thinking of switching from a 430 spider

I moved from a 430 coupe to the California. No regrets. One of the best cars I've owned!

 

Sold my 430 spider, waiting on the Cali to get here, think will be a good move!

 

Sold my 430 Spider 6 speed over a year ago and now have 8000 miles on my California. Very happy; use it as a daily driver which would have been more difficult with the 430. The California never drags on anything which is a relief. The folding hardtop is also a very nice feature. California just seems much newer; fit and finish are great. Never cared for the F1 on the 430 and hence the 6 speed. Very pleased with the dual clutch on the California. DIfferent cars in some respects: California is more GT.

 

I will be switching from a 360 to a california in a few months hopefully. Family is big and I dont track the 360 so the Cali just made sense to me. Prob will get to drive it more often than I did with the 360. Which is why we buy these cars right?

 

I've been recently thinking about going from my Cali to a Scuderia. Not sure if it's a dumb idea. I don't plan to track it and not sure how usable it would be. I wouldn't drive it more than 2 or 3 times per week. I really love my california but feel like it might be time for a change and I've always loved the the Scud.
Has anybody here owned both, or have had both cars at different times the could shed some light? Is a Scuderia just too over the top for semi everyday use?

Thanks,
SG

 

With a move like this you would HAVE to drive the Scud to see. Very different animals. Don't buy the Scud on the spot either. You will be on an adrenaline high after the drive and you should give yourself a few days to think it over. From my experience, impulse buying can be a mistake when looking back.

 

I did drive it and loved it. The thing that worries me is that I wonder if it will be too rough riding around town in the long run. The roads around here aren't the greatest... Also, will I have to worry about bottoming out on speed bumps, etc. I know I would miss the convertible but that would be overshadowed by the excitement of the Scud.

The Cali is my first Fcar and it has been pretty much trouble free in the 2 years I've had it so far. Is the Scuderia pretty reliable? I have read many posts on the 430 forum regarding the various issues that the 430 can encounter but very little about the scuderia. The nearest service center is 200 miles away from me so getting into a car that could potentially have even minor issues come up and have to ship it back and forth would definitely make it a pain...

 

I also switched from a 430 Coupe to a California... and I also have no regrets. I had the opportunity to drive it very hard recently with other Cali's and several 458's. It performed great and was far more comfortable than my 430. I love the transmission and the sounds they have engineered into upshifts and downshifts at higher RPM's.

 

I can't anwer your question but I noticed you lived in Va Beach I also live in Virginia Beach and just purchased my california which is also my first Ferrari. It is a great car and I drive it to work everyday . It is the first sports car i have owned that is so easy to make a daily driver . For what it is worth

 

I like my California better than my 355 and 599. Go for it. I use mine as a daily driver.

 

Well congrats! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine. What color? I will look out for you... I totally agree with you on your impression. I'm really starting to think I would miss it if I switched...

 

RED with beige/cuoio I will look out for you also

 

+1, did the same

 

Drive them both. If you like the Cali better then go for it.

The Cali is a real Fcar. Lots of great things to recommend it. All sorts of electronic gizmos, a convertible hard top, and a beautiful interior.

Looks: it's just what you prefer.

Mid-engine or front engine?

the wait for a Cali is pretty short most places. If you get a 2012 you get service for 7 years.

You can still trade the 430 while prices are still pretty high.

 

I had to choose between 2008 f430 spyder 2000 miles or new California. about 20k difference.

if you look purely at performance specs, they are almost identical. speed acceleration handling. while f430 was more racing geared and the Cali more touring geared, technology has allowed Ferrari to create Cali with the ability to mimic their last generation racing model. the 458 italia is the new generation racing model and it is significantly better at those specs than the f430 / Cali.

so choice was easy for me since I don't track. Cali was best of both world's, racing and comfort. actually you could say best of 4 worlds if you add in hard top and convertible. all with new car warranty and 7 year service, it was a no brainer.

looks wise I never loved the f430. I do love the 458 however. of course this is subjective to each buyer.

don't let people dissuade you with chick car comments or mid engine machissmo, those people probably never even heard of the 599 or 612 models.

bottom line is if you are more race oriented go for the 458 (spyder), but between the f430 and Cali it really shouldn't be a question, unless u just hate the way the Cali looks.