488 Spider or California T Handling Special- First Ferrari
Discussion
So i made a promise to myself that I would by a Ferrari by a certain point in my life. That point is now just over two years ago.
For me it was always going to be a California T Handling Special. I always liked the idea and now they seem to have sorted out the handling (i've never driven one so I can't comment).
I have a 991 GT3 which I will be keeping and the California has a different USP so they both work togeather.
However I was at Goodwood on Friday and I've decided I need a 488 Spider in my life, however I'm worried that whilst a totally different car it has the same USP as the GT3 and one will always get left behind.
Obviously the California is a good bit cheaper than the 488 but since its my first Ferrari both will be epic. The Cali T is hard ly a slow car.
Just interesting to hear other peoples thoughts.
If you have a gt3 sitting in the garage, would you rather have a Cali T or a 488 Spider considering how much more expensive it is?
For me it was always going to be a California T Handling Special. I always liked the idea and now they seem to have sorted out the handling (i've never driven one so I can't comment).
I have a 991 GT3 which I will be keeping and the California has a different USP so they both work togeather.
However I was at Goodwood on Friday and I've decided I need a 488 Spider in my life, however I'm worried that whilst a totally different car it has the same USP as the GT3 and one will always get left behind.
Obviously the California is a good bit cheaper than the 488 but since its my first Ferrari both will be epic. The Cali T is hard ly a slow car.
Just interesting to hear other peoples thoughts.
If you have a gt3 sitting in the garage, would you rather have a Cali T or a 488 Spider considering how much more expensive it is?
It's clearly a very personal decision but for me it would be the 488 Spider without question.
The Cali is a nice car but left me a little cold (although I haven't driven the updated one with the handling pack). The 488 is a hoot to drive, it's very capable when going fast but certainly not uncomfortable to cruise around in at lower speeds / in town.
You're worried about them being too similar? No need - you're buying the spider so you already have a big difference when it comes to deciding which car you choose to get out of the garage.
If cost is a major concern perhaps look at 458 Spider? Wonderful thing but used prices are very strong so personally I would wait for a 488 Spider for not much more money.
The Cali is a nice car but left me a little cold (although I haven't driven the updated one with the handling pack). The 488 is a hoot to drive, it's very capable when going fast but certainly not uncomfortable to cruise around in at lower speeds / in town.
You're worried about them being too similar? No need - you're buying the spider so you already have a big difference when it comes to deciding which car you choose to get out of the garage.
If cost is a major concern perhaps look at 458 Spider? Wonderful thing but used prices are very strong so personally I would wait for a 488 Spider for not much more money.
Edited by rumbled on Monday 27th June 14:52
I would go 488 - I don't think it will be particularly similar to the GT3 (although have driven neither, but older iterations both models). The "normal" mid-engined Ferraris are usually quite soft / comfortable cars, while the GT models from Porsche are a lot more focussed. As a first Ferrari I think you should either go mid-engined 8 or a front (or mid-) engined 12.
Edit: Ah and I would buy what your heart tells you to buy as otherwise you will always be craving that particular car
Edit: Ah and I would buy what your heart tells you to buy as otherwise you will always be craving that particular car
Its down to the use you would put the car to. Both the GT3 and the 488 are "race car for the road" and the use would be similar - hooning it down A or B roads, unless that is you are a bit of a poser. The Cali is more of a Sunday run out for lunch at a pub sort of car IMO of course.
I dont see the point in having two out and out sports cars. I would want something different for different moods.
I dont see the point in having two out and out sports cars. I would want something different for different moods.
OK
The plan is to pick up whatever car I buy in September 2018. The lead time of the 488 Spider is what has prompted me to start looking now. Speaking to the dealer I need to order the 488 by October to ensure delivery by sept 2018.
I'm going to put a deposit on the spider and I can always switch it to the California anytime in the 2017.
My main issue is not the cost, either will be fine even if the 488 will be pushing my budget, it's just that the 488 will be too similar to the gt3. But I guess that's a good problem to have
The plan is to pick up whatever car I buy in September 2018. The lead time of the 488 Spider is what has prompted me to start looking now. Speaking to the dealer I need to order the 488 by October to ensure delivery by sept 2018.
I'm going to put a deposit on the spider and I can always switch it to the California anytime in the 2017.
My main issue is not the cost, either will be fine even if the 488 will be pushing my budget, it's just that the 488 will be too similar to the gt3. But I guess that's a good problem to have
Personally I'd probably sell the GT3 and buy a 488 (or 458 
) if it was me. I think the 488 and GT3 probably will step on each other's toes. A California is more suited if you want a Merc SL but want it a bit more exciting in my opinion, which is a great way to go, but it sounds more like you are in the market for the 488. I would buy a 458 personally because I'm NA all the way but I'm sure the 488 is great too and if you prefer new then that is your only option out of those two obviously.
You could always order the 488 and then sell the GT3 if you find you aren't using it.
) if it was me. I think the 488 and GT3 probably will step on each other's toes. A California is more suited if you want a Merc SL but want it a bit more exciting in my opinion, which is a great way to go, but it sounds more like you are in the market for the 488. I would buy a 458 personally because I'm NA all the way but I'm sure the 488 is great too and if you prefer new then that is your only option out of those two obviously.You could always order the 488 and then sell the GT3 if you find you aren't using it.
stain said:
I'm not a GT3 owner but a GT3RS owner. I'd shelve the Ferrari completely and stick with the Porsche. But that might just be me.
Agree with you on this but if the OP does go down the Ferrari route I would advise against the Cali. Been on tour with an unimpressed owner and hear they are being discounted which does not bode well for future values!
Congrats on getting to this point.
I have/had all three, my 488 S due in October.
Gt3 epic best value for money car in this category, particularly in club sport format. Preferred in some respects to my Speciale.
Cali T HS .. It's nothing like my Speciale was or handled. However it's a great car for different reasons. Superb touring car (prob best for this I've had) 2500 miles to St Trop and back with hood down was effortless and best of all uses next to no fuel. Exhaust note improved and better with miles. Could use as a daily. Discounts to be had (as there was on 458 and will be on 488 in time). Don't listen to people who's ''mate' have one. Form your own opinion, it's a lot of money!!
488S will let you know. Assume will be same sense of occasion as previous rear v8s. It's the pace of the thing I'm looking forward to the most. Feel it might lack the soul of some of my previous Ferrari
Cali T would be great pair to Gt3. Gt3 to 488 .. Well all I know is my Gt3 got more use than my Speciale
I have/had all three, my 488 S due in October.
Gt3 epic best value for money car in this category, particularly in club sport format. Preferred in some respects to my Speciale.
Cali T HS .. It's nothing like my Speciale was or handled. However it's a great car for different reasons. Superb touring car (prob best for this I've had) 2500 miles to St Trop and back with hood down was effortless and best of all uses next to no fuel. Exhaust note improved and better with miles. Could use as a daily. Discounts to be had (as there was on 458 and will be on 488 in time). Don't listen to people who's ''mate' have one. Form your own opinion, it's a lot of money!!
488S will let you know. Assume will be same sense of occasion as previous rear v8s. It's the pace of the thing I'm looking forward to the most. Feel it might lack the soul of some of my previous Ferrari
Cali T would be great pair to Gt3. Gt3 to 488 .. Well all I know is my Gt3 got more use than my Speciale
Edited by F355spider on Saturday 30th July 07:55
Edited by F355spider on Saturday 30th July 08:01
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