Hi guys,
The price point of the new 991 Turbo is getting very close to Ferrari land, in particular, the California.

Has anyone driven both the 991 and California? What were the differences in terms of ride, engine, comfort, performance, top down experience, etc?

Ferrari in my mind as always been the more premium brand. However, the 991 has always been the car that can be easily driven everyday. Looks-wise, I think both look great. Although, I must admit the indicator lights of the non-Turbo 991 look better than the Turbo.

The California 30, I believe is almost out the door and about to be replaced with a successor probably in 2014.

If you had a choice, which would you choose and why?

 

They are very different cars. One is a turbo charged monster that can easily be a daily driver and will likely require less expensive and less frequent maintenance. The other is a normally aspirated convertible and a Ferrari which could be a daily driver, but would likely be a pretty expensive one over time. If it was a third car, I would buy the California. If it was a daily driver, I would buy the Porsche. Also, I happen to live in a city without a Ferrari dealer so that is a major factor regarding ease of maintenance, particularly while under warranty.

 

Thanks for the reply jkonva. Yeah, I totally agree on the maintenance aspect. I too have heard it costs alot to keep it serviced and maintained.

Options/Personalizations on the car would probably cost more with the Ferrari probably just due to the exclusive brand.

Ferrari I believe, has 7 years of unlimited mileage warranty while the Porsche has only 2.

 

Maintenance cost on 2012 cars are "free". Free service for 7 years. Warranty is not 7 years.

 

You can drive California daily, it blends into the traffic like any of 911, especially on a darker color.

 

Interesting, I didn't think anyone except BMW was still doing that.

991 Turbo for me, it's fast, comfortable, and reliable.

 

Ferrari started that on 2012, a move that will keep their value on secondary market nice and healthy, more profit for dealership . I think 458, California are as comfortable if not more than 991, and much more comfortable than 997. I think 991 turbo/S is going to be stunning in person. Pricy but drop dead beautiful.

 

While we are doing comparisons how about a R8 V10 plus vs the 991 turbo? R8 has better looks than the 991 in my opinion.

Yes, 2012 and onwards ferraris come with a 7 yr maintenance plan included in their price though the warranty is still just 3 yrs. Extended warranty can be purchased up to 9 years.

 

The S-tronic R8 should be great, I will try to test drive one to see how it is compare to the old R-tronic, which wasn't great. R8 is a little dated to me, especially the interior. it is starting to feel like the "it" car of yesterday. I still take a second look when ever I see it on the road because I think it is still a great piece of industry design.

 

If you are in the market for a Cali I would highly suggest waiting for the TT V8.

 

Interesting comparison. The California has multiple firsts for Ferrari: Front engine V-8, DCT & hard top convertible. A pretty neat car.

 

What's the TT V8?

I think the Turbo in terms of appearance wins out by just a bit over the Cali. Both look stunning nevertheless.

 

I live in an area where I see the California's quite often and honestly to me, they look like "chick" cars. The only one that I've ever seen that looked masculine was black with black wheels. For me it would be a 991tt/tts without even a second thought.

 

The lines on the California is a lot softer compare to 458, F12 and FF. I am not a fan of any convertible so it does not do much for me. To me, most convertible does not look as aggressive as the hard top model. That said, only people I seen in California in either group drive or on the road are all man.

 

there are rumors (about 2 years old), that the california will go to a twin turbo v8. granted the only motor i could think thats ready for something like that is the v8tt out of the maserati quattroporte.

so its probably just a rumor.

in daily driving it has to be the 991 turbo; better acceleration (more torque), better braking (its a 911), and an interior that doesnt feel like the electronic interface is stolen out of an aftermarket navigation catalogue



this will forever be inexcusable in my eyes.