Ferrari has arguably made some of the best grand tourers, synonymous with the Italian automaker's dedication to crafting cars that almost defy the meaning of speed. However, these grand tourers don't just ensure heart-pounding performance, as they are capable of devouring miles in true comfort and luxury. Two excellent examples of the best Ferrari grand tourers are the Ferrari California and its successor, the recently discontinued Ferrari Portofino. Each was made solely as a convertible, combining open-air driving thrills, exceptional performance and the refinement and practicality needed for an adventurous weekend road trip into the alps, proving Ferrari can make more than record-shattering supercars and hypercars. However, each appeals to different audiences. The Ferrari California, with its playful spirit and older car allure, appeals to enthusiastic drivers. But the Portofino, on the other hand, promises a bolder design, refined performance and enhanced technology. In this article, we compare the Ferrari California against the Ferrari Portofino. Being the newer model, is the Portofino significantly better than its predecessor? We take into account each car's performance, delving into the most intricate qualities and comparing the exterior and interior design of each car. And since it's evident that the Portofino is more expensive, we'll touch each car's value since they are both discontinued.
Starting with the older Ferrari California, power comes from a 543 horsepower 4.3-liter V8, which was used until 2013 when Ferrari switched to a 553-horsepower 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in the second-gen California known as the Ferrari California T. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission was retained throughout the Ferrari California's production, but Ferrari didn't offer the 6-speed manual in the second generation, making the first-gen California among the last Ferraris made with a manual transmission. Despite being smaller, forced induction benefited the California T's engine, hence its better performance figures. It could do 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds during production and dash to a 196 mph top speed. On the other hand, the first-gen California manages a respectable 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 193 mph.
The Ferrari Portofino, being the Ferrari California T's direct successor, shares the same 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 but with power increased to 592 horsepower, which enables it to record a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a claimed top speed of over 199 mph. Again, the 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission was retained, not without improvements, obviously, but the Portofino M got an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission to handle the upgraded engine, which was dialed up to a staggering 612 horsepower.
Sure, it's old, but you can't fail to admit that the Ferrari California is one of the best-looking Ferraris. Ferrari states that when designing the Ferrari California, Pininfarina opted for a classic sculpted chassis with a long hood and the cabin weighted towards the rear, probably for weight distribution. This design made the Ferrari California the first front-engine Ferrari with a V8, and the design result was a stunningly muscular, smooth-flowing, and sleek body placed atop an all-aluminum modular-type chassis. The Ferrari California T carried on similar design cues but was refined for functionality and aesthetics, featuring a more pronouncing front end distinguished by a more prominent grille with horizontal inserts instead of a mesh and sharper body lines. Underneath the chassis was also tweaked, resulting in the engine sitting lower in the chassis and a better transaxle architecture enhancing weight distribution. In both Ferrari California generations, attention was paid to ensuring perfect proportions and harmoniously balanced volumes with the roof up and down. This resulted in an exceptionally functional cabin and trunk, a must-have on a grand tourer.
With Pininfarina parting ways with Ferrari after the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta's production, the Ferrari Portofino was styled by the Ferrari Design Center, adopting an aggressive two-box fastback configuration. However, like its predecessor, the Ferrari Portofino was made as a convertible but with the retractable hardtop sloping lower, giving the car a coupe-style appearance when closed. Aerodynamics took center stage in the design process, which is evident through the Ferrari Portofino's sharper lines on the body, front fascia design, and underbody. For example, the hood has air extraction vents, and the front quarter panels have vents to draw hot air away from the brakes, which are cooled by vents integrated into the front bumper. Ferrari took aerodynamics enhancement in the Ferrari Portofino M to a higher level, re-sculpturing the front bumper and body lines, achieving a structure that merges the front, side and rear sections into one, establishing a coherent link with great traditions of Ferrari GT cars.
According to Ferrari, the Ferrari California's cabin was meticulously designed for work or pleasure. It features a more than generous leather adornment on the seats, dashboard and doors, while aluminum accents add a touch of sophistication and rawness. The front seats can be adjusted height-wise or in any other conceivable way catering to any driver's driving requirements or driving situations. The leather extends beyond to the rear seats, which buyers could swap for a storage bench providing storage space that can fit two light golf bags. To reduce weight, the rear seat bases were made of magnesium, which also enhances comfort and ergonomics. A 6.5-inch infotainment display sits on the dash just below the aluminum trim double air vents. Though not really good by today's standards, it provides maximum functionality and ease of use as Ferrari intended. The California T's infotainment display is more practical, having been equipped with more functions such as navigation and instant access to the car's other functionalities. Ferrari added a Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) display between the air vents, which is customizable to show pointers on making the most effective use of the engine's responsiveness and efficiency. At first glance, it almost seems like an AC system display.
In the Ferrari Portofino's cabin, Ferrari focused more on comfort, revising the seats but still adorning them with leather, which was also used on the dashboard and door of the cars. A new blend of features enhanced the interior ambience, adding a subtle race-car feel. Additionally, the 6.5-inch infotainment display in the Ferrari California and California T was replaced by a 10.25-inch touchscreen display mounted above the media control on the dash, and buyers could also opt for a smaller passenger-side display. A wind deflector was added To maintain a stable cabin environment with the roof down. It cuts airflow inside the cabin and reduces aerodynamic noise as you drive against the wind on a windy beach road.
When new, the Ferrari California had an MSRP of around $190,000. Today, you can get one for nearly half that, making it one of the best bang-for-buck supercars. On the other hand, the Ferrari California T was priced at approximately $200,000, and its prices average roughly $130,000 today. So, which one will you pick? One with the naturally aspirated V8 or a turbocharged V8? Prices for the Ferrari Portofino saw an upward shift during its production span, with its original MSRP rising from around $215,000 to $250,052 in 2023. Used example prices range from $160,000 to just over $200,000 depending on the spec, condition and factory options the car was bought with. No matter which one captures your imagination, remember, your dream Ferrari could be closer than you think. Exotic Car Trader offers a variety of Ferrari California and Ferrari Portofino listings, and our experts will ensure you get your dream garage addition hassle-free. Does your love for Ferraris extend beyond these two? Exotic Car Trader boasts a stable of Ferrari listings. So, care to our listings and see if another Ferrari catches your eye?
Whether the Ferrari California's timeless charm or the Ferrari Portofino's cutting-edge performance resonates more with you depends on your priorities. The California might be your perfect companion if you seek a classic grand tourer with a soulful V8. And if you crave better technology and refined power, the Portofino could be your dream Ferrari. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. Remember, both Ferraris offer an unforgettable driving experience, and thorough research and test drives are crucial to finding the one that ignites your passion.
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