F12 or 812 Dilemma

My 812 experience is limited, coming up on 40k F12 miles, but my understanding is that they are really the other way around: the F12 is more tail happy while the 812 has a lot more programming to the traction control that makes it smoother and more planted.

 

While I'd also say the 812 is more predictable and easier, I'd argue it's not (only?) due to artificial electronics trickery - the 812 has rear wheel steering, which is really a big difference allowing for smoother cornering.
Disclaimer: I only have a few km driving of both, but on road and track.

 

I have 7,000 miles in an F12. I have never driven an 812. The F12 is very comfortable and an absolute joy to drive. It is the perfect road trip car in my mind. I have also tracked it and its a wild beast. Best of both worlds.

The steering rack is light though. I would not call it nervous by any stretch. It may take some getting used to depending on what you are coming from.

The only nervous part is the enormous amount of power at your disposal. The traction control will not reign it all in so it will step out on you if you mash the fun peddle. This is part of the experience in my mind.

There are some great threads on here about about the 812. I hear that it is more refined but also still wild. It may have better creature comforts being newer and all.

Long story short, you cannot go wrong here.

 

any car can be nervous (handling wise) depending on suspension set up and tire choice

the 812 benefits from advances in SSC (side slip control) over the F12

and, if you put either car in 'wet' mode the result will be very civil and composed driving

both are big cars, so either on narrow country lanes could present its own issues...

 

I would also recommend checking out "TheCarGuysTV" YouTube channel. They've reviewed and compared these cars and they live in the UK so the "road" commentary will probable be very applicable. One of the guys owns and has owned many Ferraris so it's not just another influencer channel. They've also compared/contrasted the cars to the DBS Superleggera and Continental GT, on which they have also done reviews. Top notch YouTube channel.

 

I've driven both but own the F12. Per my taste, the F12 wins hands down in looks. And for me, the 812's 4WS felt a bit awkward in the way it transferred weight when going thru moderate to high speed curves. The F12 has no 4WS and thus doesn't produce this unsettling feeling. F12 all the way.

 

Have to disagree on the looks comment as the front and especially the grill of the F12 is pretty bad. The 812 is much sexier from all angles. But I do agree about the RWS... I have a couple cars with RWS and it either isn't noticeable at all or it just makes it weird.... however, I haven't driven an 812 yet. Being such a long and big car, I can completely see that you're most likely very correct about it creating an odd weight transfer.

 

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but I just read that ^^^

 

Did about 10k miles in each. Here's my quick comparison.
F12 is more of grand tourer, whereas 812 is sharper, faster, and revs higher.
812 has more aggressive transmission programming, especially with CTF off. It hits you when you upshift.
Rear-wheel steering is noticeable, both at low and high speeds.
812 has better traction, but with CTF off, it's like F12 in sport mode. F12 is more nervous by default.
F12 sounds slightly better to me, but it's a minor difference.
I like the 812 interior better. Just overall nicer and higher quality.
Can't really go wrong with either. F12 has nicer design to my eye.