The Greatest V8 Ferraris of All Time

Why We Picked It:

Let’s start by saying that this is absolutely our favorite car ever so it was always going to make the top spot. Sure the “entry level” 458 was epic, but the Speciale amped everything up to 11, building arguably the best naturally aspirated sports car in history.

The 458 Speciale was the last naturally-aspirated V8 Ferrari and the engine was at its peak in terms of evolution. Mid-engined 4.5-litre V8 with flat-plane-crank, sky high 9,000 RPM redline, insane 597 bhp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the Speciale was one special Ferrari.

Performance was astonishing for a naturally aspirated car. The 0-62 mph sprint was over in 3.4 seconds and top speed was over 200 mph. More importantly, the Speciale does everything well. It took the already amazing 458 and somehow made it better, faster and more fun to drive.

The best V8 Ferrari ever? You bet, it’s not even close.

Why We Picked It:

How the Ferrari F40 wasn’t included in that poll by Enzo Magazine is beyond us. Considered by many pundits the best supercar ever made it gets second place on our list of best V8 Ferraris.

The last Ferrari signed off by Enzo himself the F40 came at a time when the Porsche 959 had captivated car fans with its advanced technology and astonishing performance. To celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, it was decided that the company would produce a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, two-door coupe sports car and it would be the fastest, most powerful car the company had ever built, enough to eclipse the Porsche. This car, appropriately enough, would be called the Ferrari F40.

The Ferrari F40 was built from 1987 to 1992 and was intended as the successor to the Ferrari 288 GTO, which itself had been one of the fastest production Ferrari models ever built (up to that point in time.)

At its core, the car was powered by an enlarged, mid-mounted 2.9L (2936 cc) version of the GTO’s IHI twin-turbocharged V8 engine. In alignment with the development work performed on the “Evoluzione” variant of the 288 GTO, the F40’s future engine received a small increase in capacity, a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.7:1, a rise in boost pressure, and a number of other changes that resulted in a respectable improvement in the engine’s power output and torque. According to Ferrari, the engine was capable of developing 478 brake horsepower at 7,000rpm, a number that most experts agreed was far less than the engine’s true output. (In fact, most experts today claim that the engine’s true output was well over 500 horsepower.)

It made extensive use of composite materials (carbon-fiber tub, Kevlar body panels), and it offered a stripped-down interior (think Le Mans prototype and you’re close). Polarizing at the time, the Ferrari F40 would go on to become one of the most iconic supercars ever made.

Why We Picked It:

The Challenge Stradale was much more than a redressed 360 with extra power. Its bare-bones approach and subtle styling changes only hint at the thoroughbred under the skin: this is a road-legal car that is entirely race-ready and at home on track. It offered enthusiasts genuine race car performance and features in an accessible, street-legal package that is built on top of a standard production model doner car.

The main goal for the 360 Challenge Stradale was to take 3 seconds off the 360’s Fiorano lap record. He and his team succeeded.

Starting with the 360 Modena, Ferrari engineers removed all equipment deemed superfluous in order to shed weight, lowered and stiffened the suspension, and fitted massive alloy wheels. Inside, the two passengers were treated to bucket seats with racing harnesses and Plexiglas windows. The huge performance gains can largely be attributed to increase in power and a reduction in weight. Ferrari put the 360 on a titanium and carbon fiber diet which shed 243 lbs (110 kgs) off the car.

Having an all-aluminum monocoque and a flat-plane V8 whipping out 395 bhp, the 360 Modena had raised Ferrari’s standards from the preceding F355 that came before it. The Stradale took things further got the 3.6-liter V8 up to 425-hp. Fine tuning is how the engineers at Ferrari extracted more power. Higher-compression combustion chambers, polished ports, and a larger intake tract all contributed. Attached was a dual-flow exhaust which, by means of a valve bypassed most of the deadening for a blaring symphony of noise. This wail is distinctive of the Stradale and is enough of a reason for it to make our list.

Why We Picked It:

The F430 was the first Ferrari to feature the steering-wheel mounted Manettino switch – a fixture on all Ferraris since – that controlled a myriad of onboard systems, including mapping for the 4.3-litre V8 which developed 483bhp helping the F430 past 200mph.

The extreme version of that already awesome F430 and one of our favorite cars ever was the F430 Scuderia and it comes in at number four on our list of best Ferrari V8s ever. The 430 Scuderia was a truly high-performance 2-seater berlinetta that demonstrated how Ferrari’s Formula 1 know-how is carried across to its production cars. Fitted with a naturally-aspirated 4308cc V8’s and 510 hp at 8500 rpm it is one of the best engines ever.

Where the 458 took performance to another level and things have continue to escalate from then on, the F430 Scuderia feels like the real sweet spot in terms of cars that can actually be enjoyed and really tested on the road. It was the last Ferrari to use the “F1-style” paddle-shift transmission before they switched to dual-clutch so it has a level of engagement that later models are missing.

The key to the Scuderia performance gain over the F430 was the 220 pound weight loss program compared to the standard F430. No carpeting, no glove box, no radio, trim was carbon fiber, floor mats were out in favor of aluminum plating and so on. The result is a 2975-lb. curb weight powered by that magnificent V8.

Why We Picked It:

The Ferrari 488 Pista is one of the most thrilling and track-focused Ferraris ever created, blending breathtaking performance with cutting-edge technology. Introduced in 2018 as the hardcore version of the already impressive 488 GTB, the 488 Pista is designed to deliver the ultimate driving experience both on the track and on the road. Ferrari took everything it learned from its racing programs and applied it to the Pista, making it not just faster, but also more engaging and rewarding for the driver.

At the heart of the Ferrari 488 Pista is a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which produces an astounding 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. This engine won multiple "Engine of the Year" awards for its incredible responsiveness and performance, making the 488 Pista one of the fastest Ferraris ever, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.85 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph. What makes this V8 so special is not just its power, but its razor-sharp throttle response, giving the driver an immediate and visceral connection to the car.

The 488 Pista is also about more than raw speed; it's a technological marvel when it comes to handling. Ferrari equipped it with the latest version of its Side Slip Control (SSC 6.0) and advanced aerodynamics derived from Ferrari’s racing cars. These systems allow the Pista to remain incredibly agile and stable, even when pushed to the limit. It’s also significantly lighter than the 488 GTB, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials, enhancing its performance and responsiveness.

Top reviewers have hailed the 488 Pista for its exhilarating driving dynamics. Car and Driver described it as “a masterpiece of engineering,” praising its ability to combine blistering speed with precision handling. Top Gear called it “one of Ferrari’s finest creations,” highlighting its track capability without sacrificing on-road usability. Motor Trend emphasized the car’s agility and emotional driving experience, noting that the 488 Pista offers an unmatched connection between driver and machine.

Why We Picked It:

The F355 was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year. The F355 righted all the wrongs of the preceding 348 starting with that fabulous V8. When the F355 went on sale, it had the highest specific output of any car on sale, squeezing 375 bhp from a 3.5-liter V8.

When it came to the F355, design was everything. It is easily one of the most beautiful modern cars ever designed. Where the Testerossa and 348 have aged poorly, the F355 is beautiful and looks amazing today.

The F355 also sounds amazing. When you step on the gas pedal in an F355 it just revs and revs and revs. The sound develops a hard edge and screams in true Ferrari tradition. Unlike modern Ferraris though, you won’t be doing immediate jail time speeds because while the F355 is fast it isn’t too fast. 0-62mph is covered in 4.7 second and a top speed of 183 mph was possible, so nothing crazy for 2018. EVO magazine nailed when they said: “‘Perhaps for the first time, Ferrari has managed to successfully combine age-old passion and heart-pounding emotion with state-of-the-art engineering and electronics.”

This is everything a Ferrari is supposed to be.

Why We Picked It:

Thank Group B race regulations that led to the creation of one of Ferrari’s most iconic cars, the 288 GTO. The 288 was the first Ferrari to wear the GTO nameplate since the iconic 250 GTO. Group B was canceled before the 288 saw any competition so Ferrari just kept going to built the car anyway. producing the car.

From the outside the 288 looks like a 308 GTB that has had some steroids. It is not. Beneath the skin it had an advanced tubular chassis and was full of advanced composite materials like Kevlar and fiberglass.

The GTO was fitted with a 2.8L V8 with massive twin IHI turbos that produced 400bhp at 7000 rpm through a five-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential. The GTO could hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds – nearly two whole seconds faster than the 308 – and would go on to 189 mph.

Ferrari still built 272 for homologation purposes so good luck trying to get your hands on one.

Why We Picked It:

As big fans of classic, raw and basic cars it is a bit surprising that the 308/328 isn’t higher on our list but I guess that says a lot about the competition for top honors in this prestigious list.

The Pininfarina designed 308 was the first of the mid-engined V8 breed to emerge from Ferrari and made its debut in 1975. While it is slow by today’s standards it is just a great car all around and so much fun.

The carb-fed 2.9-litre mid-mounted V8 packed 252 hp and hustled the ~2000 pound Ferrari to 60 mph in 6 seconds (not bad for 1975 actually). Top speed was 152 mph. The classic design is known by everybody and is still pretty modern with its wedge shape and vents.

Ferrari expanded the 308 lineup with several variants of the coupe and convertible models. Fuel injection arrived in 1980, a V8 with four valves per cylinder made its debut in 1982, and Ferrari gave its entry-level model a new 3.2-liter engine in 1985. The extra displacement warranted an updated design and a new name — 328 GTB. Our pick is the 328.

Why We Picked It:

In the mid-80s, the elegant shape of the open-topped 308 GTS was further softened and rounded to become – once a 270bhp 3.2-liter engine had been fitted amidships – the 328 GTS.

The curvier body not only updated the looks, it also improved the aerodynamics. Inside the new drop-top, the now outdated 1970s seats and trim and switchgear were also thoroughly refreshed.

Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1985, the 328 GTS was an instant hit and – during the four years of its production – more than 6,000 cars were sold: around five times as many as its hard-topped brother, the 328 GTB.

Why We Picked It:

You can buy a 360 Modena for under US$100,000 these days and that feels like great value for a what was a giant leap over the F355. While the 360 hasn’t aged as well as the F355 in terms of design, the car was a technical masterpiece and drives much better than it looks.

The 360 Modena was a replacement for the F355. The mid-engine Ferrari 360 Modena had a 400 hp 3.6-liter V8 and transmission offered in both F1 paddle shift and six-speed manual. The Ferrari 360 Modena hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds so it’s hot hatch territory fast these days, but it feels faster in person and has an exhaust note that will go down in history books as one of the best sounding cars ever. You could drive the F360 everyday, it is comfortable and relatively reliable while still being fun.

The Ferrari 360 used aluminium extensively which made it 130 pounds lighter than the F355 and increased rigidity by 64%. You can tell the difference when driving too, the 360 is easier to drive, more composed and more fun than the F355. If you want serious performance we’d recommend you opt for the F430 which is still a decent daily driver but significantly more hardcore performance machine.

Why We Picked It:

If you have $70k to $80k to spend you can buy yourself an Audi A6 or a Ferrari F355. I know which one I would choose, given me the best looking modern-day Ferrari every time. The good news is that there are lots of F355s out there with 11,273 units produced (our pick would be a six-speed manual in GTS (targa roof) spec and optional Fiorano handling pack).

Although closely related to those late-model 348s, the F355 was a massive step forward technically. and also heralded the return of the beautiful Ferrari after the brash brutality of the 1980s machines. There were Berlinetta (coupe), GTS (targa roof) and Spider (convertible) models available. Manual gearboxes we standard until 1997 with the launch of the F1 gearbox (a single-clutch automated transmission).

The F355 is a special car to drive. The flat-plane-crank V8 doesn’t actually sound that good when you’re cruising, but floor the throttle and get past 5,500 rpm and this is one of the finest engines ever made. It is an absolute delight to drive and you will wring it out every chance you get. While it is not that fast in today’s terms it still accelerates with real determination and is genuinely balanced and sporty in the twisty stuff. A malleable, exploitable and enjoyable Ferrari that is modern, looks stunning and has spine tingling flat-plane-crank V8. What’s not to love.

Why We Picked It:

While the Scuderia is still not “bargain” money, the Spider and Coupe F430 versions are starting at just under $90,000 (that’s 991 Porsche money). Sure that isn’t cheap per se but remember we’re talking a proper Ferrari that is awesome and still modern enough that it doesn’t seem classic (Top Gear called it the best car in the world when they first reviewed it).

We recently drove a friends manual F430 and it is faster and more engaging than you can imagine. In this day and age of McLaren 720S absurdity, a F430 is probably the pinnacle in our minds of everyday driveability and sports car fun on the road before things really get out of hand. The F430 has a 4.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 and makes 490 horsepower at 8,500 rpm redline. It weighs 3,200 pounds and reaches 0-60 in 3.8 seconds.

Every review of the car glowed with praise. Handling was supposedly fantastic. This was the first car that started the now-cliche trope that the electronics actually helped the driving experience rather than detracted from it. Our pick is a manual car and we’d opt for the coupe over the spider personally. Behind the wheel of the F430 is a blast. It is teaming with feel, is flat in corners and is enjoyable on the street, mountain pass or the track. It is really comfortable and surprisingly easy to maneuver. The perfect Ferrari available used today? We think so.

Why We Picked It:

We will be the first ones to say that buying a 1970s era Ferrari isn’t for the faint of heart. Initially badged as a Dino the 308 GT4 only officially became a ‘real’ Ferrari three years later. We love the cool ‘70s wedge-shaped car and it’s fun 250bhp V8. While 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds is not fast by today’s standard, we can say that driving this car is a real experience.

There is some historical value here too with this being Ferrari’s first V8 road car and the marque’s first mid-engined 2+2, but the 308 GT4 (‘3’ for 3 litres,‘8’ for 8 cylinders, ‘4’ for 4 seats). Even more historically significant was that this Ferrari was designer by Bertone rather than Pininfarina (which is really rare).

Why We Picked It:

The Mondial was one of Ferrari’s most commercially successful models, with over 6,000 examples produced over its thirteen-year run and that is good for second hand prices. The Mondial underwent many updates throughout its production with four distinct variants produced: the Mondial 8, Mondial QV, Mondial 3.2, and Mondial t. All but the Mondial 8 were released in both coupé and cabriolet (convertible) body form. It was the successor to the 308 GT4 and this time Pininfarina was in charge of design.

This is a practical Ferrari. It had a longer wheelbase which meant some more space for the back seats and, thanks to this and its greater levels of comfort. It is a genuinely useable Ferrari. Today, Mondial is a byword for an affordable – but still high-performance – classic Ferrari.

Our pick is the final Mondial variant, the Mondial t, released in 1989. This contained some of the biggest changes in the Mondial history, with an even-larger 3.4 l (210 cu in) engine, a substantial update to the exterior styling and interior ergonomics, and with an entirely new, albeit more complex to service, powertrain. Overall the Mondial t is considered the best vehicle in the range regarding overall performance and refinement, although it is often noted that this comes at the cost of greater maintenance.

Why We Picked It:

Yes, this is a real Ferrari and yes it is a relative bargain these days. For under $100k gets you a Ferrari V8 you can drive every day. While it is often panned as not a real Ferrari, we can assure you having driven the California it is a great Ferrari. Sure, it isn’t a canyon carver like a 458 but it is the perfect daily driver and is easily the most practical Ferrari you can buy.

The California was first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and came with an automated, fully retractable metal roof. It’s a softer, more approachable Ferrari which is why which 70 percent of California buyers so were new to the brand. If you want a Ferrari that is quick with a blend of everyday usability and outright enjoyment, then this might be the Ferrari V8 bargain for you.

While the California was made all the way through 2017 we suggest you focus on the earlier 2008 to 2012 models if you’re looking for a true bargain.