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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 .

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

I love the content you share! Thank you 🙏🏼

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

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.

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. 👍👍

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.