77domer

I have been a porsche owner for the last 25 years, been through multiple non turbo 911's from carrera s and 4s to 2 GT3's the last a 2015, saphire blue. Except for my gt3's all have been convertibles. After 5 years with the GT3 i find myself wanting a convertible again, I live in northern Arizona with an ideal climate for a convertible. I will retire at the end of the year and ordered myself a 2020 silver Spyder with classic spyder interior for end of year allocation according to the dealership. Then I happened to see a Ferrari California T recently. After researching it, I believe I could get a 2015-16 California T with the HS package for not too much more than the Spyder. The Cali would be faster, more comfortable and has an easier top to close, the Spyder better handling and crisper steering. Which would you choose and why?

speed_kills

Will definitely go for a Spyder...

Had a 2013 Cali with HS before and while driving it was really an event, Ferrari build quality is just not as good as Porsche. Plus the Cali felt quite boaty and more of a touring vs pure sports car.

The hard top roof of the Cali is surely much more convenient but from my personal experiencd, it will cause rattles and may misalign. Then about electronics...

.2PDK

This

ldamelio

Interesting. I was completely unaware of this car (California T) until this thread - I thought that 'bottom of the line' was the 488. I'm surprised how low these are priced. That being said, I agree with the two posters above. The T looks nice, but like something of a cross between Ferrari and Maserati; more of a grand tourer. The Spyder is more of a sports car. The T looks like it would be excellent for the occasional open top back roads drive to dinner with the wife or beach cruising.

Dr.Bill

There is a reason the Spyder is one of the most revered Porsche models.
There is also a reason the California T is not a well loved Ferrari model.

You want an automatic top and even more savings - go for the Boxster GTS 4.0.
Probably will have better ride quality than the Spyder too.

Bxstr

California T if you want a cruiser to drive around town in, go to dinner and you want comfort.

Boxster Spyder if you want to take it out on fun drives.

If you buy the California T just make sure that you have a Ferrari independent local to you. They will save you a lot compared to the dealer. My friend who had a 550 and a 430 was able to save a lot by going to a local independent.

.2PDK

It is the most sought after Ferrari by women.

Highest female ownership of any Ferrari model.

NTTAWWT

gcurnew

I've never understood why supposed brand "aficionados" look down their nose at a marque's entry level cars (not that a Spyder is especially entry level, although I expect some GT owners would sneer at it). A La Ferrari and California come from the same gene pool, as do a 918 and a 718. It think it's just snobbery, plain and simple. No time for uppity snobs during my short go-round on Earth.

speed_kills

Sorry to say but among the 10+ sports cars I’ve had the privilege of owning, the Ferrari California was my biggest regret... there are just so many better choices in that price range... it did scratch my Ferrari itch and I swore never to get one again 😅

.2PDK

Wrong Ferrari to scratch that itch with...

AndyE1976

I've driven the original California and the California T and they're both good, but tech is less advanced than even my 981 Boxster S for a lot more money. For Ferrari I'd look at a used 458, which are nudging into Spyder prices.

daveyator

The expense of Ferrari maintenance and “issues” has to be experienced to be believed.

.2PDK

A buddy of mine sold his 488 for that reason.

Then got a McLaren 720s.

Sound judgement I say...

Yamino

Dont get a Cali T no matter what.. this is coming from a F tech LOL

speed_kills

yup learned the hard way 😅