California vs 458 | Page 2 | FerrariChat
Buy

California vs 458

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by rainforest, Jul 15, 2010.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Page 2 of 3
  1. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    #26 rainforest, Jul 16, 2010
    I have driven my friend's Benz SL, and you are exactly right. Compared to the California, it DOES feel like I'm in church. When I drive the California, I feel like I'm sitting in a fighter jet - don't know if this is an exaggeration, but that's the best description that I can give when comparing the two cars. The California is much stiffer and much louder than the SL.

    I feel like I'm going Mach 1 when I just want to pick up a carton of milk! But I must admit, I don't drive the California daily because as a Ferrari, it is just naturally very flashy. I'm still not quite used to people staring at the car every time I get a slurpy!
     
  2. $$$=SPEED

    $$$=SPEED F1 Veteran

    Aug 18, 2004
    5,330
    Portland, Or. USA
    Full Name:
    Depends who's asking
    #27 $$$=SPEED, Jul 16, 2010
    +1
     
  3. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #28 jenniferq, Jul 16, 2010
    My 12 and 13 yr old fit in the back fine and they and all their friends love to ride whenever they can. Agree that it's not for adults and the manual actually states no one under 5' should be there so it won't last much longer as they're almost there.

    You must have a very large 2 yr old! ;)
     
  4. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #29 jenniferq, Jul 16, 2010
    +1 - although it's getting easier every day! People love it and they seem to really like that it's actually being driven!

    Getting the milk is fun!
     
  5. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #30 jenniferq, Jul 16, 2010
    Just a jab at APPL till they get this phone fix. I am very LONG APPL and always have been a supporter. My husband finally converted to a MacBook Pro this year after his 2nd in a row very high spec Dell bombed on him after only a few weeks. Parallels made it happen!

    It's actually some long term investing in APPL (on my part) and selling along the way that convinced my hubby to let me use some of the proceeds to buy the Cali. I even thought about getting a plate that said APPL for this reason! :D

    Agree, I need to drive each as well. Have only ridden in the 430 and Scud.
     
  6. absent

    absent F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,811
    illinois
    Full Name:
    mark k.
    #31 absent, Jul 16, 2010
    My 13y old is 5'10",my 16 y old is 6'3".....
     
  7. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #32 jenniferq, Jul 16, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2010
    Touche'! Guess you have boys?

    I have all teeny tiny girls!

    Oh, and error in post - Should be no one "over" 5' should be in back.
     
  8. DavidJames1

    DavidJames1 Formula 3

    Mar 6, 2010
    1,818
    Bangkok, Thailand
    #33 DavidJames1, Jul 20, 2010
    Had a few track laps this morning as part of the 458 launch in Perth, Western Australia. Drove to the track and back in my California - so easy to compare the cars. They are two completely different animals. I bought the California as a daily driver to replace my SL AMG - it is absolutely great for what I want -on the cool sunny winter days with the top down - nothing is better. Also for generally running about town it works well. I also take it out into the hills on weekends and it is a pleasure to drive.

    Driving the 458 on the track is completely different - the performance is awesome and it holds the road so well even though the circuit was slightly damp. The gear changes are so smooth and the power just doesn't stop coming. The only thing that was a little difficult was the driving position - had to wear a helmet which meant the seat was reclined more than I would like to get the headroom. Didn't have time to try all the electronic gizmos and was only allowed to drive in sports mode.

    Depending on what you want, I think both cars are awesome. If I could afford to have both at once I would!!
     
  9. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    #34 rainforest, Jul 20, 2010
    Hi David

    Can you elaborate on some of the drawbacks of using the 458 as a daily driver? In what way is it less capable as a daily driver?
     
  10. DavidJames1

    DavidJames1 Formula 3

    Mar 6, 2010
    1,818
    Bangkok, Thailand
    #35 DavidJames1, Jul 20, 2010
    Actually, for me, I live in Bangkok but have a company and a house in Perth - visit once a month and only want to keep one car in Perth. So given that criteria, for me a daily driver has to have some place to chuck a couple of bags or shopping etc. Yet, I also want a car that's a blast to drive and the weather is perfect for a convertible. I've owned Porsches and SL AMGs before - none of them compare to the feeling of getting in the California. The 458 is an all out sports car - fabulous to drive and I love the looks. I'm probably not the world's greatest driver - but it makes you feel like you are!! I think from a pure driving point of view the 458 is easy to drive around town - the gearbox is superb and at slow speeds it was easy - not sure how that would translate in heavy stop go traffic. It was also very comfortable. In Perth we have lots of speed bumps and I'm not sure how it would cope with those.

    So while I loved the 458 - for what I want the california is just right.
     
  11. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    #36 rainforest, Jul 20, 2010
    Hi David. Lucky you being able to live in Bangkok. It's my favorite place - esp. like going to the food court in the Siam Paragon mall.

    Isn't the gearbox in the 458 same as in the California? Hence both would be equally good in stop and go traffic. In my California, I've already scraped the bottom a couple of times, so I can imagine how difficult it would be to tackle speed bumps in a 458. Was the suspension much stiffer as well in the 458?

    I'm just trying to convince myself that I made the right choice in the California! I just find the design of the 458 much more sexier and exotic.
     
  12. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    #37 rainforest, Jul 21, 2010
    Can somebody tell me why the California wheel wells use a black cloth/foam type material as a lining, whereas the 458 has a more normal plastic lining? The California lining doesn't look like it would be very durable when the car is driven in the rain. It would just soak up all the water and attract dirt.

    Just an observation.
     
  13. sg69

    sg69 Karting

    Aug 23, 2009
    193
    VA
    #38 sg69, Jul 21, 2010
    I was wondering the same thing...
     
  14. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,386
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #39 tazandjan, Jul 21, 2010
    That material probably better deadens the sound impact of things hitting the wheel wells after being thrown up by the tires. A GT solution. If you have ever driven an original Lotus Elite (Elan predecessor) on a gravel driveway, you know what I mean. Sounds like you are sitting in a dumpster with someone throwing rocks at it.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  15. calitalia

    calitalia Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2009
    536
    #40 calitalia, Jul 21, 2010
    You don't have to convince yourself, you do have the right one if you want more usability and driving time. No matter how comfortable 458 is, looks aside (being cool), you would have trouble bending down all the time and taking a company with you and having shopping... imagine you go buy any chinese takeout... there isn't even any space for it... it's not practical to be honest.
     
  16. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    #41 rainforest, Jul 21, 2010
    I sat in the 458 for the first time yesterday, and the sitting position seems as comfortable as the California, minus the rear seats of course. The car does sit lower, but it doesn't seem that hard to get in and out of. Of course, maybe it would be different if I was driving it every day. And the front trunk is actually quite large, and quite deep, for such a car.

    The only two things that I can see being impractical is the fact that it is lower, and hence would scrape the ground more. As well, the suspension is probably stiffer which would make your body sore after a while.
     
  17. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,386
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #42 tazandjan, Jul 21, 2010
    The 458 has an option that raises the nose for low clearance spots like driveways, etc. Would be quite handy, I imagine.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  18. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #43 jenniferq, Jul 21, 2010
    Well, if you have kids, there's that 2 seater problem. And if you have luggage, there's that trunk problem that's only big enough and hot enough to keep the takeout warm. But, I would love to have both!
     
  19. 612scag

    612scag Formula Junior

    Jan 14, 2010
    557
    #44 612scag, Jul 22, 2010
    Terry, I agree that's a handy feature but it probably would not help from my type of steep driveway. My 612 used to scrape right under the driver's door until I had it repaved a bit at the trouble spot and it still used to touch if I had passengers in the car. No problems whatsoever with the Cali, no matter how many people in the car or what angle I come in. It's a huge relief. I suspect the 458 would not do too well though in my driveway.

     
  20. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    #45 rainforest, Jul 25, 2010
    Can somebody tell me why the California's engine is so de-tuned compared to the 458? Is there some benefit to having less horsepower? The 458 costs only slightly more, but it has a whopping 100hp more, and can sprint so much faster to 100kph. Of course, part of this is due to the lighter weight.

    Just wondering why the California seems to offer so much less in comparison. But of course you get the folding hard top in exchange.
     
  21. Scuderia980

    Scuderia980 F1 Rookie

    Aug 12, 2006
    3,636
    Mountains--Colorado
    Full Name:
    Dave S. V
    #46 Scuderia980, Jul 26, 2010
    simple. Product Differentiation :)
     
  22. calitalia

    calitalia Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2009
    536
    #47 calitalia, Jul 26, 2010
    I tested the California out again... actually, as a poor driver and an everyday ordinary man, I think it's all a number game... I mean these numbers... honestly, how many more of the 100 ponies will you use before you lose your license. Think of it this way, the California outruns I'd say 95% of all cars on road already and in my lifetime I don't think I can ever drive the California to its max limits... it's all a paper game... I am sure Schmacher in boxster NO S can take on the 458 anyday if I am driving one... I think it does hurt the ego though knowing that it is considerably faster with a little more money. Honestly, even for the 458, I think the GTR will give it a tough run for its money still... FWIW... speed wise, I think the 458 will still have a heads up but for what you pay for the GTR, it does a hell of a good job for CONSIDERABLY LESS... way less than what the California commands...
     
  23. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    #48 rainforest, Jul 26, 2010
    I think you're right Cal.

    Even with the Audi R8, it is so much cheaper than a Ferrari, and does pretty much the same job. I guess it just boils down to the customer paying for the F1 history and technology, as well as the Ferrari symbol (and even that you have to pay extra for!).

    And where I'm from, the cops give out speeding tickets like there's no tomorrow. But it's also an ego thing.
     
  24. DavidJames1

    DavidJames1 Formula 3

    Mar 6, 2010
    1,818
    Bangkok, Thailand
    #49 DavidJames1, Jul 28, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  25. absent

    absent F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,811
    illinois
    Full Name:
    mark k.
    #50 absent, Jul 28, 2010
    You are absolutely right and there is nothing to argue about it.
    But...
    There are plenty of guys with either past pro racing experience or extensive amateur tracking involvement ,guys who took many high performance courses (FDE in particular very good) ,who buy these cars for their performance.
    For them a California is just a daily cruiser and 458 is more to their liking.
     
Page 2 of 3

Share This Page