Ferrari 458 vs 488: Which One Retains Value Better?

In the UK, where Ultra Low Emission Zones and shifting market tastes affect values, discerning Ferrari’s true investment potential matters. If you’re comparing the 458 and 488, you’re asking more than “which sounds cooler?”. You are wondering, “Which does my wallet love down the line?” Let’s take a deep dive into the Ferrari 458 vs 488 data to see which model reigns supreme in value retention.

Quick Overview: Ferrari 458 and 488 Basics

• Ferrari 458 Italia (2009–2015): Revered for its naturally aspirated 4.5L V8, visceral, rev-happy and genuinely thrilling drive. Sold from roughly £178K new in 2009.
  
• Ferrari 488 GTB (2015–2019): A twin-turbo 3.9L V8 powerhouse. Smoother drive, more torque-driven, but less raw. Sold from roughly £183K new in 2015.

UK Market Trajectory: Real Prices in the UK

• Ferrari 458:
  • Parkers lists values ranging from £48K to £92K for standard models, with Speciale editions climbing between £120K and £179K Parkers.
  • A Carwow/ Sun report crowned a 458 Italia at the top of the UK used car list, fetching a whopping £260KThe Sun. That surreal number shows its serious collector appeal.
• Ferrari 488:
  • A recent AutoUncle study shows the Ferrari 488’s average market price to be around £252K to £275K in late 2025, with depreciation at roughly £24,500 per year AutoUncle.
  • On CarSite UK recent 2019 488s sell for around £279K, while you can pick an older model (2017–2020) up for between £155K and £375K. However, this is largely dependent on the spec you opt for carsite.co.uk.

Naturally Aspirated Advantage: Why the 458 Still Thrives

The Ferrari 458’s naturally aspirated V8 isn’t just an engine, it’s a symphony. It revs to 9,000 rpm, screaming like a banshee and delivering power in a gloriously linear. There are no turbos, no lag, no filters,  just raw, old-school Ferrari madness. The 488, while faster on paper thanks to its twin-turbo setup just doesn’t deliver the same emotional high. Is it brutally quick? yes, but it doesn’t sing. That lack of drama is exactly why collectors and purists still flock to the 458. It’s the last of a dying breed, the final naturally aspirated V8 Ferrari before emissions regulations and turbos took over. In an automotive world heading towards hybrids and silence, that howling red horse is only becoming more special and more valuable!

488’s Turbo Tech: Modern Edge—But Does It Hold Value?

The 488 brought modern performance and efficiency. However, that came with trade-offs. Comparatively, it’s seeing faster depreciation according to a multitude of studies:

• The 488 GTB lost around 16% of its value within the first few years HotCars.
• Hagerty UK data also shows Italian supercars typically depreciate around 6% in the first year and -20% over three years, underscoring that risk exists even for exotic brands Hagerty UK+1.

In the UK especially, this means the 488 consistently sinks more than the 458 in resale value. Which gives the 458 a massive advantage over the 488 when it comes to holding value.

Special Editions: Do They Lift the Whole Family?

Yes and in the UK, they lift them high:

• The 458 Speciale models soar in value, pulling up the wider 458 lineup ParkersThe Sun.
• The 488 Pista initially jumped in value post-launch (about +6%) before dipping again, but still retains a stronger standing than standard 488s Hagerty UKLuxurious Magazine.

Conclusion: The UK Verdict on Value Retention

Model	UK Depreciation Trend	Value Outlook in UK
Ferrari 458	Mild; Speciale & Spider variants highly appreciated	Stronger retention, continued collector demand
Ferrari 488	Higher early depreciation, standard models less desirable	Steady but tepid, having the Pista helps, but not enough to outshine 458

Bottom line for UK buyers: If you want something that retains value and stands out at UK auctions or weekend drives. The 458 is your king. Especially special editions, well maintained and highly specced examples. The 488, while an engineering marvel is still playing catch-up in the collector marketplace.