Performance Review: Ferrari California 4.3 V8 - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ferrari California Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ferrari California 4.3 V8 is the 7 speed / Paddle Shift version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.This particular Ferrari California has a 4287cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The California shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the California's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1735 kgs (3825 lbs) this makes the Ferrari California 4.3 V8 in the same weight category as the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 or the give or take 50kg.

The Ferrari California shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp)

In terms of power the 4287cc 32V V8 engine produces 453 bhp (337 kW) @ 7750 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 358 lb-ft (485.3 Nm) @ 5000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ferrari California you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2009 Cadillac CTS -V 6.2 V8 Auto (285.7 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ferrari California.

The Ferrari California has a Power to weight ratio of 261.0 bhp per ton and 206.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 California competing with the 2009 Cadillac CTS -V 6.2 V8 Auto (285.7 bhp per ton) or the 2009 Audi R8 6.0 Quattro V12 TDI (285.7 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ferrari California generating around 206.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2001 Pontiac Firebird Formula W96 Ram Air (231.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2010 Ford Focus RS500 (230.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.0 secs, this made the Ferrari California 4.3 V8 as fast as the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 Steptronic (3.90 secs) the 2022 Porsche 911 Sport Classic 3.7 Turbo 992 (3.90 secs) the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo (3.90 secs) the or the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo (3.90 secs). This Ferrari California 4.3 V8 is also faster than the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (4.00 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (4.00 secs) the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Quattro (4.00 secs) the and the 2020 Lotus Evora GT410 Sport 3.5 V6 Supercharged (4.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the California and the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS 5.7 V8

When talking about the performance of the Ferrari California on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.01 secs @ 105.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS 5.7 V8 (12.96 secs), the 2011 Holden Commodore SS 6.0 V8 (12.96 secs), and the 1966 Oldsmobile Starfire 7.0 V8 (12.97 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Ferrari California 4.3 V8 has a maximum speed of 193mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 California equals the 2020 Audi R8 Performance 5.2 V10 Spyder (204 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Ferrari California 4.3 V8 then how about the 2020 Audi R8 Performance 5.2 V10 Spyder (204 mph), the 2018 McLaren 600LT 3.8 V8 Bi-Turbo (204 mph), or the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 6.2 V8 (204 mph).

Related Links:

2008 California Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ferrari

Car Comparison