Ferrari 488 pista vs Emira V6

[NJemira85]

Dear god, how much !!! You lot are comparing a car 4 times the price of the Emira and then wondering why its not quite as capable
I'll off the comparison of a Trabant to a Focus ST and then see how that comparison works out.

I get the looks are similar, I actually think they look VERY similar, especially from the side, but in no way would I compare them in any other aspect. Its ridiculous to think the Emira could even get close.

I love you guys and I love the emira, but in person, they look nothing alike. The 488, for whatever its chassis and suspension failings may be, is a rolling renaissance sculpture in person. Breathtaking.

Emira is lovely shape and by far the best looking modern lotus, or perhaps lotus ever.

The 488 is divine.

Of course this is all subjective but having owned both, the only thing I miss about the 488 is f*ckin staring at it

 

[NJemira85]

Spend €100,000 and get the Juju Club Sport 600 and I bet the Emira would be more than close.

I think $20k is all that is required, if one knows the path..

 

[cyanmauve]

I think $20k is all that is required, if one knows the path..

It ain’t that complicated. It’s just an incredibly small market, so it’s significant $$$ to get to high HP.

Forged internals and a bigger supercharger with improved cooling. That’s pretty much it. The transmission just might not take it. Cylinder head port/polish work is probably not needed, just boost, a rotating assembly that can take that boost, and cooling.

 

[netsinah]

Take almost any sports car...any supercar even...and there's a more expensive/nicer looking/better performing/better handling car than that one out there, or not, according to who you're talking to. Everyone has a personal preference about which car is "better bang for your buck"/nicer looking/better performing/better handling and which of those is the most important. We're fortunate there are so many different sports cars and at least one that will suit any person's preference and financial ability/priorities: what a boring car world we'd inhabit, if that wasn't the case.

 

[NJemira85]

It ain’t that complicated. It’s just an incredibly small market, so it’s significant $$$ to get to high HP.

Forged internals and a bigger supercharger with improved cooling. That’s pretty much it. The transmission just might not take it. Cylinder head port/polish work is probably not needed, just boost, a rotating assembly that can take that boost, and cooling.

In terms of ROI: 2.6” pulley, ecu flash with headline boost to 7200, intake and headers are like $5-7k depending on labor.

This , assuming 93 octane, should add 150whp.

That is right around 570s dyno.

If one then does pistons, valves, valve springs, con rods and cams, redline jumps to 8500rpms, and power would be around 750. Of course, fuel system would need to be upgraded, at least injectors.

That work is probably 20-25k (mostly labor getting engine out) and I’d do clutch at same time bc why not.

So for perhaps $130k, + let’s say $10k for suspension overhaul, you’d have a manual 765lt competitor. $140k.

 

[seriously]

I think it’s quite flattering to compare the emira to the 488.

Looks wise I think there is a legitimate comparison while the Ferrari looks even more exotic inside and out.

Performance wise of course no comparison. But from a drivers experience POV you might argue the lower HP emira is a more involving drive vs a high HP/TQ 488 which must surely feel more point and shoot.

I think the comparison to a manual 360 is a great one. You can’t buy those new today but you can buy an emira.

 

[Lotus64]

The Emira's design, racing pedigree and driving dynamics punch so far above it's price range that the main comparisons will be to older and new exotics from Ferrari, Mclaren and Lamborghini.

Team Lotus is one of Formula 1's most successful constructors and on the all time winning list for grand prix wins, behind giants like Ferrari and Mclaren. Given that history and racing focus, the comparisons make sense, albeit while being somewhat impractical due to price disparity, mostly due to differences in power.

The Emira has no true competitors on the market and even cars that cost multiples of its price are still be bested by the Emira in certain attributes.

 

[David s]

The 488 looks a bit like a luis vitton handbag on wheels. Simply stunning. I still think the Emira and Dino 246 are brothers from another mother. Lots of similarities from the design appeal, engine simplicity, controversy, and generally the same low powered supercar. The 488 is just too big and long for my liking g. The Emira/dino size and length are what sports coupes should be. Many of these supercars today are longer that an SUV! I’ve had a number of Ferraris(including a dino246 until recently), and still have one. But once they went past the 355 to 360 and onwards, they just got bigger. Better for sure, but bigger.

 

[NJemira85]

The 488 looks a bit like a luis vitton handbag on wheels. Simply stunning. I still think the Emira and Dino 246 are brothers from another mother. Lots of similarities from the design appeal, engine simplicity, controversy, and generally the same low powered supercar. The 488 is just too big and long for my liking g. The Emira/dino size and length are what sports coupes should be. Many of these supercars today are longer that an SUV! I’ve had a number of Ferraris(including a dino246 until recently), and still have one. But once they went past the 355 to 360 and onwards, they just got bigger. Better for sure, but bigger.

Agree. I’d love to drive a Dino some time!

 

[David s]

Agree. I’d love to drive a Dino some time!

They don`t really go as good as they look. I miss staring at it every time I left the garage. But what I really miss is telling people Iv`e got a Dino 246, and saying it in mehh tone. Didn`t realize how much my ego was tided up in that car.

 

[seriously]

They don`t really go as good as they look. I miss staring at it every time I left the garage. But what I really miss is telling people Iv`e got a Dino 246, and saying it in mehh tone. Didn`t realize how much my ego was tided up in that car.

Ugh I love the Dino 246 design. It might actually be my favorite. The proportions, the swoopy headlights, the flat rear decklid. Stunning. That and the lambo Muira are tops for me.

The 296 reminds me of the Dino design language. When people say it’s ugly they don’t get the retro design callback. It’s also a stunner and much prefered to the gaudy designs modern Ferrari is moving towards.

 

[TheMotizzle]

I drove a 488 GTB on track a few years ago in Vegas with an instructor. Obvioulsy the 488 is going to outperform in terms of laptime, but I can say from a fun factor, my Emira gives me the same vibes. It enough car for me 99% of the time. The looks are gorgoues. The driving experience is amazing. I love the 488. It's an incredible car, but I have to say the Emira gives absolute bang for your buck.

In a vaccum:
488 > Emira

Accounting for price:
Emira >>> 488

 

[Whitworth]

I have a vivid Red Emira V6 with now 8000 miles on it. I've finally gotten to the point in my life where I can buy a Ferrari, which has been a lifetime goal. I've been going to dealerships and driving cars and trying to make myself want one. I started out looking at 430s, but it seems like it's really not that much more power than the Amira and actually I think it looks dated compared to the Emira. Next stop, and a big bump in price, the 488. Drove one for a pretty long time at a dealership where the young salesman obviously just wanted to be in it as much as possible. It's definitely fast. That said, the way the power is delivered with the paddle shifters is not as satisfying as I had hoped. I'm also trying to get past the way the 488 looks from the back. I'm just not a big fan of it. It's very squared off and boxy. got to see my Emira right next to the 488, and actually I like a lot of things about the Amira better than the 488. The front of the 488 actually isn't that thrilling either. Even though I can afford it now, I still have to really love the way everything looks about a car to get on board, and the 488 front and back angles just don't make it for me. Also started looking at the 296. That car I just can't do for the following reasons: I'm only 6 feet tall but with the seat all the way back, it's still tight in that car and it just feels kind of claustrophobic. Also, have been hearing a lot of different problems with that car with all the technology. Many people are afraid to talk about what's really going on with their cars and why they're giving back so many 296s for fear of repercussions from the Almighty Ferrari establishment. So now I've worked myself up to the point where the Ferrari that really makes it for me aesthetically is the F8 Tributo. That car is like a 488 Pista in performance and has a much better front and back look than the 488. I can get a F8 used for about 350, and that might be the way I go. All these thoughts and considerations boil down to one thing that's kind of cool though, which is that the Emira, at $125,000, at least in my world is being compared to some of the most desired sports cars in the world.

 

[luciddaydream]

Emira is better looking. Ferrari looks stretched out and less pretty, more douchey.

Ferraris are more capable, yes, but they're gonna be as raw and fun.

Quicker, yes. But going 0-60 gets boring about the 15th time you do it.

Meanwhile, going 50mph in my emira never gets old.

 

[cyanmauve]

Emira is better looking. Ferrari looks stretched out and less pretty, more douchey.

Ferraris are more capable, yes, but they're gonna be as raw and fun.

Quicker, yes. But going 0-60 gets boring about the 15th time you do it.

Meanwhile, going 50mph in my emira never gets old.

Agreed about the stretched out part.

And you’re right, going 50 never gets old. I just don’t stay at 50 mph very long.

 

[hagen111]

Its a great question…and for those who say it doesn’t compare, IT DOES for those who own a few cars and have the option to swap and replace cars in the collection. Its the end of the year and I always reflect and take a moment to decide…what has to go and what will be next. What are the best cars my money can buy…

1. I owned Exige V6…and loved it! As it was sooo different vs the GT3 and 458 Spider. Then came Emira… and thought, its an Exige with better improved looks, its beautiful. Now that I own the Emira (Nitron, braid forged wheels, carbon buckets, 6p harness) - its stunning, love it. Fantastic car, yet miss a bit of the rawness even more pure feel of the Exige, which made it such a good part of my collection. Would I do the swap again…YES! As Emira is sooo beautiful, and such a good car on mountain roads.

2. What else can money buy… a GT3… I just sold my 991.2 GT3 Manual… 7000kms on it. Could not sell it for 2 years, in the end parted with little money in my hand, that market is dead! Unbelievable good car, may be even the best car money can buy a GT3…yet it didn’t feel THAT special lookswise, just another porsche. Emira won over GT3 for now. However I promised myself to get a daily 992.2 GT3 Touring manual in 2027, to replace the daily 991.1 that I still own.

3. Then Ferrari… the dream of most car enthusiasts… I have had a few, F12, FF, Daytona and 458 Spider. Always feel quality is not where it should be for the money… mostly Fiat parts you hold and everything feels very quickly outdated! Loved my Exige interior with the forged aluminium cupholder (very rare option)! The 458 felt really old and outdated and was 2x the price of the Emira at the time. So sold the 458 for a small profit…compared to the other Ferraris who have been massive bleeders.

With Emira in the stable, was thinking I want to own another Ferrari. What should I get. No hybrid, even though they drive massively well, they will depreciate like crazy. So I opted to look for a relatively new V8 non Hybrid. Most beautiful option in my opinion is a 488 Pista. Normal 488 not in consideration as I don’t like the looks, especially next to much more modern and better looking Emira. With Pista values and prices sky rocketing, I opted for an F8 Tributo Spider….Pista DNA in a more roadgoing tuned down appearance. Quite limited production numbers, love the modern interior and man WHAT A CAR! F8 is overlooked! Just soooo incredibly good! At half the price of a Pista.

This is the car that this year ranks nr 1 in my list of owned cars in terms of absolute best.

Yet pricewise… I believe the Emira is the winner in what you get for your money. Ferrari like looks, Lotus sportscar DNA at a price point that is super attractive.

However there is another option, and car in the stable which is the best car money can buy at the moment… the Maserati MC20!!! It is sooo overlooked and unloved, yet sooo special.

Beautiful supercar looks, carbon Dallara tub, very special engine - massive depreciation where I think it is the absolute bargain in the market. The car WON Evo COTY! And I can confirm, it is sooo special! Like a lemans racer with big turbo’s whistling and popping with Lotus like dynamics and feel. Boy what a car!

 

[geoffbland]

However there is another option, and car in the stable which is the best car money can buy at the moment… the Maserati MC20!!! It is sooo overlooked and unloved, yet sooo special.

Beautiful supercar looks, carbon Dallara tub, very special engine - massive depreciation where I think it is the absolute bargain in the market. The car WON Evo COTY! And I can confirm, it is sooo special! Like a lemans racer with big turbo’s whistling and popping with Lotus like dynamics and feel. Boy what a car!

The MC20 is the only modern sports car that competes with the Emira on looks, both exterior and interior remind me of the Emira. The weird thing about the MC20 is that you are paying for that carbon tub for weight saving - yet the car in fact weights over 1500kg as quoted by Maserati (actually on reviews has been found to be up to 1700kg esp. for the Cielo version).

 

[cyanmauve]

The MC20 is the only modern sports car that competes with the Emira on looks, both exterior and interior remind me of the Emira. The weird thing about the MC20 is that you are paying for that carbon tub for weight saving - yet the car in fact weights over 1500kg as quoted by Maserati (actually on reviews has been found to be up to 1700kg esp. for the Cielo version).

I LOVE the looks and presence of the MC20. And if used prices fall a bit more, it’s conceivable that I could trade my Emira (and some cash) for one.

The only let downs are (1) no manual transmission (2) no good exhaust note. I haven’t heard a clip of one that sounds good, even with $$$$$$ aftermarket exhaust!

I’d love an over the top MC20 roadster in a bright color!

 

[cyanmauve]

Its a great question…and for those who say it doesn’t compare, IT DOES for those who own a few cars and have the option to swap and replace cars in the collection. Its the end of the year and I always reflect and take a moment to decide…what has to go and what will be next. What are the best cars my money can buy…

1. I owned Exige V6…and loved it! As it was sooo different vs the GT3 and 458 Spider. Then came Emira… and thought, its an Exige with better improved looks, its beautiful. Now that I own the Emira (Nitron, braid forged wheels, carbon buckets, 6p harness) - its stunning, love it. Fantastic car, yet miss a bit of the rawness even more pure feel of the Exige, which made it such a good part of my collection. Would I do the swap again…YES! As Emira is sooo beautiful, and such a good car on mountain roads.

2. What else can money buy… a GT3… I just sold my 991.2 GT3 Manual… 7000kms on it. Could not sell it for 2 years, in the end parted with little money in my hand, that market is dead! Unbelievable good car, may be even the best car money can buy a GT3…yet it didn’t feel THAT special lookswise, just another porsche. Emira won over GT3 for now. However I promised myself to get a daily 992.2 GT3 Touring manual in 2027, to replace the daily 991.1 that I still own.

3. Then Ferrari… the dream of most car enthusiasts… I have had a few, F12, FF, Daytona and 458 Spider. Always feel quality is not where it should be for the money… mostly Fiat parts you hold and everything feels very quickly outdated! Loved my Exige interior with the forged aluminium cupholder (very rare option)! The 458 felt really old and outdated and was 2x the price of the Emira at the time. So sold the 458 for a small profit…compared to the other Ferraris who have been massive bleeders.

With Emira in the stable, was thinking I want to own another Ferrari. What should I get. No hybrid, even though they drive massively well, they will depreciate like crazy. So I opted to look for a relatively new V8 non Hybrid. Most beautiful option in my opinion is a 488 Pista. Normal 488 not in consideration as I don’t like the looks, especially next to much more modern and better looking Emira. With Pista values and prices sky rocketing, I opted for an F8 Tributo Spider….Pista DNA in a more roadgoing tuned down appearance. Quite limited production numbers, love the modern interior and man WHAT A CAR! F8 is overlooked! Just soooo incredibly good! At half the price of a Pista.

This is the car that this year ranks nr 1 in my list of owned cars in terms of absolute best.

Yet pricewise… I believe the Emira is the winner in what you get for your money. Ferrari like looks, Lotus sportscar DNA at a price point that is super attractive.

However there is another option, and car in the stable which is the best car money can buy at the moment… the Maserati MC20!!! It is sooo overlooked and unloved, yet sooo special.

Beautiful supercar looks, carbon Dallara tub, very special engine - massive depreciation where I think it is the absolute bargain in the market. The car WON Evo COTY! And I can confirm, it is sooo special! Like a lemans racer with big turbo’s whistling and popping with Lotus like dynamics and feel. Boy what a car!

View attachment 75046

Thank you for your insight. I can tell by your writing you’re a real “gear head”/enthusiast!

 

[hagen111]

I LOVE the looks and presence of the MC20. And if used prices fall a bit more, it’s conceivable that I could trade my Emira (and some cash) for one.

The only let downs are (1) no manual transmission (2) no good exhaust note. I haven’t heard a clip of one that sounds good, even with $$$$$$ aftermarket exhaust!

I’d love an over the top MC20 roadster in a bright color!

Yes true. Exhaust note is raw and like a group c race car, not a screamer. But just have a look a the EVO verdict when it won COTY…not at all about exhaust note, but its all about the turbo’s…its mental, it sounds like an aggressive animal, whistles and pops, totally different experience and sound. Pretty special.