I am selling my '98 550 and looking for something newer. I know these two vehicles are substantially different in a lot of ways. Would be interested in viewpoints from this forum. Any unique issues to these models? thanks.
Here's a few quick thoughts: 599 more expensive. Has Enzo derived engine. More powerful. Has two seats. Better looking. Looks good in red. Is awesome. 612 cheaper Arguably has reached the bottom of its depreciation curve. Has four seats thus more flexible. Has evolution of engine found in a 550. Some find its looks challenging. Doesn't look good in red. Is awesome.
A real good 612 is going to be between 90 & 120. For that kind of money, I would lean towards the 599 for a couple reasons. 1) More sporty 2) Better Resale 3) Hold Value better 4) NO BELTS 5) I CANNOT STRESS THE PEACE OF MIND WITH #4!!!
Wish they had made more 3 pedal 612s or something like a 3 pedal 599 with two more seats. FF is aesthetically challenged (and no manual). I'd keep the 550.
My 3 pedal 612 is the best Ferrari I have ever had. Hands down. It probably doesn't hurt that I have the Nouvalari on it, added CarPlay and Ferrari tightened (lowered) the suspension.
Andrew- What's the Novalari? I'm a 612 guy- In fact I just sold my '06 and got a low mileage '10 and paid 599 money for it Drove a 599 HGTE and liked it a lot, but 612 is my style- I love a 2+2. I also still have my 456- which is from whence I came. So if you're coming from a 550, you may not appreciate the 612 as much as a 599, other than the price tag. I recommend driving both and deciding what moves you more...
Best advice. ^^^ Analysis is a good starting point to put things in perspective but it's the visceral excitement every time you turn on the ignition that makes ownership special. Only you will know when you feel it. Either way you go will be a rewarding experience. Good luck!
You rarely see either car. I have a 612 and have never seen any other in the wild, other than the ones I test drove. I actually like the classic looks of the 612 over the 599, as I think it is more timeless and I love the Corvette-like scallops. However, 599 has better performance. Can't go wrong with either car.
I like the 599 a lot but with 2 young kids the 612 is unbeatable and it has more then enough power for me and the classic V12 GT looks. Horses for courses!
I'm envious. Looked for one and it sold before I got to see it. Now the price of these is going up too fast for my wallet.
612 is hands down the #1 bang for the buck Ferrari now, if you're shopping an early car. It's more practical. It has more than enough power, can't even finish 2nd gear most of the time. Having owned one of each, despite the obvious compare and contrast, the one thing that actually bothers me about the 612 over the 599 is there's a lot more of the soft touch coating to go sticky in the salon. Everything else is just personal preference, 2 seats or four, styling, etc. Now, if you're going OTO, I think the difference in price between an OTO car and an early 599 is close enough that I'd go 599. I do think the 599 is the "better" car, so dollar for dollar I'd get the car with the enzo motor and no glass roof to malfunction. But if you want to spent $80k on a no excuses modern Ferrari, an early 612 can't be beat.
It's a personal preference so driving both is a must. Fact is most of us are driving F cars because we love the power and performance, so although I love my 612, when I can I will be going to a 599 HGTE or GTO
