you're going in at say 4000 rpm, that's a very fast entry. That better has to be one heck of a large turn. If not, if it's a more common type of such a turn so to speak, well, like I said, then you should be in 2nd on your way in.

[@AB-80X]

@@williamc9578 Something else worth noting. In cars like the Pista, Speciale, 812 Comp and TdF for example, they use paddles that are quite a bit longer than those found in a regular 488, F8, 812 or Roma to name a few. This is of course done to give a greater reach. These paddles you can also have installed in the cars that come with short paddles. So if your driving warrants the use of longer paddles, such an option is available. I use them in my cars.

[@williamc9578]

@@AB-80X Right, the longer paddles are better, but my riginal comment says that the column paddles are not a problem, it is the steering mounted onesthat are tricky (in Porsches and Mclarens) in the turn-n-shift situations.

[@gbarton800]

This was a splendid way to start my day! Thank you, James! - First time I’ve heard this kind of review of the 488 which was great to hear about the NA characteristics of the motor. 👍 Also like the breakdown and assembly of this video production, progress toward perfection.

[@vladx2]

I don’t know, I tried a Spyder for half a day. It sounded like a vacuum and was too fast. It also still had considerable scuttle shake that you could feel in the steering

[@daveyboy6985]

Agree with you Jay on the nicer standard sound of the 488 to the standard 458. It definitely has a nicer tone.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yep, and I think a lot of people saying I am wrong have only heard 458s with aftermarket exhausts

[@MuitoDaora]

People are confusing more attention grabbing and aggressive looking to "good looks". The 458 is more cohesive and well designed car. Point.

[@maxmartin-merrells3723]

This sounding better than a 458 is difficult to understand

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The thing is most 458s you have heard probably had an aftermarket exhaust

[@dariodelolmogarrido4045]

then goes on to say how good an aftermarket exhaust on a 458 is lol ok duuuude

[@FrankG-nd7tk]

Yeah exactly .. 😂

[@masonballard-ir3mi]

I love this car it’s a mid engine beautiful powerful fast Ferrari the only other Ferraris that compete are the 355 f40 and Enzo

[@DwainDwight]

100% agree. it's just a better car full stop.

[@acadiaarchitecture3170]

How incredibly beautiful is the 488 still nowadays. I was looking at the end of the video at the white 650S on the track and before that the pictures of the Huracan, or the MP 12C...I didn't feel anything.

[@carljuztine3328]

dream kind of problem, deciding between the 458 and the 488, both modern maranello classics

[@davepaturno4290]

I drove one of these for 5 laps at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas in 2018. It was driven after driving the McLaren 570S for the same number of laps. On such a tight track, the McLaren felt easier to handle. The 488 had so much power that care had to be taken with the throttle; it didn't take much to spin the tires.

[@rahlowwable]

488 all day had both would never go back 458 sounds a little better but other than that 488 ride and other advancements are so much more improved. I personally never met anyone who went back down🤔

[@jhop43]

Main dealers would argue otherwise, so many did exactly that, bought a 488, then went back. Both amazing cars, no bad choice.

[@4_r_e_dad]

Love the vids as always ❤❤❤❤ Unpopular opinion but I feel like 488 appeal will increase as time goes on … The 458s N/A is probably rivaled only to the f355 ( sound wise regarding mass reduced fcars ) but I feel the N/A charm in part in due to several factors : Covid sending prices sky high, the inevitable move to forced induction, it’s high redline etc …. But in hindsight, I feel the younger generation wil appreciate the 488 as it was the introduction to high production forced induction Fcars - AGAIN - just opinion ❤

[@GM-kj6sb]

Ferrari needs to come back with a NA V8 manual. It would sell like crazy

[@marcolucchini8173]

488 for me any day of the week.

[@keithjackson4985]

What a machine! I drove a 458 a while ago. It was fine. This is a more powerful with better suspension tuning. This is a better car!

[@danielkiss7003]

458 didn't excite? Maybe if the engine runs on 6 cylinders or something 😂

[@AB-80X]

If you are used to the power of an F8, F12 or 488, the 458 does feel very slow and limp by comparison.

[@juliusdobos]

Driving feel, sound, N/A, resale appreciation make the 458 a clear choice for me.

[@Kapitalist88]

OK, I've had the great pleasure to drive the 458 and the 488 Spyder. IMHO the 488 Spyder is truly a godlike car but the greatest project for me personally would be a 458 with manual gearbox switch and custom exhaust system. It's just what I'd prefer for myself. The emotions in the 458 cant be matched by the 488, that was my experience. Drive safe yall

[@guidofoc7057]

I prefer the 488 to the 458, it has a more aggressive design, while still keeping rather essential and tight looks (I don't like where Ferrari went with the F8). As much as I like the new 296, I still think the 488 is the best. I also find the 488 turbo engine "grunt" very good, less of a screamer and more menacing.

[@74pmpt]

Considering buying a 488 GTB 2016. What is the yearly maintenance cost should I budget for?

[@desertwindauh]

100% agree. The 458 has to be wrung out to crazy rpms to get any sensation of torque and by then you are at crazy speeds. Had a 458 Spider and was totally underwhelmed by it and traded it for a Scud. in Scuderia Rosso with the racing stipe and gold wheels.

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

I rented both a 360 and 430 some years ago. I actually rented the F430 for 3 days. It was the manual transmission, which I had no idea were so rare. Apparently back then the manuals were actually cheaper than the F1 transmissions. Torque was ok to me but certainly lacking compared to something like a Corvette. My opinion probably isn’t the best to use though because I used to run a ZX6R which has a 16,000 redline and has nothing below 7000 rpm

[@nighthawk0077]

I thought the 458 had a healthy dose of torque starting around 5000rpm, and pulled harder the higher up the rev range you climbed.

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Ooooh, no James di-n't!!! the Ferrari fan boy clubs be smashing keyboards the world over. Even though 90% of them have never driven either of them, and 99.9% don't even own Ferraris.

[@dcode1000]

Didn’t like the design of the 488 at first(because I was/still in love with the 458) but the 488 design has grown on me so much that I wouldn’t mind having a 488 over a 458 tho the 488 will always be in the shadow of the 458

[@mightyjoe3849]

The 488 is a stunning Ferrari! Great looks, sound & performance!

[@DFWsCars]

yes with downpipes and a cutback exhaust a 488 sounds really good too.

[@williesjohnson2673]

as an oap "doddering about" on the b roads of warwickshire, thanks for the mention and for keeping an eye out for us🧐 whilst you ignore the national speed limits! love the review and commentary

[@jhop43]

Vikki BH's video review of the 458 spider says it all, 9000 screaming RPM round Italy, frothing at the gusset.

[@AB-80X]

Or maybe drive them both rather than relying on a second hand opinion?

[@jhop43]

The gusset never lies@@AB-80X

[@AB-80X]

@@jhop43 I don’t give a hoot about it. I’ve owned both and know what’s what.

[@jhop43]

Hoot hoot! are you an owl? cool story bro.@@AB-80X

[@AB-80X]

@@jhop43 Story? Do you have a problem with others having what you don’t?

[@franksala3171]

I currently own a 2013 458 spider since new and drove the new 488 spider when it came out and hands down would never trade up for it and stayed out of the Ferrari camp until my last purchase of a 812 GTS . Ferrari has lost it’s soul with there new turbos and hybrid cars that sounds way less exotic i.m.o. . The 458 was the last mid engine car designed by pinnifarina the master of design that ages better with time . I’ve now have joined the mid engine corvette ZO6 camp that has made a true sounding V8 THAT THEY ADMIT WAS INSPIRED BY THE BEST FERRARI EVER (458) !!!.

[@AB-80X]

Maybe you should look at it from the perspective of a driver rather than just a "passenger". As drivers cars, the 488, F8, SF90 and 296 absolutely wipes the floor with the 458, especially the spider which is so soft that it shimmers and shakes its way down the road. For me the 458 was full of E numbers and not very pure at all. Sure it's louder, but what else? The wooden brakes that has extremely poor modulation? The artificially rough gearshifts? The understeer? Or the insanely intrusive ESC system? Or maybe the silly overly sensitive throttle? Take your pick,

[@noisechannel232]

Beautiful car, good successor. Design is a bit better with the 2 big symmetrical pipes instead of three in the middle. Best in between is the 458 Speciale. N/A car with enough power and more character.

[@richardmortimer8147]

Despite those gapping intakes on the side, I think the 488 looks better than the 458!

[@seancain7305]

Having been lucky enough to drive 458 Speciale Vs a (just launched) 488 back to back, for hours, over mountain road I know well, its no contest for me, 458! Just so much more special(e)... & just to add, the 488 drank way more fuel over the route too.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

A speciale Vs a 488 GTB is not a fair contest

[@N4CR]

Turbos need additional fuel enrichening due to safety margins. They are always a downgrade from a proper N/A engine of similar power and torque.

[@AB-80X]

@@N4CR Similar power and torque? The 488 engine is a much, much more powerful engine than that found in the Speciale.

[@yaroslavbozhdynsky]

208 GTB/GTS Turbo were the first mid-engined turbocharged V8 Ferraris, in 1982.

[@PhantomMark]

Recommendations for pipes for the 458 ?? :) Paddles on the back of the wheel are subjective, I prefer fixed, have always preferred fixed despite using both regularly. Steering on the 458 felt fine to me , maybe I have just got used to cars without tons of feel in the steering these days, the ratio is perfect if nothing else tho.

[@sellojuniorhlalele2411]

James, I don't even have to watch the video to know that I politely disagree with you on this one. Much love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@BayAreaMan]

made a decision yesterday that i want to pick up a supercar in a couple of years. 488GTB is DEFINITELY on the top of the list. way prettier than a 650 mclaren. will holds its value better than the mclaren. Audi R8 v10 + is another choice, much cheaper with the v10. And then the Mercedes AMG GTR is also a choice. Choices choices choices!

[@NebulaMusic369]

It sounds like a tarted up turbo James. No way does this sound better than the screaming 458. Its shape isn’t as pretty either. It’s faster and that’s about it. Almost no one cares about the lap times and 0-60 speeds buying modern supercars anymore. Otherwise Mclarens wouldn’t depreciate so much and would be more desirable then what they are. 458 any day over this.

[@porscheguy5848]

I’m not mad about the turbo V8 as long as they keep the NA V12

[@kevincockburn7805]

The 488 is just not as pretty as the 458. The body is basically a 458 that has then had a max power body kit chucked over the top.

[@pointandshootvideo]

Great review! "Better" is so subjective, but I'd rather own a 458 or 488 than their successors.

[@john1703]

"aerodynamics are for those who cannot manufacture good engines" and "I gave the 4, 6 and 8 cylinder a chance. We even built a bi-cylinder. But the classical 12 cylinder engine remains my trademark and certainly the most popular of my engines"

[@nickorette]

Not all Huracans are created equal, remember it's had a nearly 10 year old life now. The EVO RWD, STO and Technica are peak Huracan. I drove a Huracan EVO RWD and an F8 back to back. The F8 is "better" but was the EVO and that V10 from the gods that stole my heart and got my business. I spec'd with ccb and 19" wheels for better compliance, and it's not too harsh

[@brubru6819]

You and seen Through glass should get together to do a duel presentation on this car❤

[@95JDMH22ACCORD]

The Ferrari 360 challenge stradale would like a word with you. The best sounding V8 Ferrari ever made. Can’t beat the 5 valves, largest Dino based architecture high revint engine.

[@oscarzt1652]

something i dont like with these and mclaren 720s is the high pitched squeal you get at full throttle; it sounds like the turbo is buggered

[@EugVR6]

A friend of mine had one of those, Fastest car I've ever been in! Motorbike fast in pure acceleration but it did breakdown a lot!

[@eugenendungu4062]

it's decisions like these that should keep me up at night🤣

[@lorenzomateria6702]

"Unenviable", with the stress on the "v", not the "e". Unless you are American...

[@VK6AB-]

The chassis was never that good and never got sorted out until the Pista was produced - the standard 488 GTB had very soft backend which was very noticeable on track. Having said that the 458 Italia was very much in the all show and no go category and it took the Speciale to make it interesting. Try a 600LT and you'll never look back at an older Fezza and Porsche GT division cars deliver a better all round experience, sound better too and have a superb NA engine. There are endless cars out there with lumpy mid-range torque profiles - if thats your thing just get literally anything with a M or AMG badge.

[@m0601168]

Seen a very similar issue across luxury items, watches in particular have seen a huge cooling in prices and snooty authorised dealers that would never let you through the door are now offering watches to anyone who would buy one, rather than buying for the love and use of it they were bought by speculators Biting them in the arse now though and with finance the way it is very few people will buy these cars (and watches) for the foreseeable.

[@delbroox]

I know I'm definitely in the minority, but I prefer the looks of the 488 over the 458. They both look great, but I prefer the 488.

[@chalachin4452]

Having owned several iterations of 458 i have to disagree with your comment that if you push a 458 it doesn’t excite. That’s a 100% incorrect statement. If you never driven a 488 you would say 458 is best driving ferrari ever built.

[@vanduc996]

I do respect your statements and opinions about the 488 vis a vis the 458 Jay, but for me none of it matters because the 458 is just in another league looks wise, along with the fact it has the n/a motor. The "prominent side intakes " i think you called them, absolutely ruin the looks of the car to my eye. I don't care how good of a car it is, first and foremost I must lust for the car. The 488 leaves me stone cold, and that's putting it politely! Objectively better than something else can be such a nebulous thing, especially when it runs into our own individual preferences, which is a very powerful thing and can easily prejudice our minds against that objectively better thing. A 488 is ten times the car a 355 is in every objective parameter, save for sound perhaps, but I would take the 355 every time without hesitation!

[@keithprice6581]

I've been in love with the 488 since I first saw one. Can't wait to obtain it.

[@floorit4443]

Love your videos, however you got it wrong on this one. 458 is a much better enthusiast car and the market is reflecting that. 488 is only marginally faster and electronically limits torque significantly at lower gears. The 488 makes it more driveable/torquey around town but what's the point of that in a Ferrari? The 296 and more modern cars have that market cornered anyway. In an investment grade Ferrari, you're looking for passion and excitement. 9200 RPM rev limiter stuff. Like in a 458 Spider, in Yellow, ideally!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I don't give two hoots what the market thinks. Somebody paid £600k for an old Ford, that doesn't make it a better drive than a 458. I'm just going on how I feel when driving

[@floorit4443]

@@JayEmmOnCars I appreciate your viewpoint on it but I guess I would say that the 488 drives better than a 458 in the same way a 997.2 911 Turbo drives better than a 993 Turbo. I'll take the 993.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@floorit4443 Actually to me it's more like in terms of steering feel the 458 drives like a 992 and the 488 like a 997

[@floorit4443]

@@JayEmmOnCars You know, I didn't think too much about the steering, you did mention that in the video. I will have to drive a 488 again, the couple times I've driven it I was focused more on the power delivery and sound.

[@AB-80X]

@@floorit4443 See that's the problem with popular opinion and the "market". You focused on those two things, probably because that is what so many mindless motoring journalists and other influencers have been talking about. So that means you forget the steering feel, the balance, the brake feel, the gear shifts and so on. All the little things that makes a drivers car - and in this case, all the little things that makes the 488 a much better and more rewarding drivers car. I cannot fathom that nobody has the guts to talk about all the things wrong with the 458. Again, that's down to popular opinion. Same with Porsche. God forbid that someone said something negative about a 911 GT car. I sold my 991.2 GT3RS because it was an absolutely useless piece of crap on anything but a paper smooth GP track. But if I say that aloud anywhere, oh dear, Beelzebub is on the loose and out of his cage. JayEm is dead nuts on here. To hell with the market and popular opinion, people have to start to think sometimes. Let's just look at the 458 and see what's what. The brakes are wooden and lack any kind of proper modulation The steering is fast, but as is the issue with the 296, it is numb(Oh dear, the beloved 296. Here comes the mob with the pitch forks again...) The absolutely idlotic overly sensitive throttle response. Just, no! The overly aggressive gearshifts. Not sure what the idea was, but they really serves well to unsettle the car. Enjoy that though a fast sweeper where you are on the limit. Better hang on. A mindless ESC system that can't really do anything well unless you are in CT OFF or better. Yes the 488 also have a system that is a bit too intrusive when you give it a bit of steering angle, but nothing like the 458. So here it is. That list is interesting for one very specific reason - the E numbers. The E numbers represent things like the sensitive throttle, the gear shifts and so on. Stupid things that are supposed to make people feel like they are in a "race car". In reality a race car needs to be smooth, so it's just like the STO, a lot of gimmicks based on instant gratification, rather than let the driver experience a reward from effort. In short, be aware of your mindset when you go and test a new car. Is it your opinion or is it popular opinion, and "automotive political correctness".

[@jermaineonealnumber7]

Man, she's is a looker.

[@ecyout]

The 488 is a much better looking car than the 458, a perfect evolution! Then N/A or not, good question. But if you're in the market for a 458 and really care about N/A, you're much better off purchasing a V12 ;)

[@gtbweo]

I agree, I do not understand why everyone is celebrating the looks of the 458 so much, it really isn’t that good looking. The specially made things quite a lot better, but even still I wouldn’t call it a “fantastic looking car”.

[@christschool]

The V12's are GT cars, not in the same class or driving style as a mid engine. I can tell you've driven neither.

[@ecyout]

@@christschool I've driven both, on and off track ;) This "idea" that the mid engine toys are superior have been fed to you by marketing over the last 2/3 decades, so that they were able to push volume and make profit, which they don't with 2 and 4 seater V12s. In any case, for road use both the V8s and the V12s have far too much available performance, then for track the V8s (or should I say V6 hybrid for the new ones) will be marginally better. But looking at the level of your comment, you're probably way too concerned about gas mileage 🤣

[@AB-80X]

@@christschool In that case, if we look a the 812 at least, you're not quite right. First off, the 812 does no longer sit within the GT line internally at Ferrari. It is actually in their line of sports cars. Secondly, and this might surprise you. The 812 Superfast is as stuff, if not more so, than a Pista. It is a very wild and fairly aggressive sports car. The gearing is also fairly short, the steering is very fast, and the throttle response is rather explosive. It is a very different car compared to an F12 or 599.

[@zoomdragon007]

Great Video. Very Inspiring!!!!

[@rexseven93]

It's a crime the 458 didn't have a manual transmission.

[@BenB91]

Enjoyable video. The exhaust note just doesn't sound that great to me. The 458 is noticeably louder and higher pitch.