Jag F-Type vs California

The current California was launched in 2008. So if Ferrari does the next launch in 2014, it would be 6 years which is pretty "normal" for Ferrari.

The F-type looks very nice and has some nice features but IMO, is a couple of steps down due to lack of room, nothing-special technology, no hard-top dual function and lower performance. It may fool the casual observer, but not a serious buyer.

It's really a roadster, more designed to compete with similar BMW and Mercedes vehicles. It comes across as being "small", like when you compare the AM Vantage to an AM DB9 or Vanquish. They're not in the same class, don't feel the same in usage. Still, I think the F-Type would do well so long as it is reliable.

 

I really don't think they are genuinely comparable and doubt Ferrari lost a minutes sleep about the F type. I ordered the Cali replacement 18 months ago as even then it was known.

 

But the F type looks stunning.

 

I don't think you can compare the two with anything really. The Cali is much faster, much more expensive, the Cali is thought of as a 2+2, although what you can do with the back seats I have know idea. Where as the Jag is a out and out 2 seater sports car. Personally IMO the Jag is better looking than the California but they aren't competitors.

 

I think it can be argued that the F-Type front end is doing a "Samsung" of the GranCabrio's. Here are flattering views of the 3 cars in similar colours and angles - you can form your own opinions but personally, I like the GranCabrio better. I was originally planning to buy the GranCabrio but the California's performance and hardtop won me over. The Stradale MC version is also super nice... but I wanted a convertible.

The Maserati GranCabrio is of course, much bigger (than even the California) and is a true 4-seater. The F-Type takes advantage of the fact that it is a ROADSTER, a completely different convertible configuration. Being in a smaller size category, it can also be made much more inexpensively and should have a weight advantage.

The F-Type will do well but is aimed at a lower market at least a couple of rungs down, with a smaller car that delivers convertible thrills but few special features, like the BMW E89 Z4 which is due for a make-over. Ferrari purposely stays away from that "busy" lower end as it prefers to make specialized convertibles. Its customers also want exclusivity which can't be achieved in the lower price markets.
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I'm seeing the F-Type for the first time this week. I thought it was a Ferrari California for the first moments on the commercial.

Jaguar has RIPPED OFF Ferrari. Seriously.

Greg

 

not sure I agree greg.

 

It's just an opinion but the front view is seriously similar to the Cali...

 

immitaton can be a form of flattery, may not be exact or as good as the original, but could wear well at a lower price point allowing for a wider distribution

 

It is a pretty amazing car though....drove it last week.......I'll post a couple pix as im probably taking delivery of mine this weekend.

 

Here you go.........side by side. I'll be stepping away from my cali for a couple years. (drive too few miles being busy...and another round of investment in a company that fortunately is doing really well.) some comparisons:

What i'll miss about the Cali -
* the Ferrari family/mystique/prestige
* A certain ferrari feel at high RPM's
* trunk space (F-Type has almost none)

What i like abou the F-Type -
* 495 HP Supercharged V8 - i really like the torque of this car.
* Exhaust note - absolutely crazy
* Stereo with decent sound
* Top that opens/closes fast and up to 30or so MPH (it is cloth though)
* Comfort and smoothness when you just want to 'Cruize' (ride, interior feel, and a lower RPM when cruising the LA freeways at 75)
* Light years better when i hit stop-and-go traffic.

The suspension is a little firmer in Comfort mode than the cali, though the overall ride feels smoother. In Dynamic mode it seems pretty equivalent to Sport (i had Magnaride). The F-Type allows you to make specific adjustments of it's Dynamic mode, namely suspension, exhaust, throttle response, steering (yes the steering tightens up when switched).

For me, I never like using the Cali as a Daily Driver (i'm outside of LA). The 'clunk' of the drivetrain, the sensitivity of the throttle and the little stuff like almost dying then surging when stopping, 3-point turns, etc. I LOVED it when i wanted to have a more agressive/spirited drive. Hey, it's a race bred car! I know some of you enjoy yours for Daily Driving which is great. It just didn't work for me. So....my plan is to enjoy the F-Type and in 18 months or so and return to Ferrari maybe a 458 (or i still like the exterior of the 430's better) while keeping the F-Type. That would be a great combination.

All this said.......the car is new. I AM in the honeymoon period, and we'll see how well it ages and maintains its' quality. It is pretty amazing in what you get for $97k vs. $240k.

At the end of the day a Jag isn't a Ferrari! It WILL be a car i can have A LOT of fun in for a couple years.

I hope you find my comparison of interest and value.
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Seeing the two side by side makes you appreciate what a beautiful design the Cali really is, despite the naysayers.

 

Well said and I agree. I don't like the color of each though.

 

Congratulations on the new ride. Thanks for the pics and comparison. I'll be interested in your observations after you've lived with the car awhile. I hope Jaguar is able to bring their demographic back towards younger people.

 

Curt, first of all thank you for your pictures and thoughtful comments. Congratulations on your new ride, I'm sure it will give you many memorable and pleasurable experiences.

These two cars do represent very different ideas. As you already noted, the Ferrari always reflects its racing heritage and it must. The California is meant to give its owner a taste of what a race car feels like while delivering the ability to traverse the continent with some luggage in style under all weather conditions. Whereas the V8 Jag is really designed to make DD maneuvers effortless while delivering an entertaining soundtrack to boot. It's a toy that doesn't push you too far as it entertains you.

The Jag uses a cross-plane AJ133 engine which delivers low-end torque at the cost of high-end performance whereas the flat-plane F136 engine of the Cali is designed to be revved and deliver race car excitement. Its CCM brakes are necessary to repeatedly haul you back down from race speeds without fading, which can happen quite easily on the continent. OTOH, the AJ133 delivers the grunt people love in big cars and trucks that sport big engines designed for DD speeds. It works very well in stop-go traffic that you identified. Similarly, the lightweight cloth top is advertised to be deployed on a whim in slow traffic whereas the Cali wants the driver to be more deliberate and focused. Likewise, the stereo in the Cali is not a main feature of its driving experience whereas the Jag's stereo is a key entertainment component as you cruise.

This reminds me of a comment by a petrolhead journalist from Automobile magazine, as he made his personal choice of the 2014 Jaguar F-Type V8 S over a 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and a 2014 Audi R8 V8 Spyder - "…It feels like the right choice for someone who has the body of a giant, the heart of a chicken, and the mind of a child". What I believe he meant was that the Jag displays lots of power and toys but isn't quite sorted enough to use them all and doesn't expect you to care about that. It's a refined re-statement of a traditional muscle sports car.

Having said this, I think you should consider the upgrades in the California 30 as they address all of your daily driving grievances (minus the ones about deploying the roof and the stereo) while simultaneously increasing the performance of the car. I've driven mine for over a month and I find the car very smooth and entertaining.

I look forward to your experiences in your brassy new toy. Enjoy it in good health!

 

Congratulations on your new ride. They both are great cars. How is the interior space and comfort in the new F type? Also how is the wind/road noise in the F type with the top up and down?

 

I recommend everyone go test the v8s F type just for the sound it makes. I went yesterday to the jag dealer I used to work at to check them out and was blown away.

 

IMO something about the styling of these retro-homage cars doesn't work. The F Jag is Ok in the modern muscular style, but it ends up looking very generic. I think what is lost is the "lean-ness" of the older design (such as the E-Jag) that made for a classic. The modern bulges and muscles make for a bulky look, but at the expense of essential beauty. The California or the 458 do not project that kind of muscle aura, and I think they look better for it.

 

The closest comparable car that readily comes to mind is/was the AMG SLK-55 roadster. In format, it's more of a competitor to Boxsters, BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z or even the Corvette 427.

Like the AMG SLK-55, the F-Type V8 S is accompanied by siblings with less expensive options. Like the SLK, they benefit from the mystique of classic cars more famously associated with the brand. Roadsters, with their compact size and minimum cabins/storage are less expensive to build and easier to package excitement affordable to a broader range of buyers. Mazda has already executed this formula, repeatedly; as has BMW of late.

The F-Type's DNA, like the XK's, also carries over many design cues from Aston Martin, who may not be very pleased especially now that they are no longer both under Ford.

 

Lovely car, the F-type looks great compared alongside the Cali, hands down the better looking of the two! Congrats!

 

Each to their own! Totally the reverse to my eye but then Jaguar is perceived in a different light overseas than in the UK

 

Thanks for all the posts. I though many would jump all over me for being a 'traitor'. I'll likely be back in a Cali in a couple years as improvements are made, etc. Maybe wait for the next model update. Couple additional points.

* Yes, as i said before....the jag is not a Ferrari.
* It IS pretty amazing with what they've done.
* My driving habits have changed over the last couple years
* My 'Ego' need .... i've gotten over. (lets face it, people look at you when you pull up in a Cali)
* Frustration with a couple things that i could just never get ironed out (Engine roughness and oddities, and drivetrain behavior when in AUTO)

To answer another question. Interior comfort is quite good. Even though it's a roadster I was surprised how much seat room i have. I'm not small at 6' and 215, though not huge either. It fits well and feels very comfortable while cruising down any road at speed. I really also like the tighter steering feel. More road feedback.

They're both great looking cars. I wouldn't pick one better than the other. 4th_Gear is right, it has more of a 'muscle car' feel. It does feel bigger than the boxter and SLK group. Beefier car. More like an SL maybe but without space behind.

Regarding color....hey...that's why there are so many colors. Personal preference. Personally i think Silverstone over Cuoio is one of the most elegant combos you can put on a Ferrari. I ALMOST pulled the trigger on an Orange F-Type. Beautiful, but i thought i'd get tired of it in 6 months.

 

this is a great thread, Curt. thanks for making this comparison. no one is more qualified to do so since you own both. would definitely welcome your ongoing impressions about the Jag as you get more seat time. congrats on your new toy!

 

In the real world that's the one most people live in (except us Ferrari owners) the Jag is a beautiful exotic cars that will turn many heads. I feel like you are apologizing? Drive the car in good health and enjoy!!!!