What are the differences between Ferrari 458 and 488?
4 Answers
Differences between Ferrari 458 and 488: 1. Different power: The Ferrari 458 is equipped with a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated 8-cylinder engine; The Ferrari 488 is equipped with a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged 8-cylinder engine. 2. Gear shift buttons: The Ferrari 458 has horizontal buttons; The Ferrari 488 has vertical buttons; 3. Different rear exhaust: The Ferrari 458 adopts a central triple exhaust; The Ferrari 488 adopts a central dual exhaust. Ferrari is an Italian car manufacturer, mainly producing high-performance racing sports cars. The Ferrari equipped with a 3.9-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine achieves zero turbo lag and excellent linear power output, setting a new benchmark for turbocharged engines.
The differences between the Ferrari 458 and 488 are quite significant. As an ordinary person who has driven quite a few sports cars, I can share my feelings. The 458 is naturally aspirated, delivering a super direct linear feel and roar from the engine—every acceleration feels like touching the soul of the engine. After switching to turbocharging, the 488 has more explosive power, with significantly faster 0-100 acceleration, making it easier to drive in the city. In terms of appearance, the 458 has a smooth and classic design, while the 488 is more angular and modern, especially with the changed exhaust pipe position at the rear. For daily driving, the 488 has more electronic systems, like the side slip control, which makes it more stable on curves, but it also loses some of the mechanical purity. The weight is similar, but the 488 has slightly less wind resistance at high speeds, making it more suitable for long trips. Price-wise, used 458s are becoming rarer due to their naturally aspirated engines and thus hold their value better. If you're after raw driving pleasure, the 458 is more impressive; if you want practicality and speed, the 488 is the better choice.
I've test-driven the 458 and 488 several times, and the main differences lie in power and handling. The 458 is equipped with a 4.5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine producing 562 horsepower, delivering smooth power output like silk at startup, with a high-pitched sound. The 488 uses a 3.9-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with 661 horsepower, offering faster acceleration, greater torque, and better fuel efficiency in city driving. In terms of design, the 488 has sharper front air intakes and active aerodynamic wings, providing more stability at high speeds, while the 458 has softer lines. Driving the 458 feels purely mechanical, relying on instinct for cornering, whereas the 488 includes electronic aids like the side slip control system, making it easier for beginners but less challenging. Maintenance-wise, the turbo engine might be more complex and costly to service. Personally, I think the 458 is a work of nostalgia, while the 488 is a technological upgrade—it depends on whether you prefer classic charm or modern sophistication.
I'm a young car enthusiast and absolutely love these two models. The 458 has a retro look and wild exhaust note, driving it feels like taming a beast; the 488's design is more futuristic, with power strong enough to take off—the 488 boasts nearly 100 more horsepower than the 458, hitting 0-100 km/h in just over 3 seconds, while the 458 is a tad slower. The biggest difference lies in their engines: the 458 is naturally aspirated, responding instantly to throttle inputs; the 488's turbocharged engine has a slight delay but delivers explosive power. On the road, the 458 offers hardcore handling, while the 488, with more electronic aids, is easier to control. The 488 is slightly better on fuel consumption. In short, the 458 is a pure driving machine, while the 488 feels more like a high-tech toy. I lean towards the 458 for its timeless classic appeal.
