F12 or 812?

Counterpoint 1: The frequency I drive "roads with repeating medium frequency bumps" is nil to none. Not a problem, as I can choose what roads I drive. But, I can't choose to make 812 SF's awkward handling in curves go away. So for me, F12 wins in this category.

Counterpoint 2: Driving F12tdf "beyond 7 or 8 /10ths" on public roads other than German autobahn would land one in jail and perhaps be lethal to self/others, as it's so powerful/capable. Doing such on track isn't a problem, as there are runoff areas. So either way, not a problem. Btw I do agree F12tdf has nicest ride quality, and I think lighter weight has something to do with it.

Counterpoint 3: When it comes to a "faithful and trustworthy partner," that's what Porsche is for. I prefer a Ferrari stimulate passion, evoke emotion, and make my hair stand on end. The F12tdf does all this, and more.

As an aside: For some of us, the 812's looks alone make it a non-starter, whereas the F12's Pininfarina design makes it a timeless beauty.

So for me, F12tdf > F12 > 812Comp > 812GTS > 812SF.

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

TDF for the win

 

SF too big/heavy for track. That's what Speciale/Pista is for. (or F12tdf)

 

Chris Harris loves the 812 and GTS even more. His only real complaint is the steering- and I agree. Ferrari’s weakest link is their steering feedback across all their cars as compared to most Porsche’s and the best McLarens. Everything involves tradeoffs.

FYI: Chris H is my favorite reviewer as he seems to be one of the best journalist drivers and is quite entertaining.

 

Harris didn't like that he couldn't perform big smoky drifts in the F12tdf as he is wont to do for views/clicks. I actually like that the meaty front 275/35R20's have big turn-in grip. On Michelin PS4S's the turn-in is phenomenal.

Btw Harris's Tdf test drive was on Pirelli's, which are known to be an absolute disaster on this car, as has been covered extensively in previous Fchat threads.

 

I like Harris' reviews, he is almost always spot on, you can go back and rewatch his reviews and at least in my case, I think he really provides feedback that will be useful to most people who are interested in the subject.

TDF for the win, but the others are all very nice flavors. You couldn't go wrong with any of them, you have to decide for yourself which model will fit your circumstances best.

 

I really like Clarkson's review of the F12b. His description of the craziness of the required attention from a new driver to it with the example of all the tennis balls shooting at him was spot on. So was the part where he went airborne. The car gathers speed so fast that slower designed roads with undulations can easily launch the car airborne.

 

I like Chris also, but his “on the payroll” review of the 488 was insulting. Later in life he walked back the “it sounds better than the 458” nonsense.

 

Chris is a cool dude. He knows he stuff and shreds tires often.

 

I think F12b offers tremendous value at today's prices.

 

And I never understood his point of view. With Michelin PS4s I never experienced anything like that.

 

I am going to go to back and rewatch that. This was the 488 GTB?

Just watched and right you are sir, he said he never thought the 458 was particularly good sounding and he thinks the 488 was just as good sounding. Which is frankly nonsense. I think we should give him a pass though.

One thing that struck me is almost no one makes car review videos like those from about 10 years ago. Now days its, here’s the latest one, lets drag it against these other cars. Or its factory supplied establishing shots with the reviewer in the car going at a moderate pace and describing the nice leather. That is my rant for the day, carry on!

 

As long as we are on the subject of car reviews, this 812 review by Jethro Bovingdon is my absolute favorite. It’s somewhat old now, and lacks some of the more modern production value, but it certainly does not lack for energy, enthusiasm, and insight.

 

No Ferrari is too big or heavy to track. Doesn’t mean some aren’t better than others out there.

 

For context, he had been flagged/banned by Ferrari for his negative comments towards their brand so when the 488 arrived he had to get back into their good graces or risk his future employ, hence the okay nice and BS a bit review. He talks about that in subsequent reviews also.
I recall a few lemmings here that were like lealots following his gospel on the sound.
But on the whole I like his reviews although he seems to have lost enthusiasm lately.
Steve Sutcliffe is the best esp his AM GT8 review.

 

He had some kind of depressive issue that seems to have permanently drained his enthusiasm.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/chris-harris-opens-up-about-mental-health-issues-stemming-from-top-gear-fans-151088.html

 

To his credit, he did create this, one of my favorite reviews (flogs) of all time:

 

From negative online comments?

 

... so he says. In reality, maybe more from Covid lockdowns?

 

Idk but he seems so negative now where some reviews I think he hates cars.

 

An all time great.

 

Love this. Every time I track my F12 I pretend I look this cool.

 

Maybe just modern cars? I recall him loving the 296 and being ok with the SF90.

 

Not sure if this has been posted here.

Pretty strong review from Chris on the 812 GTS- peak Ferrari…

 

I just bought my second F12! I simply love this car. The looks are stunning and yes I agree with the rest of the comments, this car can kill you if you don’t have the skills to tame this prancing horse! Especially when you put the power down it gets tail happy very quickly. I have driven the 812 and it is amazing too. You can’t go wrong with a Ferrari V12. It’s really about preference. I will state the F12 is the last of the Pininfarina designs from Maranello.