458 speciale vs F12

I have all three and it is really hard to say which is “better” for all people on all occasions. Each has its own character.

I really enjoy my 458 Spider, especially on sunny days, sounds amazing, wind in the hair, and I think looks gorgeous. Nothing to fault it (except for some cowl shudder).
My F12 is a classic Ferrari V12, sounds furious, no other car sounds like this car, has crazy amounts of power, yet classy and comfortable to drive when you want to relax with the significant other on a drive to dinner. Less "fun" but more "impressive" in the way it drives.
My 458 Speciale is in many ways almost the single most perfect sports car ever built: the sound of NA engine, while not as good as Spider, is excellent, the performance is stunningly sharp--laser like in handling. Everything works together in perfect harmony. Dustman keeps referring to it as "loose" and after ~7500 miles (some extremely aggressive driving miles) in my Speciale I have no idea what he is talking about. It is tight, controlled and does everything you ask almost telepathically.

If you told me I could only keep 1 Ferrari for the rest of my life.....very very tough call...but likely would come down to the Speciale.

However; if you told me 458 Spider + F12 vs. Speciale alone....then I'd opt for the combination.

 

I’ve driven all of those cars you mentioned but I’ve owned an 812, 488 and Huracan Performante. If you are interested in a car with a strong visceral response I would go with an 812 or a Performante. The 812 has incredible handling that shouldn’t be possible for a car of that weight and length. It sounds profound especially with aftermarket exhausts. It “fits like a glove” if that makes sense. The Performante has heavy handling and the most precise steering among these cars. It gives you the razor sharp race car feel for the street. It also sounds amazing with roaring V10 behind your head. I thought it sounded better and handled more sharply than the Speciale. To pick one I’d go with the 812. Nothing can beat the Ferrari V12.

I haven’t owned those cars but I hope this is helpful.

 

As a very fortunate owner of both a Performante and a 812, I could not agree more. NA heaven....

 

^Hard to beat the symphony of NA V10 behind your ears. Took the H down to the beach today over lunch, had fun just tooling around at 5K RPM with short blasts up to 8K like playing a musical instrument and toying with the volume/pitch.

 

How cool is it that “italiafan” pipes in on the first reply and says he has all three - lol.

Ive been drooling over F12’s lately - road in one once, but it was immediately after I got the chance to drive a 599 GTO so I was on sensory overload and don’t remember much ...

MDS

 

This.

 

Brother, you need IPE exhaust on your Speciale .
I agree with italiafan- out of the 3, Speciale is best. It is precise in handling as mentioned, butttt I have actually broken the rear loose many times - I’m on Cup 2’s and in the wet it can be loose.

I’ve driven the F12 and it is “comfortable” but numb to me....prefer 599 but that’s just me. V12 symphony yes!
I picked a Vanquish for the V12 exhaust note and GT luxury.


Sent from my 16M

 

I know it!
Your Speciale sounds like an F1 car!
As soon as it’s off warranty I’m doing it.
You are right I can break the rear loose on the Speciale at will...but the car as a whole feels “tight” and solid, changes direction telepathically. I’ve never been surprised by anything in the handling or caught unawares.

 

I love them both, 812 and Speciale, the contrast in appearance and driving characteristics. The engine bay on the Speciale is wonderful as well. Longing for a Pista, TDF Blue maybe.

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