Maybe this has been asked before, but I couldn't find any old threads... I've long had my eye on getting a 599 and I'm in the right spot to make a move. But, today I drove a Cali and really enjoyed it. So, a 2009 599 or a 2011 California? The money and miles are nearly identical. This is a tough one for me. Any thoughts??
599 no doubt. Enzo derived V12. Sounds much much better. Looks gorgeous which cant be said about the California.
odd that you would hang out in this section for someone who obviously doesn't appreciate the Cali. Looks are very personal and I own the California very much because of the way it looks (gorgeous). However, these are 2 very different cars and you must spend some time in each to know which you prefer. I did exactly that (Gotham Dream Cars) before my decision.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me a sports car is topless. Hear the sounds and smell the smells. seems like you are going faster. Man up and sit outside. if you want performance it's the 599 no question. How are you going to use the car? On the track or cruising? Your choice. May the Horse be with you.
Niether would be track cars as I own a couple of vintage race cars (Lotus 23b and a Porsche 356 Roadster) and a go kart. Usage would be around town and maybe a once a year road trip. I don't care much about the extra HP - I'm a pretty conservative driver on public roads. I live in Arizona for the sunshine. .... I know I'm answering my own question .... The hard part to get over is the long held dream of owning a V12 Ferrari even if the Cali is a better fit.
Sounds like you need a v-12 Cali. Well, sign me up also so that's 2 Ferrari can sell! Seriously, I know this would be a strong seller for them IF it would ever happen. In the mean time the Cali sounds like your best bet - it's a great car.
You answered your own question. For what you want to use the car for, the Californianis better, mainly because of the DCT over the F1 transmission. If it helps any, I went through the same decision process and came out the same way. Maybe they will make a convertible version of the F12. Until then, the California is the choice.
Since the dream has been long held and you obviously enjoy vintage cars, perhaps a vintage V12 (250 GTE or 330GT) would better satisfy the dream, and the California would be good for your "daily" Arizona motoring? Although you'll need more garage space!
I know this is going to make certain scream, but what a question ! A 599 is a real Ferrari with a mythical V12, a real 'box and it makes you smile every time A California is well, uhhh, let me put it politely, very expensive for what it is and especially for what it isn't....
That would be an ideal combination . I love my california and I have also thought of buying a 599 in addition but what I would really like is a v12 california so put my order in. Larry
you have the good taste to own and race a 23b...clearly you would prefer the 599 to that other car. again, i must give you due credit in your good taste in the 23b!!!!
Thanks, I absolutely love racing the 23b. Really the best, most fun, easiest to go fast in vintage racer I've ever owned. Regarding 599 and California... I've spent all evening reading the 458 forum. Oh, do I have issues! 1963 Lotus 23b #S92, Last month at Sonoma... Video: http://youtu.be/9lClouW69IA Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'd honestly go for the 599 myself. Hardly ever put the top down. Both are remarkably similar IMO, but the 599 looks classier, more elegant. But at the same time, it's more aggressive, with that V12 and edgier F1 tranny. Acura's latest motto accurately describes the 599 IMO: 'elegant aggression'. Turns out I'm not the convertible type I thought I was. But if you really are, then you have a hard decision to make. As somebody said, the Cali is a high-volume car by comparison, and you can always buy one later on. Plus I also think the 599 will age more 'gracefully', due to those elegant lines and lower production. Finally, as far as reliability and maintenance, my guess is both should be about equal, although for different reasons. So it boils down to which one you'll enjoy driving more. Keep us posted on your decision. Good luck.
Very different cars to drive......the Cali is relatively civilised, the 599 is much more visceral. Just make sure you get a good shot at driving them both hard.
A 2 seater and a 2+2. Very very distinct cars. Even 599 and 612 are different cars. Personally I'd get 599 because California and FF are not what I'd consider good looking cars.
I know many will disagree but I find the 599 something of a dinosaur now. A great car indeed but the flexibility of the Cali just does it for me and I too love the looks. Just like the spider makes the 458 experience so much more visceral, so too is a drive in the Cali with the roof down.
Personally I would take a Cailfornia and enjoy the top down. Except if you talk about a 599 GTO who is a different prize..
I too agree that the 599 is getting outdated, including looks. yes of course it is a beast of a car with its V12. with that said, the California is such a treat to drive around, just about anywhere. today, took my kid to ToysRus and Burger king in it. plenty of folks came up to get closer looks and photos. with the top down, it is an extra special treat!
If it were me I'd go for the 599 because it's bigger and I'm a big guy. I think its also better looking though not by much. Its faster though thats not too much an issue for me since I wouldn't track any car that I use around town. Mostly the bigger size would be the deciding factor. The hard top vert on the Cali gives it some plus but since I live in south Florida and would rarely use it, that negates its plus. Naw, I'm back to the size issue. 599 all the way.
