SL/R231: Did anyone here consider a Ferrari California T?
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Did anyone here consider a Ferrari California T?
For the most part, I believe that most on this board are driving an R231, because they love it and because it fits within their budget. However, I was wondering if any R231 owners test drove a new Ferrari California T before they settled on a new SL. If so, what did you think? I realize that it is almost double the price, but, in many ways, it's a similar car. I'd love to hear honest thoughts.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Las Vegas
2017 SL450; 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo; 2005 Lexus SC430
Yes, I drove a 2016 California T, painted a wonderful burgundy red w/coffee-colored leather inside, as well as the Bentley Continental and the Jaguar F-Type R.
Without a doubt, the Ferrari is in a class by itself. I certainly loved it. There were three reasons, however, for why I did not buy it. The first, as it is for many others, was price. I could not justify spending $280,000 on a car when there are so many other (and, in my mind, better) uses for its cost differential. In a similar way, although less expensive than the California T, I reached the same conclusion regarding the Bentley. The second was inadequate use. The California T deserves to be driven by someone who exploits at least a majority of its potential. Using it nearly exclusively to pick up a prescription at the drug store, etc. is criminal, which is just about the only use I have for a car. (I live in Las Vegas and fly everywhere else; moreover, the environs are bereft of twisty mountain roads.) The third is that, at my age, driving a Ferrari would result in most people getting an erroneous impression of me. I am not trying to return to my youth nor do I seek to evidence my financial success.
And so, while test driving the Ferrari was a thrill I expect to always remember, I did not feel compelled to own it. As an aside, I found that the new Boxster S offers much of the same driving experience as the California T, albeit not all of that incredible acceleration and engine sound -- at a fraction of the Ferrari's price.
Without a doubt, the Ferrari is in a class by itself. I certainly loved it. There were three reasons, however, for why I did not buy it. The first, as it is for many others, was price. I could not justify spending $280,000 on a car when there are so many other (and, in my mind, better) uses for its cost differential. In a similar way, although less expensive than the California T, I reached the same conclusion regarding the Bentley. The second was inadequate use. The California T deserves to be driven by someone who exploits at least a majority of its potential. Using it nearly exclusively to pick up a prescription at the drug store, etc. is criminal, which is just about the only use I have for a car. (I live in Las Vegas and fly everywhere else; moreover, the environs are bereft of twisty mountain roads.) The third is that, at my age, driving a Ferrari would result in most people getting an erroneous impression of me. I am not trying to return to my youth nor do I seek to evidence my financial success.
And so, while test driving the Ferrari was a thrill I expect to always remember, I did not feel compelled to own it. As an aside, I found that the new Boxster S offers much of the same driving experience as the California T, albeit not all of that incredible acceleration and engine sound -- at a fraction of the Ferrari's price.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,168
Likes: 4,387
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Yes, I drove a 2016 California T, painted a wonderful burgundy red w/coffee-colored leather inside, as well as the Bentley Continental and the Jaguar F-Type R.
Without a doubt, the Ferrari is in a class by itself. I certainly loved it. There were three reasons, however, for why I did not buy it. The first, as it is for many others, was price. I could not justify spending $280,000 on a car when there are so many other (and, in my mind, better) uses for its cost differential. In a similar way, although less expensive than the California T, I reached the same conclusion regarding the Bentley. The second was inadequate use. The California T deserves to be driven by someone who exploits at least a majority of its potential. Using it nearly exclusively to pick up a prescription at the drug store, etc. is criminal, which is just about the only use I have for a car. (I live in Las Vegas and fly everywhere else; moreover, the environs are bereft of twisty mountain roads.) The third is that, at my age, driving a Ferrari would result in most people getting an erroneous impression of me. I am not trying to return to my youth nor do I seek to evidence my financial success.
And so, while test driving the Ferrari was a thrill I expect to always remember, I did not feel compelled to own it. As an aside, I found that the new Boxster S offers much of the same driving experience as the California T, albeit not all of that incredible acceleration and engine sound -- at a fraction of the Ferrari's price.
Without a doubt, the Ferrari is in a class by itself. I certainly loved it. There were three reasons, however, for why I did not buy it. The first, as it is for many others, was price. I could not justify spending $280,000 on a car when there are so many other (and, in my mind, better) uses for its cost differential. In a similar way, although less expensive than the California T, I reached the same conclusion regarding the Bentley. The second was inadequate use. The California T deserves to be driven by someone who exploits at least a majority of its potential. Using it nearly exclusively to pick up a prescription at the drug store, etc. is criminal, which is just about the only use I have for a car. (I live in Las Vegas and fly everywhere else; moreover, the environs are bereft of twisty mountain roads.) The third is that, at my age, driving a Ferrari would result in most people getting an erroneous impression of me. I am not trying to return to my youth nor do I seek to evidence my financial success.
And so, while test driving the Ferrari was a thrill I expect to always remember, I did not feel compelled to own it. As an aside, I found that the new Boxster S offers much of the same driving experience as the California T, albeit not all of that incredible acceleration and engine sound -- at a fraction of the Ferrari's price.
The folks at Ferrari of Newport Beach were kind enough to loan my wife and I a brand new (500 miles) California T this past Tuesday. When I asked them when they wanted it back, they said "a couple of hours, have fun!" So, we drove the car down Pacific Coast Highway to Dana Point for coffee. We did have fun and it is a great car, but my conclusions were similar to yours. In addition, I did not like the way the exhaust would suddenly ROAR, even with a very light foot on the throttle. As a matter of fact, I did not care for the sound of the exhaust at all. At low speeds it sounded like an old pick-up truck, but I will admit to loving the sound at speed. The bottom line was it just really doesn't suit our needs--or wants for that matter, but again, like you, I will never forget those two hours.
There are several things that I don't like about the current SL, but for the money, there is nothing that even comes close. I may pull the trigger on one soon. And, after driving both, I actually preferred the SL450. It felt so much lighter and fun to drive. I still might go for another test drive in a new Porsche Targa, but in the end, I'll probably come back to the SL, warts and all.
Last edited by Streamliner; Oct 14, 2016 at 08:42 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: So. Kalifornia
17 SL550 (Designo Edition), 08 C300, 13 Mini Cooper, 17 Macan GTS, 18 720s
I've owned multiple Ferraris', the last being a 2008 F430 Spider...since moved on to Mclaren.
The problem I have with the Cali is the appeal towards women and while secure in my masculinity, I wouldn't spend $225K+ for a car where the first thought of a passerby is, "that guy is driving his wife's car." That's just one of the reason's we are on our second SL550 in 3 years.
MB
The problem I have with the Cali is the appeal towards women and while secure in my masculinity, I wouldn't spend $225K+ for a car where the first thought of a passerby is, "that guy is driving his wife's car." That's just one of the reason's we are on our second SL550 in 3 years.
MB
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
'13 SL550
I really enjoyed reading your response to my post. It's so refreshing to read a well written and intelligent commentary.
The folks at Ferrari of Newport Beach were kind enough to loan my wife and I a brand new (500 miles) California T this past Tuesday. When I asked them when they wanted it back, they said "a couple of hours, have fun!" So, we drove the car down Pacific Coast Highway to Dana Point for coffee. We did have fun and it is a great car, but my conclusions were similar to yours. In addition, I did not like the way the exhaust would suddenly ROAR, even with a very light foot on the throttle. As a matter of fact, I did not care for the sound of the exhaust at all. At low speeds it sounded like an old pick-up truck, but I will admit to loving the sound at speed. The bottom line was it just really doesn't suit our needs--or wants for that matter, but again, like you, I will never forget those two hours.
There are several things that I don't like about the current SL, but for the money, there is nothing that even comes close. I may pull the trigger on one soon. And, after driving both, I actually preferred the SL450. It felt so much lighter and fun to drive. I still might go for another test drive in a new Porsche Targa, but in the end, I'll probably come back to the SL, warts and all.
The folks at Ferrari of Newport Beach were kind enough to loan my wife and I a brand new (500 miles) California T this past Tuesday. When I asked them when they wanted it back, they said "a couple of hours, have fun!" So, we drove the car down Pacific Coast Highway to Dana Point for coffee. We did have fun and it is a great car, but my conclusions were similar to yours. In addition, I did not like the way the exhaust would suddenly ROAR, even with a very light foot on the throttle. As a matter of fact, I did not care for the sound of the exhaust at all. At low speeds it sounded like an old pick-up truck, but I will admit to loving the sound at speed. The bottom line was it just really doesn't suit our needs--or wants for that matter, but again, like you, I will never forget those two hours.
There are several things that I don't like about the current SL, but for the money, there is nothing that even comes close. I may pull the trigger on one soon. And, after driving both, I actually preferred the SL450. It felt so much lighter and fun to drive. I still might go for another test drive in a new Porsche Targa, but in the end, I'll probably come back to the SL, warts and all.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,168
Likes: 4,387
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
You would have to ask them. I didn't ask for an extended test drive, they just offered. We never got into who I was or what I do for a living, but they did know my name and address in advance, so maybe they did some homework, I really do t know. i will say that a similar offer was made to me by the Bentley dealer about a half mile down the road, to take a new Continental out, just my wife and I. Maybe I have an honest face.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 77
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'13 SL550
You would have to ask them. I didn't ask for an extended test drive, they just offered. We never got into who I was or what I do for a living, but they did know my name and address in advance, so maybe they did some homework, I really do t know. i will say that a similar offer was made to me by the Bentley dealer about a half mile down the road, to take a new Continental out, just my wife and I. Maybe I have an honest face.
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