Ferrari FF vs California

I joined the forum recently and have browsed around extensively. Currently I drive a 2014 Cayenne Turbo and considering my first Ferrari in couple of months. I live in Seattle area. I have various newbie questions, please provide your feedback. Be assured that I have used the search (forum, web) functionality extensively

I need a GT car so that the entire family can enjoy the experience. So, that limits the choices to California (kid size rear seats are adequate) and FF. I have driven FF and it was amazing. Haven’t driven Cali yet. Here’s how I am thinking

1. Is it really true that F car demographic are people with 8 figure (10M+) net worth? I am definitely not there but somewhere in that journey.
2. Purely from numbers standpoint I can spend 225K. That’s a lot of money to spend on a car. So I am also doing the thought exercise whether I crave an F car so much. Most of the driving is commute of 1 hour daily. Pleasure driving is limited to weekends. And I don’t intend to track. The current ride - Cayenne Turbo is already a huge blast to drive!!
3. I can get either a used Cali or FF

Cali vs FF

1. Cali wins in looks. FF looks nice too from the front but the rear end is not pretty. Essentially, it will take a while for hatchback design to grow on me
2. If I am buying an exotic vehicle, I would love to get a convertible. So Cali wins
3. Engine wise – FF clearly
4. Driving experience – I believe both would be great. I have some experience driving FF but not Cali
5. I intend to use as DD. Both would suffice. However they are highly ostentatious vehicles. I haven’t seen a single FF on road. And perhaps < 5 Cali in a year.

Please share your perspectives. Thanks!

 

I think I'm on fairly safe ground that this is not the profile of the majority of owners on this site

 

What does the net worth of owners have to do with anything? That's a pretty private matter.

Anyway. My look at it is this.

If you compare the old Cali to the FF, there's no comparison. The Cali rides harsh by comparison, does not sound as nice, has a less smooth engine, the original Cali is not prettier than the FF(in my eyes - too fat rear end), the rear seats are tiny, and it's a V8, not a V12. Sure, you can put the top down, but the way I see it, that's all it has going for it. The FF rides very nice, is fast as heck, is very roomy and will work anywhere in any conditions.

If not owning both, some would call that choice a no.brainer. Drive both back to back, and you will know why.

 

Doesn't it rain there like almost every day?
Do you expect your kids to grow and get bigger?

Kid's booster seats, various odds and ends they require for a day out on a "mystery bus tour," hatchback will be handy when enjoying a weekend in the car with family.

And you plan on using as a commuter too?

I think the answer is a no brainer.....

 

Had a Cali before the FF and wish I had kept it alongside for those days when wind in your hair is a treat. Problem was the Cali got mostly used with roof up and it is not very big inside. Given either or the FF wins hands down. It has so much road presence, performance, DD drivability etc whereas the Cali is a bit more of an indulgence and apart from that my Mrs thought I looked a bit of a knob in it with the roof down.......as if out on the pull ......hey ho...

 

This is a highly personal call, to be sure. But you asked, so:

I don't think it is close. The Cali is a cool thing, but there are many other variations on theme out there from various makes. (BTW, I would check those back seats, they are really small--even for kids).

The FF is a singular thing. If you don't like it--there is nothing to discuss. But if you do--there is no other vehicle I can think of that is similar, and importantly the unique qualities are really, really good ones. Add it the fact that the price for a used one has really gotten to a pretty attractive point, and I think it is an easy call.

I'm sure you're aware of all of the issues of using an expensive 4wd, 12 cylinder car as a DD. There are more efficient ways to get the job done--but few that are as fun.

 

Thanks for the feedback. It looks like there is no contest - FF should be a clear choice. I personally need to get more comfortable with the hatchback look, mostly seen pics - perhaps in reality it isn't a big deal at all.

Being a first F car - I think I would want to use as DD. But in practice it may turn out to be a weekend ride for special times - that will also keep the novelty factor up. I would love to hear opinions on "how does it feel to own such an expensive toy for very limited use?" To me it sounds like one has to be super-passionate and totally crave it OR be in a situation where money is no object? Perhaps the same argument applies to other indulgences in life, in this case the scale point is higher..

Also, I wonder why the FF has depreciated a lot in value? It is good for a user car buyer. I haven't seen that dip with other models.

 

Check out the Thread "My White FF" by Fritz D'Orey of Ferrari fame I don't think you could take his FF off him even with a big stick in your hands, it may help you decide.

 

I would get an FF. The 1st gen Cali never did it for me. The new one looks much better but it's out of your budget at the moment. The FF would still win (although i have not driven the T yet). The FF is simply amazing. And i was an FF hater at first. But after driving it, it is amazing. It really drove like a mid engined smaller Ferrari. Incredibly fast, amazing sound (esp if you buy aft exhausts..) and the rear seats are truly usable for an adult (im 5.10 and was comfortable).

Plus it has amazing presence i think. Very unique and different.

 

Kids. Seattle. FF. Done. It's the simple.

But let me say more, because I began looking into a sexy little white/blk 2012 Cali and bought a 2014 FF instead, after months of study and search and a few test drives, which you MUST do asap.

1. From a tech standpoint, the FF has EVERYTHING that Ferrari could do in 2011-2012 when they came out. The Cali is a fun car to make them money and get you in a Ferrari. It's not a compromise car in any way the FF it's a monster. The engine is insane, only topped by the F12. Daily use it's an absolute joy in all weather and all situations. Cali front seats in the older generations are not comfy IMO and the new Cali looks? Not better looking than a FF In the RIGHT BUILD. The new Cali has a busy dash a lot of tits and ass to the design, the FF is timeless and a classic. I prefer the older Cali that some people hate, but the seats are bad. Anyway, moving on.

Have a look at my car in white with the pano, have a look at some other cars, find one in a build you like. Prices used are a major deal, like 1/3 of sticker and better.

The rear end of the FF is very sexy to me, and women love the car.

FF is not for everyone and if you don't like it after driving it and finding a nice build, then don't ... yet it's a powerful and unique statement of car, not a "look everyone I bought a Fcar convertible." The Cali would be fun as a second car, and I might do that, or a 911 here soon. But as a main car for 2+ people? Used FF is a winner you won't regret.

 

I am sure most of us in this forum fo not fall in the 10+M category and more importantly owning an F car is just about passion and what u like and not about showing off or giving an indication on how much u own... It's just about a great passion to drive a great car

I drive my FF as a DD but only when I am in Dubai which is twice a month for 3 days every time .... But every time I look forward for such a drive ... I drive it everywhere and I really enjoy it

The Cali seats in the back are extremely tight and for sure the FF is more comfy and its a real F12
Do not over think about it, you will get use to the look because u will be enjoying the ride much more than the look
The interior is amazing and the car performance is great

 

For 210-225 you can get a nice low miles 2013. 180-200 a 2012 that will need a 6500 Power warranty or a 13,500 2 year factory warranty extension if there is time.

 

I've never understood the big secret about $ is, it's a tool and access.

When I cracked a mil I bought a Lambo.

When I cracked the 9 figure level I had a pile of cars, so many I looked at a pic and said wtf!?!? Am I doing and started selling a few off. Wasn't my thing-grew into something that I didn't like.

Now I'm in the 8 figure club, and own a few cars happy as can be, less stress

Not difficult, drive what ever you like. It's not what you have it's what you do that matters.

 

If you're using it for commuting the Cali is more economical! Not that we ever cared about that.

The small fuel tank (relative to the engine) of the FF did mean that I went to the petrol station a lot.

 

No brainer. FF is an awesome misunderstood car that is a terrific used buy, the initial depreciation being so steep, in fact you could call it a bargain. The most expensive production Ferrari with everything they could throw at it at the time on it, and with a new model on the horizon, the opportunity is getting better every day.

I enjoyed my Cali, and Cali T, but they are in a different league and feel it.

 

There is old saying that your car should be 10-15% of your total $$$ value. So, if you are buying 200k car, you should be around $2 mil.

I would say that rule was more realistic in past when Ferrari`s were really expensive to keep in form (maintenance & stuff). Nowadays Ferrari`s are very reliable with awesome plan of 7yr free maintenance so main cost comes to fuel & tires.

And yes, if you can financially, take that V12 monster

 

Honestly. You question is like "what do I buy? A Mid-Engine V8 two seater or a Front engine V-12 4 seater with lots room for every thing including 4 adults and camping gear. Should be an easy decision if you know what you want. Have you test driven each?

 

Thanks all for the feedback again. I test drove an FF couple of months ago. Everything about it was great expect the rear end or the last quarter of the car. I have not driven a Cali yet. The more that I think (after valuable input from forum), FF seems like the right choice. It truly looks like a bargain with a 2012/2013 model and not too much higher than my Cayenne Turbo. I should have probably done this exercise about an year ago before the Cayenne and perhaps would have gone straight to FF. I was thinking that Cayenne would be the ultimate ride and quench my passion for cars. After an year of ownership, I am itching for the next exciting ride

I am still intrigued by few things. I haven't seen a single FF on road in Seattle where there are many wealthy people. Also, how do you 'fit in' workplace where your bosses are making close to a mill per year but go around in a Toyota van. Have you noticed prejudices with Ferrari ownership?

 

I have an FF that I use as a DD. While I have driven Calis, I have never owned one. Given your description of how you intend to use it, and based on my experience, to me it is no choice - the FF is the ideal car. I have young kids and needed two real back seats as well as the ability to carry a lot of stuff (e.g. groceries, martial arts gear, etc.). The FF gives me that, along with unbelievable performance.

While it is a Ferrari, it is not as recognizable as such to most people. Those people who know Ferraris enough to recognize what it is seem to really appreciate it. I have had no negative reactions to it in the 2 1/2 years I have been driving it.

Do keep in mind that it is a largely hand made exotic. While most FFs seem to be very reliable, occasionally one is not so much. If something needs to be fixed, it will not be as convenient as a more mainstream car, requiring more time in the shop and thus out of DD service. You would need another car a back up in that case.

Bottom line, I am very happy with my FF as a DD, and don't think there is another car out there that provides the combination of performance and usability that the FF does.

 

FF will probably have you sell the Porsche. The Cali would be a nice addition to the Porsche. However what would you rather own and look back after you finish your ownership, a Ferrari v12 or v8?

 

The FF is without question the best driving car Ferrari makes that seats 4. It replaced the 612 Scaglietti, which is still a modern V12, slightly less back seat room but arguably far more easy on the eyes. You can get an excellent example of an 09/10 OTO version (ceramic brakes, glass roof, 599 tranny, etc) for around 180k-220k, which IMO is a better comparison than the Cali. As a 612 owner I am biased but I've considered the FF but just can't get over the styling at present...best of luck with an awesome first world problem haha cheers!

 

Do people at your workplace really need to know what you drive? If someone ask out of interest, tell them and maybe show them the car - be a good ambassador. If they don't ask, why tell. prejudices are what they are, and they are many places. Whether or not your colleagues will have issues with your Ferrari, we can't tell. I've never heard about workplace issues.
A Ferrari will draw more attention than most cars, fact. I doubt the FF is bad when it comes to attention though - it's less than our 458, that's for sure. However, if attention makes you uncomfortable, consider that when choosing colour and spec. Maybe look for a car without Scuderia shields. An FF without shields on the side fenders, can fly pretty low beneath the radar, especially if the colour is subtle. Besides, I don't like shields, so win-win imo

 

Isn't it the only 4 seat car in production currently?

 

Prejudices??? Lol my favorite.

I used to show up at my biz once a month give or take in a pickup, if i was alone.

Depending on the situation I'd go to biz meetings in a Rolls or Benz, or a pickup. I dressed for the occasion.

I had 5-7 Lambos and a F car or 2, which I never showed up to biz in, wrong plan there.

Just cause the boss shows up in a bucket, you might not see the private jet. So to speak.

Now that I'm not doing much, let them envy, hate etc. I'm still polite.


On a serious note, I paid for my employees cars(top guys) S class Benz etc. so they had better looking cars than I did, I didn't want to upstage them(unless necessary), since they were there every day I put them in big cars so the respect would follow. So as the boss I didn't care if I didn't have the best car. I'm not sure if that's your situation. Ask ur boss about it, not like he don't know what u earn(there).

 

Well said!