Porsche 997 Turbo vs California

I think the Cali is very reliable. But a new one or near new and you will the factory warranty on your side. Peace of mind if anything big goes wrong.

The issue I had was a gearbox failure. I had one of the earlier cars and the first generation box by Getrag. Can't really blame Ferrari for this. The new cars come with the same second generation box you find in the 458 Italia both street and challenge cars. So I think they will be robust.

There is no belt to worry about. The brakes should last 100K. The only thing is to change oil and other fluids. So annual costs will be pretty low.

Porsche's do break too.

 

I've done about 10k in my California over nearly a year since new. I've tracked the car a few times and use it as my daily driver. I do frequent short and long runs in the car and have had no issues with it. I keep the car in Perth Western Australia and actually live in Bangkok most of the time.

When away, I keep the car on the factory supplied trickle charger and have had no issues with the battery. The longest I have had it on trickle charge is around 1 month.

For me it's been a great car and very practical as a daily driver. The only consideration I take is when parking to make sure I keep good space from other cars. I haven't had a Porsche in years so couldn't give you a meaningful comparison.

David

 

Hey!!!

I had C4S CAB from 2006 to 2011 i was getting new once every 2 year becasue i was leasing them in December 2010 i decided to get Lambo Gallardo,Ferrari Calofornia or New R8 Spyder i research and research for 3 months and finally a month ago i got my Red California beleive me that was the best decision i have ever made in terms of buying a car, in my opinion if anybody out there can effort Ferrari they must buy one before we die !!!

Answer to your Question is dont think twice my friend if you like the car buy it this car make you feel like a million dollars and it is a daliy driver very comfrotable with auto mode and back seats are comfortable if you have young kiids!!!

Good Luck !!!!

 

You will not regret the transition to the Cali. I waxed and waned on the 997 PDK Turbo vs Cali last year and went with the Cali. In 6000KMs (and one intense Ferrari Pilota track day with my Cali last month at Phillip Island Grand Prix track here in Australia), never once have I had an issue apart from a faulty IPOD connector. I also have a '11 Cayenne Turbo (brilliant SUV) and when in for a service last week, the dealer gave me a '11 911 Turbo for the day. The true talents of the Turbo are best revealed on a track - around town I found it less user friendly - noisy cabin from tire roar, very harsh suspension and in truth, quite 'plain jane' to drive (again in town). The Cali in comparison is an 'event' every single time you climb into the cabin and start her up - you could be doing 25 miles per hour and it will still put a huge smile on your dial with what has to be the best exhaust note for that speed (in 2nd gear admittedly). It's suspension pliancy while maintaining very good body control in Comfort mode puts my wife's LR4 air suspension to shame! I had an even bigger smile when I hit approx 240kmh (150mph) down the main straight of Phillip Island - my Italian Ferrari instructor sitting next to me was quite casual about this, saying I should be doing at least 260kmh if I managed to get the entry speed into the straight 'right'. While the 458 (which I also drove for 3 laps) is superior on a track (just!), I know of no car today that can blend it's track capability with city usability all wrapped up in what I and many others regard as a stunning looker top up or down. No doubt the Turbo PDK is just as capable (if not more) on the track, but as an all round sports car package nothing out there on the market today compares favourably with the Cali.

 

being a lurker here for some time (years actually).... since I bought my first Porsche. It is assuring to hear of great comments like these. I will be taking delivery of my California next week (will post pics when I get it) and can't wait for that to happen. I am currently driving a 997 C2S PDK and made the move to the Cali as the wait for the new 991 is too unbearably looong.

Hope to learn from long time Cali owners here in this forum.

Cheers.

 

You'll have to "come out of the lurking shadows" to let us know how you like it. Esp. versus the 997 C2S.

 

i havent driven a new porsche however in our old 996 c4 and the difference between that and the california, the most notable difference (besides the additional acceleration) was the speed in which the shifts happened.

Ferrari Transmission is unbelievable

 

Agree...will post assessment after a week of daily driving.

 

While I have driven Porsche TT's, never owned one. I would imagine that while a Cali is likely the most reliable Ferrari, it is not as reliable as a Porsche. Yet, my collegue uses one as a DD and has not had any issues. 997TT's are as common around here as a truck in Texas and there are probably 100 TT's for every Cali. One blends in, one looks special. The Cali is not as fast as the new TT, but it is not slow either, by any stretch. TT's try to race my 360 all the time (and particularly my R8), but when I am in my Ferrari, I don't care if a Prius blows by me, I am in a trance. nuff said.

 

We seem to think alike!
I am taking delivery of a California next week and I am currently driving a 997 C4S PDK... (and I'm on the list for an early 991).

 

I had a 997TT and went to a 360 Spider thence a California. As you stated, the California is more satisfying to drive in ways which are difficult to put into words. You will find many comparisons here between the TT and the Cali. The 997TT is an awesome car with crazy power. In sport mode, the power of the Cali is similar and the sound is intoxicating. I do miss my TT, but I am happier with the Cali. Nowadays, there isn't too much of a price difference between the Cali and a heavily optioned 997TT. Go for the Cali! You will not regret it.

 

Hi there Nautilus.

It seems like most of the guys here answered your questions. But as lover and Ferrari Dealership owner perhaps i can add a bit more color for you. HEre are a few facts that may have been left out

1) IT is true that the maintenance costs are very low. THe main reason is that the motor does not have to come out and there is a chain driven timing system (no belts to stretch or change). BUt here ist he best part. The gearbox is a closed system and does not require maintenance (0lder gear boxes required flushign the fluids). But ready for the kicker? New program is about to be launched (hopefully soon) under which new Californias will have maintenance included for 7 years.

2) I put over 10,000 miles on my Cali and enjoyed every minute of it. I admit that i am usually a bit more of a hardcore driver but the allure is that i can enjoy the "Relatively tame" drive to and from work yet when you step on the gas you remember exactly waht you are driving. THe unique sound that Ferrair make is unmistakable when the car is at higher RPMS. Plus i am in love iwth the gear box. The proof is if you race a 599 against a cali, the stronger 599 takes the lead, but loses it when both cars shift gears. Of course the 600 hp does take over as the gears get longer.

ON a side note i hope you enjoy your ride out east as I do. ON the way feel free to stop by our new "PIT STOP" which is a happy hour on the way to the hamptons. We are along side the LIE so it is a great place to stop . FYI you are welcome with your Porsche but even more so with your new Cali

KEep on driving,
Garrett
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welcome to the impulsive buyers club.

altho I have a strong feeling after driving the Cali, I will cancel my order for the 991 since both are 2+2s. I wanted a Cali as it is my first Ferrari and I wanted to share the prancing horse experience with my family... bringing my wife and two kids out on a nice cruise around town, etc.

my 997 has been the most reliable daily driver and I am someone who subscribed to the axiom of "drive it like you stole it".
never worried about clocking up the miles and Rick is actually my idol on this forum (his posts gave me confidence to buy a Cali). It will be great if I can beat his record...

now... days seems like eternity for me as I wait for THE day.

btw my options are

- carbon fibre LED on wheels
- 20" rims
- rosso scuderia
- crema interior
- contrast stitching
- magnaride
- daytona seats

 

Cash.

 

+1. Always. It's just more of peace of mind for myself. Financing isn't a bad idea though. Many people do it.

 

If you have not ordered it yet, consider cruise control if you plan on any amount of highway driving.

Thanks for the comments ... and I didn't drive mine today! Wind gusts of 60 mph so I drove the Mercedes. Who cares if a trash can lid hits the side of that ... well I guess I care but not nearly as much as the Cali! It has been 509 days, about 17 months since I picked up my California, and now 21,000 miles, an average of 41 miles a day, with probably seven 150 mile trips one way, the rest is local driving. I almost got to drive it yesterday to Kenosha Wisconsin but business issues here kept me home, darn.



Rick

 

OP, if you haven't read this tread yet. This would be helpful to you!

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318115

Do I miss the tt? Yes! The push back to the seat is insane on the TT. The AWD is awesome. It is actually the real DD. As for back seats. 997 are bigger. I actually don't feel so safe driving the cali on twist roads. The CST kicks in all the time! Cali is also a very heavy car. Suspension is very soft compare with TT. Everything else it is awesome! The sensation, sound, hardtop, dual clutch is pure awesome!!! Nobody can take away the horse badge!!! I don't understand how most of people can really daily the cali, it just gets a lot of attention

997.1 .2TT is a real daily super car that wants to go FAST!
California is probably the most awesome open top GT out there!

BTW, I find 997's comfort seats much more pleasant than the Cali's seats.

Best luck to you!

 

Finally took the Cali a few days ago. I must say taking ownership of a Ferrari is like a dream come true for many boys. I am really lucky to own a Prancing Horse in my lifetime after slogging so hard at work.

As it was a new car, I dare not rev it too much nor abuse it on its first day.... Embarassed to say, I had it in Comfort mode most of the time (just set to Sport once). The steering really felt light compared to my 997.2 PDK. In a way, you lose the strong connection with the road surface which you are accustomed to in the 911. Although that does not really matter alot to me... the interior of the Cali definitely surpasses the 911. Leather adorns everywhere (and I pity the number of cows sacrificed for humanity's indulgence)... The central aluminium bridge is really a nice touch.

Along city driving, the DCT in the Cali handled quite ok except the occassional jerk when the DCT tries to read between 1st and 2nd gear (this also happens in my 911) during slow traffic condition.

But this car comes alive along the highway. Darn, it reminds you why you bought a Ferrari! The incredible engine note!!! It gives a soul to the car and reminds you where your hard-earned money went into.... haha.

Think the next best part is that I was able to bring my two kids and wife out for a short drive around town. My kids were so excited when they saw the car one evening at the driveway. It is a Ferrari afterall. Interestingly, my kids commented the rear seats were more spacious than a 911. Or maybe euphoria had marred their sense of space.

Overall, I did not regret buying the California... as the famous saying goes "if you can afford a Ferrari in your lifetime, BUY one".... and I am glad I did that. The experience of driving a Ferrari around is out of this world and I consider myself really lucky to be part of this Club.

I will be going to some scenic part of town this weekend to take some good shots and hopefully will post some nice ones here.

Ferrari ftw!

 

First drives are WAY COOL! And after 22,000 miles it is really just as good except you are not afraid of taking it to the red line.

Rick