456, It reminds me of a 412 but modernized. The 612 is too big and round for me, and it lacks that edge that makes it look like a Ferrari. All IMO though. The 612 wheelbase is way too long and the front overhang is very short, Pininfarina seems to be following the trend for extremely short overhangs that the rest of the world is catching on to, and in some cases that styling element just doesnt work. Also, the rear lacks character and is just plain boring. Im not saying it should've had a Enzo-esque tail treatment, but maybe this Ferrari would look better with a flatter rear, like on the 275 series. Also the side scallops dont really work IMO, maybe they should be more pronounced with the addition of a single vent on each side (a-la 456). The 456 looks good for a 4 seater, and its a Ferrari shape for sure. The M is even better looing than the regular 456 ( maybe not so on the healights, but nonetheless it looks cool). I know Ill get used to the 612, but not for awhile I think.
IMHO the 612 has the moronic face of the Stay-Puff Marshmallow man from the Ghostbusters film! The scalloped sides are a styling disaster and the unremarkable arse just make you think Pininfarina had given up by that point. Shame, as I hear it drives superbly. Needless to say I won't be trading in my 456 on one. Dan
Wow, with 32 votes the 456M is only 2 votes ahead. I thought it would be much different with the complaints th 612 has gotten over the past few weeks/months. I voted for the 456M, though I do appreciate the lines of the 612 I just believe the 456 has the more unsuspecting 'wolf in sheeps clothing' type lines then the 612. But both nice looking cars and I've always adored the 2+2 touring F-cars. I haven't seen a 612 in person, yet, but I hope, like the Enzo, it looks better in the metal then a photo. Happy Driving!
There's an interesting article in AUTOCAR this week comparing the 612 to the HYUNDAI HCD8 Concept Car. Yes, HYUNDAI! And I'm sorry but I agree with the author that the 612 just doesn't do it. It might be a fantastic drive and you can argue that you can't see the car while driving. But the visual stays in your mind. It feels like a Porsche. And what's with the side window treatment? The way it ends in that little straight edge is very ungraceful. Definitely not Pininfarina's finest.
456M all the way. Much more class than the 612, which looks too "Japanese". At least from pictures. I'm very curious what it looks like in "real life".
Bwahahaha!! The 456 has always seemed a bit droopy to me... a sad car. Not as droopy and sad as, say, a Saab... but more so than most any other Ferrari. Perhaps with the 612 they were trying to over-compensate... not just a happy car... but a grinning-silly car. I hated the early 612 drawing/pics... would have agreed with all your other points. But after seeing real life pics, I don't really have problem with those things. I just think its too plain... should have been more sculpted, more curvy... But, in the end, I actually voted for it over the 456.
This is not a poll about your mom and your sister. LOL. Sorry man, you walked into it. Seriously though, how many of you guys have actually seen both in person. I have and the 612 is way different in person. I did not like it at all until the Dallas auto show. Man was I ever wrong. What a stunning car from the front and sides. The back is a little questionable though. It will grow on us, i'm sure. When I first saw the Murcielago, I hated them. Now I really like them. I am not their with the Gallardo though.
I finally saw the 612 in person today at the Houston auto show. The car does have a presence. It looked great in blue, and yes....it is huge!!!
I didnt get to go but my mom brought back pictures of it. Two words...land yacht...3 words...sexy land yacht.
Just voted for 456M 612 is not bad looking, however, I just think 456 looks better. Too bad the 456s depreciate fast, hope the market for the 612 wouldn't following that pattern.
The sides of 456's are much better. The daytona style vents are awesome on 456s. The tail is a modern daytona's on 456's. The 456 IS the modern daytona. I would not mind a late 456 as a daily driver.
I tend to think that a new industrial design that does not surprise me is an industrial design on the verge of obsolescence. There must be an unmistakeable 'this is new !' cue, otherwise the model could not hope to last 5 to 6 years. I also tend to think that an industrial design that does not win me over at first sight is like a wishful but hopeless love story. If you try to find reasons for attraction, then you are denying the fact that you are unattracted. This is were the 612 stands for me, it surprises me, I would like to like it, but I just don't, there are too many angles or cues which underwhelm me.
456 too. I think the interior styling on the 612 is beautiful though. I am excitied that the cost of used 456 are so reasonable. It may become my daily driver some day too.
I hope no one takes personal offense but I can't get to excited about either car's styling myself. It is kind of like the new BMW 5 series.... people say it will grow on you with time but so do weeds.... and it hasn't either. However, I wouldn't turn them down if someone gave me one for a daily driver.
I think both are beautiful. I guess I am not used to looking at the 612 yet. I am so used to the 456 model since it was out in 1992
I've been seriously considering getting a 456 this year. While not as flashy as a 355 or 360, it's still a Ferrari. I'd take it over a BMW 7 series or Mercedes any day. Do you think they'll continue to depreciate in value?