Folks I have been running my 575M for 2 plus years and I am now considering a change. First choice is a 599 GTB the 2nd is a 612. I am keeping the 2 options completely apart no intention of comparing them but what I am interested to know from owners running them is their opinion of their particular car. I own a 575M because I love touring Europe and the car is used mainly for that purpose. Both cars fit the bill perfectly...but most owners and petrol heads probably know Jeremy Clarkson the Top Gear presenter here in the UK. He was highly impressed by the 599 but he said "it didn't excite him, as a result he wouldn't buy one!" He did however love the 612! My budget is $250K so I want to make sure that what ever I buy will be the right choice. I love my 575, it is my first Ferrari and it is everything I want in a car...but it has a number of negative points, mine doesn't have the handling pack but I can live with that, the brakes have never impressed me but I can change that...thing is I don't want to chop and change on a $250K purhcase I would rather I have the car I want straight out of the box! But then I hear the the 599 has its issues, squats under hard acceleration - so does the 575M. This I hear can be cured with a larger rear roll bar...but hey, this is a world class supercar should I need to swap the bars to stop that? Input really appreciated C
As an owner already, you should have no problem driving both of them. I've owned both and went from a 599 to a 612. For me the 612 is less compromised, its softer, more of a comfortable GT, plus it offers the utility of two really useable rear seats. The 599 is absurdly fast - you'll almost not believe it coming from a 575. For me though it falls between a 430 and a 612 in trying to be the best of both and is not as good a sports car to drive as a 430 (not having driven a 458 yet!) and not as good a GT car as a 612. Given your budget, you can easily buy a late 612 ('08 or later) which gives you the updated gearbox, bose media system and the elecrochromatic glass roof. I do own a bunch of cars so my view may be unique the 599 for many is the best compromise Ferrari have yet made in one car.
** I have the 612 HGT pkg. Tried pretty hard to justify a change to the 599 or Scud. The 612 is a little boring looking, but add the Sport Exhaust / Handling and its the car of choice. It may be a less HP but it compensates in other areas. The 612 / 430 or Stradale combination is the way I am headed... well today anyway
I think for long distance touring the 612 is pretty hard to beat, but I have to say I haven't spent any time in a 599.
The only reason I would own a 612 is for the rear seats. I love my 599 and I can't think of a better sport /GT car in the world. When I need a people mover I grab the keys to the Cayenne. You didn't compromise when you bought a 575. Why do it now? You will find the 599 to be a very comfortable long distance cruiser. While being an unforgettable torque and HP driven ferrari. It is in many respects the finest automoble in the world.
I currently own both a 575M and a 599 HGTE. Although the HGTE has just been delivered and I have only driven it a 50 miles or so...I can tell you the difference is strictly horsepower and technology. The advances in the last 6 years are remarkable. I find the GT cars more to my liking and sold an F430 spyder to help defray the cost of the 599. Having the 575 and the 599 might not make the most sense to many but I just can't let go of the 575 even though the 599 out performs it in everyway. gene
First of all, Jeremy Clarkson is an entertainer first and a motoring journalist second. His opinion should be irrelevant when considering the purchase of a $250K car! Unless you really need rear seats, I think you should go for the 599. It's your first choice, it's faster, better looking and was made for long distance touring.
i have both. If u want to be safe and pretty, get the 612. If u want crazy space shuttle power, get the 599. Its that easy. All the issues u heard about the 599, is all BS. I complained about mine a lot, but at the end of the day, it is a fabulous car that does everything with too much power and comfort. I feel it has a more comfy ride than the 612 when ur in full attack mode. U dont feel the bumps when ur going super fast, a must where my roads are sadly paved. But we dont have a cop problem here. Dont ever think ur 612 back seats are usable, my OTO example is lavishly finished in all leather and i dont care if 6' victoria secret models can fit there, because i dont want them to scratch anything up back there. Also the 612 is much prettier than anything else i have, and i used to think the 599 is a bit ugly around the fenders and still do when i see the 2 side by side. im recommending the 599 today, only because i think the power is so intoxicating and u'll love it. i dont care how many cars u have, i assure u nothing feels so powerful and so comfortable doing it. And i never feel its running out of breath, it always got so much in reserve that u never need more, but u want it to be there. funny feeling but true. 599 is the only car that i never asked for more HP or torque. Its perfect in that department, while the 612 maybe needs another 100hp, then its perfect. some pics and impressions for u : http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255222 http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264239
2 questions: 1. where do you drive and not have a cop problem? 2. why would the victoria secret models be scratching in the rear seat? (because of the speed, or pure ecstasy of being in a Ferrari!!!?)
Ray, After examining this picture of his 599's rear window (found following the trail of posted links), I would hazard a guess of Taiwan. All the best, Andrew. Image Unavailable, Please Login
the best country in da world, taiwan!! haha. and u obviously havnt seen the shoes women are wearing. and their over done nails, they leave marks in the leather floor and seats, u dont want that. my back seats are for tissue boxes and jackets.
I bet there are lots of folks on this forum with the same issue...the rear pockets on jeans and the chance of them scratching the hide on your seats. My girlfriend asked me to pick her up in town after she'd been shopping with friends. I pull up and she is wearing a pair of Rock and Republic jeans with more glass stones and stuff on the back pockets than you would find in a Cartier store. I said, you can't get in here wearing those! What she say's are you joking? No I am not, I made her buy a newspaper to sit on but i still wasn't happy at the thought of the newsprint on my tan seats. She thought I was crazy! I said, hey you are lucky I don't make you ride home in just your panties. She told her friends and they have decided i am a little freaky Anyway, my dealer has offered me a Black 599 with Creme interior - the jury is out as I wanted beige or tan but Ihave promised to give is serious thought. Anyway, I booked a test drive and will keep you posted Caspian!
Don't really understand the problem. I would have only given her two options. Lose the jeans and ride. Keep them on and walk.
Where is this going. Burr - your a tougher man than me! Would have been really hard for her to lose the jeans whilst walking by the side of the car in moving Manchester (UK) traffic...and it was raining. But it went through my mind! The only reason we decided in the paper was because the news stand for the Manchester Evening news...which is free by the way was only 3 ft away. Anyone had an experience with jeans scratching leather seats? Caspian
** My wife slides out of the RR light color seats. The blue was replaced under warr by RR. However - the Ferrrari is not subject to the same rules. It was my dream and noone is going to make this experience a nightmare but me. I have earned that right! Story - I was tipsy and let the g/f drive my CL65, as we pulled up she reversed, pair of AMG wheels into a curb. She said it's Ur fault and remains today a single curber.
I went with the 612, as in my opinion, the only GT that rides worse than a 599 (stiffness) was my SLR. And it was brutal. 200 miles and you had to get out and take a break or buy a kidney belt.
Decided over the holidays to go with the 599. The Black / Crema was a little "bold" for me so it I am going with the Black / Black combo. I drove the car for the first time and I was as are most I assume a little nervous of the power...but it was such an easy car to drive. Yes it's powerful but then so was my 575. I found the 575 to be a lovely car and had it not been for a lack of space I may have considered keeping both. The 575 doesn't go to the dealer until the New Year, it is fitted with with a full (manifold back) X-OST system which I am considering removing and selling on separately if some one is interested to buy it. I am a little concerned about passing it on as I would rather the next owner get an original car then its his / her decision what to change on it. The system as only covered 1500 miles and it does make the car sound very special and alters the drive characteristics considerably. Maybe someone will see this post before the car goes and PM's me - I may decide to change it anyway for the reason stated. I have time. Caspian I'll fit one to my 599 when the Ferrari warranty runs out in a couple of years.
