Seriously thinking of switching my '07 430 coupe for a new California. Anyone else make the same decision? any regrets? I've loved the 430. It's almost too much of a race car for me. I find myself driving like I haven't before (I know....that's the point !). For me, it seems that the track would be the best place for the 430. The California was more impressive to drive than i expected. It also seems to give me more of what i want.....a little more 'every day' driver, convertible, i love the updated interiors on the new cars, etc.......plus my wife could drive it. She misses driving our 911, and the 430 is too intimidating. So...........I would REALLY appreciate you thoughts on anyone that done the same.
I traded my 430 spider for my Cali but still have my 430 Scuderia. It's early days but thus far I can't say I miss my spider when I'm out in the Cali. The handling is very different and the steering isn't as razor sharp but the new model provides a lot of fun and is very quick. As a daily proposition the Cali is without doubt a far superior choice combining comfort, the flexibility of hard top coupe or cabrio depending on the weather, relaxed cruising and a more modern interior. From the way you describe your driving style I'm sure you'll find the Cali to be the perfect car for you. It really does have a split personality as it can be driven along in auto mode without any real effort and takes on the role of a relaxed, comfortable tourer with ease. Find a twisty road though, put it into manual, select sport and watch it turn into a rev hungry, finely balanced, sportscar with a glorious soundtrack, startling acceleration and superb brakes.
The Cali would be a good fit for both you and your wife.. it has all the proper luxury bits and is easy and comfortable to drive around town.. but when you put the hammer down, it is very satisfying to drive hard and fast.
I kept my F430 coupe when I got my California in September. The Cali leaves the garage about 10x as often as the F430. The F430 is flashier, more razor's edge driving, etc - but I find the Cali is more suited to the way I normally drive and the conditions in which I normally drive. Emotionally, I'm not ready to part with the F430 and a pure 2-seat sports car - but if it really remains parked as much as it is now (we'll see this summer), then I may let it go.
Bought a black met. Cali. I kept my scud coupe and I have a 16M. I had A 599 and like the Cali better than the 599 since it has the hardtop and convertible. Although, nothing not to like about 600+ HP in the 599.
Well....i pulled the trigger. I picked up a black/black Cali with some nice options including magnaride. I love it. For me it was a great move and i will use it much more often than the 430. The ONLY thing i miss is that unique 430 exhaust noise. Having said that.....i think i'll be fine. On the flip side, at least 10 people, when seeing it, have said "oh...wow...you got a 599 !....". Interesting ! Thanks everybody for your input. It was very helpful.
Nice! Is it too early still to have an opinion on the Magnaride? Black looks beautiful on the California. PICS! Congrats!!!! Ray
i have about 650 mi on my cali with magnaride. i think it's a great system, particularly if you run into some bad pavement. i'm glad i got it!
I did the switch from a 430 spyder to the Cali. Very happy with my choice as I dont wont both at the same time. The 430 drives sharper and more intense but the Cali as a daily or sorty daily driver is AWSOME. I dont have Magni ride and its fine.....
I love the 360 and I track it a lot, I drove the scud and was AMAZED !!! I / we have 2 small girls (6 and 4) and the ferrari stays in the garage most weekends unless it is a track day. I was not crazy about the looks at first, but it has started to grow on me with all the after market stuff that some are installing. I always change the OEM wheels etc. The exhaust note is one of the most import aspects of the ferrari, my 360 has a tubi ngt with hyperflow cats and it sounds FANTASTIC to say the least. I know if you alter the cali it will void the warranty. I am still on the fence on the cali but it sounds like everyone that has made the change has made the right decision. Congrats, Good luck with the new machine, post some pics and always drive in good health
Well, a month or so later and i finally got the camera out. I love this car. Only occasionally do i miss my 430, and really ONLY for the exhaust noise......until i kicked it through the tunnels on Kanan Road. That 'pop' on the upshift is pretty cool. At first i thought i'd be giving up performance, but this thing is so stealthy fast. It's just as good, but in a more elegant style. I know this goes in the face of some purists but i also love having the newer technology. After about 800mi i'm convinced this was a good move. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Good to hear so many positive comments about California. I will be exchanging my Scuderia to California sometime this month when my order arrives. I know I will miss the adrenaline rush of the Scud not to mention the exhaust sound but it takes a toll on you after a while if you use it as a daily driver. I've had the Scud for 10 months now and have 9000 exilerating miles on it so I guees its time for a change
I think I would have traded my 430 for a Cali but not my Scuderia. But I can understand your situation that after 9K miles you might want a change.
Couple in interiors as requested. It's really sunny out here this am, so the Black is looking a little dark-gray-ish. (+two exterior pix with top down) Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Well I kept the Scuderia but exchanged my Bently for the California. This is pic of the swap.... Image Unavailable, Please Login