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Daily driver choice

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by jerryw, Aug 14, 2010.

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  1. jerryw

    jerryw Karting

    May 18, 2009
    69
    Houston, Texas
    #1 jerryw, Aug 14, 2010
    I am deciding between a 08/09 612 and a 10 California as a daily driver. Will drive about 8K per year. Has anyone switched from a 612? What are your thoughts? I have a Bentley GTC and really prefer smaller cars.

    Thanks for the input.
    JerryW
     
  2. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,189
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #2 tazandjan, Aug 15, 2010
    Jerry- Do a search in the 612/599 forum and you will find this subject has already been covered in detail.

    Summary: 612 is bigger, has more rear seat room, needs cambelts every 5 years, has 550/575M derived engine/transaxle and F1 shifter for its transmission. California is smaller, quicker, has a superior dual clutch transmission, has chain-drive for the cams, direct injection for better economy and emissions. More modern by five years or so.

    Taz
    Terry phillips
     
  3. DavidJames1

    DavidJames1 Formula 3

    Mar 6, 2010
    1,801
    Bangkok, Thailand
    #3 DavidJames1, Aug 15, 2010
    Jerryw,

    For what it's worth I bought a California early may - use it as a daily driver go to work, shopping etc. and have done 5,800km since I bought it - no issues at all and is generally very well received by fellow motorists - mine is Argento Nurburgring and black interior. I think as it's not an in your face colour, people seem to treat it better than the reds or yellows and have had many comments from people saying they love the colour and don't like the flash ones.

    Anyway - haven't experienced a 612 so can't help as regards the switch - just can recommend it as a great daily drive.

    David
     
  4. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
    #4 forgeahead, Aug 15, 2010
    I have had both. I currently have a California. Taz described it perfectly. The California has more "tech." Definitely not as much interior space as the 612. BUT, top down really is the icing on the cake! My vote (obviously) is California.
     
  5. ARED4RE

    ARED4RE Formula Junior

    Mar 5, 2004
    250
    #5 ARED4RE, Aug 15, 2010
    I have had both. Each works as a daily driver. To me it comes down to space needs, transmission choice, and a top down driving option. If you really need the back seats, 612 is better; California only works for short distance for kids. I personally do not like the F1 transmission; my 612 was a 6 speed which was really good. The California transmission is fantastic. I drive with the top down all the time here in California. Both are really good cars.
     
  6. jerryw

    jerryw Karting

    May 18, 2009
    69
    Houston, Texas
    #6 jerryw, Aug 15, 2010
    Local dealer has a white/chocolate California that is loaded except for the stereo upgrade. Will decide tomorrow, may decide to order a 2011 model without some of the options that are on the in stock car that I do not need or want.

    JerryW
     
  7. MalibuGuy

    MalibuGuy F1 Veteran

    Sep 18, 2007
    5,901
    #7 MalibuGuy, Aug 16, 2010
    Are you going for White? I think that is a nice color. What interior color? Maybe tan or some other light color like Cuio.

    Agree with you about not getting carried away with the options.

    I've got over 10K miles and the car is very reliable and fun. Easy to drive in town. Car was a bit stiff at first but now things are getting broken in.
     

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