Ferrari California - daily driver?
Discussion
I test drove one just before I bought a slightly older one. Hard pressed to tell the difference to be honest.
I traded my 911 turbo (latest edition) for it, so I was worried that the performance was going to disappoint, but it's fine. There's a bit less torque, but the engine noise and the handling more than make up for it.
I traded my 911 turbo (latest edition) for it, so I was worried that the performance was going to disappoint, but it's fine. There's a bit less torque, but the engine noise and the handling more than make up for it.
Was lucky enough to have a quick run in a cali earlier in the week.
Happy to say I called it entirely wrong - when they were released I hated the looks, couldn't see them being much fun, too quiet and sensible, more like a Maser than a Fezza etc.
Couldn't have been more wrong. No experience of Ferrari ownership other than tidbits gleaned through the insight of mates who have, but I've driven plenty of them. From the 15 minutes or so I had to enjoy it, it felt like the perfect everyday car - Ferrari's 911 turbo or V8 Vantage if you like. Lovely place to be for some relaxed driving, and while I never ragged it, the few pokes I did give it in the bends left me very impressed. The induction sound is to die for, and the exhaust sings a lovely tune.
I'm pretty taken by the looks of them too - saw two on the same day having yet to see one previously and I'm convinced they're probably the least photogenic Ferraris ever, perhaps except the Mondial.
I think I could just about suffer one as a daily driver without being too upset, though I'd still take a Maserati given the choice.
Happy to say I called it entirely wrong - when they were released I hated the looks, couldn't see them being much fun, too quiet and sensible, more like a Maser than a Fezza etc.
Couldn't have been more wrong. No experience of Ferrari ownership other than tidbits gleaned through the insight of mates who have, but I've driven plenty of them. From the 15 minutes or so I had to enjoy it, it felt like the perfect everyday car - Ferrari's 911 turbo or V8 Vantage if you like. Lovely place to be for some relaxed driving, and while I never ragged it, the few pokes I did give it in the bends left me very impressed. The induction sound is to die for, and the exhaust sings a lovely tune.
I'm pretty taken by the looks of them too - saw two on the same day having yet to see one previously and I'm convinced they're probably the least photogenic Ferraris ever, perhaps except the Mondial.
I think I could just about suffer one as a daily driver without being too upset, though I'd still take a Maserati given the choice.
i use mine daily, its fine and happy around town. Then when you press on a bit it changes character and there is plenty of smile factor. Not sure if it is quicker or slower than a 911 turbo but i found my 911 completely dull and wanted rid of it pretty quick as it was fast but had no soul.
village idiot said:
isn't it based on a maserati? i think they are great... if i had more than 25p in my bank account, i would get one of the missus to put backwards into a hedge at her leisure.
I think it started life as a Maserati but was "pinched" by Ferrari. I didn't like it when it came out but looks so much better in the metal. Very colour sensitive too imho. I think is looks much better in dark colours (Black, Silverstone etc) than the usual red.The rear seats are a joke though. I would prefer the shelf option for additional cabin storage.
Driven a couple but not extensively. I think it would be fine as an "everyday supercar".
kbf1981 said:
Anyone use a Ferrari California as a daily driver? How do you find it compared to what you had before? Is it as much of an event as other supercars / GT style high level sports cars?
Using it as a daily was what it was designed to do, even has a standard engine oil sump. Don't listen to the doubters who don't own one, it truly is a fantastic everyday car, top off top down, frighteningly quick if you want it, 3.9 to 60, not sure what else you would want.Best car I ever owned.
Cipo said:
kbf1981 said:
Anyone use a Ferrari California as a daily driver? How do you find it compared to what you had before? Is it as much of an event as other supercars / GT style high level sports cars?
Using it as a daily was what it was designed to do, even has a standard engine oil sump. Don't listen to the doubters who don't own one, it truly is a fantastic everyday car, top off top down, frighteningly quick if you want it, 3.9 to 60, not sure what else you would want.Best car I ever owned.
kbf1981 said:
Cipo said:
kbf1981 said:
Anyone use a Ferrari California as a daily driver? How do you find it compared to what you had before? Is it as much of an event as other supercars / GT style high level sports cars?
Using it as a daily was what it was designed to do, even has a standard engine oil sump. Don't listen to the doubters who don't own one, it truly is a fantastic everyday car, top off top down, frighteningly quick if you want it, 3.9 to 60, not sure what else you would want.Best car I ever owned.
It seems darker colours may well suit the Cali but it's your hard earned, plenty of nice choices for you....
ex911nowFerr said:
I test drove one just before I bought a slightly older one. Hard pressed to tell the difference to be honest.
I traded my 911 turbo (latest edition) for it, so I was worried that the performance was going to disappoint, but it's fine. There's a bit less torque, but the engine noise and the handling more than make up for it.
Was the handling better than the turbo, or just more fun? I can imagine it's a more eventful experience....with the V8 sound, gearchange etc.I traded my 911 turbo (latest edition) for it, so I was worried that the performance was going to disappoint, but it's fine. There's a bit less torque, but the engine noise and the handling more than make up for it.
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