German Car Zone

The rear of the California. Man, it just looks so unbalanced. I've seen this car a few times here in Munich and I just don't like it. The facelifted SL in my opinion is only a looker with the AMG package or if it is a real AMG and in a nice color.

I think I am the only one here that likes the California. It sure doesn't have the looks of the 599, but it looks definitely good, and nothing like a Ferrari on a budget.

I don't think the California is ugly, but compared side by side to the SL, it's not a beauty either. As much as jaw dropping you can do by telling folks you're driving a Ferrari, I'd still take the SL and be happy with myself instead.

^^
it's barely a year old and already looks aged next to the 458 Italia.

Considering that the 458 has a lot of Cali's design DNA, you're absoultey right. In some sense, the 458 is what the California should've been.

never imagined I would actually prefer an MB over a Ferrari.

The SL is one of Mercedes Benz's peerless models. In terms of looks it knocks the ungainly California out of the park. The SL is pure class and, regardless of its specification (except the brash BS version), will never look out of place rolling up at a red carpet venue. The SL 63 AMG is the finest of the range by far and in these shots it completely eclipses the California. That the latter is a Ferrari says two things, firstly how good looking the SL is and secondly how utterly cheap (yes, cheap!) the California looks.

Good Ferraris don't necessarily have to be good looking but they do need drama and presence. The California has none of these attributes.

Once again, Maranello gives the world a softer, more broadly appealing, more versatile 2+2 Ferrari and, again, it's rubbish.

The California does have a nice drivetrain though - but in this company it's simply not enough. I'm off to the 458 Italia thread to gush superlatives for my favourite car brand.