California vs California T

[andy355]

Browsing the classifieds it looks like some T's will soon be advertised cheaper than 13/14 plate original model

Maybe it's the turbo vs NA thing but then would a Ferrari purist buy a California anyhow

Having owned both I thought the T was a much better car. Faster, better looking, noisier when pushing on (though quieter at ideal/low revs) and more fun imho

I personally thought that the T would hold up better given the improved looks and package

[ajr550]

Don't know if it is just me but contrary to most I prefer the look of the old California.It seems to have more character.I find the design of the T a bit bland.
Having said that I think prices are crazy !

[Beni997]

I am looking at California's more and more as i just find the 430 so unpractical. Speaking to Ferrari salesman though they say the 458 is a lot more practical than a 430 so they are trying to push me to that although it is another 50% more.

So i suppose i have the option to buy a California or jump to the next level of the T or 458.

Is the T worth the extra 35/40k compared to the original California?

[F355GTS]

I had 3 of the originals (2 normal and 1 30) and thought they were brilliant cars, I did have a T for a week and it was OK, personally I think it looks better but it is so so quiet.

The 458 is just simply amazing in everyway

[Beni997]

F355GTS said:

I had 3 of the originals (2 normal and 1 30) and thought they were brilliant cars, I did have a T for a week and it was OK, personally I think it looks better but it is so so quiet.

The 458 is just simply amazing in everyway

Just called into Ferrari and unfortunately I am to tall for the 458, there is so much more room in a California and I don't want to spend that amount of money and not be comfortable especially when we plan to take it to Europe

[garystoybox]

Beni997 said:

F355GTS said:

I had 3 of the originals (2 normal and 1 30) and thought they were brilliant cars, I did have a T for a week and it was OK, personally I think it looks better but it is so so quiet.

The 458 is just simply amazing in everyway

Just called into Ferrari and unfortunately I am to tall for the 458, there is so much more room in a California and I don't want to spend that amount of money and not be comfortable especially when we plan to take it to Europe

I'm amazed at this....... assuming you must he talking about a spider over coupe?
I'm a little over 6 foot 3, long in leg and currently have an Italia with carbon seats. The interor legroom is significantly better than that on a California. I.e. I can get the seat so far back i can't even reach the pedals! Also appears more interior space in general. Had a California T on demo for 2weeks from dealer and couldn't get comfy. I.e. Not enough leg room as seat backs were impinged by rear seats. On the 458, the difference between carbon race seats vs normal seats on interior space and headroom to me was staggering. I really suggest you try another 458 with the carbon seats and i'm sure you'll agree....

[DarrenKMC]

garystoybox said:

I'm amazed at this....... assuming you must he talking about a spider over coupe?
I'm a little over 6 foot 3, long in leg and currently have an Italia with carbon seats. The interor legroom is significantly better than that on a California. I.e. I can get the seat so far back i can't even reach the pedals! Also appears more interior space in general. Had a California T on demo for 2weeks from dealer and couldn't get comfy. I.e. Not enough leg room as seat backs were impinged by rear seats. On the 458, the difference between carbon race seats vs normal seats on interior space and headroom to me was staggering. I really suggest you try another 458 with the carbon seats and i'm sure you'll agree....

^^^ This ^^^ I'm similar height and fit in the Italia ok with standard seats but with carbon seats its completely different, try one before ruling it out! Spider + standard seats is uncomfortable.

[Beni997]

garystoybox said:

Beni997 said:

F355GTS said:

I had 3 of the originals (2 normal and 1 30) and thought they were brilliant cars, I did have a T for a week and it was OK, personally I think it looks better but it is so so quiet.

The 458 is just simply amazing in everyway

Just called into Ferrari and unfortunately I am to tall for the 458, there is so much more room in a California and I don't want to spend that amount of money and not be comfortable especially when we plan to take it to Europe

I'm amazed at this....... assuming you must he talking about a spider over coupe?
I'm a little over 6 foot 3, long in leg and currently have an Italia with carbon seats. The interor legroom is significantly better than that on a California. I.e. I can get the seat so far back i can't even reach the pedals! Also appears more interior space in general. Had a California T on demo for 2weeks from dealer and couldn't get comfy. I.e. Not enough leg room as seat backs were impinged by rear seats. On the 458, the difference between carbon race seats vs normal seats on interior space and headroom to me was staggering. I really suggest you try another 458 with the carbon seats and i'm sure you'll agree....

Thanks for your reply, this 458 Italian had the carbon sports seats and it was as far back as it went and I felt crampt in, whilst the California 30 edition I sat in I felt so much more comfortable. I am test driving next week so will see what unfolds. I'm just under 6 foot 5 but I have a long top half

Edited by Beni997 on Friday 6th January 18:49

[cowboyengineer]

I'm in agreement. I'm 6ft 4 with a long top body. I don't fit in a 458, headroom wise my eyes are fully above the windscreen in the spyder, which is unfortunate because I really do want that or the 488. I do however fit in a California T so if I want a frrrari it's going to have to be that one!