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Now that there is some easing of restrictions in our area, we are venturing out a bit more that we have the past few weeks; still social distancing, but getting out none the less. Well, the other day my friend called and suggested that we do lunch today, at this place called Drake's; everything from sushi to burgers to salads, good spot. Well, you know how you have that one friend that is always up to something? Usually up to something surprising, and in his favor. Well today when I pulled in to park at Drake's, here he comes in his new ride, a Ferrari California. Parked right behind me, we all got out and while the wives chatted, we talked and compared cars; then after lunch did a short drive about. While a fan of the California, I must say that the SL feels like the better car. More comfort, better ergonomics and controls, and we share roof / trunk technology. I do love the exhaust note of the Ferrari, but, and particularly for the price differential, I am most impressed again with the SL. But our cars did draw a crowd in the parking lot! And the sushi was good. That one friend, always gotta get in the last word, that's Chuck. But a good friend.
I like my SL, but I think the California is so much better looking. I have read that Ferarri's goal was to make it a more comfortable car, one that could be a daily driver and for more than a few miles before being uncomfortable. Obviously the MB dealer network is so much bigger which makes the SL a better bet from a practical perspective, but man I do lust after that Ferrari.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Before I decided on another SL, I drove a new California T for three hours. Believe it or not, the dealer just handed me the keys to a brand new Ferrari and said “bring it back in three hours.” It was not as comfortable as the SL, I absolutely did NOT like the noisy exhaust, it was MUCH more expensive, but the number one reason I was not interested, was because of the lack of safety equipment. No emergency automatic braking, none of the systems that MB has in spades. I love the look of the car—especially the current Portofino, I love the choice of colors & interiors, but that’s where it ended for me and that wasn’t enough.
For under $100K, I got my SL450. Took her in for her first service yesterday. Drove it home with the top down and fell in LOVE, all over again. Porto what???
I think Ferrari did a great job on the Portofino. A much better looking car than the California IMO. To be sure, it is no match for the active/passive safety systems and structural rigidity of the Mercedes.
I like my SL, but I think the California is so much better looking. I have read that Ferarri's goal was to make it a more comfortable car, one that could be a daily driver and for more than a few miles before being uncomfortable. Obviously the MB dealer network is so much bigger which makes the SL a better bet from a practical perspective, but man I do lust after that Ferrari.
Have to say, I'd rather have my butt in that Ferrari (if I could properly afford it). The SL (IMO) is a more affordable GT. But a Ferrari is special, everyone drives a MB.
I took mine for a good run today after about 8 weeks and it was awesome to be out with the top down.
Last edited by rorywquin; May 17, 2020 at 12:18 PM.
When Nissan moved their North American HQ to Franklin, a side benefit we have enjoyed is a restaurant overhaul, one that has brought in several Japanese spots. Sushi is a specialty at those locales driving volume, so the daily supply is quite good, and having traveled to Japan many times myself, I am most impressed by the local offerings. Not like Ginza, but quite good.
When Nissan moved their North American HQ to Franklin, a side benefit we have enjoyed is a restaurant overhaul, one that has brought in several Japanese spots. Sushi is a specialty at those locales driving volume, so the daily supply is quite good, and having traveled to Japan many times myself, I am most impressed by the local offerings. Not like Ginza, but quite good.
My first taste of Sushi was in New Orleans ("Little Tokyo" IIRC) in 1996. I've been addicted ever since. I had the pleasure of living in Tokyo 2008/9 and indulged myself.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by C280 Sport
Thought about trading my 99 F355 for a California. Wife said absolutely not. So that was that They are beautiful but not my favorite Ferrari.
Yeah and I think you would miss pulling the engine to do maintenance, replacing the crummy valve guides and when the exhaust manifolds melt down, not that there are not a few other fun issues with the F355. It is a pretty car though.
Went to Chuck's today for his birthday 'celebration'; he bought himself a very nice present! 488. Have to admit, not a fan of the color, and when you have any speed the wind buffeting in the cabin is quite extreme. Perhaps my jealous side weighing in, but really, I expected more. Sounds like a bloody Honda turbo; crazy. But hey, it's a Ferrari. Glad I have access to drive it on occasion, and do not have to pay the cost of ownership; like that friend who has the boat!
Went to Chuck's today for his birthday 'celebration'; he bought himself a very nice present! 488. Have to admit, not a fan of the color, and when you have any speed the wind buffeting in the cabin is quite extreme. Perhaps my jealous side weighing in, but really, I expected more. Sounds like a bloody Honda turbo; crazy. But hey, it's a Ferrari. Glad I have access to drive it on occasion, and do not have to pay the cost of ownership; like that friend who has the boat!
I agree, not a fan of the color. Interesting comment about it “sounds like a bloody Honda turbo”. Usually I really like the sound of a Ferrari. When I’m in Naples I can tell a Ferrari from 1/2 a block away. I think their exhaust is almost like beautiful music. I’ll have to pay more attention to the sound of the 488.
That is your opinion, tippical english,some people may like a different color than you and it is is their choice, it doesn’t be your choice 🥶
1) In-spite of the misspelling, poor grammar and punctuation above, I was able to interpret your message!
2) I'm not English. Do you realise that not everybody living in England is English?
3) Have you spent a lot of time with English people to enable you to form a judgement about what is typical? I have and can tell you that my comment is not tippical (sic) english (sic).
4) I was disparaging about the colour. So what? Others also don't like it and my comment is not directed at the owner as he is not a member here (AFAIK).
Last edited by rorywquin; Jul 20, 2020 at 04:03 AM.
I agree, not a fan of the color. Interesting comment about it “sounds like a bloody Honda turbo”. Usually I really like the sound of a Ferrari. When I’m in Naples I can tell a Ferrari from 1/2 a block away. I think their exhaust is almost like beautiful music. I’ll have to pay more attention to the sound of the 488.
I have long been a fan of the Ferrari 'sound' preferring the V12's over all. But this 488 sounds so different, even from the 458; perhaps the turbos muffle some of that magical note that I expect to come from a Ferrari at full chat.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
