Anyone here go from a 996turbo to a f430? wondering if I would be happy with the change, I sold my gallardo because it was a 6 speed and drew way to much attention.. I was going to add some larger turbos to my porsche but thinking of selling it for a F430.. not sure a coupe or spider yet... I enjoy my porsche very much, tiptronic, custom body kit etc... but I have had it for 6 years, and getting the itch for a Ferrari 430.. Hoping someone here made the change and can tell me pro's and con's... thank you

 

You have PM my friend.

 

I did the change 3 months ago and am not looking back. The ride is better, engine sound is better, quality of build is much better.

The con is it draws attention, where as the TT was just another Porsche (although a beautiful red Cab).

I was going to buy a Spider but they are sooooooo ugly with the top up. So I went with a coupe.

Good luck with your decision!

 

Please share....

 

falcon.. thanks.. how come you have a 2005 F430 gone after 3 weeks... ? I see you now have a 2007.. any difference between model years?

 

What happened to your 2005 430 after 3 weeks???

 

Color.......First one was black......then I saw the Yellow......dealer took back black one...for same price I paid....upgraded to 2007....No difference in the basic car, but the 2007 has the upgraded stereo system, bluetooth, electric seats, and deviated stitching.

 

F430 all the way. Nothing like driving or owning a Ferrari. Period. I went from a 997.1 TT to an F430.

Pros:
-Engine sound (worth the price of admission by itself)
-Looks (of course subjective). Much flatter and wider making it look much more daunting as it approaches as apposed to the typical car shape
-great performance above 4000 rpm
-so balanced and nimble around corners; the 911 felt more heavy and solid; Difficult to describe but the 430 felt better
-truly feels like an expensive exotic vs mass produced porsche
-Attention-it's cool to see how excited people get with the F430

Cons:
-Limitations on where you can drive it or are willing to drive it (had a random guy spit on my F430 in the parking lot while I picked up some food)
-Paranoia that someone will key, scratch, dent the car costing 10k+ in resale
-Can't drive to work; I drove my TT anywhere I wanted to and didn't have to worry about it much since it was just another 911 in LA. Golf course left unattended for 6 hrs, work, market, you name it. I wouldn't dare do that with my Ferrari.
-Attention-sometimes it can also be a drag
-Didn't feel as fast as my 911TT initially but now that I've had it for 8 mo, I think it's about the same. There really isn't anything like the turbo kick in terms of feeling of acceleration. Still the acceleration in the F430 is more pleasant because of the linear nature as well as unbelievable sound.
-Ferrari tax is higher than Porsche tax. Although mine has been a tank in terms of reliability as most modern Ferrari's are (F430 or later). Just annual fluids is all they really need. No belts like 360's

Buy the F430. You won't regret it.

 

I have actually done the opposite. Come from an F430 to 996tt.

Most people have hit the nail on the head. F430 draws exponentially more attention and you still have to worry about leaving it places and although I used mine as a daily driver, it really isnt as practical as the 996tt, but then again who buys these things for practicality.

Even teh stock exhaust sound of the F430 i still believe is second only to the Carrera GT, if I was in your position definitely pick up the 430.

 

I also agree with the 430's reliability, I did 50,000km on mine with no more than changing the clutch, which wasnt cheap mind you as you have to replace the flywheel at the same time, but as mentioned they are chain driven timing belts so no need to replace like teh 360's, the only thing I needed was fluids. The SL55 AMG in comparison was murder on repair and upkeep.

Definitely get it you wont regret it!

 

Thanks for the information so far, I saw a black F430 spider today on the road here in Boca, and it looked great.. I think I will be putting up my 2003 996tt for sale soon... I had very good luck with my 2005 gallardo, never had any issues with it.. I hope to have the same good luck with the F430... My 1984 308 gts, has been pretty good also for me, but it is in need for new timing belts.. I will have my eyes open for a good deal on a F430 in the near future.

 

The ride is not better just different, IMO its too soft on the 430, my turbo has Coilovers and changed the entire ride of the car. It now drives like it should have from the factory. Im gonna have to dissagree on the build quality they are both top notch. Overall the Porsche is the better car, take a look at a 997 GT3 if u really wanna have some fun.

 

I want an F1 F430.. I sold my gallardo 6 speed for the reason I hate shifting.. I am more about looks of the car then the total performance of the vehicle... I will never track the car..

 

Would the same (ease of maintenance) apply to an F430 Scuderia ?
I would think the Scud is more fun. I have not driven one yet.

 

Scud or F1 F430 will require min. maintenance except fluid changes which are yearly or biyearly depending on miles. Find a good independant shop to change oil, tranny, brake fluid, diff fluid and your good to go. Super easy to do on the car with a lift.

The newer F430 has had several upgrades over the 05 version that really only an experienced driver would notice. Not sure of the complete list but I recall newer headers, TCU upgrades for better shifting and clutch wear, different transmission pump to a more reliable one. Some of the radio upgrades as well. On 08 and up Ferrari went to nothing but ceramic brakes as well on all models, it was an option before that.