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The price of driving a Ferrari for a day in South Africa

It costs anywhere from R12,000 to a whopping R33,300 per day to rent a Ferrari in South Africa.

For most of us, owning one of these supercars will forever remain a dream, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities to drive one at least.

There are several companies in South Africa, most located in Cape Town, who offer these Prancing Horses for short-term rentals, allowing you to scratch that itch you’ve been wanting to.

From the listings we found you can choose between models like the California, F430 Spider, or vaunted 458 Italia.

Ferrari California

The California is the entry-level Ferrari of the 2010s, offering handsome Italian looks and a drop-top silhouette that turns eyes to this day.

It was the first Ferrari road car with a mid-front-mounted V8 powerplant, which was built entirely out of lightweight aluminium.

The 4.3-litre block dishes out 338kW and 485Nm so the California can still perform up to standards.

It hits 100km/h in under 4 seconds and delivers a top speed of 310km/h, figures which are still impressive even by modern standards.

It further boasts tech such as a bespoke traction control system that “alllows even less experienced drivers to get the most out of the car’s potential in terms of performance on bends, safety, and stability,” said Ferrari.

The specially made multi-link rear suspension absorbs unevenness in the tarmamc, noise, and vibrations ensuring above average ride comfort in its class.

The cabin of the California, as expected, is decked out in leather, metal, and other premium materials.

Designed to be suited for all ranges of activities, from track driving to trips to town and even long journeys, the interior features lavish leather seats, a digital infotainment system, and a sporty multifunction steering wheel.

For those cross-country trips, the rear provides 340 litres of luggage space with the roof up, or 240 litres in topless mode.

The cost of renting the Ferrari California from Cape Town Luxury Car Rentals for a day is R12,000.

Ferrari F430 Spider

The pinnacle of the mid-engine sportscar in its heyday, the Ferrari F430 Spider was launched in 2005 and drips Italian flair.

Right behind the driver sits a roaring 4.3-litre, V8 engine which is visible at all times thanks to a special glass panel integrated into the electric rear hatch.

The drive unit puts out 360kW and 465Nm that is fed to the rear wheels only via a six-speed automated manual gearbox.

Triple-digit speeds are attained in 4.1 seconds and it eclipses an impressive 310km/h.

Thanks to clever aerodynamic tricks, the F430 further boasts a 50% increase in downforce versus the 360 Modena it replaced.

At 200km/h, this equates to 45kg more downforce, rising to 85kg at 300km/h, amounting to a total of 280kg.

Its advanced (for the time) electronic differential, derived from single-seater race cars, further guarantees maximum wheel grip out of bends.

The cockpit of the F430 is noticeably bigger than its predecessor and likewise filled with luxurious materials.

The seats provide greater lateral support than before, and everything is laid out to be within easy and convenient reach for the driver so as to not distract from the experience.

Of course, the Spider in its name refers to the fact that this, too, is a convertible Ferrari – the perfect ride for the coastal Cape roads.

The cost of renting the Ferrari F430 Spider from Cape Luxury Accommodation for a day comes in at R26,900.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Keen for something newer? The replacement for the F430, the 458 Italia, might be more your speed.

This coupe is one of the most iconic modern-day Ferraris, garnering over 30 international awards in its six-year career.

Among the most notable of which were its double trophy at the International Engine of the Year Awards when its V8 was voted “Best Performance Engine” and “Best Engine Above 4 Litres”.

The 4.5-litre masterpiece was good for 419kW and 540Nm which delivered blistering acceleration times of a mere 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 325km/h.

Again, power is fed exclusively to the rear axle via an F1-inspired seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The 458 gets the latest evolution of the electronic diff which sees a 32% improvement in longitudinal acceleration out of corners.

A highly advanced braking system ensures excellent braking distances, to be specific, it can decelerate from 100-0km/h in 32.5 metres, and 200-0km/h in 128 metres.

The 458 Italia’s is both compact and aerodynamic as a true sportscar.

The svelte lines lend the Ferrari an elegant appearance whilst expertly feeding the engine, radiators, and brakes with cool air to maintain optimal performance.

The cabin of the two-seater Ferrari is as much functional as it is ergonomic.

There are no displays to play with and the controls are tidied up to keep occupants focused on the drive and nothing else.

The cost of renting the Ferrari 458 Italia from Cape Luxury Accommodation is set at R33,300.

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