California or F430 Spyder

Hello All,
Looking for opinions or advice on deciding which car to purchase? I love the looks of both cars and it would not be a garage queen. This would also be my first Ferrari purchase as I have been a Porsche guy for a long time and now feel the need to step up. I am recently divorced as well so the added extra attention would most likely help the ego a little so that I wouldn't mind either.

So getting back to the decision, I realize the California is the better daily driver but the F430 I think has more raw sex appeal per say. It really is a toss up for me since I really do love the looks of both cars. So please let all your opinions and wisdom fly, would love to hear something that I haven't thought of yet!

I look forward to posting more after I find the right car also.

 

430 spider is a great car, the California is a new mold breaking V8 GT, setup is different. Driving experience aside, one should be more engaging while the other one more comfortable for long distance travelling. However, new generations of F cars have vastly different interiors starting with Cali and the 458 and FF are all based on the new design. Does the more modern interior inspire you? It does to me but it may not do it to all.

Some still love a 430 over a 458 for personal reason. Some find the 458's front too futuristic and a bit too funny looking. It's all personal.

 

Agreed about the interior I think the California interior is beautiful, definitely better the F430. Also I actually like the F430 better than the looks of the 458. I love the GT feeling of the Cali its more comfortable and modern but on the other hand the F430 is such a good looking car as well that just seems more raw and inspiring. I guess I will just need to spend a little more time in each to see which one speaks to me more.

 

My decision was pretty easy because the decision depends on what kind of car you want.

The F430 is a real sports car. It's not a great daily driver but it's a great weekend car.

The California is a real sports GT. It's not a great sports car (just a bit too refined) but it's a great sports daily driver car -- one of the best in the world.

For me, I wanted a sports car. For others, I can see why the California has a lot of appeal.

If I were to drive one a long distance often or as a daily driver (like a 911), the CA would be my choice hands down. As it is, I want that pure sport car feel when I want it so the F430 spider is my choice.

I do have one suggestion though. Don't buy it to appease your ego or to get chicks. It's only going to disappoint you. Once you step out of that car, it's still you.

Get it because you love the driving experience. That's why I love mine.

 

Silly goose...he's a rockstar.

 

Oh... nevermind!


Well, buy the car because you love it anyway.

 

Bdelp,

I think your analogy above is perfect.

 

why did you think about the F430 Scuderia or th 16M ??? I will pick them over the F430

 

No Scud or 16M, which I think are more track oriented and get more away from being comfortable enough to drive everyday if you want.

 

I have the same decision to make eventually with regard to my first F-car.

"Don't buy it to appease your ego or to get chicks"

I agree completely! No car gets you chicks well maybe a Bugatti will land a few gold diggers but thats not quality, no- get the car for you. I love sports cars and exotics since I was 5 years old. For me, Ferrari is the apex of exotics- racing heritage and hot looks a dream car made in heaven. I love Lambos but they drive like boats and too heavy. Ferrari is more pure feeling.

I have a daily driver M3 so would opt for the Ferrari 458 Italia over a California unless I want a convertible Ferrari. Looking at 360 Modena too but rather wait for newer car.

 

Well, I don't know where the OP is from, but to me a sports car is to be driven topless. And living where one cannot drive topless is not an option.

Tan while you drive is my motto.

You want a front engine car or a mid-engine car???

 

Nothing is stopping you from driving topless. Just make sure you groom yourself properly before whipping your top off. The chicks will dig you more.

 

Not a problem. Really.

 

I mean REALLY.
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With that award, you apparently won't need to drive topless to be a babe magnet.

 

The award was obviously for the car, not me. Me topless is a scary thought indeed.

I even take showers and baths with me clothes on. Can't be too careful.

 

If you want more of a pure exotic sports car and already have a great daily driver, then I would get a F430 over a California. Heck, by the time I can afford either a late model or new Ferrari, I may get the Ferrari 458 Italia. I think that the California will not hold its value as well as the F430 however. Most folks who are not Ferrari fans consider the Calfornia to be an ugly looking car. The F430 however is more exotic looking and attention getting.

 

OP, a nice car will help you get more girls, especially girls who aren't exposed to money. Some of the people in this thread must not be trying or are so good with women that it doesn't matter!!!

I think an important part of getting over a girl is doing exactly what you want because, screw it, you think it's a good idea. Get that nonsense out of your system and have fun. If it takes a Ferrari to heal your bruised ego then cheers!