coming from a Porsche TT to a California | FerrariChat
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coming from a Porsche TT to a California

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by pmb458, Mar 24, 2011.

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  1. pmb458

    pmb458 Rookie

    Mar 24, 2011
    47
    #1 pmb458, Mar 24, 2011
    Hello folks!

    I just sold my 07 997 turbo stick and I got my 09 California 10 days ago couldn't be happier. Always wanted an open top and the latest technology on the new car. I was going to get Turbo S PDK but I thought what the heck? I am paying the same amount of money for a S and PDK and it looks 99% identical. So I went for the Cali. Here are some of my personal thoughts over 10 days of ownership.

    Pros:
    A very very beautiful car from any angle
    Extremely nice sounding engine and exhaust
    Extremely fast DCT
    Ability to open top to get some serious turn heads and the thrill on mountain road is priceless
    It is a Ferrari!!!!!

    Cons:
    Acceleration seems a bit disappointing, I feel there's not much torque on the car or I am just not use to the high RPM N/A engine
    The handling is kinda funny, It feels pretty soft and it feels softer than my stock C63
    I don't feel very secure driving this baby through corners than my TT
    The ceramic discs seems worse than my TT standard none ceramic
    This car is heavy! It weights almost over 1900kg!

    California is one of the best cars I own so far but honestly TT is very fast and very torquey. It gives me a smile when I floor it. Also great confidence through corners.
    I know 997 TT and Cali is two total different animal. But I do miss the push to the back seat on my TT and the AWD makes me feel safe. When I got the Cali, I still had the TT for a few days and I gotta say. If I have the money I'd keep both.

    Oh, Greetings to everyone! This is a very nice Ferrari forum!!
     
  2. pmb458

    pmb458 Rookie

    Mar 24, 2011
    47
    #2 pmb458, Mar 24, 2011
    How do I post pictures here? I tried my photobucket and it won't just show on the forum. any ideas? Thanks!
     
  3. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    Dec 15, 2006
    6,904
    Folsom, CA (formerly Sonoma)
    #3 SonomaRik, Mar 24, 2011
    you need to subsrcibe.
     
  4. Shorn355

    Shorn355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 13, 2011
    6,859
    Colorado
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    Scott
    #4 Shorn355, Mar 24, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. TheBigEasy

    TheBigEasy F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Jun 21, 2005
    18,645
    California
    Full Name:
    Ethan Hunt
    #5 TheBigEasy, Mar 24, 2011
    Welcome and congrats on your new car.

    In the post screen, click the "manage attachements" button to add photos.
     
  6. pmb458

    pmb458 Rookie

    Mar 24, 2011
    47
    #6 pmb458, Mar 24, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Okay Thanks a lot guys!!! :eek:)

    I am curious what options do I have?

    Shields + amber light
    20" wheels
    A pillar in black finish
    carbon steering wheel with LED
    TPMS
    rear parking sensor
    ceramic brakes

    I don't have the Daytona seats. But the shapes of the seats are exact the same correct? Daytona has the uneven bumps but I just have plain leather.
    I really want to get rid of those wheel gaps. How much lower can I adjust with the stock suspension?

    Thanks!!!
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  7. pmb458

    pmb458 Rookie

    Mar 24, 2011
    47
    #7 pmb458, Mar 24, 2011
    Man, Your car is pretty damn sexy!! classic!
     
  8. bulletproofwallet

    bulletproofwallet Karting

    Mar 2, 2011
    198
    San Francisco
    #8 bulletproofwallet, Mar 24, 2011
    the color scheme is like an inside out ferrari
     
  9. Fiorano57

    Fiorano57 Formula 3
    BANNED

    Dec 23, 2010
    1,689
    #9 Fiorano57, Mar 24, 2011
    I really like your color combo but I get the feeling your missing your 997. Maybe more seat time will cure that.? Lots of luck with that beauty.
     
  10. Tifosi15

    Tifosi15 Formula 3

    Jul 15, 2009
    2,125
    Austin
    Full Name:
    Bryan
    #10 Tifosi15, Mar 24, 2011
    I love the sea of red, goes really well with the exterior too, a bit loud but I like it.
     
  11. butcher

    butcher Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2008
    2,339
    Castro Valley, CA
    Full Name:
    Albert
    #11 butcher, Mar 24, 2011
    First of all, congrats on the new Cali. You spec'd an amazing color combo.
    I have to concur with you on a few points. If you want to feel the similar acceleration to your P Turbo, you have to consider a scuderia, 599, or 458. I've driven a scuderia and the only comparable cars that I've driven that have similar "blow back into the seat" feeling was from driving a Nissan GTR and a 2011 P Turbo. I do agree with you that the Cali dual clutch tranny is quite good. This was the most notable part of the car when I was able to drive one. The Cali has beautiful curves and sounds like a Ferrari. I agree that the suspension is soft. Comparing the suspensions of a Cali and A merc C63 is like night and day. I also have a dd C63 without performance package that is noticibly stiff. The C63 suspension with optional 19 inch multispokes is stiffer and rides notably harder than my F355's suspension. However, as you know your past and present cars are totally different animals, one is more sport, one is more GT. Both are fun as **** to drive.
     
  12. BLAMPEE

    BLAMPEE Man Card Status: Never Issued

    Jun 28, 2008
    15,424
    Sunny Heavenly Beautiful Arizona
    #12 BLAMPEE, Mar 25, 2011
    Holy funk me that Cali is HOTTTTTTT!!!!!!

    Nice pic, dude!!!! :D
     
  13. BLAMPEE

    BLAMPEE Man Card Status: Never Issued

    Jun 28, 2008
    15,424
    Sunny Heavenly Beautiful Arizona
    #13 BLAMPEE, Mar 25, 2011
    Sorry to go off-topic, but that was a huge surprise for me when I bought my F355 (my first Ferrari)--how comfortable the ride was with very little stiffness. :D
     
  14. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,599
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
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    #14 Bullfighter, Mar 25, 2011
    I think the 997 is more sports car-ish. California would be a change, just a different kind of car.

    Retractable hardtops are very nice though -- was the best part of my old Merc SLK circa 2000.
     
  15. pmb458

    pmb458 Rookie

    Mar 24, 2011
    47
    #15 pmb458, Mar 25, 2011
    Yup I agree with you. They are all different animals. I know the Cali is a GT. Probably one of the best convertible GT out there. hehe It's best to have all of these cars to be happy. How much lower can I lower with my stock suspension?
     
  16. Otter

    Otter Formula Junior

    Dec 5, 2008
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    Eric
    #16 Otter, Mar 26, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  17. furmano

    furmano Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jul 22, 2004
    32,215
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    Furman
    #17 furmano, Mar 26, 2011
    pmb458,

    Thanks for the comparison. It's great to hear first hand impressions from someone who has driven both cars being compared.

    I'm curious, what can be expected with a California at and past limit? Does the back end progressively start to wash out or will it break out without warning, similar to what I have heard a 360 will do ("twitchy").

    -F
     
  18. pearsonhaus

    pearsonhaus Formula 3

    Jul 2, 2008
    1,464
    #18 pearsonhaus, Mar 28, 2011
    Beautiful car! Thanks for the pics and the post...
     
  19. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    #19 PhilNotHill, Mar 28, 2011
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2011
    +1

    I really like the red seats and white outside. Classic.

    I have a feeling the mods will move this to the California forum. :cool:
     
  20. pmb458

    pmb458 Rookie

    Mar 24, 2011
    47
    #20 pmb458, Mar 31, 2011
    Thanks guys!!!

    I love the color combo myself as well! It's very beautiful. I plan to adjust the suspension to lower the ride a bit. I don't like wheel gap. Has anyone done this?
     
  21. maestro8

    maestro8 Formula 3
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    Dec 2, 2009
    2,054
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    #21 maestro8, Mar 31, 2011
    + a few more TTTTTTTTs

    If I had the ducats, I'd do something similar... but to my Mondi! :)
     
  22. Townshend

    Townshend F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 20, 2005
    6,677
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Walter
    #22 Townshend, Apr 1, 2011
    Congrats on the purchase! The California is a great car
     

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