F12 Initial Observations and Comp to 458 Spider

hey Randy, what did you do to the suspension/lowering on your spider? looks great.

 

Very generous of you to share your honest review and wonderful pictures, thanks!

 

D'oh, sure I've read from you before about it, thanks. Too metallic for Pozzi, too dark for TDF, Oceano must be

 

I like the write up. I am looking forward to driving the F12 at the Ferrari Drivers school in December.

I really prefered my F430 to the 599 I traded it for although the 599 is a great car.

My 458 is my favorite so far.

The jury is still out for me until I drive an F12.

I have never driven my Ferraris enough to justify owning two of them. I have several other cars I use as daily drivers.

 

Thanks for share your info and experience with us.
Want to drive a F12 soon!!

 

Great write up and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Congrats on the new F12!!!

 

This is a fantastic comparison of both cars covering all the bases, almost like a magazine review in terms of thoroughness. Thank you for that wonderful read, and enjoy both machines in good health!

 

...

 

+1.

A great pleasure to read somebody who knows how to write

 

Dead on....I own a 458 Italia coupe and now a F12 (for about a month). Absolutely love the F12, but so glad I kept the 458 for reasons you mention.

 

Great write up...thanks for sharing it

 

Superb review. Many thanks,


Cavallini

 

Both are ridiculoously good!

 

+1

the 458 Spider can be made to feel more like a GT in WET mode. And with the top up and the windows closed even more so.

I have not driven the F12. Have driven a Cali and I assume it handles like a Cali with lots more power. there is just a distinct difference between a front engine car and a mid engine car. My wife and I swear the Spider feels like it pivots around turns. Better than our Boxster S and rides much better too. Amazing.

Perhaps the F12 could employ 4 wheel steering to get a similar feeling. My guess is that Ferrari would probably not use a gimmicky solution like that but who knows.

 

The F12 is a different dimension than the California.

The F12 has a "meanness" to it while the California has more of a "finesse" feel.

Don't get me wrong, I love the California but it is like having two cars while the F12 is like having a Beast.

 

the beauty (458 Spider) and the beast (F12)

 

But they did employ this in the FF of which I've heard great things about in terms of performance.

Great review! If you had to pick one overall....

 

Did not know FF has 4 wheel steering. I need to drive one.

 

Phil, I generally enjoy your posts. I'm wondering why you would say 4 wheel steering is gimmicky. I'm generally not a huge fan of how its been done in the past, but isn't it just another way of adjusting the suspension? I think a lot of things can seem gimmicky if they are done wrong. I bet if Ferrari felt this would enhance the experience, they would find a way that feels natural and wouldn't make itself so obvious.

 

It doesn't.

 

4RM

 

Are you aware of the difference between 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel steering? The former means that all wheels are driven, the latter that all wheels steer... The FF has a part time 4WD system; the rear wheels do not steer!

 

One thing I noticed is the F12 goes through gas like crazy!

Im getting like 5 miles to the gallon.