The phrase "entry-level," is not something you would traditionally associate with desirability. Entry-level cars are often the most basic models in a line-up and serve a purely functional purpose. However, where Ferrari is concerned, these connotations do not hold true.
To appeal to a wider market, Ferrari launched the California back in 2008. The car was stigmatized for being the most basic Ferrari you could buy. There were many critics of the car, and in 2014 a revised version was launched, named the California T. The new model was improved in almost every way, changing some of the preconceptions held about Ferrari's cheapest model.
Taking things a step further, the Roma was released in 2020, becoming the brand's new entry-level option. Compared to the California T, the Roma signified a shift change in Ferrari's portfolio, with many differences between it and what had come before. On reflection, both the California T and the Roma go above and beyond what their entry-level status would prepare you for. Here are seven reasons why the Ferrari Roma is excellent, and three reasons why we'd rather buy a California T.
10 Roma: Significantly More Powerful V8
Under the hood of the Roma, a sweet twin-turbo V8 engine can be found. Mounted in a front-mid configuration, the 3.9-liter unit generates an impressive 612 hp.
Power is directed to the rear wheels, and 0-60 mph is achieved in just 3.2 seconds. Given the opportunity, the Roma will rocket up to 199 mph.
9 Roma: Sleeker Styling
When it was launched back in 2019, the Roma marked a truly radical deviation from the design language of other Ferrari models. The smooth and sleek styling is more akin to an Aston Martin model and looks far less aggressive than others in the line-up.
Ferrari claims the Roma represents a modern interpretation of the carefree and enjoyable way of life found in Rome during the 1950s and 60s. To this end, they describe the car as "La Nuova Dolce Vita", translating as the new good life.
8 Roma: Large Cargo Area
While not the most important factor in a car such as this, the cargo space on offer can really sway a buyer to or from a certain model.
The Roma has a pretty generous 10 cubic feet of luggage capacity in its trunk, which can be increased even further by stowing items behind the front seats or folding the rear ones. Consequently, the car is a fairly practical grand tourer and should be able to swallow enough luggage for an extended weekend trip.
7 Roma: More Advanced Safety Systems
As you might expect from a modern car, the Roma is pretty advanced when it comes to safety, exceeding that of the California T. The car comes with features that would have been unimaginable in this class of vehicle only a few years ago.
Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, autonomous emergency braking, and even a 360-degree surround view camera are all available on the Roma. The inclusion of such features improves the car's suitability as a grand tourer and will help reduce the insurance burden.
6 Roma: Modern Minimalist Interior
The sleek and stylish interior of the Roma marks a big evolution of Ferrari's design language. The center console is thin but houses all the essential control and functionality. The infotainment system is focused around an 8.4-inch portrait touchscreen. In addition to the touchscreen, there are several illuminated touch buttons dotted throughout the cabin, providing drivers with the best of both worlds.
Regarding the driver cockpit, Ferrari has thoroughly modernized it, with a configurable 16-inch driver display. The setup does a good job of providing drivers with all the information they need, without being distracting.
5 Roma: Full Balance Of Warranty And Servicing
Most people would not describe Ferrari ownership as cheap. However, the brand does compare very favorably when other sports and supercar manufacturers are considered.
While the car starts at around $222,000, where Ferrari really stands out from the competition, is with its "affordable" aftercare. Every car comes with a three-year unlimited-mile warranty, covering all parts and labor. Owners can opt to extend this peace of mind, up until the car is seven years old. This really does help minimize the risk of your bank account draining should an issue arise. Servicing is often another major expense when it comes to these sorts of vehicles. Where Ferrari really excels, is with the inclusion of a free seven-year maintenance package named "Genuine Maintenance."
4 Roma: More Sophisticated Transmission
A significant factor in the car's ability to achieve its impressive performance figures is a highly sophisticated gearbox. The Roma comes equipped with a fast-shifting, 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The unit helps transfer the car's generous power output to the rear wheels.
In comparison, the California T was also kitted out with a dual-clutch box, but in a less advanced 7-speed configuration.
3 California T: Relatively Affordable Used Buy
When it was new, California T attracted a list price of over $200,000. This price would have put it out of reach of a vast majority of drivers.
Today, there are some real bargains to be had, especially among early 2014/15 examples. This 2017 model finished in red, can be bought for just $130,000, and comes with only 7,488 miles on the clock. Similarly, this 2015 model in white, with just 11,000 miles on the clock can be snapped up for just $159,000.
2 California T: Exceptionally Smooth Ride
The California T straddles the divide between sports car and grand tourer. While the car is not as agile as others in the line-up, for an entry-level model, it still offers a good level of driver engagement in "Sport Mode."
Slot the car into "Comfort mode", and the car transforms to offer one of the softest rides of any modern Ferrari.
1 California T: Established Ferrari Interior Styling
While the interior of the California T may not have the sleek modernistic design of the Roma, it remains a seriously nice place to spend time.
Premium leather is found throughout the cabin, from the sumptuous seats to the dashboard. The high-quality material does more than just look good, its distinctive aroma adds to the appeal of the cabin. The design used, mirrors found in other Ferrari models produced during recent years, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Source: Ferrari