Which 'Modern' V12 would you buy?

I'd have a 456M GT for a "modern" Ferrari...

...but at my age anything newer than a Daytona or C4 is "new"!

 

Have owned a TR and currently own a 599. Both are black and both definately have 12 cylinders. In my book the TR hasn't aged well. Not that there are any guarantees that my 599 will age any better. Given the growth in tech.probably a lot worse. Still..... The extreme power differences and road handling capabilities of both has to make the 599 top dog.

 

Just clean the brake dust off the wheels... too much of a Fast and Furious look for me.

 

At least it left the factory like that and they aren't some ugly aftermarket wheels.

 

512 TR

 

For me it's the 512M

 

Andrew- The 550 vs 575M vote pretty much reflects the ratio of cars built. Same answer in the 456/550/575 forum when someone asks which one is better.

Scott- You missed a gear. You meant 6 speed transmission with three pedals, I am sure.

Taz
Terry phillips

 

The enthusiast in me wants to pick the F512M, most definitely the rarest of all the choices that you listed. I would bet that most of us on Fchat have never even seen one in person. I have only seen one in person. However, even though it was the latest version of the TR , it still looks dated to most. In terms of having that "special car" that no body has, this is the winner.

However, if you include the Maranello version of the Superamerica as included in the 575 option that was given, then the Superamerica would also be considered just as rare or collectible as th F512M.

However, for sheer performance, practicality, and the "wow" factor to impress the average Joe " the 599 cannot be beaten in the choices given.

I consider myself a true Ferrari enthusiast and lover of Ferrari history but I truly love to drive my cars. I believe "the drive" trumps all factors. I've never driven any of the cars mentioned as choices but I would imagine that the 599 driving experience would probably eclipse all the others

 

Hi Andrew (great name!),

I'm far from an expert on this, but I gather it's much harder to find a 575M with a manual transmission rather than the F1 paddles. For some, the F1 paddles are a bonus as they are a performance upgrade that'll get you around a track quicker; however, others prefer the feel of being more involved as a driver with the manual shifter - and the milliseconds of 'lost' performance be damned. Similarly, these cars have so much power and performance anyway, I doubt many would notice the difference on the road - you'd need to be on a track for it to be apparent and even then you'd probably only notice it only if you were keeping track of the times.

Also, I prefer the look to the front end of the 550 a little more... the grill is a little wider and looks a little more sleek. See the pictures...

1. Ferrari 550 Front
2. Ferrari 575M Front
3. Ferrari 550 Front Quarter (although appears to have the 575M optional 3-piece wheels?)
4. Ferrari 575M Front Quarter​

I suppose if you could find a Ferrari 575M in manual, then you could fit the front bumper and grill from a Ferrari 550 and have the best of both worlds.

There are suspension differences as well, but I don't know what they are or how they specifically affect the handling. You'd need to talk to someone who has owned both at some point.

All the best,
Andrew.
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I did indeed miss a gear.

The traditional gated shifter and 3 pedals are what appeal to me, be it a 5 or 6 speed trans.

 

I went with the 575 because of it's looks and performance. It also doesn't hurt that a good one is under 110k either. Absolutely a great buy given the performance, looks, and cost.

Art

 

I personally much prefer the 550. Everything (apart from the wheels...the standard 575 wheels are very nice and aren't as tucked as the 550 wheels) looks better to me than the 575. A lot of it has to do with the headlights; I don't like the colour coded ones on the 575 because it takes something away. Besides that, the front bumper looks better. I don't think there's much difference with the interior, apart from the gauges.
I personally think the 550 interior is one of the best in the biz, incredibly focused to the driver, and it sits a little 'low and long'. The 599 dash appears very tall and if you have the manual the gearstick looks out of place.

 

I voted 550, but if I had my druthers it would be a 575 SA with the handling pack and three pedals.

 

I'd go for a 612-never actually seen one but it seems like a nice big car and very luxurious so it would be perfect for me being a big guy who also likes to go on road trips quite a bit.

 

I believe the all black effect is supposed to maintain more of a stealthy and unseen type look when being driven around. An all black car can go unnoticed to many, while a bright red car will stick out like a sore thumb. I believe that some owners opt to try and avoid much of the attention from fellow motorists, while still being able to enjoy a fantastic sports car.

 

One of the great joys of owning a Shark was figuring out how to do a 2-3 power shift without (1) clanking the gate, and (2) dipping the hood. It takes a little practice. (I figured out the slower I went fast, the better it got.) But when you get it, what a hoot! 1-2 is not hard. 3-4 is not hard. The rest is a piece of cake. But the 2-3 boogie. Man oh man, I sure miss that part.

Dale

PS I don't know why anyone would buy flippers on a Maranello. What's the point? If you're in heavy traffic, just leave it in 3rd.

 

ferrari f50