Speciale vs. Pista : which should I buy ?
Discussion
Seem to have an unresolved itch for either a 458 Speciale or a Pista and would live to hear real world views of people who have spent quality time in both.
I’ve never had a Ferrari, always had Porsches; the cars I’ve owned / still own and love are things like 2.7 RS / 964RS / 997.2 GT3RS / 991.2 Manual GT3 / 718 Soyder - as you can see a big theme towards manual cars. I’ve also had a PDK 991.1 RS which in truth I found amazing on track but a bit dull on the road as it only really came alive at crazy speeds that I thought irresponsible. I’m slightly worried that the Ferrari box will mean it has the same issue as the PDK RS as a road car - maybe the shorter gearing will help - however I never saw the need to change gear manually in the RS as the car did it better than me. So even through this is a risk, I keep coming back to them for some reason.
I will predominantly use as a car for a dawn weekend blast or a tour, but not really as a track car (occasional use maybe)
Any thoughts most welcome. Thanks
I’ve never had a Ferrari, always had Porsches; the cars I’ve owned / still own and love are things like 2.7 RS / 964RS / 997.2 GT3RS / 991.2 Manual GT3 / 718 Soyder - as you can see a big theme towards manual cars. I’ve also had a PDK 991.1 RS which in truth I found amazing on track but a bit dull on the road as it only really came alive at crazy speeds that I thought irresponsible. I’m slightly worried that the Ferrari box will mean it has the same issue as the PDK RS as a road car - maybe the shorter gearing will help - however I never saw the need to change gear manually in the RS as the car did it better than me. So even through this is a risk, I keep coming back to them for some reason.
I will predominantly use as a car for a dawn weekend blast or a tour, but not really as a track car (occasional use maybe)
Any thoughts most welcome. Thanks
Moderator edit: no wanted ads please
Thanks everyone for the real world info - the more the better please as at the moment I obviously can’t see one in the metal at a dealer , never mind test drive them. I have to say I’m a bit torn - I drove a Speciale, last year very briefly - worst test drive ever - full on rush hour, very hurried demo. The steering felt overly light to me and lacking in feel & the car didn’t turn in as I’d expect - The car was on old (but legal) rubber & wondered if there was also something up with it as I couldn’t believe it wouldn’t be great based on everything i’d heard about them.
Agree on build quality the car I drive was not at all good - Pista looks like it’s improved in this department.
Are you all genuinely saying that a Speciale is a great feelsone road car and the Pista is rubbish on the road as to get any feel you’ve got to be caning it ? I assumed the Pista would feel great but you could just never get anywhere near its potential performance on a road.
Either way the itch is still there - the red Speciale looks lovely by the way.
Edited to add - also the cost proposition is interesting- Pista nearly the same cost as a Speciale with balance of 7 years serving & 4 year warranty - even so, the cost to own of Pista will be much greater in reality as lots of depreciation still to happen vs. this already happened on the Speciale. However, I thought the small delta in buy price makes the Pista hard to ignore .
Agree on build quality the car I drive was not at all good - Pista looks like it’s improved in this department.
Are you all genuinely saying that a Speciale is a great feelsone road car and the Pista is rubbish on the road as to get any feel you’ve got to be caning it ? I assumed the Pista would feel great but you could just never get anywhere near its potential performance on a road.
Either way the itch is still there - the red Speciale looks lovely by the way.
Edited to add - also the cost proposition is interesting- Pista nearly the same cost as a Speciale with balance of 7 years serving & 4 year warranty - even so, the cost to own of Pista will be much greater in reality as lots of depreciation still to happen vs. this already happened on the Speciale. However, I thought the small delta in buy price makes the Pista hard to ignore .
Edited by RSVP911 on Sunday 31st January 23:23
stefan1 said:
Happy to share some ownership experience of both cars. Like you I have spent a lot of time in various Porsche's - and generally prefer manual cars too.
I have done around 5,000 miles in my Speciale - which I can now see from the thread above used to be owned by another PHer!. All of those miles have been on the road, both in the UK and overseas. (Well specced Mr LordoftheManor - I just love the way the car looks - and no radio or nav inside either. Perfect.)
And I've done around 3,000 miles in the Pista, with a mix of road and track (Nordschleife and Anglesey so far).
Let me start with the looks - which is, of course, subjective. Personally, I prefer the simpler, cleaner lines of the Speciale. I think the Pista is still a lovely looking car, and in some respects more aggressive, but aesthetically a bit fussier.
Inside, the 488 is almost identical to the 458, but does feel slightly more solidly built.
Onto the the drivetrain. For me this is a close call. The Speciale's utterly instant throttle response is sensational. Perhaps even sharper than a GT3 engine, if such a thing can be imagined. And the sheer breadth of the rev range, from 2k to 9k rpm is intoxicating. The gearbox is fast, but I feel unnecessarily brutal at times - it's engineered in of course, but sometimes I feather the throttle to smooth out the change. It's certainly loud, and full of character, but it's not the most musical.
The Pista's gearbox is smoother, whilst still retaining some great character. The gearing - given the lower peak rpm - feels even shorter - and it does mean you interact with the gearbox a lot - which I think is a good thing. The engine is a monster. It revs with extraordinary ferocity for a turbocharged car, and that is thanks to the very clever variable torque mapping in the different gears (max torque in 7th). I think it sound great inside the cabin - it is certainly not quiet although drones less than the Speciale on the motorway.
Net, net I do prefer the NA feel and throttle response of the Speciale, but the Pista is still stunning in its own right.
On the road the Pista feels just that bit more tied down. The damping is better, the steering slightly meatier and the body control exceptional. The ride quality is amazing too. The Speciale isn't quite as good, but on the flip side feels slightly more naturally playful. On both cars the Manettino works brilliantly to give you as much freedom as you wish, and bumpy road mode works well on British B-roads.
Whilst I've not driven the Speciale on track, so cannot compare it to the Pista, I will report that the Pista is mind blowing on track. Around the Nordschleife it was enthralling - not just the speed, but its dynamic breadth and wonderful sense of feedback from the chassis and steering. I have done a couple of thousand laps at the Ring mostly in GT Porsches, and I have to say the Pista was just as much - if not more - fun. And the car hit 199mph down the Dottingher Hohe - and would have cracked 200 if not for a slower car ahead.
In summary, if I was asked to pick a winner, I would, based purely on the driving experience, probably pick the Pista. But, then again, there will never be another V8 NA engined Ferrari like the Speciale, and I don't plan to ever sell it.
Hope that helps!
Thanks stephan1 for a brilliant write up - really helpful. I have done around 5,000 miles in my Speciale - which I can now see from the thread above used to be owned by another PHer!. All of those miles have been on the road, both in the UK and overseas. (Well specced Mr LordoftheManor - I just love the way the car looks - and no radio or nav inside either. Perfect.)
And I've done around 3,000 miles in the Pista, with a mix of road and track (Nordschleife and Anglesey so far).
Let me start with the looks - which is, of course, subjective. Personally, I prefer the simpler, cleaner lines of the Speciale. I think the Pista is still a lovely looking car, and in some respects more aggressive, but aesthetically a bit fussier.
Inside, the 488 is almost identical to the 458, but does feel slightly more solidly built.
Onto the the drivetrain. For me this is a close call. The Speciale's utterly instant throttle response is sensational. Perhaps even sharper than a GT3 engine, if such a thing can be imagined. And the sheer breadth of the rev range, from 2k to 9k rpm is intoxicating. The gearbox is fast, but I feel unnecessarily brutal at times - it's engineered in of course, but sometimes I feather the throttle to smooth out the change. It's certainly loud, and full of character, but it's not the most musical.
The Pista's gearbox is smoother, whilst still retaining some great character. The gearing - given the lower peak rpm - feels even shorter - and it does mean you interact with the gearbox a lot - which I think is a good thing. The engine is a monster. It revs with extraordinary ferocity for a turbocharged car, and that is thanks to the very clever variable torque mapping in the different gears (max torque in 7th). I think it sound great inside the cabin - it is certainly not quiet although drones less than the Speciale on the motorway.
Net, net I do prefer the NA feel and throttle response of the Speciale, but the Pista is still stunning in its own right.
On the road the Pista feels just that bit more tied down. The damping is better, the steering slightly meatier and the body control exceptional. The ride quality is amazing too. The Speciale isn't quite as good, but on the flip side feels slightly more naturally playful. On both cars the Manettino works brilliantly to give you as much freedom as you wish, and bumpy road mode works well on British B-roads.
Whilst I've not driven the Speciale on track, so cannot compare it to the Pista, I will report that the Pista is mind blowing on track. Around the Nordschleife it was enthralling - not just the speed, but its dynamic breadth and wonderful sense of feedback from the chassis and steering. I have done a couple of thousand laps at the Ring mostly in GT Porsches, and I have to say the Pista was just as much - if not more - fun. And the car hit 199mph down the Dottingher Hohe - and would have cracked 200 if not for a slower car ahead.
In summary, if I was asked to pick a winner, I would, based purely on the driving experience, probably pick the Pista. But, then again, there will never be another V8 NA engined Ferrari like the Speciale, and I don't plan to ever sell it.
Hope that helps!
One last question - I had a 997.2 RS loved that car so much and also absolutely love my 991.2 manual GT3 - here’s the rub - as a road (not track) car I found my 991.1 GT3RS a bit dull - you had to be absolutely on it to get any real feeling from it and I’m slightly worried the Pista would feel the same ? Hoping the shorter gearing will help ?
Would love to hear your view on this as I’m guessing you’ve had / driven a 991.1 RS ?
Thanks
stefan1 said:
RSVP911 said:
Thanks stephan1 for a brilliant write up - really helpful.
One last question - I had a 997.2 RS loved that car so much and also absolutely love my 991.2 manual GT3 - here’s the rub - as a road (not track) car I found my 991.1 GT3RS a bit dull - you had to be absolutely on it to get any real feeling from it and I’m slightly worried the Pista would feel the same ? Hoping the shorter gearing will help ?
Would love to hear your view on this as I’m guessing you’ve had / driven a 991.1 RS ?
Thanks
I do know what you mean. I have also transitioned from 997 to 991 GT cars. My 991RS was, as you say, so capable that it really only came alive on track. I always loved the engine of course, but I much prefer the Touring to the RS on the road.One last question - I had a 997.2 RS loved that car so much and also absolutely love my 991.2 manual GT3 - here’s the rub - as a road (not track) car I found my 991.1 GT3RS a bit dull - you had to be absolutely on it to get any real feeling from it and I’m slightly worried the Pista would feel the same ? Hoping the shorter gearing will help ?
Would love to hear your view on this as I’m guessing you’ve had / driven a 991.1 RS ?
Thanks
In this respect, I find both 458 and 488 much more fun to drive on the road - the chassis is so much more playful. There’s loads of grip of course, but they are both so throttle adjustable - the Speciale more so than the Pista I think.
I’ve done a couple of trips in the Speciale to the Ardennes, which if you know the area has some fantastically twisty roads where one is rarely above 100 km/h. The car is so much fun on those roads, not just because of pace between corners but mostly thanks to its delicate chassis balance.
So even though there is no manual gearbox, it compensates in other ways!
Djit said:
If buying from a dealer (franchised or specialist independent), I would suggest you ask them to purchase a renewed Ferrari warranty and if buying private, negotiate the cost of a warranty into a discount on the deal. Also the late registered Speciales still have a couple of inclusive services left so if going for an early car, remember to factor that in too!
Cheers, thanks Thanks both on insurance info - better than I thought to be honest.
Off at a tangent - ignoring the debate about value / usability : from a technical perspective only, would anyone be put off by a virtually zero miles car that had been serviced every year - engine turned over every so odd often ? (not fluids our dry store)
I plan to use the car - not an investment.
Thanks
Off at a tangent - ignoring the debate about value / usability : from a technical perspective only, would anyone be put off by a virtually zero miles car that had been serviced every year - engine turned over every so odd often ? (not fluids our dry store)
I plan to use the car - not an investment.
Thanks
Edited by RSVP911 on Monday 8th February 20:09
griff7 said:
Absolutely not as long as the yearly services have been done and it has been dry stored.Everything should be like brand new still including all the hoses and if it is going to have a Ferrari warranty then as you say just use it.
I took mine to the Nurburgring and Spa but the smoothness of Spa is where it felt amazing.The Cup 2 tyres were very good but it would have been good to try a more track focused tyre.
Thanks- when you say dry stored - it was in proper storage but the fluids were left in the car - is that ok ?I took mine to the Nurburgring and Spa but the smoothness of Spa is where it felt amazing.The Cup 2 tyres were very good but it would have been good to try a more track focused tyre.
Quick update - saw a Pista and Speciale side by side and tbh I prefer the Speciale - a more elegant looking thing. On start up the Spec sounded better but not by very much - can’t find a Speciale that I like though 
I have to say I keep looking at 488 Spyders - I know I’m going off piste but there’s a lot to like - covers a lot of bases as a leisure car & have already had a massive hit depreciation wise - much cheaper to own than a Pista, that’s for sure
I have to say I keep looking at 488 Spyders - I know I’m going off piste but there’s a lot to like - covers a lot of bases as a leisure car & have already had a massive hit depreciation wise - much cheaper to own than a Pista, that’s for sure
Edited by RSVP911 on Saturday 13th February 15:39
Taffy66 said:
RSVP911 said:
Quick update - saw a Pista and Speciale side by side and tbh I prefer the Speciale - a more elegant looking thing. On start up the Spec sounded better but not by very much - can’t find a Speciale that I like though
I have to say I keep looking at 488 Spyders - I know I’m going off piste but there’s a lot to like - covers a lot of bases as a leisure car & have already had a massive hit depreciation wise - much cheaper to own than a Pista, that’s for sure
Apart from saving a huge wad of cash normal 488s are much less flamboyant compared to Pistas. Mine is in Grigio Ferro and with no silly OTT stripes i only get postive reaction from other road users. I have to say I keep looking at 488 Spyders - I know I’m going off piste but there’s a lot to like - covers a lot of bases as a leisure car & have already had a massive hit depreciation wise - much cheaper to own than a Pista, that’s for sure
Edited by RSVP911 on Saturday 13th February 15:39
Another point worth making is that the F8 will be a very short run car and as a consequence much rarer than the supposedly rare Pista.! Smart money will buy a very high spec F8 at just over £200K IMO. Chris Harris thinks its a much better car than the Pista FWIW. Just avoid buying a new one but at £50k below list price a great car for the money. I've driven one for an hour long testdrive and its a brilliant car.
lowndes said:
As it so happens, I too have spent some time this lockdown looking at Pista and Speciale, to the point where I was coming close to making a bid on a very nicely specced car. At that point I decided I would need more practice in catching falling knives and with that in mind I have decided to lose money elsewhere. As Phil Esterhaus would say, "Let's be careful out there."
Would you have gone Pista or Speciale ? Taffy66 said:
RSVP911 said:
What have you got Taffy - coupe or Spyder ? (Like Grigio Ferro btw)
Coupe but i also like the Spyder. Personally i don't get the £100K+ premiums to pay for a flashier and only slightly less common Speciale or Pista where the normal car they are based on are so much more under the radar. In terms of 488 vs 458(Pista vs Speciale) it basically comes down to whether you see a huge benefit of Turbo vs Na. To put it another way its like comparing a 991.2GT3 RS WP vs 991.2GT2 RS WP.I love both 458 and 488 and have had both but don't really get the anti 488 propaganda on here when its such a brilliant car. Chris Harris much prefers it to the 458 and even thinks it sounds better.
I have my RS WP to fill the rare 9k rev NA and the 488 complements it beautifully. I also have a Lotus Exige 390 Last Edition coming in the Summer which will satisfy my lightweight Manual sports car needs.
fridaypassion said:
Almost a man of exceptional taste Taffy I just confirmed my spec for a 250 cup final edition. V6 is too heavy for me. Like the 458 vs the turbo stuff I guess some of us are just a bit stuck in our ways. Really looking forward to the Lotus. Hope you enjoy the Exige when it comes. I've been told may for mine.
I've not seen the F8 mentioned in this thread is that better than the 488? I've not driven a 488 although I suspect the dealer will have me in one at some point. I drove the new F8 and although it was a better car in terms of ride and interior to me it was just a bit boring. I jumped in the 458 to drive home and 3 pulls of that right paddle later the F8 was a distant memory. To me it was a bit aloof and hardly any noise.
Interesting comments re the F8 - I wonder if a 488’s noise levels are better as no PF - can anyone confirm. I've not seen the F8 mentioned in this thread is that better than the 488? I've not driven a 488 although I suspect the dealer will have me in one at some point. I drove the new F8 and although it was a better car in terms of ride and interior to me it was just a bit boring. I jumped in the 458 to drive home and 3 pulls of that right paddle later the F8 was a distant memory. To me it was a bit aloof and hardly any noise.
Also can someone with a lovely Speciale for sale please get in touch - lol. Interesting how the Ferrari thing work , main dealer must take £k20 on buy in - such a waste
garystoybox said:
RSVP911 said:
Interesting comments re the F8 - I wonder if a 488’s noise levels are better as no PF - can anyone confirm.
Also can someone with a lovely Speciale for sale please get in touch - lol. Interesting how the Ferrari thing work , main dealer must take £k20 on buy in - such a waste
Had my 488 Spider since 2018, after two 458’s. Best car I’ve ever had and sounds magnificent (to my ears) with top down; even when just trundling around. Drove the F8 extensively, both coupe and Spider and they were superb. 10% better/faster than 488, however definitely more muted with the PF. The 488 might miss out on the last 1000 rev shrill, but I find it much more interesting than the 458 sound wise everywhere else in the rev range. Personally, I wouldn’t swap from 488 in into F8.Also can someone with a lovely Speciale for sale please get in touch - lol. Interesting how the Ferrari thing work , main dealer must take £k20 on buy in - such a waste
Edited by garystoybox on Sunday 14th February 12:14
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