2017 Ferrari 488 vs 2023 Ford Mustang

What's the difference?

James Cleary road tests and reviews the new Ferrari 488 Spider with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

It’s almost inevitable. Tell someone you’re a motoring journo and the first question will be, ‘So, what’s the best car you’ve ever driven?’ 

Without getting into an esoteric analysis of what the word 'best' actually means in this context, it’s clear people want you to nominate your favourite. The fastest, the fanciest, the car you’ve enjoyed the most; the one that’s delivered a clearly superior experience.

And if I enter the room of mirrors (where you can always take a good hard look at yourself) the answer is clear. From the thousands of cars I’ve had the privilege of sliding my backside into, the best so far is Ferrari’s 458 Italia, an impossibly pure combination of dynamic brilliance, fierce acceleration, howling soundtrack and flawless beauty.

So, the opportunity to steer the open-roof Spider version of its successor, the 488, is a significant one. By rights, the best should be about to get better. But does it?

The Ford Mustang is having a mid-life crisis.

Since the first pony car launched back in 1965 it has grown over the years and begun to appeal to an older, wealthier demographic than the original, youthful audience Ford attracted.

So, for this latest seventh-generation model, the Blue Oval has tried to make this Mustang have more appeal for a younger buyer.

What does that ultimately mean? In 2023 that's not a more powerful V8 or racing stripes (although it has both of those things) but instead a more hi-tech 'Stang.

Ford has borrowed elements from the all-electric Mustang Mach-E to give the coupe and convertible a fresh look and feel.

But don't worry if you're one of the existing Mustang fans, because they've not only kept the bits you really love - like the V8 - but have added an all-new hero model.

The four-cylinder EcoBoost and V8 GT remain and Ford has introduced the Dark Horse, a new permanent flagship for the line-up based on the limited edition Mach 1 from the previous generation.

While it's hailed as the seven-generation model and has some major changes, the reality is this new Mustang shares a lot in common with the previous model.

Which isn't unsurprising in the current automotive climate, as demand for petrol-powered performance cars remains uneven and Ford needs to invest billions into new electric vehicles.

So, to save on development costs this latest pony car features updated powertrains, a carry-over platform and a facelifted-rather-than-redesigned interior. But there's still a lot to talk about with this new Mustang, so let's dive in.