Difference between Cali T with HS package and Portofino

I have driven both and can say there is very little difference in performance.
I own a 2016 T with the upgraded factory exhaust which is the same exhaust as the HS and it is excellent.
My two cents is to save the $$$ and go with the T HS, buy the extended factory warranty for $5,000+-/year and be a happy camper.

 

I bought a new 2017 Cali T HS and it was a great car. I traded it for a new 2018 488 Spider and then about a week later got to demo the Portofino on the same roads I drove the Cali T HS on. I thought there wasn't a lot of difference but the sound on the Portofino is more like the difference between the 488 and 458 in terms of pitch but the loudness is not much different, maybe a little louder on the Portofino. Overall, I think the Portofino is the better looking car and the interior is better. Is it $100k better? Not sure about that but it would be a good idea to test drive both before making up your mind.

 

HS has the higher pitch, not sure I think it's better though, just different. The Porto is a little louder by measure, they claim 2dB which you probably can't actually hear.

 

Go for the Cali T HS. Having driven both for quite some time, I actually like the more raw feeling Cali T gives including the slight delay in shifts. It is more fun.

There is not much difference which would justify the cost for Portofino.

 

Some observations..

1) Portofino has more responsive engine by maybe I would say 15% - you notice it most on neutral rev.
2) California THS has a raspy amazing exhaust, probably the best stock Ferrari exhaust I have ever owned.
3) The California THS has better steering feedback and stiffer suspension.
4) Portofino has the better tech but some things I am not a fan of with the tech.

Hopefully this helps, full disclosure I already sold my CaliforniaTHS and have an incoming Portofino.

 

I haven't driven the Porto but have a 2016 California T. My thoughts:

+ The design / lines of the California T continue to age well. I think it will be a classic design that never ends up looking wildly outdated. The Porto is an advancement over it in terms of design but to my eye only about a 10-20% improvement (the rear of the Porto is cleaner).

+ I added the HS package and it is wonderful. Buy an HS equipped Cali T if you can find one (it became a popular option). If you don't, no problem -- for about $12k you can add it and the Sport Exhaust. It transforms the car. Much tighter handling, quicker shifting and better sounding.

+ I also added the Capristo Exhaust. It sounds amazing given this is a turbo car.

+ Lastly, and this is a bit unusual, I did go with the Novitec piggyback tune. It is spectacular. The Novitec piggyback system gives the car near 488 power. Basically, the car should have had this all along. It does not make the car feel crazy fast in straight lines but it does dramatically upgrade the throttle response and quickness when driving hard. Again, the car should have had this but was de-tuned to be easier to drive. An amazing upgrade (thanks, Fabspeed).