FF vs GTC

My $.02...get the FF

 

if you want smooth and more forgiving, spend the extra money.
if you want more visceral with what i think are better looks, dont.

 

Please tell us more about the differences between the FFs you’ve driven. It would also be interesting to know which you prefer and why.

 

I think I’ve seen it mentioned that lifter equipped F12s have 10% softer springs so maybe the FF is the same.

i have seat time in the Lusso T and it is, for sure, a much smoother ride. If that’s what you value then spring the extra $$ for the Lusso.

 

My ff has the lifter.

 

I've just bought a 2014 FF which has the lifter. I wouldn't describe the suspension as smooth, it's on par with a 2015 Mercedes SL400 (non air ride) I had.

That said, considering what the car is and what it's capable of I think it's the firm side of comfortable, but not jarring or full on sports car firm.

Fortunately I prefer the FF visually as I couldn't afford the uplift in price for an equivalent V12 Lusso anyhow.

I'm undecided what to do with the ICE system though, it's really not good, but the reality is the only thing I'm really missing is DAB radio, plus I'm not an audiofile and the sheer amount of engine and road noise would make any upgrade a little futile I feel. Maybe a new head unit at some point simply for DAB and useability which is easily reversible.

 

Lexus-like for those GT highway cruising would be nice, but not good if it's forever stuck in that mode.

 

There were a couple of problems with the lifters on the FF. Issue with the pump or accumulator or something like that. When repaired, they swapped it for a Lusso version which is more reliable.
No known issues on the updated version.
It doesnt change anything in ride quality. The rest of the suspension is exactly the same. This is just a lift kit that goes above the shocks.

 

The lifter issue on the FF was caused by a poor pump design. The original delphi pump had a large O-ring seal which was not well retained and could blow out causing loss of hydraulic pressure.

The official Ferrari fix is a pump from a different supplier (as used in the Lusso) but it costs around 8k to fix as the wiring loom has to be adapted and the car has to be re-programmed to work with the new pump.

The independent fix is simply a new O-ring. There’s no guarantee that the new O-ring offers a permanent solution but there’s a suspicion that the failure of the delphi units is caused by a poor design coupled with poor materials and slapdash assembly.

When rebuilding the delphi pump, paying attention to the quality of the O-ring and ensuring its proper seating should eliminate two out of the three sources of the problem.

My 2011 is still on its original pump (touch wood!).

Are you sure about this? I would have said the same about the FF and yet @day355 says that the 812s with lift run 10% softer springs. He was told this by a dealership mechanic just back from training on the 812. Admittedly, this is for the 812 but if this is what Ferrari does for the 812 then it’s not impossible to imagine that they do the same for the FF.

 

I was, but now that you have asked I am not sure anymore. There are indeed different part numbers on Scuderia Parts, so they might have different stiffness. Why would it be though?

 

Was faced with the same dilemma and ended up going with a Lusso because I want to drive it everywhere and a lot. So the more comfortable ride when needed, updated tech and reduced road noise won me over (and exploded the wallet).

And, find one with a cabin that's beyond "standard" with beautiful leather throughout. In the long run, that will matter quite a lot more than you might think..

 

let us know what happens? I’m in the market of getting a ff. The car is currently in Boston and I’m getting a ppi done before moving on. I’m in the houston area, so let’s link up if you do and I do.

 

Good luck with the ppi and the purchase! Wondering if it’s one of the cars I saw (I’m in the Boston area). Which dealer is selling it? Or is it a private sale? I know a pretty good shop up here that could probably do your ppi (I bring my 430 challenge to him).

 

Nice! I’m getting it at Porsche Norwell, if all goes well! Are you looking at the red or grey one in ATL? Ferrari of New England is doing the PPI, since I’m not in Boston area. I wish I knew about your guy, but I also doubt if Porsche will have allowed the car to be taken to non Ferrari for a few days. As the ppi will be done on Monday.

 

Ah yes, the white one at Porsche Norwell. Looked like a nice car. Wasn't the spec I was looking for, so I didn't pursue it. I was planning to go down and take a test drive though, but then it disappeared from online....presumably because you're in the process of buying it. Hope it all works out for you!

Also for future reference, the shop I go to up here is called Independent Ferrari Service.....they're about 40 minutes south of Boston. Well known, reputable shop.

 

what spec are you looking for? The only missing for me is the front camera & lift. But you can’t have it all when buying a used car sometimes. Lol.

yea, they took it offline when I put a deposit on it.

Waiting on the Ppi results on Monday or Tuesday to move forward.