599 or Roma

Ok - I generally am not a "what should I do" guy but am in a bit of a dilemma and as we say on here it is a "good problem to have"

Given this might be my first foray into front-engine Ferraridom I wanted to get some input from the brain trust on here.

I will be fairly brief: For a while now I have been loosely looking for a proper 599 - TdF with either beige or crema - yellow rotors - challenge wheels - shields. Obviously this spec is not just laying around so have not found the "perfect" car yet and as with my other cars the "perfect" car has not found me

While I was waiting for my 458S to have it's infamous brake recall completed, my sales guy offered to let me take a Roma out for a spin. I obviously accepted and have to say I was VERY impressed. I have always liked the styling and think it is absolutely beautiful - but still have the TdF/Crema 599 in my head.

So - Bit of a dilemma and throwing it out there for input:

Option 1 - Keep waiting/looking for the perfect 599
Pros - Less money / obtain it immediately once I find it / V12/Pininfarina/NA
Cons - Pre-owned (which I am used to) / Higher maintenance costs / F1 trans vs DCT

Option 2 - Spec and order a Roma the way I want it
Pros - Spec it / Brand new w warranty etc. / lower maintenance costs
Cons - More money / 18-24 month wait / V8-Turbo vs V12 NA

Any thoughts/input is most appreciated as always - Many thanks

 

599 is an event. It’s a 12 cylinder. Its engine is spectacular!

Roma is attractive but the wheel base feels shorter, there is less room inside it seems, it is just less of an event.

I have had both and would recommend the 599 over the Roma.

 

Excellent feedback - precisely what I was looking for - especially from someone who has owned both - Many thanks for the quick response - Cheers

 

Well....coming from a 458 Italia myself, I ventured into the front engine V12 Ferrari and can say that it is another step above as Twoserpaz says. The Ferrari Roma although a gorgeous new Ferrari is another V8 turbo, not to say that it is not an excellent car, it is just not the same as a V12 Ferrari. I say, hold out for the perfect car to come along.

 

Thanks much! Really appreciate you taking time to respond - Great feedback - Cheers

 

Before having driven it I would not have given any chance to the Roma - now I think it might be considered, but rather as a daily driver so that for me it's not an alternative to a 599.
The 599, as mentioned above, is a very special car that deserves special occasions to reveal its astonishing qualities.

 

No comparison. The 599 is special. Enzo engine. V12 sound. Incredible road presence. If you can find one with the HGTE wheels, then it's gorgeous!

The Roma is pretty but it just does not give me the feeling that it's special. Im sure it's highly competent and well finished etc but it makes me think of a 992 Turbo vs a GT3.
Also the $200k delta is nice to have!

 

599 No questions asked, eight cylinder Ferraris should be behind you, not in front of you .12 cylinders is all that should be in a Front mounted configured Ferrari.

Thank you ,

 

599 and don’t be too hung up on color. My own philosophy about buying an older Ferrari…or any car that I can’t simply order the color I like…is just determine which colors are not acceptable and then buy the best example available from the remaining colors.

 

I am clearly biased as a 599 owner, and everyone here said it pretty well with the unmatched V12 experience.

I do have to mention the styling aspect though. The Roma reminds me too much of the F-pace and I think it is very period specific

 

Oops, pressed post before I was finished.

Very period specific styling where most coupes from different makes are shaped very similarly.

 

I’ll be a negative Nancy. I’d go low ((Maranello) or high (F12). The problem is the F1 transmission. The 599 is the best of the F1. But a stick or a DCT is better.


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I agree. F1 gearbox is what kept me away from the 360/F430 generation V8s.

On the original question, I’d go Roma. Timeless design, IMO.

Or 550 for the old school gated manual, if you’re nostalgic for this. I miss my 328… speed isn’t everything.


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I have owned a 550. I have owned a Challenge Stradale. I have owned a 330 GTC. I miss the Maranello the most.

 

I miss my 330GTC the most. By far.

 

I like the Roma but Id go for 599

 

+1 Natural V12 is going to be more of an event than the Roma. and hold value.

I don’t know if you’ve tried the new vinyl wrap products but they have so many colors available. I was a hater and now have three wrapped cars. Just get black or dark paint as a base to save money on the jambs and trunk.

 

Have you thought about F12 for around Roma money? Way better engine and transmission than both IMO

 

599 all the way, unless this will be a daily driver.

 

I think there are some other considerations. Its very easy to type in: V12 NA all day! YAY! (I love it too)

1. Will you keep or trade the 458 Spider?
2. What are you looking for with this car? Sports car? GT? And how sensitive are you to rattles?

If you are adding this car, it would be easier to say Roma. Have it your way, and you get a very modern car to go with the 458. I think the turbo V8 is actually very good in the front engine application- its no screaming V12 but it makes for a great GT car.

599 is no where as sporty as the 458. I think the 599 generation they were figuring out what they wanted out of these cars and its a bit of an in-between area. They are also more prone to have some interior rattles and squeaks vs the more modern cars.

If you are trading the 458, I would say you need something else NA. The 599 fits that bill. But be sure to drive the car, it is much more "GT" feeling than the 458.

I know you didn't specify it, but, for Roma money, you could buy an F12b. Worth considering.

In any event, 599 or F12, make sure to fit new tires- the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S will do wonders for these cars.

 

If you're looking for a naturally aspirated V12 then the 599 is a great choice or the F12 or the 812. The Roma holds no attraction for me personally. When I saw it in person I didn't even drive it. If you go with a V8 there are better choices.

 

I like the Roma very much. its pretty, and extremely fast. the only negative in my view is the touch screens ... and longevity... the selectors in the middle are a bit ... ugly in a very pretty package. I have a 599 - love it as well. I'm not sure either is a "classic" but when money comes into it - the 599 is clearly the winner. for almost the same performance - and 4 more cyl, and a much nicer sound... 599.

 

I would go F12 because of the F1 trans on the 599.


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I would consider a F12, a much better and more complete car than the 599, and to which the Roma has no real answer. As you can afford a Roma, you can afford a F12. It will depreciate much less, also, which is your big cost with the Roma.

Or a left field choice, GTC4 Lusso. Ferrari put a lot of love into its 2+2s, which are relatively much more expensive cars when new, than the Roma. The V12 is both a better tourer and more fun than a 599 (which is a quite clinical car). And the T has a similar engine to the Roma and is a blast with RWD. You have to live with the looks and the length though.

 

I can't get pass the nose on the Roma.