Any experiences moving from GTS to F430?

bennzwel

Junior Member
Messages
83
I’m contemplating moving from my GTS to a F430. I only use the car for fun drives ( no track ), and it’s only me and partner so no kids . Although I enjoy the 2-1 package of GTS and fun factor of it .
Another concern is 2.5 times price difference between two cars.

Has anything done this move and what has been the after math ?

I do want to enjoy Ferrari ownership but budget is far behind a 458 ( at least in NZ ). 360 seems too problematic and less refined or powerful than GTS .
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,038
F430 is in a different league and a very different sort of car. Proper sports car compared to the big GTS. Much fun on your favourite bending road. I would get out a drive one and see what you think.
 

bennzwel

Junior Member
Messages
83
F430 is in a different league and a very different sort of car. Proper sports car compared to the big GTS. Much fun on your favourite bending road. I would get out a drive one and see what you think.

I actually sat in one and the owner took me for a good drive . I felt beside from the sudden acceleration , my F1 GTS has better sound (both stock) and felt more modern , both seemed planted same way around the bendy roads. Maybe f430 more when pushed hard.

But I wanted to see what were others experience and decision eventually, or anyone took opposite approach
 

philw696

Member
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25,114
From my time in NZ living there with the speed limit and the risks you take breaking it and I took the fines and demerits with my 4200 I would keep your GT and enjoy the road trips.
We did the whole of both Islands twice.
 

Contigo

Sponsor
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18,376
F430 is nice but it won't kill a Strad on performance, marginally quicker but as said not as good sounding. They are a bit meh for me but put the Scud wheels and brakes on and they look far better.
 

voicey

Member
Messages
660
I am fortunate to drive both F430 and all variants of the Granturismo on a near daily basis (I also own an F430). The Ferrari will easily show the Maserati a clean pair of heals on any day, especially when it comes to twisty roads or a track.

The additional entry fee to own a Ferrari is usually offset by the much lower deprecation costs. Bought well and you could be in and out of a Ferrari for pretty much the same money.

If you're down my way then please do stop by - we have loads of F430's in the workshop and would be happy to show you around them. Weather permitting, we can also take you out in my car.
 

mkt

New Member
Messages
8
I had a F430 for 5 years and recently moved to the GranCabrio.

2 very young kids at home, so I had to drive the F430 alone or ask a babysitter, just to go for a drive with my wife.
Initially I wanted to trade in the F430 for the California, as it is open top and has rearseats. But the rearseats appeared pretty useless (for kids with legs).
The only alternative for me was the GranCabrio, as I wanted open top and proper rearseats (and an Italian N/A V8).

But I must admit I miss my F430.
It felt special and is a real sportscar.
Mine was bulletproof.
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
I am fortunate to drive both F430 and all variants of the Granturismo on a near daily basis (I also own an F430). The Ferrari will easily show the Maserati a clean pair of heals on any day, especially when it comes to twisty roads or a track.

The additional entry fee to own a Ferrari is usually offset by the much lower deprecation costs. Bought well and you could be in and out of a Ferrari for pretty much the same money.

If you're down my way then please do stop by - we have loads of F430's in the workshop and would be happy to show you around them. Weather permitting, we can also take you out in my car.

New Zealand is a bit of trek to yours Voicey!
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
Oh, but worth it!

I have a soft spot for Voicey's 430. His exhaust work on it has made it sound absolutely gorgeous, and the CS (I think) wheels in satin Grigio Silverstone look wonderful.

It is lovely. Once my current situation is a bit clearer, (i.e. sorted) I'm looking to get into a 430 or a Strad. Depending on a few things.
Ie. money and the guy who has the Strad I want, actually selling it to me!
 

Rwc13

Member
Messages
1,668
I’ve had several GTS and a F430 Spyder and love both, but the F430 will comfortably outperform a GTS on any road. For me there are better looking mid-engines Ferraris, but it remains a **** of a car for the money that still has that analogue feel that disappeared with the 458.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Its not about lap times, its about good times, just remember that before you make your decision and spend the extra dosh. Have you considered a Strad as a half way house?
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
F430 is nice but it won't kill a Strad on performance, marginally quicker but as said not as good sounding. They are a bit meh for me but put the Scud wheels and brakes on and they look far better.

I cannot agree with that statement. That is just factually not true
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
Having moved from a GT to a F430, I was also concerned abt putting that much money on a week end car that shared a lot of part and pedigree...
Having now owned my F430 coupe for a year, the cars are so different, and although I am not sure the price difference is justified (which speaks more to how cheap the GTS are than how overpriced the Ferrari’s are), I do not regret making the move at all.
The car is clearly in a different league performance wise, feel and engagement. It is riveting and the sense of occasion is just not comparable. I think it is also a very comfortable car on long journey.
The attention it gets is clearly a downside (at least for me) and requires a bit more planning when you take it (no street parking overnight etc...). It feels more like a point A to point A car than point A to B for the Maserati.
Cost of ownership as Voicey said is lower on the Ferrari; actually maintenance / repairs will be the same roughly, but depreciation overtime will be much less.

A year on, I still pinch myself every time I open my garage door and see that red Ferrari waiting for me... the fact I own such a special car still hasn’t sunk in. I am still a bit nervous every time I sit in and push that start button and get that bark that reminds me that 500 poneys developed and fine-tuned over 70 years of racing history are waiting to be played with :)

Although I felt excited about the GT, I never felt like that
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
The F430 will be faster not just in straight line but on the bends, the cars are 2 different concepts.

A Strad is about 4.5 to 60, dont know what a 430 is but assume is closer to 4.0
 

azapa

Member
Messages
1,300
I have driven hard along side one, in the strad. Neck and neck in a straight line.