Considering the move from 8 cylinder to 12 cylinders

It wil be a bit like growing up, but stiil loads of fun

 

I test drove a 599 just coming out of a F430 spider that I had for a year coming out of a 360 spider. The two most impressive aspects to hit me immediately were A) The difference in comfort and B) you run out of road really, really fast. I only spent maybe 20 minutes in one, so an actual 599 owner would of course have more to say. As a 612 owner, I can tell you that the visceral feeling you get from the mids is muted somewhat in the front engines. Driving the 12's is a more laid back experience with less engine noise rather than the teeth gritting excitement of the 8cyls.

 

Different missions really.

I like the driving dynamics, comfort, practicality, and visibility offered by front-engined cars on the road, whilst the more intense mid-engined cars are more preferable on the track.

Think of a mid-engined 8-cyllinder as a short-range fighter, whilst the front-engined 12-cyllinder models are more of a long-range interceptor.

 

I was able to drive a 599 around a small track for a few laps and I liked it. It's a really big and heavy car for sure but nice power. It was also more comfortable which is nice when you just want to drive to dinner or on longer trips. If you could have both a 430 and a 599 you would be very happy.

 

^ Judging by your location are you going to FCI? I was just there a couple of weeks ago, and can't remember them having any V12's in stock at the time aside from an FF. From what I hear, though, that should be loads of fun to drive.

 

Just sayin', 612 has 540hp with more usable space, handles beautifully and I happen to know where one just went up for sale near you.

 

I was just at FCI this past Monday.

They had a Limited Edition 2011 Ferrari 599 60th anniversary Fernando Alonso Edition.

And there was also an FF.

 

I think the first thing you are going to nice is the immense mid range torque and the epic top end fury of the 599, the way that V12 hauls the car along is truly something to behold. As other have said its a heavier car than a 430, I'd suggest try finding a HGTE as it has some nice to have upgrades over a standard 599.

Good luck with the test drive!

 

My dealer tells me back when they were just coming out, they were billed as the gentleman's ferrari. Truth though is the car has twice the cojones of a 360.

 

This is a really nice, HGTE upgraded 08 599 one of our sponsors has.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/612-599/439037-fs-cnc-motors-2008-red-tan-599-w-hgte-complete-service-history.html

 

Big difference as has been noted is that all the 12s have low and mid speed torque so that you do not have to spool them up as much as the 8s to get them going. This makes for more leisurely driving but a bit muted relatively speaking.