The Ferrari F8 Spider was designed in parallel with the F8 Tributo berlinetta and features the Prancing Horse’s compact and efficient RHT (Retractable Hard Top) which influences the lines of a model that leads its category. It is less extreme than the 488 Pista Spider, but sportier than the 488 Spider which it replaces in the range. The Pista, introduced in 2018, is a lightweight, track-focused beast with 710 horsepower from its twin-turbo 3.9L V8. Stripped down and aggressive, it demands complete focus and rewards skilled drivers with raw, unfiltered performance.
The F8 Spider refines that formula, maintaining the same power but softening the ride for daily usability. It offers a more comfortable cabin, adaptive suspension, and a slightly less aggressive nature—without compromising speed. However, both suffer from a muted exhaust note due to turbocharging, an issue fixable with aftermarket solutions like a Novitec system.
Driving dynamics highlight the differences: the Pista is razor-sharp and unforgiving, while the F8 blends excitement with approachability. Aerodynamic enhancements, including the S-Duct and revised cooling, optimize performance in both models. Interestingly, the F8 is rarer than the Pista despite not being a limited-production car.
At the end of the video, the choice depends on your preference. But what if you’re given the keys to one of these cars? Which one would you choose? The track-focused Pista or the daily-driveable Pista?
