DrivnXcitment

Ok, I know opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one and they all stink.....

But, I have the opportunity to test drive a Ferrari this weekend. It will be a choice between the 599 GTB HGTE and the California. I'm having a hard time deciding.

The 599 GTB HGTE is obviously pretty much a track ready car and the California is more of a GT. It's a hard top convertible. These both will be driven on the open street at "legal" speeds only of course

I was hoping to drive both, but it looks like the dealership will only offer a choice of one of those.

Thoughts, opinions?? Thanks guys and gals!!

65GGvert

I've wandered into the Ferrari forum by mistake. Sorry.

MARSC6

If I had that option it would have to be the 599.

esfoad

Hmmmm for me it would be the California, especially considering that you'll be on the street at street-legal speeds.

dvilin

The 599.

AORoads

I'd do the California, too. While I don't dispute the positives of the 599, the California name is legendary for Ferrari and this is the one that might be more realistic for a street car. If there is such a thing for a Ferrari.

DrivnXcitment

Ok, I think my sarcasm was lost in the typing. Weird I know... but we most likely will not be strictly adhering to the posted speed signs, but that hard top convertible experience may be incredible. (although it's supposed to be about 60 degrees that day! BRRRRRRRR...

Wayne O

I would assume, if the dealership is letting you test drive a Ferrari, you have genuine interest in purchasing one. The two models are distinctly different. Trust your insticts, surely one model appeals to you more than the other.

It would be a tough choice but I'd pick the 599. One reason is to experience its controlled MR coil-over suspension (I think the MR coil-over suspension is available as an option on the California as well). I wish Corvette would abandon the transverse leaf spring and go a controlled, MR coil-over (independent) suspension.

Enjoy your test drive. Let us know which one you decide on and post your impressions of the car.

DrivnXcitment

I definitely will do that. I do have a genuine interest in owning one (just not the means, don't tell them) It's an incredible opportunity that I am extremely fortunate to be a part of. It was an invitation only event and a friend of mine helped me out with that.

wishihad1-2

The Corvette's suspension is no more or less independent that that on the 599.

hawkgfr

Mine is republican I'm pretty sure....



to the OP the Californian...and don't stain your drawers or the seat.

CO Lightfoot

The V8 California would probably be the more enjoyable to test drive on the street.

But I'd go for the 599 -- it's a 12 cylinder Ferrari.

HuskerBullet

Well, if you buy the Ferrari, then we won't see you on this forum anymore.....and you'll be upset when driving on the street against a Vette. However, if you buy the Vette, you will have tons of guys/gals here that will show you how to humiliate a Ferrari at a massive discount of the cost.....to each their own!

vampire81

u must be kidding!!
the 599 will be very expen$ive to maintain having the track ready components

i'd go with the California for its rarity a the drop top,, most important is the sound of a Ferrari V8

good luck