california vs 430

[bordseye]

It seems easier to find a decent reasonably low mileage rosso california than a 430 in my budget ( 100k). Leaving aside the obvious 4 seats vs 2 seats, what are the pro and con for the california?

[andy355]

California is the better car overall I think. 430 though felt more of an event to drive. Mine was a spider so a fairly direct comparison to the california. 430'prices though do seem to be rising as no longer made where's there are plenty of California's and still in production with the T

[Flashman65]

430 is a more racey car to drive but the Cali is a much better car to live with. The Cali is actually quicker than a 430 in every respect too, it just doesn't feel like it is due to the harshness of the gear change and suspension traits of the 430. Depends what you are looking for though in your car. There were some changes to later California's on the suspension to an 09 plate car so get a 10 plate at least as these have a firmer damping. If you can get a 30 then these made a much bigger difference.

[Armen]

Flashman65 said:

430 is a more racey car to drive but the Cali is a much better car to live with. The Cali is actually quicker than a 430 in every respect too, it just doesn't feel like it is due to the harshness of the gear change and suspension traits of the 430. Depends what you are looking for though in your car. There were some changes to later California's on the suspension to an 09 plate car so get a 10 plate at least as these have a firmer damping. If you can get a 30 then these made a much bigger difference.

A California 460 bhp is NOT quicker than a F430
The "30" with 490 bhp is almost as quick as the F430.
The new California T is quicker, no contest.

The F430 is a real sport car while the Cali is a great cruiser with the best double-clutch gearbox.

[Flashman65]

Sorry Armen, I guess you have a 430 by the way you defend its credentials. All I can say after driving both theses cars for over 5 years in the real world I stand by my comment that a Cali is quicker than a 430 regardless of what Ferrari choose to print in their blurb. If it is track work then I would suggest a 430 as it is more focuses but for road work a Cali is better due to the gearbox and suspension. Especially against a manual car 😉

[sparta6]

OP didn't clarify if it was mainly for road or track use.

[Beni997]

Will be interested to hear people's thoughts on this subject as I have just sold my F430 and am looking for a good spec California as I believe you could drive the California on a more day to day basis than you can with the 430. How do they compare on the noise front?

[JW82]

I didn't buy the 430 at the time as felt it was trickier to use as a daily. The California I went for in the end was easier to live with each day. It was a really fun car which can cruise comfortably with some luggage for a weekend away and also transform into a genuinely fast and exciting car when you want it to be.

Not sure on the noise debate, I'd say probably the 430 edges it.