PCC

I was recently in Vegas for a client charity event and had some spare time. The wife and I rented a 2012 Ferrari California and drove out to the Hoover Dam.

Although I didn’t drive the car like a maniac, I did get on it a bit to see how it compares to my 997.2 S. Here are my thoughts:

• Although my car is a manual, I have driven a new Boxster S, 991S and Panamera GTS with PDK on the track. IMHO the PDK is far superior to the Ferrari transmission. It’s not even close.
• The Ferrari has a lot more horsepower than my 997.2 S (453 vs 385) and more torque 357 lb-ft vs 325. Yet, my car feels faster (I know it’s not) … until you hit about 100 mph. The Ferrari absolutely takes off at the high end (pulled like a beast all the way to 140 mph when my wife started yelling).
• The driving experience is more muted in the Ferrari. You are more isolated from road feel. It feels more refined than the Porsche but not in a good way. Don’t get me wrong, I like the car a lot, I just prefer the raw feel of my 997.
• In addition to a Porsche, I also have a Jeep Wrangler that I love to drive around without the doors in the summer. The Ferrari has the EXACT GPS/Radio system. I was shocked (google if you don’t believe me). The system is horrible (Bose so much better). It’s a disgrace that a $200k vehicle would utilize such a system
• Parking break is electronic and a PITA. It takes a little getting used to. I much prefer to just pull up the level in the Porsche
• Analog speedo is hard to read and digital speedo is tiny and over to the left. Instruments in the Porsche are placed more logically and are more functional.
• Ferrari has less road noise and less wind with roof down than my Cab

I put about 100 miles on the Ferrari. I like the car and it certainly gets a lot of attention (that I didn’t love so much). Many people taking pics and asking questions. However, if you are buying a sports car to drive, I honestly prefer my 911 S (which is also $80k less). I’m very surprised I feel that way as I've always like Ferraris.

rotesAuto

enjoyed reading your review: I can totally picture a wife yelling at that speed haha....
one of those cars has a speedo on the passenger side too LOL........

blake

Thanks for the review...

I much prefer the "real world" thoughts of a Rennlister over the musings of a magazine writer who often has a hidden agenda... Shocked to hear that Jeep & Ferrari share the same radio though. Sad really with all that is available on the market in terms of new technology.

-B

USMC_DS1

Thanks for sharing the review. That's a great way to get the f-car factor checked off from the bucket list w/o incurring the financial impact/responsibilities. I may have to try this with my S.O. as well.

ufischer

Just out of curiosity, what does it cost to rent a Ferrari for the day?

gray911

If you are disappointed with the Cali, may I recommend the 458, it will change your mind.

Hella-Buggin'

Funny, I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Wrangler as my daily car. We rented one in Hawaii and I loved it. Bikini top and no doors in the summer just seems like the right way to live one's life.... other than on the twistys in a 911 that is :-)

stltim1979

Exactly, I drove my first Wrangler in the Virgin Islands, now I have a 2dr rag top as my DD. In the market for my first p-car, looking at 997.2.

There is something about this 'convertible', must be the commanding presence you have on the road with knobby, aftermarket tires/wheels and a lift. Low maintenance, only downside is gas mileage. 15 mpg, and thats on the highway! I say go for it!

cvtbenhogan

Yes. But make sure its a 458 Italia.

Para82

I can tell you the rates for Dubai if you ever there. Parklane Rental always has a serious selection of cars, lately picking up the new Mclaren and 458 - both at around 4200 AED per day - around 1500 usd.

The SLS AMG was around 900 usd per day.

Dubai would be an easy place to get up over 150mph if you wanted to.

wanderingwheelz

My wife screams at much less than 140.

sandwedge

My wife screams at just over normal acceleration from a stop. "What a waste of gas".

Porsche605

Next time you are in Las Vegas go to www.exoticracing.com. I drove a Ferrari 430 and 458 at the race track there. I agree with others, I love the 458...but I still prefer a Porsche.

halik

In all honesty the California was intended to be a Maserati, before they ran over budget and moved it upmarket. I would be surprised if you experienced anything more agile than a GT experience.

rotesAuto

I just wanted to politely say Jeep wranglers are for chix........a MAN's jeep is a CJ-7 or a CJ-5.......

okay, now let the fallout begin