599 or California??

Drove them back to back recently (biased Cali owner here). The Cali was a more neutral, predictable handler than the 2007 599. The exhaust note of the 599 cannot compare to the Cali. For that reason and the others cited here, my choice is still the Cali (though I think the 599 is a gorgeous design).

 

Of the 2, the 599 would be the winner for me.

But...this is way different, how about a 575 Superamerica? There are a few for sale, check DuPont Registry. Scottsdale Ferrari has one in their inventory too. Seems like it would be the best of both worlds!

 

Hello to all; I'm looking to join the ranks of Ferrari owners, and have enjoyed surfing the board working to climb the learning curve. My quandary (should we all have such problems...) is similar to the OP; e.g., should I get a newer California or 07-08 599?

I appreciate the variety of responses, and am drawn to the 599 because it is what my mind's eye has always been re what a Ferrari is (V12 coupe, blazing speed, etc.). In person, though, the California looks great, I love convertibles (owned them for years, although I'm keeping my Lexus SC) and a newer, lower mileage Ferrari might be a better entree into my time with Ferraris (my wife - the best wife in the world IMHO- already knows I'll most likely roll through several models, swapping them out every 2-4 years).

Pure conjecture, but my question is; why might a California owner turn it in after a year and 2-3K miles? Would be trading up (so to speak) to another model?, Why do it that soon? Going to the 2013 with its nominal changes, or to another one? Of course, I'm still getting a feel for the nuances of ownership, thus the question.

Have a great week; for folks in the US, have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family.

Bob H

 

I don't suspect there is one answer to that question, but it is not atypical at all for a Ferrari to be traded in with low miles. From what I've seen, the mileage on used Californias is significantly higher than on a used 458 or 599 or any of the older cars, and that is a testament to the daily driver-nature of the California. And it is what Ferrari wants! If the California is to serve as an entre of sorts into the world of Ferrari, whereby owners are trading up for 458s or FFs or F12s, then mission accomplished. But also bear in mind that you see more used Californias because there ARE more Californias produced than any other model. What I really wonder is why I often see used 458s with a few hundred miles on them ... the F12 isn't quite available yet, so what are those people trading up to?

 

What a question! 599 all the way...

For German highway standards, the Cali is acutally a slow car! (Plus, nowadays you'll get a 2009 or 2010 model year for the 500 GTB at the same price of a Cali).

 

I recently had this exact dilemma and choice.

What made the decision even more difficult was the fact that my wife wanted a Cali and I also have two girls aged 3 & 4 and they would fit perfectly in the back of a Cali.

But in the end after driving both cars the 599 was the clear winner...

The 599 is such an animal on the road with sensational power! And the its presence is just mesmerising... It is a real Ferrari!!

Check out these stats which also helped me make my mind up;

http://www.fastestlaps.com/comparisons/ferrari_599_gtb_fiorano-vs-ferrari_california_gt.html
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a 190 mph car is slow?

 

interesting question . I purchased a new 2011 California and truly love the car it is the most comfortable fun driving best sounding great looking car I have had. In general it is the best all around car top up when you want and down when you like it,, drive it anywhere , carry my wife and Daughter you name it . However I am going to order a 2013 california in the next week or so just because I want a few different options and the extra Hp and handling package although it handles fine without it. I also have a 550 and a DINO . I have thought about trading the california in for a used 599 to drive while I wait for the new California but I have just never gotten all that excited about the 599 looks . SO who knows .
If it were me I would go with the newer california and enjoy it...

 

Mark, fellow Lotus brother - the 23B is a car that I vow to own some day. What a thrill that must've been at Infineon. I just raced at Infineon this past summer in my 211 in the LotusCupUSA series. Anyhow, beautiful car and the fact you race it is true appreciation for the car!

I have a 430 Spider and I've thought about changing to a Scud, 599 and very briefly California (have 3 little boys so back seats would be fun). For now, I'm keeping the Spider.

1) Convertible in SoCal for me and my wife is a must. Noticed you're in Scottsdale where you may enjoy putting the top down. Cali

2) Performance - 599 with V12

3) Back seats for kids - Cali

4) Looks - personal opinion

I'm sure getting behind the wheel for a test drive will solidify your opinion. But if this is a weekend cruiser, see what list fits your priorities.
Honestly for me the Cali was only a consideration for my wife and the fact that she could lug the kids around. She actually prefers keeping the 430 Spider (guess the kids aren't important after all )

 

You have to decide. They are very different animals. If practicality and flexibility of use, and the availability of open air driving, are most important to you, by all means go for the California. If outrageous V12 performance and muscular appearance are the most compelling factors, the 599 will satisfy. So it is not a matter of one car being "better" than the other, it is a question of what you want.

 

599. no contest.

I still think the Cali looks like a rebadged maserati and is too girlie by Ferrari standards.

 

If I were to write the check, I think I'd go for the Cali. Newer tech, hard top convertible, back seats (sort of).

Both cars are very fast. And even though the 599 is faster across the board, you won't be able to use/notice that difference on the street.

I like the DCT box, ability to lower the top, and still have lots of power on tap. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you go for the Cali. Worst case is you trade it in for a 599. It should be worth more than any 07-08 you're looking at, so you should have your 599 and some cash on a trade.

 

I agree.

Looks are subjective. I give the nod to 599.

Performance 599.

DCT transmission, CF steering wheel and topless driving would tip the scales to the Cali for me. The Cali30 has more bhp and is lighter than older models. Biggest drawback for me is the back seat. But it can be folded down. Also gives more storage space which is great for trips.

If you order new you can get exactly what you want. I would opt for satellite radio, bluetooth, rear camera, heated electric seats & magnaride.

 

Jep. Remember, on German highways there are quite a few fast cars around. And it's not only about top speed. In traffic you need the acceleration to accelerate to high speeds before braking again.

 

what do the poor people in even slower things like M5s or S5s do to stay out of the way of all the faster cars? Must be a scary place.

 

The M5 isn't really slower. http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/03/22/motortrend-f10-bmw-m5-0-60mph-in-3-7-seconds/ 0-60 in 3.7, quarter in 11.9 sec., 120.3 mph.

 

I'm not really a numbers guy... I just pulled up whatever Road and Track had for 0-120 for two fast (but slower for R&T) cars to show how silly it sounds to call a California slow.

 

After driving the autobahns last year you soon realise that 0-100kph is nothing it's all about 100-250kph that counts.

And unfortunately the Cali just runs out of puff having highish weight and only 8 cylinders. Where as the v12 of the 599 just keeps pulling.

Now on the other hand Ferrari designed the Cali to have a fast 0-100kph as the market for this car is restricted to the speed limit.

 

Perhaps this is what you really should be looking at...

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCPk3oRdUV4&feature=related[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3chiECuWOw&feature=endscreen[/ame]

 

I appreciate the responses to my post a page ago. As I continue to dig into things, I have come to the conclusion I'd buy a convertible 8.3 times out of 10 given a choice. That shifts me a little looking to compare the pros-cons of a newer (11-12) California with an older (07-08) 430 Spider. I still like the looks of the newer one, but also am attracted to the mid-engine, 2-seat configuration.

I know the hard-top soft-top difference and specs of both cars, but am curious if the California aficionados could provide some insight re why they went with the California and not the 430 (understanding that tastes are personal, etc.). Engine, trans, storage space, etc.? I think I'm patient enough to wait for the right car (which will also give me time to wafle again...). Re finances, I'm in a position to purchase the older 430, but would probably be leasing the California.

Thanks, Bob H

 

best of luck, i had the opportunity to compare a 430 of my friend before buying my California of course everyones tastes are different but the california is light years ahead of the 430 and seems much quicker the transmission is many times better which makes the car feel very good.. IMHO.

 

or heaven on earth. just depends on what you value

 

I considered both '08 F430 spider and California and felt f430 was pure race car with few creature comforts and at this stage of my life I wanted more of a DD. both great cars but ultimately the 430's interior looked dated and blind spots were abundant. Cali was fast enough and hard top convertible with 7 year maintanence won me over. Picked up 2013 Cali three months ago with little regret. In the end, it is really individual taste and preference as I don't see a wrong answer between the two cars.

 

Depends on intended use. If weekend, special drive car, the 430 will be more fun and involving. But the F1 transmission is not as good for street, daily driving use as the DCT of the California. It also sits lower and attracts much more attention, as its mid-engine layout and glass engine cover make it just look more exotic.

For GT use or frequent driving in traffic or near daily driving, the California has most of the performance of the 430, and rides more comfortably. Depending on how well optioned, the Cali will have more amenities such as Nav and cruise control. The Cali will have a better time negotiating driveways and speedbumps, as it has better ground clearance. The hardtop convertible is quieter and provides better insulation.

The 430 is probably less money at this point, depending on year and mileage of the Cali you would be buying. If the price delta between the two is great enough (I haven't really looked), for the same money as a Cali you might be able to get a 430 and something else to drive daily (e.g. used BMW M3, Porsche Boxster/Cayman or older 911).

 

Thanks for the thoughts thus far; I plan to keep my Lexus SC as the DD, and then use the Ferrari for weekends, fun drives, trips from Santa Barbara to San Diego, etc. Probably 2500 mi/yr or so. No kids or dogs to worry about to fit in, either. I appreciate all the insight. Bob H