California questions...
Discussion
I’m considering a few cars and a Cali is one. I have owned 348, 355, 355 spider, 360 spider and 458. I’m considering a Cali because it appears to be a bit more useable than the usual line I have gone for. Also a arguably a little less showy so a bit less attention.
If you have driven a Cali and a Cali T how different do they feel, in what way and which do you prefer?
Does the gearbox fee very similar to the 458?
Any Issues to watch out for generally?
Any spec that makes a real difference to value and saleability?
If you have driven a Cali and a Cali T how different do they feel, in what way and which do you prefer?
Does the gearbox fee very similar to the 458?
Any Issues to watch out for generally?
Any spec that makes a real difference to value and saleability?
Driven a California and Portofino.
California by comparison is terrible compared to Portofino, but I'd buy the California every time as to me it is a more engaging car at legal speeds and it simply sounds far better, roof down that V8 sounds fantastic.
Yes a Portofino, even a California T is a vastly quicker machine, more economic too but they miss on the sound and in the Portofino going fast, too fast is way to easy, yes its a vastly super car in every way but people get lost in the numbers game and forget what the thrill of driving is and to me that is involvement and how fun and involving a car is at legal speeds.
But try to aim for a later California as they got a power bump and there will some good options like LED carbon wheels, Handling packs to keep an eye out.
DCT is very similar to that of 458, just a lot more relaxed but still quick enough, reliability is generally very good because everything is de-tuned in a California.
California by comparison is terrible compared to Portofino, but I'd buy the California every time as to me it is a more engaging car at legal speeds and it simply sounds far better, roof down that V8 sounds fantastic.
Yes a Portofino, even a California T is a vastly quicker machine, more economic too but they miss on the sound and in the Portofino going fast, too fast is way to easy, yes its a vastly super car in every way but people get lost in the numbers game and forget what the thrill of driving is and to me that is involvement and how fun and involving a car is at legal speeds.
But try to aim for a later California as they got a power bump and there will some good options like LED carbon wheels, Handling packs to keep an eye out.
DCT is very similar to that of 458, just a lot more relaxed but still quick enough, reliability is generally very good because everything is de-tuned in a California.
Owned 3 California's, one a 30 and had a 458 for 4 Years, I also had a T for a week for so on loan. Original and 30 are great cars, do everything well and yes the gearbox is identical in feel and use to the 458.
I always said the California was the best Ferrari I'd owned and still rate them extremely highly, then I bought the 458 and it's definitely a step forward in handling/ feel/ feedback and arguably looks
I couldn't get on with the T, it was as said too quiet which I appreciate can be fixed but the biggest problem was I was always hitting the rev limiter, I've been used to Ferraris singing into the high numbers and the T just doesn't do that
I always said the California was the best Ferrari I'd owned and still rate them extremely highly, then I bought the 458 and it's definitely a step forward in handling/ feel/ feedback and arguably looks
I couldn't get on with the T, it was as said too quiet which I appreciate can be fixed but the biggest problem was I was always hitting the rev limiter, I've been used to Ferraris singing into the high numbers and the T just doesn't do that
Agree with the many good things about the Cali, certainly one of the most widely useable Ferrari’s.
One issue I would highlight with the first generation Cali (which I prefer the look of to the later ones) is the ICE unit: the SatNav is unreadable, the Radio is terrible (no DAB), and you can’t connect it to a modern iPhone. However, if you know your way and are happy to listen to the engine (there are worse noises!), then it’s terrific.
One issue I would highlight with the first generation Cali (which I prefer the look of to the later ones) is the ICE unit: the SatNav is unreadable, the Radio is terrible (no DAB), and you can’t connect it to a modern iPhone. However, if you know your way and are happy to listen to the engine (there are worse noises!), then it’s terrific.
I currently have an FF and a Cali. I’ve previously had a F355 and have test driven a F430 as it was a choice between that and the Cali.
I’m guessing that the FF and the 458 will have a lot in common as they are the same generation of car.
The Cali certainly feels slightly older and softer than the FF. It has better ground clearance than the mid engine V8s so things like sleeping policemen and car park ramps present no problems. It also packs plenty of luggage for road trips - 3 weeks is easily possible.
The driving position on the Cali is also a lot higher - you don’t get the go-kart on the ground feeling that the mid engine cars give you.
In summary, the Cali is practical enough to drive every day so you end up driving it more. Because it’s so practical, it loses some of the sense of occasion that you get with the mid engine cars.
I’m guessing that the FF and the 458 will have a lot in common as they are the same generation of car.
The Cali certainly feels slightly older and softer than the FF. It has better ground clearance than the mid engine V8s so things like sleeping policemen and car park ramps present no problems. It also packs plenty of luggage for road trips - 3 weeks is easily possible.
The driving position on the Cali is also a lot higher - you don’t get the go-kart on the ground feeling that the mid engine cars give you.
In summary, the Cali is practical enough to drive every day so you end up driving it more. Because it’s so practical, it loses some of the sense of occasion that you get with the mid engine cars.
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