Ferrari finally succumbs to the market appeal of a front-engine V-8 in a folding-hardtop convertible—despite a nefarious weight gain. In doing so, it invites a face-off with another prime ‘trophy car,’ the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG.

For 54 years while Jaguars, BMWs, and Cadillacs have come and gone, the Mercedes-Benz SL has been the king of the trophy-car convertibles—the sort of car that not only says its owner has arrived but that he’s been around for a while.

Ferrari’s latest offering, the California, uses the template of the latest-generation SL: a folding-hardtop convertible and a transmission that does without a clutch pedal. Ferrari is positioning the California as a less expensive companion to the 599GTB and 612 Scaglietti grand tourers, leaving the mid-engined F430 to represent the harder-edged realm of Ferrari’s sports-car ambitions. So the overlap in price—the California’s base price of $197,350 is only $22,810 less than the convertible F430 Spider’s—isn’t supposed to be a problem, but some sales cannibalization is to be expected.

Also inevitable are comparisons with other cars in the segment, even if potential owners more likely cross-shop their purchases with helicopters or gold-plated hovercraft. This brings us to the Mercedes-Benz SL63, recently updated for 2009 with revised styling, a new (for the SL) 6.2-liter V-8, and a shift-time-hastening multiplate clutch (in place of a torque converter) between the engine and the seven-speed automatic transmission. The SL65 AMG, which starts at $198,175, might be closer in price to the Ferrari, but the maniacal power of its twin-turbo V-12 and the extra heft over the front wheels in the SL65 make the SL63 a more manageable and enjoyable car to drive. Plus, the SL63’s output of 518 horsepower is closer to the California’s 453 ponies.

On paper, it’s a pretty even matchup. And after two days of driving in Bavaria, neither car stood out as clearly superior. So, picking a winner was as difficult as giving back the keys at our test’s end.

2009 Ferrari California vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG - Comparison Tests

 

Great comparison! I think I might have a hard time picking a winner here too. The Ferrari drives better, but I doubt it drives $60,000 better than the Mercedes. The MB blends in better (could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on who you ask) and I actually prefer the looks over the Ferrari.

I'd probably just say screw 'em both and buy a V8 Vantage Volante.

 

totally different market iMO. someone buying a SL63 probly wouldn't consider a California given ferrari's upkeep costs and hassle.

 

they couldnt find a gay-er color for the ferrari.

 

haha I was thinking the same thing.

 

SL63 without a doubt, looks much better overall.

 

Such a classy color for the Cali ! Really upscales the car...IMO !

 

I'd take the SL over 2 Californias.

 

I'm sorry but the Cali is so ugly. The SL is not as nice looking as the prior generation SL55. But still, it's so much nicer than the Cali.

 

Grigio Indgrid I believe. Those pics don't do it justice. A very elegant color.